Overview | DryWetMIDI (original) (raw)

DryWetMIDI is the .NET library to work with MIDI data and MIDI devices. It allows:

• Read, write and create Standard MIDI Files (SMF). It is also possible to:
  • read RMID files where SMF wrapped to RIFF chunk;
  • easily catch specific error when reading or writing a MIDI file since all possible errors in a file are presented as separate exception classes;
  • finely adjust the process of reading and writing (it allows, for example, to read corrupted files and repair them, or build MIDI file validators);
  • implement custom meta events and custom chunks that can be written to and read from MIDI files.
• Send MIDI events to/receive them from MIDI devices.
• Play MIDI data and record it.
• Manage MIDI data either with low-level objects, like a MIDI event, or high-level ones, like a note, using different time and length representations (read the High-level data managing section of the library docs).
• Build musical compositions (see Pattern page of the library docs) and use music theory API (see Music Theory - Overview article).
• Perform complex tasks like quantizing, notes splitting or converting MIDI file to CSV representation (see Tools page of the library docs).

Please see Getting started section below for quick jump into the library.

Warning

If you want to create an issue or a discussion, read this article first – Support.

Projects using DryWetMIDI

Here the list of noticeable projects that use the library:

• Playtonik
  Playtonik is an app designed and developed by 5of12. It uses physics-based interactions, immersive spatial audio and dynamic haptic feedback for a fun, relaxing experience. For the fidgeters, Playtonik comes with a selection of built in sounds and an on screen keyboard. Scale filters help keep you in tune, so you can focus on having fun! For the musicians, MIDI support lets you connect your favourite instrument. Playtonik can work as a note source or as a chaotic MIDI delay, great for adding texture to your sound.
• EMU – Sound to Light Controller
  EMU (DMXIS’s next generation) is a state-of-the-art, intuitive sound-to-light controller designed for professional live musicians and DJs. Easy to use software, EMU allows you to run automated or responsive DMX light shows, leaving you to focus on your show!
• Musical Bits
  Musical Bits creates software that helps you creating music. Our software uses latest technology, including AI, to model all layers of creativity of a human composer. These layers are implemented as reusable and combinable software components. Musical Bits software is available as co-pilot for producers and composers under the name KLANGMACHT and helps you create, drumsounds, beats, guitars, background choirs, lyrics and more. We even create and distribute full virtual bands, albums and songs. For example, check out the Frostbite Orckings.
• CoyoteMIDI
  CoyoteMIDI extends the functionality of your MIDI devices to include keyboard and mouse input, including complex key combinations and multi-step macros.
• Clone Hero
  Free rhythm game, which can be played with any 5 or 6 button guitar controller, game controllers, or just your standard computer keyboard. The game is a clone of Guitar Hero.
• Electrophonics
  A collection of virtual musical instruments that features real MIDI output.
• Rustissimo
  Using Rustissimo you can create a concert with your friends and play instruments with synchronization.

If you find that DryWetMIDI has been useful for your project, please put a link to the library in your project's About section or something like that.

Getting Started

Let's see small examples of what you can do with the library.

It's possible to read a MIDI file, then collect all notes from it and print their time and length in the metric (hours, minutes, second, ...) format:

var midiFile = MidiFile.Read("MyFile.mid");
var tempoMap = midiFile.GetTempoMap();
 
foreach (var note in midiFile.GetNotes())
{
    var time = note.TimeAs<MetricTimeSpan>(tempoMap);
    var length = note.LengthAs<MetricTimeSpan>(tempoMap);
    Console.WriteLine($"{note} at {time} with length of {length}");
}

Or maybe you want to record data from a MIDI device, then quantize recorded events by the grid with step of 1/8, and play the data via the default Windows synth:

var inputDevice = InputDevice.GetByName("MyMidiKeyboard");
inputDevice.StartEventsListening();

var recording = new Recording(TempoMap.Default, inputDevice);
recording.Start();
 
// ...
 
recording.Stop();
inputDevice.Dispose();
 
var recordedFile = recording.ToFile();
recording.Dispose();
 
recordedFile.QuantizeObjects(
    ObjectType.TimedEvent,
    new SteppedGrid(MusicalTimeSpan.Eighth));
 
var outputDevice = OutputDevice.GetByName("Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth");
var playback = recordedFile.GetPlayback(outputDevice);
playback.Start();
 
// ...
 
playback.Dispose();
outputDevice.Dispose();

You can even build a musical composition:

var pattern = new PatternBuilder()
     
    // Insert a pause of 5 seconds
    .StepForward(new MetricTimeSpan(0, 0, 5))

    // Insert an eighth C# note of the 4th octave
    .Note(Octave.Get(4).CSharp, MusicalTimeSpan.Eighth)

    // Set default note length to triplet eighth and default octave to 5
    .SetNoteLength(MusicalTimeSpan.Eighth.Triplet())
    .SetOctave(Octave.Get(5))

    // Now we can add triplet eighth notes of the 5th octave in a simple way
    .Note(NoteName.A)
    .Note(NoteName.B)
    .Note(NoteName.GSharp)

    // Insert a simple drum pattern
    .PianoRoll(@"
        F#2   ||||||||
        D2    --|---|-
        C2    |---|---")
    .Repeat(9)

    // Get pattern
    .Build();

var midiFile = pattern.ToFile(TempoMap.Create(Tempo.FromBeatsPerMinute(240)));
midiFile.Write("DrumPattern.mid");

Also you can check out sample applications from CIRCE-EYES (see the profile, VB.NET is used)