Reference Guide

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MIDI files
Supported MIDI file meta-events
MIDI files can contain meta-events. The types of meta-events that SONAR supports are listed in the
following table.
Features not supported by MIDI files
While the MIDI file format is very flexible and extensive, it cannot store the following parameters that
are part of a standard project file: key offset, velocity offset, time offset, and forced channel.
When you save a project to a MIDI file, most of these parameters are applied to the individual
events. For instance, if you have assigned track 1 to channel 10 in the Track view, SONAR will write
the MIDI file so that every event on track 1 has a channel number of 10. When you subsequently
load the MIDI file all of those Track view parameters will have vanished. But the music will sound the
same, because SONAR has made these changes to the events themselves.
Other MIDI file handling notes
Here are a few specific points about how SONAR works with MIDI files:
• SONAR places Lyric events found in Format 0 MIDI files into Track 4, in accordance with
conventions used by karaoke players.
• SONAR inserts any Text or Lyric events found at time 0 in a track into the Comments field in the
File Info dialog box, unless the Text or Lyric event is preceded by a Note event.
• SONAR automatically enables the Zero Controllers when Play Stops option (available in
Edit > Preferences > Project - MIDI) 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.
MIDI File Meta-event How it is represented in SONAR
Meter and key signature Meter/key signature map entry
Tempo Tempo change
General text Track name
General text in the conductor track of a
Format 1 file
Markers view markers
Track name Track name
Port number (format 1) Port assignments are maintained. Only available when the Write
Cable Meta Events to MIDI Files (Output Select)
Table 225.