Imported MIDI Segment Structure

Data imported from a MIDI file is placed in sequence tracks in a new segment. One track is created for each instrument channel in the imported file, and each track is assigned its own PChannel. Standard MIDI files are limited to channels 1 through 16. The PChannel number used in the segment matches the channel number in the original MIDI file.

Note Sequence tracks that belong to the same track group are grouped together in the Segment Designer window, and are also called parts.

The following figure shows a segment that was created by importing a MIDI file containing six instrument tracks.

The segment in the figure contains the following data imported from the DemoMIDI file:

• The key signature is C (identified in the new segment as zero sharps and flats).
• The tempo is 87 beats per minute.
• The first track in the MIDI file is track 1. It is renamed "Sequence" in the new segment and is assigned to PChannel 1.
• The Strings track (Patch 50) is track 2 and is assigned to PChannel 2.
• The Acoustic Guitar track (Patch 24) is track 3 and is assigned to PChannel 3.
• The Acoustic Grand Piano track (Patch 4) is track 4 and is assigned to PChannel 4.
• The Fretless Bass track (Patch 35) is track 5 and is assigned to PChannel 5.
• The Drum Kit is track 10 and is assigned to PChannel 10.
• The time signature is 4/4.
• The instrument sound assignments are collected in a new band file called Band 1.
• The volume and pan settings of each track of the imported file are placed in CC tracks within the sequence tracks. These are visible only when a sequence track is maximized.

Note Regardless of the arrangement of channels in a MIDI file, DirectMusic Producer imports channels in ascending order 1-16. For information about changing the order in which PChannels appear in the segment, see Imported PChannels.

A basic beginning chord of 1 C M is inserted automatically in the chord track of a segment when you import a MIDI file. This chord does not affect the MIDI data, and changing the chord does not transpose MIDI data into a different key. For more information, see Chord Track.

All tracks in the newly created segment are initially assigned to a track group. For more information, seeTrack Groups.

In DirectMusic Producer, PChannel 10 is reserved for drums. If a MIDI file contains an instrument other than drums in track 10, the track is assigned to another available PChannel.