What devices can play MIDI files?

What is a MIDI File?

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. MIDI is a technical standard that describes a protocol, digital interface, and connectors that allows a wide variety of electronic musical instruments, computers, and other equipment to connect and communicate with one another (Source).

A MIDI file contains musical performance data like what notes are played, timing, volume, vibrato etc. This data allows MIDI files to be played back on devices that support the MIDI standard (Source). The data is encoded numerically and includes information like what notes are played, the velocity or volume of the notes, any effects or articulations that are applied, and the timing of all the note events.

MIDI files allow the performance data from one device to be saved and played back identically on another device. This interoperability between devices from different manufacturers is a key benefit of the MIDI standard.

Types of MIDI Files

There are 3 main types of MIDI files:

• Type 0 contains a single track with all MIDI events (https://www.midi.org/midi-articles/about-midi-part-4-midi-files)
• Type 1 has one or more simultaneous tracks (http://www.music.mcgill.ca/~ich/classes/mumt306/StandardMIDIfileformat.html)
• Type 2 has one or more sequentially independent, single-track patterns.

The most common type of MIDI file is the Type 1, which allows for multiple simultaneous tracks containing MIDI data to be contained within a single file. This allows for more complex arrangements with multiple instruments and parts.

Type 0 files are simpler, with only a single track, but can still contain MIDI data for multiple instruments and notes. However, everything is played sequentially on a single track.

Type 2 files are more rare, and intended for sequencing that is not simultaneous, but still split across multiple patterns that play in sequence, each on a single track.

Playback Devices that Support MIDI

There are many different types of devices capable of playing back MIDI files, including:

– Digital audio workstations and production software like Pro Tools, Ableton, Logic Pro, and more. These programs are commonly used by music producers, audio engineers, and composers to record, edit, and produce music. They allow MIDI data to be imported, edited, and routed to virtual instruments for playback.

– iOS devices like iPhones and iPads. The iOS operating system integrates MIDI support, allowing music apps to play MIDI files. Many music production apps, synthesizers, and MIDI file players are available on the iOS App Store.

– Hardware synthesizers and electronic keyboards. Most keyboards and synths allow MIDI files to be loaded directly onto the device for playback using the internal sounds and effects. The MIDI data triggers the notes and sounds programmed on the device.

– Personal computers running operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, Linux. MIDI files can be played on computers using MIDI-capable software, which will be covered in more detail in the next section.

– Some smart TVs, smart speakers, media players, etc. Many consumer electronics devices support MIDI playback through apps, software, or built-in functionality.

MIDI File Players

There are many software programs and apps available to play back MIDI files on various operating systems and devices:

Windows

Windows Media Player has built-in support for MIDI file playback and is installed by default on Windows machines. Simply open a MIDI file in Windows Media Player to hear it played back through any MIDI instruments or soundfonts installed on your system [1].

Mac

On Mac computers, the QuickTime player application that comes pre-installed can directly play MIDI files. MIDI playback will utilize either built-in QuickTime instruments or any Core MIDI compatible software synthesizers installed on your Mac [2].

iOS

On iPhones and iPads, there are many apps available on the App Store for MIDI playback, such as Garageband, iGrand Piano, bs-16i, and more. These apps can access MIDI files stored locally on your device or imported from other sources.

Android

For Android devices, some options for MIDI playback apps include MIDI Player, MobileSheets Pro, and others available on the Google Play Store. These apps support loading MIDI files stored on your Android device or from cloud storage services.

Linux

On Linux systems, open source MIDI playback software includes TiMidity, FluidSynth, and Timidity++. These can utilize SoundFonts to render MIDI files into audio for playback through your Linux machine’s speakers or audio interface.

Playing MIDI on iOS Devices

iOS devices like iPhones and iPads have built-in support for playing MIDI files thanks to the Core Audio framework. This means MIDI files can be played directly on an iOS device without requiring any additional software or apps.

One way to get MIDI files onto an iOS device is by syncing them from iTunes on a Mac or PC. Simply add the MIDI files to your iTunes library on the computer, connect your iPhone or iPad, then sync the MIDI files over. They will now be available in the Music app on your iOS device.

There are also many great apps on the iOS App Store dedicated to playing MIDI files. Popular options include GarageBand, iGrand Piano, bs-16i, and MIDI Opener. These apps offer features like editing MIDI data, recording MIDI input, managing collections of MIDI files, and more advanced MIDI playback and routing options.

