Instrument Definition files

[jhwater]

So INS files allow Composer to recognize more than the 128 GM instruments that are a specific keyboard. Is there anyway to create one that is not available?

[Sherry C]

Hi,

Originally Posted by jhwater

So INS files allow Composer to recognize more than the 128 GM instruments that are a specific keyboard. Is there anyway to create one that is not available?

Sort of

You can always enter the specific bank and patch numbers for your device in the Staff/Setup of any staff in order to get the special sounds from any MIDI playback device that you have.

An INS is a file that is set up with all the bank numbers, instrument patch numbers, and names for all the special sounds of the particular MIDI playback device (eg. a Yamaha PSR-8000). By having an INS file, you don't have to manually enter the bank and patch numbers (or manually modify the device description yourself by typing in all the information in Setup/MIDI Device Configuration/Properties). If you import the INS file and then select that device as the playback device, you will see all the "cool instruments" listed in the instrument grid (rather than just the General MIDI list) and when you select one, the bank numbers will be for the particular instrument you select.

If you cannot find your MIDI device among the files we already have here, or at the sites in the links of this thread, or by using a search engine to look for it, you can create your own. The following are some links to information and tutorials (and a few more INS downloads, too):

• http://www.cakewalk.com/Support/kb/r...spx/2007013272
• http://tweakheadz.com/how-to-build-a-cakewalk-ins-file/
• http://faq.yamaha.com/us/en/article/...DI_Instruments
• http://www.fumph.com/?page_id=13

There is another site for Yamaha INS files at http://www.jososoft.dk/yamaha/ins_files.htm


ttfn,
Sherry

[jhwater]

Hi Sherry and thanks for your reply. Okay, I was able to get an INS file that has all the information that I need. It is a legitimate ins file created by Mike Martin from Casio. However, it really does not work. No matter what bank I select, all the patches that play are always GM 1-128. I have looked at the resources that you have provided and the ins file looks good to my eyes. Should I assume that this is the fault of the ins file and nothing to do with Composer?
Cheers,
--Jerry

[Sherry C]

Hi Jerry,

Did you import the INS using Setup/MIDI Device Configuration/Device/Import device description (or alternatively, Setup/Quick MIDI Device Configuration/Import sound names)?

If so, did you then select the new device (Casio) as the default playback device? That should replace the GM instrument patch names with the "special" Casio names for a given bank. Keep in mind that the Casio may have a set of GM MIDI instruments for the default bank, so you'll want to check all the available banks for the device to see all the extra instruments.

It may also be necessary to turn off the GS Wavetable to get the sound to work properly and avoid any latency issues. If you need to do that, you can go to Setup/MIDI Device Configuration/Port/Select Ports and UNCHECK it from the right-hand panel.

Hopefully something above helps

ttfn,
Sherry

[jhwater]

Hi Sherry and thanks for your suggestions. I have experimental at length with this keyboard and cannot get it to behave like my other one (different brand). So I have concluded that the simplest solution is the best and it seems likely that the Casio synth is the source of this problem. What I am going to do is make the 1st measure empty in my Composer piece. After pressing play, I have plenty of time to choose the patch that I want played on the synth. I have tested this out and it appears that control characters are sent when pressing play, but none are sent while the piece is playing. This will allow me to record without issues.

Thanks,
--Jerry

[dj]

Hi, Jerry, Sherry:

Jerry, if you can post one of the files you are trying to work with, I'll have a look at it. I have a couple of Casio keyboards (not likely the exact same, though). I've had no problems with bank changing on them.

David