Instruction Manual

974 MIDI Files
option (available through the Options-Project command, on the MIDI
Out tab) whenever a MIDI file is loaded.
• If a general MIDI file contains a copyright notice, the File Info window
will be displayed automatically when the file is opened.
Special Handling of GM, GS, and XG MIDI Files
General MIDI compatibility of a song file is indicated by the presence of a
special System Exclusive message at the beginning of the song. When
SONAR finds a GM, GS or XG reset message, it assumes that you would
like to work within the GM Score Production guidelines. This causes
SONAR to use special timing for program change information when writing
MIDI Files, and allows it to search more aggressively for track parameters
when reading MIDI files. The result is that it is easier than ever to create
and use General MIDI song files with SONAR.
SONAR does not enforce or even verify compliance with the GM guidelines
for your music data. But SONAR does comply with them when generating
events that represent track parameters. If necessary, SONAR will insert
blank setup measures at the start of your song. This makes space for
certain events to be inserted at the correct times at the start of each track:
bank changes, patch changes, volume, and pan. This means that you can
use SONAR’s track parameters for these settings when composing songs:
When you save your work as a MIDI File, SONAR will place these events in
the track at the specific clock ticks recommended by the guidelines.
You can tell SONAR to follow the GM guidelines by loading the “Turn GM
System On” Sysx bank in the Sysx View (
gmsystem.syx in your Cakewalk
directory), and then either inserting a sysx event at time 1:1:0 or using the
Auto setting for that bank.
When loading a GM file, each track’s bank, patch, volume and pan
parameters are lifted from the data stream and placed in SONAR’s Track
view for you to see and edit onscreen. The GM mode ensures that all
patches, banks and controllers are placed at specified times throughout a
setup measure when you save a MIDI file. This ensures that all setup
information can be digested by your synthesizer before it starts playback. If
you don't have a setup measure in your project, SONAR will insert one for
you.
If there is no GM, GS, or XG reset System Exclusive message present at
the start of your project, SONAR will not operate in this GM mode.
If You Have Problems Playing MIDI Files
A MIDI file can cause playback problems if all of the following are true: