Audio files are among the trickier file types that you would encounter. Finding out how to make them run and play the sound or music recorded in it is often a challenge.
This is because each file format differs from the others. Especially when the file that you have does not run on your music player.
This tends to be the case for MIDI files when you want others to hear what is in them. In such a situation, you would convert the MIDI to MP3.
What is the difference between the two and why should you do it? Today, that is what we will answer for you as we look at these file types and how you can make them sound off.
The Difference Between MIDI and MP3
Knowing the difference between MIDI and MP3 can help you when dealing with similar audio files. You need to pay attention to these file types and where they can work.
This is an important factor if your goal is to have something that you can play on your phone or music player. Let us look at what each file type has and where they work.
MIDI Files
First, we start with MIDI files. The term stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. These file types allow computers and synthesizers to communicate and share information.
These work along with musical instruments, especially keyboard synthesizers. Mostly seen in music production, these files act as sheet music as the files indicate which notes from which musical instruments sound off. These bits of data would sound off as if it was a song but it is still in its raw format.
In order to listen to what it contains; you need a codec to translate the data into sound. Otherwise, you would need to convert this into a different file type. One way to know that you have a MIDI file is when you see the .mid file extension.
MP3 Files
Next, let us look at MP3 files. These are the most popular variants that play music due to how flexible and compatible they are. You see these in use among numerous devices such as mobile phones and portable music players.
Bearing the .mp3 file extension, these audio files use a compression algorithm. This setup reduces its file size.
This results in a lossy audio file. This means that it would have missing data due to the compression process. This compression setup allows for a small file size for devices, but with some missing data.
Even so, converting a MIDI file into an MP3 file should work well for you. This is a good format to allow others to hear what the MIDI file sounds like.
Converting MIDI to MP3
Knowing that a MIDI would be better off as a converted file, let us look at how to convert MIDI to MP3. For this, you have three ways to approach this.
Each of these methods offers varying advantages that would suit your situation. This depends on which one you have access to. This breaks it down into three approaches.
Using Online File Converters
One of the easier and more accessible options is through the use of online file converters. Through this, you can access the converter anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
To use this, go to the site for the online converter and upload the MIDI file. Make sure to select the MIDI to MP3 option and then let the converter do its work. You will receive the converted version after it processes, downloading it to your computer.
You can also use file converters that you can download and install on your computer. The process follows the same setup, where you can put the .mid file and then have it converted as a .mp3 file.
Using Quicktime and Audacity
You can use other software to open and convert the files. For instance, having the MIDI file opened using Quicktime and having it exported as a .aiff file would be a good starting point.
Once you have it converted as such, open it using Audacity and then export it as an MP3 file. After which, the MIDI file is now in MP3 form.
Using iTunes
If you have iTunes installed on your machine, try to open the MIDI file there. With iTunes open, drag the MIDI file and drop it into iTunes. Make sure to have the MP3 encoder ready.
From that point, set up the iTunes settings and you should be able to convert the file. What’s great is that Apple provides detailed instructions to help you convert to MP3 with ease.
Other Recommended File Formats for Audio
By converting MIDI to MP3, you can now listen to the audio through accessible means. You can listen to the song on a lot of devices where the MP3 file format is the preferred audio file type.
There is one caveat to this. MP3 is a rather lossy audio format that there would be missing components when listening to it.
In case you prefer to capture the full fidelity of the audio without losing data and compromising quality, you can use lossless audio formats. For this, choosing to convert the audio into WAV files is the better option. Otherwise, the MP3 file format would be a good choice.
Convert Your MIDI to MP3 Files for Everyone to Hear
Converting your MIDI to MP3 can help others hear the sound saved in those files. If you’re working on a song project, a composition, or an arrangement, you need a format that lets other people enjoy in their preferred player of choice. This is why the conversion aspect is important.
File conversions allow for file format versatility to suit the situation. For your file conversion needs, you can check out our available converter systems to let you change your documents to the file format that you need.