How to Convert MIDI Files to WAV Files

Chopin music for a MIDI file

The MIDI format stores musical note information rather than sound. Thus, MIDI files can easily transfer between synthesizers, electronic musical instruments and computers. To convert this format to a WAV file, which contains sound information, you need a converter such as the free-trial "Switch Sound File Converter."

Things You'll Need

• Sound converter program

Instructions

1. 

   Download, install and run "Switch Sound File Converter" to display the program window (see link in References).

2. Click "Add Files" to add the MIDI file to the convert list. You can add several files to convert at once. The current format, size, location and final format are also displayed for each file. In the lower left corner, choose WAV from the Output Format drop-down menu.

3. 

   Click "Encoder Options" to display the Encoder Options dialog box. Adjust the quality and size of the converted file through the Format and Attributes drop-down options. In general, the higher the hertz and the number of bits, and choosing stereo over mono produces a larger file size. In this case, choose "6,000 Hz, 16 bits, stereo." Click "OK."

4. Click "Browse" to specify a folder for the converted file. By default, this is the My Music folder under your My Documents directory.

5. Click "Convert" in the lower right or top button row. A dialog box shows the conversion progress. Check the converted file by playing it in a WAV player, such as Windows Media Player.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the number of instruments specified and the Attributes option you choose, a WAV file is thousands of times bigger than its corresponding MIDI file. In this example, the WAV is 4576KB while the MIDI file is only 1KB.

References

• Switch Sound File Converter Download
• Switch Sound File Converter Home Page