Can import or export a sequence as a MIDI file in formats 1 and 0.MIDI software applications for the PC consist of one primary application—a sequencer. Rudimentary characteristics for sequencers and other supplemental applications follow.
Sequencer programs provide MIDI message recording, editing, and playback capabilities—making it essentially a multi-track tape recorder for MIDI instruments. The following list identifies the base functions a sequencer should provide:
Can import or export a sequence as a MIDI file in formats 1 and 0.
Settings to control individual tracks; controls for each track should operate independently of other tracks.
A Current Position Indicator to indicate the current position in the MIDI file.
Recording and editing capability in real time and step time. Real time operations capture data as it's played on a synthesizer keyboard. Step time operations capture individual MIDI instructions as you enter them from the Multimedia PC keyboard.
Quantizing to correct timing and synchronization inconsistencies.
Support for external MIDI devices and the ability to accommodate extensive MIDI configurations.
To help ensure that MIDI files authored on one synthesizer sound the same when played back on another, Windows with Multimedia includes MIDI mapping functionality as part of its core system capability. The MIDI Mapper lets you identify the MIDI devices in the system and performs the following functions:
Re-map or mute channel data
Independently route channel data to any MIDI port in the system
Re-map patch numbers
Re-map key numbers (intended primarily for key-based percussion)
Scale channel/volume controller messages
These standard patch services enable Windows with Multimedia to provide device-independent MIDI file playback for applications.