What is a .MIDI file?
The file extension .MIDI represents a MIDI Music Data file. MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a technical standard that describes a protocol, digital interface, and connectors. This allows a wide range of electronic musical instruments, computers, and other related devices to connect and communicate with each other. A MIDI file stores music data in a way that specifies the notes played in a piece of music, the timing of each note (when it starts and stops), how long each note is held, and the intensity of each note, which affects how loud or soft it sounds.
MIDI files are not traditional audio files; they do not contain actual audio data and do not sound by themselves. Instead, they contain instructions on how music should be played, leaving the actual sound production to the MIDI-enabled hardware or software.
Various programs and devices can open and play MIDI files. Some of the popular software options include: 1. **VideoLAN VLC media player** - A versatile media player that can handle various audio and video formats, including MIDI files. 2. **TiMidity++** - A software synthesizer that can play MIDI files using soundfonts. 3. **Amarok** - A music playback program that supports a variety of formats, including MIDI. 4. **Audacity** - An open-source digital audio editor that, with the appropriate plugin, can import and play MIDI files. 5. **Microsoft Windows Media Player** - A media player included with Windows operating systems that can play MIDI files. 6. **Nullsoft Winamp** - A media player that supports multiple audio formats, including MIDI. 7. **NoteWorthy Composer** - A music composition and notation software that can create and play back MIDI files. 8. **Synthesia** - A piano keyboard trainer that uses MIDI files to help users learn how to play the piano. 9. **Apple GarageBand** - A digital audio workstation (DAW) included with macOS and iOS that can import and use MIDI files in music projects. 10. **Apple Logic Pro** - A professional-grade DAW for macOS that offers advanced MIDI editing and arranging tools. 11. **iOS and Android apps** - Various mobile applications like VideoLAN VLC for Mobile, File Viewer for Android, and Videolabs VLC for Android can also handle MIDI files, allowing playback on mobile devices.
These programs provide different functionalities, from simple playback to complex editing and music production, making MIDI files versatile tools in music creation and education.
Verification
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