Disklavier

Good evening, everyone.

Programs that play MIDI files usually fall into 2 categories: programs  
that have their own MIDI Setup options and programs that use the  
system-wide default provided by the operating system.

Before Vista, you could set a system-wide MIDI output default to be  
the MIDI driver for a MIDI interface or for a keyboard that has a  
direct USB connection. When Microsoft came out with Vista, they got  
rid of that option to set a preference. As a result, most programs  
that lack a MIDI Setup window play back MIDI files using the internal  
soft synth known as Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth.

Recently I stumbled upon a program that lets you choose and external  
output instead. It is called Vista MIDI Picker:

http://www.safe-install.com/programs/vista-midi-picker.html

Since I mostly use Macintoshes, I have not tried this. Try it at your  
own risk. If it works, it should prove to be very useful. For example,  
you should be able to use your browser to locate MIDI files and then  
click them to play them directly on your Disklavier.

Regrettably the Mac has not had a similar option since OS 9.

Regards,
PianoBench


On Sep 23, 2008, at 8:17 PM, Phil Blah wrote:

>
> Hey Dan,
>
>
> Have you ever done much with midi before? I would suggest using a  
> more dedicated midi player first to ensure everything it working  
> etc... you could even get a demo version of Cakewalk (the good old  
> versions are not so cluttered).
>
>
> The problem with Winamp is you need to set the midi out to your  
> actual midi out, rather than the internal synth.. not sure if winamp  
> can do this, you might need a plugin or a little mod/wrapper for  
> midi data. I imagine you can do a few tricks if you are familour  
> with this sort of stuff.
>
>
> But either way, use another program for now, I am sure people here  
> can recommend tons of little midi players, or 'duke box' midi  
> players that have some sort of control with midi files rather than  
> clunky winamp.
>
>
> Cheers,
>
>
> Philip
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Dan Armstrong <dan@everythingresidential.com>
> To: disklavier@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 9:52:57 AM
> Subject: [disklavier] software?
>
>
> Do I need a particular software program to manipulate midi files  
> through Winamp, so that the disklavier will read them?   Thanks,   Dan
>
>
>