This article is for people that think MIDI music is a joke. The article is not meant to be technical. MIDI technology is a very complex subject. This article just outlines the basics needed to appreciate MIDI music. If you have never heard MIDI reproduction on a quality sound system, then you're in for a surprise!

1. Speakers

Forget about using those "Mickey Mouse" speakers supplied with your PC. They are usually small light plastic jobs that attach to the side of the monitor. 
They produce adequate sound for voice, and simple games but that's about it. They can only handle direct output from the sound card or a tiny amplifier. 

A quality speaker system designed for multi-media PCs can be bought as an add on - you can get a demo at your computer shop. They come standard with a quality multi-media computer.

You should be able to get a fairly good setup for about US$150 and upwards. They come with heavy little speakers and a fairly heavy sub woofer weighing 10 Kgs or more. Commonly, the subwoofer comes with a built in amplifier.

The speakers and amplifier should be capable of disco loudness without distortion. The floor should really thump to bass notes.  In other words the set-up should reproduce the realistic sound and feeling of being close to the original orchestra or band.  Thus the expression High Fidelity.

2. Amplifier

If it's convenient you can connect your stereo HI FI sound system to the output of your computer sound card. As long as you have a quality Hi Fi system, 
you can expect reasonable results. Only more recent systems include the sub woofer which I feel is essential for true Hi Fi. A television "surround sound" system is ideal for the job although your family may object when they want to watch DVDs instead.

3. Sound Card

Don't bother with anything less than a Soundblaster AWE64 Sound Card. Experts agree that Roland MIDI Sound equipment is one of the best brands available but this is for professional musicians. Each make of sound card will produce different results.

4. MIDI Player Software

A dedicated MIDI player or driver is the program that interprets the MIDI sequence and feeds it to the Sound Card.  A Voyetra MIDI Orchestrator will allow full control of your MIDI music output.  You can even swap instruments to get just the sound you like!
As a temporary measure, the Yamaha S-YXG50 driver software or the latest MS Windows player will help improve the quality of the music to make up for a low quality sound card. Just as the sound card does,
each brand of MIDI player software will produce a different "sound".  When you have a variety of these players installed you will always find one which works best for a particular sequence. 
The addresses that you need for MIDI software 
are at: http://midi-ebooks.com

5. MIDI music Files

You can download MIDI files from thousands of Web sites around the world. A lot of MIDI sequences are created by tinkering amateurs and can be less than inspiring. However you will find there are many really great "Sequencers" (MIDI Musicians) out there who produce fantastic renditions of your favorite music. Two well known favorites of mine are Michael Greenspan (Ethnic) and Don Carrol (Country).

6. Correct Computer Set-up

Even if you have all the correct hardware and software, it's important to tweak the settings on your computer to obtain the full richness of the MIDI music. Often the default driver of your cheap sound card will give poor results and you won't realize it until you switch to another MIDI player (driver) software on your system I recommend you visit http://midistudio.com
They give excellent advice that is easy to follow or as complex as you want.
So before you dismiss MIDI music as a joke make sure you have all the right equipment.

7. An Open Mind

Perhaps the most important factor in enjoying MIDI music (and indeed life itself) is a cheerful acceptance and tolerance towards everything and everyone.
It's not a perfect world and being flexible in your approach will allow you to appreciate the creative efforts of others. Enjoy the simple pleasures that life has to offer. Simple pleasures like MIDI music that will enable you to lift your spirits and celebrate!

If any of one of the above items is missing, your MIDI music won't be as enjoyable as it should be. 

If your computer is set up correctly, you will hear instruments that sound amazingly real and the richness of the music is guaranteed to have you 
and your family up and dancing!

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Dr John Flynn publishes a monthly HTML ezine called:
"The Xerostar Times" and his motto is:
"caring for creative people"
You can subscribe at: 
http://www.xerotron.com/cgi-bin/mail/mail.cgi
The free eBook "The Xerotron Story" is available at:
http://midi-ebooks.com  mailto: xerostar@iinet.net.au

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