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Suppressing MIDI Tracks

Types of MIDI files

There are three primary types of MIDI files, all designated by a number: Type 0, Type 1, and Type 2.  Type 0 MIDI files are single-track MIDI files with all MIDI instruments on the same playback track.  Types 1 and 2, however, have multiple tracks, with Type 1 being the most common variety.  Solo Performer Show Controller is capable of playing back all three types of MIDI files and Type 1 and 2 files are able to have selected tracks suppressed.

Advantages of Track Suppression

Track suppression is used to remove instruments from a MIDI file that are unwanted.  Suppose that you have a MIDI file that has 12 tracks, and one of the tracks is a vocal melody track played by a piano.  Suppose further that another track is a lead guitar track.  If you were a singing guitar player, for example, you would not want these two tracks to be played back.  You would probably only want the rhythm tracks to be included.

Suppressing Unwanted Tracks

To suppress MIDI tracks, choose Suppress MIDI Tracks from the Audio menu.

A dialog box will appear where the MIDI file may be selected.  After selecting a MIDI file, a window appears that has all of the MIDI tracks contained in the file listed.  Tracks that have check boxes next to them will be played back.  Note that it is common practice amongst the creators of MIDI files to include tracks that contain only text notes, such as song titles, credits, and copyright information.  Note also that the names of the tracks could be anything that the MIDI file creator chooses.  Often the track names are the names of the instruments contained in the MIDI file, but not always!

Tracks can be disabled simply by un-checking the box next to the track's name.

Playback can be previewed at any time by pressing the play button.

When all of the proper tracks are chosen for suppression, click the Save As... button to save the MIDI file to a new file.  After the file is saved, the window will close.  To add the new MIDI file to a play list, simply click the Add to Play List button as normal, and choose the new MIDI file.