How to use the command 'timidity' (with examples)

TiMidity++ is a versatile and open-source software synthesizer. Originally developed for playing MIDI files without a dedicated MIDI hardware, TiMidity++ converts MIDI into several audio formats like WAV or FLAC, offering flexibility in music playback and conversion suitable for musicians, developers, and audio enthusiasts. Whether you aim to integrate MIDI files into live performances or convert them into portable audio files, TiMidity++ serves as a comprehensive tool.

Play a MIDI file

Code:

timidity path/to/file.mid

Motivation:

Playing a MIDI file is the most fundamental feature of TiMidity++. This use case is essential for musicians and composers who want to quickly listen to their MIDI compositions. It offers an excellent way to audition the music before further editing or using it in a project. With TiMidity++, you can seamlessly play MIDI files without the need for external hardware synthesizers, making it highly convenient.

Explanation:

• timidity: The command initiates the TiMidity++ software.
• path/to/file.mid: This is the file path to your desired MIDI file. The extension ‘.mid’ specifies that the file is a MIDI file, which is a standard used for containing musical compositions.

Example output:

When executed, you’ll hear the MIDI music through your system’s speakers. In the terminal, you’ll also see a text-based interface showing the progress of track playback, instrument details, and time indicators.

Play a MIDI file in a loop

Code:

timidity --loop path/to/file.mid

Motivation:

Looping MIDI files is advantageous when you want to concentrate on specific parts of the composition, test various sound arrangements, or engage in repetitive musical practice sessions. Users who are studying a piece or engaging in music therapy may find looping extremely practical.

Explanation:

• --loop: This flag commands TiMidity++ to continuously play the MIDI file in a loop until a manual stop is enacted.
• path/to/file.mid: The path to the MIDI file you wish to loop.

Example output:

The MIDI file plays repeatedly, and in the terminal, like the previous example, you’ll see playback progress with a continual replay until the loop is interrupted by the user.

Play a MIDI file in a specific key

Code:

timidity --force-keysig=-flats|+sharps path/to/file.mid

Motivation:

This feature is particularly beneficial when the user wants to hear how a composition sounds in different musical keys, whether to accommodate vocal ranges or to detect the most pleasing tonal quality. Composers and allies in music theory can experiment and finalize suitable keys for their pieces effortlessly.

Explanation:

• --force-keysig=-flats|+sharps: Adjusts the key signature of the MIDI file playback. Negative numbers lower the key, and positive numbers raise it. For example, -1 or +1 adjusts the piece one half-step down or up.
• path/to/file.mid: The MIDI file you want to play in the specified key.

Example output:

The audio output reflects key changes immediately and helps identify the current tonal quality through auditory variation.

Convert a MIDI file to PCM (WAV) audio

Code:

timidity --output-mode=w --output-file=path/to/file.wav path/to/file.mid

Motivation:

Converting MIDI files to PCM (WAV) format is crucial for integrating compositions into multimedia projects, as the WAV format is widely accepted in nearly all digital audio workstations and software. This conversion makes it easy to share or use MIDI-based music in various creative domains.

Explanation:

• --output-mode=w: Converts the output to WAV format, a popular uncompressed audio format.
• --output-file=path/to/file.wav: The file path where the converted WAV file will be stored.
• path/to/file.mid: The original MIDI file to be converted.

Example output:

A new WAV file is created at the specified path. The terminal displays the conversion process, confirming a successful format change, and the WAV file can be played using standard media players.

Convert a MIDI file to FLAC audio

Code:

timidity --output-mode=F --output-file=path/to/file.flac path/to/file.mid

Motivation:

Converting to FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is ideal for users who prioritize preserving audio quality while reducing file size. Perfect for archiving soundtracks or distributing music wherein quality and size are considerations, FLAC works excellently here.

Explanation:

• --output-mode=F: Specifies that the output is a FLAC file, known for its lossless compression.
• --output-file=path/to/file.flac: The destination path for the converted FLAC file.
• path/to/file.mid: The path to the original MIDI file for conversion.

Example output:

Upon completion, a FLAC file is generated, visible at the designated path. The terminal progress reflects successful conversion actions, and the end product is a high-quality, compressed audio file ready for high-fidelity playback.

Conclusion:

TiMidity++ provides multifaceted capabilities for handling MIDI files, whether for playing or converting them to different audio formats. It is a comprehensive tool for musicians, developers, and audio producers, bridging MIDI compositions and various playback or conversion needs.