Converting MIDI files to proper audio?

[VenalWinfrey]

Not sure if I'm in the right category, but really hoping someone could help me here as it's driving me crazy! I've recently bought a new yamaha DGX620 digital piano. It has a USB port so you can connect it with your pc, and transfer song data between the two, in both directions. What I am trying to do is record some songs, and then transfer them to my pc so I can make a CD.

Trouble is, the files are storing as MIDI files, and for some reason media player will not let me burn these to a CD? Also, if I play the files with say itunes, the sound comes out very tinny and not properly re-produced, not the same way they sound when I just play them on the keyboard.

Does anyone know how I can convert these MIDI files into something that I can actually use and burn to a CD? I currently just have the USB to host connected - do I need another lead, for example something that runs from the headphones socket into my line in? Sorry but I'm a real dunce with connections!

Thanks anyone for any help on this!

[squarebear]

A MIDI file is just a set of instructions that tell an instrument how to play. It contains no sounds in itself and cannot be burned to CD.

You need a music application to import your MIDI files to then export an mp3 file or a wav. Bear in mind that most MIDI files do sound extremely tinny and badly produced when played using your sound card.

[pug100]

Yes, what you are doing by saving midi files and playing them on your PC is using the computer to re-create the sounds made by the piano using the PCs synth.
So unless your PC has a very good audio card then it will sound bad compared to the one in the piano. Midi does not convey audio, simply datea such as speed and pitch.

What you need to do is get yourself some audio recording software (such as Audacity which is free) install it on your PC.
Then plug the piano into the line in on the PC, set audacity to record and play your tune. You can then save the raw version as WAV MP3 OGG etc. You can then edit the track as you wish then save that version. You will then need to use a CD burning programme (such as Nero) to make an audio CD compatible with other audio equipment, or simply copy the WAV files onto the CD if you only need to use it on a computer.
BTW WAV files are the best quality as they are lossless and use no compression, Mp3 and others use compression.

There is a more in depth description at wilkipedia on midi here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audacity

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wav

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

[rojash]

I use Midi Maestro. This will read and write midi files, allow you to edit them, and export them to audio via your sound card.

http://www.midimaestro.com/

[VenalWinfrey]

Just wanted to say thank you very very much all of you for the replies. It is exactly what I wanted, now I think I understand it all - well, at least a lot better than I did!

Thanks so much. On with the recording!