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What file types can MIDI Maestro work with?
MIDI Maestro will open and save all standard MIDI files (either format 0 or format 1). In addition, MIDI Maestro will also import Roland Sound Files (.rsd extension).
What is a Set?
A set is a song list or play list. A set typically consists of a folder on your system containing the MIDI songs files, a ".set" file, and any associated waveform audio clips. When songs or clips are imported, they are copied to this folder. However, a set may also contain "links" to songs, which may be preferable when multiple sets share one or more songs.
When you create or open a set, you will the set's name in MIDI Maestro's title bar, followed by the name of the song from the set that's currently open for playback and editing:
You may instead open or create an individual MIDI song file. In this case, you will see the full path in the title bar:
How do I create a new set or song?
Use the File/New command, or the "blank page" icon on the toolbar:
You may choose one of:
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A new, empty set. |
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A new, empty song. |
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A copy of the song currently on the clipboard. This icon will only be present if first you selected a song in the Songs and Markers view and then used the Copy command. |
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A new song based on a template. Song templates are simply songs that you have saved into MIDI Maestro's "templates" folder. Typically these will be songs with tracks but no MIDI events. If you find yourself constantly creating new songs only to add the same track layout to them time after time, it's time to create a template and save yourself some work. MIDI Maestro installs several example templates. |
If there's currently an open set, the default here will be to create a new "Empty Song," add it to the set, and save it in the set's folder. Otherwise, the default save location is taken from your preferences on the Setup/Options/Save page.
What is the Songs and Markers View?
The Songs & Markers view contains the name of the open song or a list of all of the songs in the open set. If a song has markers, they are listed beneath the song in a "tree" format. Within a set, songs may also be organized into folders. Here's an example showing many different states :
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This set has five songs. "17-Reprise" is a song link--it does not actually reside in the set's folder. "01-More bells" is disabled (it is not in the computer's memory and will be skipped during a performance). "29-entreacte" and "46-Finale"have been placed into a folder. "46-Finale" could not be loaded (it may be missing or damaged).
The green arrow shows the current song or marker. The yellow arrow shows the song that has been queued as the next song during a performance. The red square shows the end of the list. |
Right-click anywhere within the Songs and Markers View to see a popup-menu containing available commands:
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If you've highlighted a song, you may "go to" (open) it--this is more easily accomplished by simply double-clicking the song however. If you "disable" a song, it is removed from memory, and is skipped during a performance. When in performance mode, you may use the "Queue song" command to select the next song, even while the current song is still playing.
The File/New and Import commands appear here, as well the new "Insert a folder." Folders provide a convenient way to organize large sets.
Commands to "expand all" or to "collapse all" help you by clicking all "+" signs or "-" signs for you. The "alphabetize set" function works for top-level songs and folders only (not songs within folders).
Use "spawn to top level window" if you want to place the Songs and Markers view someone else on your desktop.
The Properties command may be used to edit a cue's properties, a song's properties, or all songs in the set simultaneously (the set's properties). |
How can I rearrange songs in a set?
Use your mouse to click and "drag" songs into position. As you move the mouse, the "drop target" is highlighted. If you choose to drop on a folder, you will be asked whether or not you intend you add the item(s) to the folder, or place them before the folder at the same level.
Can I make a copy of a song within a set?
Yes, and there are two possible ways to do this. Highlight the song in the set list, then use Ctrl+C to copy it. Then you may optionally highlight another song or the "End of set" marker to show MIDI Maestro where to insert the copy. Finally, use Ctrl+V to paste the song:
The first option is the "paste a link." In this case, the song will appear in the set list twice (or more), but there will actually be only one MIDI file. Since they all share the same file, they will always be identical.
The second option is to "create a new song using a copy." In this case, the "New..." dialog will open in order to allow you to give the new song a name. The new song will be completely independent of the original.
How can I rename a folder?
You must click on a folder, then wait a couple of seconds, then click again in order to rename a folder. You will be able to type the new name over the old name. Press Enter to keep the new name, or Esc to cancel the renaming feature.
How can I change properties on all songs in a set at the same time?
Right-click on the "End of set" label and select "Properties," or double-click on the "Songs and Markers" heading to bring up a "Set properties" window:
This window organizes all of the tracks from all of the songs in the set alphabetically by track name. The "#" column displays a count of the number of tracks with each track name. From this window, you can quickly mute or un-mute all tracks in all songs which have a specific track name by removing or re-adding its "in" check mark.
To open the Track Properties window, double-click or right-click the track name. It's also possible to select more than one track name by clicking and using the Ctrl or Shift key when clicking additional tracks. Once all desired tracks have been selected, right-click on any one of them. This feature is very useful when MIDI Maestro is used with other live musicians who may be at some rehearsals or performances, while MIDI Maestro covers their parts on other days. | 
