Q: When I select another output plugin, it doesn't work...
A: Go here.
Q: Where the Hell is MIDI plug-in configuration window ?
A: Open Winamp preferences (Ctrl+P), open Plug-ins / Input, Select "Winamp2 MIDI plug-in" from the list, click "Configure" button.
Q: I have a problem...
A: Rule #1: don't panic. Use your brain. Read this doc carefully. If the plug-in seems to work incorrectly, get the latest update. If DirectMusic devices cause the problem, update your DirectX drivers. Also check troubleshooting section.
Q: I have SoundBlaster 16 card ...
A: Select Microsoft Synthesizer device (available only if you have DirectX 6.1 or higher installed).
Q: I can't find Microsoft Synthesizer on device list anymore. What happened to it ?
A: DirectMusic support is now disabled by default because of shitty quality of available DirectMusic drivers causing Winamp to crash on startup and do various other funny things (disabling DirectMusic also reduces memory usage big time). If you want it back, go to DirectMusic tab, uncheck "Disable DirectMusic support" option and restart Winamp.
Q: Visualisation doesn't work...
A: Read this.
Q: How do I convert MIDI to WAV ?
A: Read this.
Q: I can't hear MIDI at all; even all other MIDI players I have produce silence since I installed Winamp.
A: Click device tab / reset midiOut volume (takes immediate effect). Make sure that you DO NOT use 'driver-specific' volume setting mode.
Q: What are compressed MIDI files ?
A: A compressed MIDI file is a ZIP, RAR, ARJ, or GZIP file containing one MIDI file. MIDI files compress very nicely so compressing them can be very useful and can save a lot of disk space. You can compress any of the supported MIDI formats. Use .MIZ file extension for all compressed MIDIs. (Note, however, that most (if not all) other programs will be unable to play any of these compressed MIDIs.)
Q: Why does the plug-in refuse to load some HMP files ?
A: There is some sort of 'compressed HMP' format. I've found those files in Whiplash / Fatal Racing. I have no idea how to decode them. I've managed to convert Fatal Racing HMPs to standard MIDI (don't ask how); if you really need them, email me.
Q: What does looping do ?
A: Looping enables you to listen continuously to one MIDI file without delays while restarting. Some files (HMI, FF7 music) contain loop start points; looping enables you to make them play correctly.
Q: How do I convert HMP/HMI/XMI/CMF/MUS to MID ?
A: Open file info box (double-click on song title in Winamp window), then click on 'save...' button.
Q: I have 100 megs of MIDIs on my hdd and I want to compress them. Is there a program that will automatically compress all of my MIDIs ?
A: Check this.
Q1: Where did Shogo / Blood 2 game music support go ?
Q2: Can I play DirectMusic segment files (.sec, .sgt) ?
Q3: Can I play Final Fantasy 8 music with this plug-in ?
A: There is a separate plug-in for this stuff. Check this ("DirectMusic plug-in v1.5x").
Q: How do I minimize CPU usage while playing MIDIs in the background ?
A: If you don't need VIS, disable sampling and output. It will disable all Winamp 2.x - specific sound data processing and cut down CPU usage a lot.
Q: Can I do DSP / EQ with MIDI ?
A: Yes. You can easily configure MS synth to use DSP (enable 'play through Winamp's output system'). Other MIDI devices will require more work (recommended for advanced users only): configure your sound card to record directly from your MIDI synth (not 'what you hear'), mute your MIDI device, then enable sampling and 'send sampled data to DSP / output'.
Q: MS synth skips a lot.
A: Try enabling 'play through Winamp's output system' and 'experimental output mode' in output tab.
Q: How much space does the fractal animation take ?
A: Very little. About 5k I think.
Q: Can I convert WAV/MP3 do MIDI ?
A: You can't. There are some programs that can do it, but output files don't sound good. If you want to make some MIDIs, get a MIDI sequencer instead.
Q: Some DOOM MUS files sound different than those converted using WinTex (drums start to play a few seconds later). Why ?
A: WinTex's converter sucks - it converts single-track MUS to multi-track MIDI (in order to optimize file size) and messes up track start time while doing this. Just run DOOM and compare...
Q: I am experiencing very bad delays while starting playback. Why ?
A: You are using Microsoft Synthesizer device (or something similar). Use your MIDI hardware instead. If you really have to use this thing, try disabling "always reinitialize port" in DirectMusic tab (it may have some really bad side effects, you have been warned).
Q: What's the difference between 'Use custom SoundFont bank for all MIDI files' option and loading given bank statically to memory ?
A: When you statically load 8 meg SF2 file, it permanently eats 8 megs of your RAM. Instead, you can clear all banks from memory, reduce allocated memory to about 4 megs and specify that SF2 file under 'Use custom SoundFont bank for all MIDI files' - it will keep SoundFont memory free and load referenced instruments when you start playback (and mess up instrument changes in immediate mode control panel). This option also allows you to use
Q: I have Win2K and I experience playback slowdowns while scrolling contents in IE windows / playing games / etc.
A: Try misc tab / midiOut immediate mode + max thread priority. It works better that way, at least on my system. You might also try various driver interfaces (DirectMusic, MCI).
Q: I can't load compressed MIDI files...
A: You need read_file.dll, bundled with Winamp v2.77+; also available here (put it in winamp/plugins directory).
Q: Can i change instruments / channel volumes in real-time ?
A: Config / misc tab, select immediate mode and enable control panel.
Q: ....
A: Go here.