For those looking for a full-featured MIDI file player app on iOS, MIDI Opener is a top choice. As stated by its App Store page, it offers “the most advanced and user-friendly free MIDI player available.” It provides a great interface optimized for iPhone and iPad along with useful tools for managing, editing, and playing back MIDI files.

Playing MIDI on Android

Unlike desktop operating systems, Android does not have built-in support for playing MIDI files. In order to play MIDI files on an Android device, you need to download and install a dedicated MIDI player app from the Google Play store.

There are several good options for MIDI player apps on Android, including:

• MIDI Player (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.volcanomobile.midifileplayer&hl=en_IE) – A simple but full-featured MIDI file player. It supports playback, editing, and sharing of MIDI files.
• MobileSheets Pro (https://www.zubersoft.com/mobilesheetspro/) – A sheet music viewer that can also play MIDI files.
• FluidSynth MIDI Player (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fluidsynth.midip) – Uses the FluidSynth software synthesizer to render MIDI files into audio.

To get MIDI files onto your Android device, you can transfer them from your computer via USB cable, download them directly to the device browser, or sync them through cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Playing MIDI on Windows

Windows natively supports MIDI playback through Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player has built-in support for MIDI files and can play MIDI files directly without any additional software (source: https://dusted.dk/pages/playingMidiOnWindows/).

In addition to Windows Media Player, there are other applications available for MIDI playback on Windows such as vanBasco’s Karaoke Player and TiMidity. These programs provide additional features and customization options for MIDI playback beyond what is available in Windows Media Player (source: https://colab.research.google.com/drive/1pefq_sIznXeoM09Nbtxt0gkzZ-C8QOJ4).

Windows also allows you to play MIDI files directly from File Explorer without needing to open them in a media player. When you double click on a MIDI file in File Explorer, Windows will launch a simple playback window to play the MIDI file.

Playing MIDI on Mac

The Mac operating system includes native support for MIDI file playback through applications like QuickTime Player, GarageBand, and iTunes.

QuickTime Player is installed by default on all Macs and provides basic MIDI playback and management capabilities. To play a MIDI file in QuickTime Player, simply open the application and select File > Open File to browse for and open the MIDI file. QuickTime Player will immediately begin playing the MIDI performance (1).

Other creative apps from Apple like GarageBand and Logic Pro also include robust MIDI playback engines along with extensive editing features. The iTunes desktop app can also play back MIDI files in music libraries.

Furthermore, Mac users can get a quick preview of any MIDI file by selecting it in the Finder app. An interactive MIDI player will appear near the bottom of the Finder window, allowing users to get a sneak peek of the MIDI performance without opening it in a dedicated application.

There are also many third-party MIDI player apps available for Mac, such as vanBasco’s Karaoke Player, Synthesizer X, and SimpleSynth. These provide additional MIDI playback and customization options beyond the native Mac capabilities.

Playing MIDI on Linux

Linux systems typically lack built-in support for playing MIDI files. This is because the Linux kernel and most Linux distributions do not include a software MIDI synthesizer by default. However, it is possible to add MIDI playback capabilities to Linux by installing MIDI synthesizer software.

Some popular open source options for MIDI playback on Linux include TiMidity++, FluidSynth, Timidity, and WildMIDI. These programs function as MIDI synthesizers, allowing users to play back MIDI files through an installed soundfont. They offer features like soundfont support, effects, and MIDI file compatibility.

To play MIDI files on Linux using one of these synthesizers, the software must first be installed on the system. Most distributions have the programs available in their package repositories. Once installed, a soundfont (a collection of audio samples mapped to MIDI notes) will need to be added. At that point, the synthesizer can be launched and users can open and play MIDI files through the program’s interface.

With the proper MIDI playback software setup, Linux systems are capable of rendering MIDI files into audible audio. The open source options provide full-featured MIDI synthesis in a lightweight package. Enabling MIDI support allows Linux users to work with this important multimedia format.

Summary

This article explored what MIDI files are and the various devices and platforms that support MIDI playback. Here are some key takeaways:

• MIDI files contain musical performance data like note pitch, length, tempo and more. The data enables MIDI-capable devices to play back the music.
• iOS devices like iPhones and iPads can play MIDI files using the built-in Music app. Simply add MIDI files to the device through iTunes.
• Windows and Mac computers also include built-in support for MIDI playback through software like QuickTime and Windows Media Player.
• Android devices require third-party MIDI player apps since built-in MIDI playback is not included.
• There are many software options for playing MIDI files across platforms and devices, such as synthesizers, digital audio workstations, and more.

In summary, MIDI file playback is widely supported across platforms. Both mobile and computer operating systems provide native tools, while additional software extends MIDI capabilities even further.