Enhancing MIDI

[Spc1st]

Yeh, GM is definitely still fairly popular (NI Bandstand and EWQL Collosus come to mind as some of the higher-quality GM based sample players), but I don't see a lot of support for the newer GM2 format (at least in software, I guess - I'm not too knowledgable about hardware support). You are probably right about XG (I was thinking about the now somewhat discontinued softsynth series), though I don't know if any other manufactures use the spec outside of Yamaha.

[Compyfox]

Well what if we can say that GM2 is actually the "enhanced" GM MIDI standard. XG has some triggers and MIDI CC that GM doesn't use, GM2 is the "upgraded GM" system in terms of banks...

So you can say, that those formats are not dead. MIDI won't die that soon, as it is implemented in hardware, software (Instruments and Plugins).

"Bandstand" is a GM based sampleplayer, true that (it's sorted as if it was a GM standardised instrument), but EWQL Collossus sure isn't sorted in GM standard patchwise. Also... XG synths weren't software snyths only. Before the Motiv series came out, the XG Series was (and still is) the flagship of Yamaha. */me goes hugging his MU-15 and DB50XG Wavetable*

[zircon]

Actually, Colossus IS mapped to GM. At least, there is a bank you can load in it like that.

[TrueLugia121]

so there isn't a set possibility that this could be done then?

[Compyfox]

Well... as this thread showed, it was already done, however it's not standardised yet. And as long as it isn't, you can't use "enhanced MIDI" rather than what is already available.

[zylance]

Actually, Colossus IS mapped to GM. At least, there is a bank you can load in it like that.

That has got to use a TON of ram. The whole set is what, 32 gigs? So what is 128 instruments, not including drumsets, going to be in terms of ram?

[suzumebachi]

This is extreme homosexual spectacular bullshit mark two special edition.

mind if I sig this ?

go for it.

also, i think even DFD colossus would be nigh impossible for general playback (if it truly is 32gb). lord knows how long it would take to render either.. :/

[TrueLugia121]

so, and i think this might involve CompyFox or someone with a good knowledge of remixing, on actual fact the whole process of enhancing Midi as you said Suzumebachi is just twice as complicated right?

[Compyfox]

Well we're not talking about sounds, but a control language. Sure enhancing would be a nice thing to do, having some more control here and there (or depth).

But... MIDI worked for over 20 years good and fine. Even with extensive sample packs, you still don't use every single function - not to mention that "SYS-EX" can be additionally used too - if you know how to do it (which only counts to cracks, and that means around 5-10% of the soundengineers).

I wouldn't necessarily say it's complicated to "use" enhanced MIDI - inventing it is another thing. Same counts to "for what do I really need the enhancements?". For normal stuff that we use everyday, there's no need for enhancements. At least in my opinion.