Pro, you're right on with your comments, as usual. But, I see a lot of non-keyboard guys using MDs and CDs to play midi files. Maybe they don't play Kbd and have somone or some way to record these for them. Anyway, it works for them and even though I play an arranger, I'm glad this topic came through the arranger forum.

MIKE - I disagree that your keyboard is the best place to play midi files. A laptop and a good sound source (soft synth, module, add'l keyboard, etc.) free up your main keyboard for live playing. My experience with playing MIDI on my keyboard is that the board's functions are compromised. It is more difficult to access sounds to play while the file is playing. Boy, can you ever cause a commotion when your file gets sidetracked by an errant button push. So, I support using a LT or similar source (second keyboard?)along with a quality alternate sound source. If you have to play MIDIs from your arranger, then I suggest a second keyboard for playing while the files play thru your arranger. IMHO.

Question for PETER - don't the MDs and CDs use different file formats? I know my MD records in something called ATRACS3, which is not the same as a .wav or mp3 format. Geez, how many ways will we have to store the same information?

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 05-28-2003).]