Adding Indian Rythmic Cycles to PSR-E373

[goutambaul]

Hello Everybody,

Kindly tell if there is any way to add indian rythmic cycles (we call them TAALS) to the PSR-E373 keyboard. There is an extension pack from Yamaha called "Indian Taal Pack" (https://in.yamaha.com/en/products/contents/keyboards/vse/indian_taals/index.html).

Can I implement this on PSR-E373? If not then is there any way to create and add new style? Say I record the sound of a particular cycle and make a mp3 file. Can I use this to add a new style in my keyboard?

Kindly guide me.

With regards,
Goutam

[pjd]

The Indian Taal Pack is an expansion pack designed for the PSR-S670. It is not compatible with the E-series.

The E373 does not have a Style Creator feature. The E373 can load and play individual style files (Reference Manual, page 28). You could create a style on a personal computer and load it into the E373.

Style files are MIDI, not MP3. You could record a taal to MP3 and play back the MP3. That's audio, however, and not the same thing as a style.

All the best -- pj

[goutambaul]

Thanks for your kind response. Is there anyway to convert the mp3 file to a midi file? I am a novice and need your kind guidance.

regards,

Goutam

[andyg]

No, mp3 files are audio. MIDI files are just data.

There are apps that claim to be able to 'listen' to an mp3 and create a MIDI file, but I've not found one that can handle anything more than a fairly simple melody. And even if you could create that MIDI file, you'd then have to create a Style File from it.

[goutambaul]

Thanks andy for enlightening me. If I get a mp3 file that only has the "tabla" playing (basically single note), will that can be used to generate a reliable MIDI file? Can I add the sound of "tabla" to the MIDI file while generating the style file? What is the procedure to generate style file from a MIDI file?

Please clear these cobwebs from my thoughts.

With regards,

Goutam

[andyg]

That sounds like it might be possible, but it will be trial and error with whatever audio to MIDI app you use. I can't recommend a particular app, but I'm sure you can find one.

[pjd]

What is the procedure to generate style file from a MIDI file?

Hi --

This question is asked often enough that I've written a quick getting started with style development page with lots of useful links:

https://sandsoftwaresound.net/getting-started-with-style-files/

A Yamaha style file is a Type 0 Standard MIDI File with extra Yamaha-specific chunks (CASM, OTS).  The MIDI data must adhere to a few rules. BTW, style development has a steep learning curve with lots of details...

Good luck! -- pj

P.S. You might want to learn about the Yamaha MIDI Song To Style tool for Genos/S/SX series keyboards. You'll need to convert from Style File Format 2 (SFF2) to SSF1.

[pjd]

Thanks andy for enlightening me. If I get a mp3 file that only has the "tabla" playing (basically single note), will that can be used to generate a reliable MIDI file?

As Andy mentioned, you might have better luck starting with an audio recording (MP3) of a single instrument. DJs are known to convert rhythm only tracks to MIDI drum tracks. I'd look to the DJ/beat community for tools and guidance.

I tried using software to convert a single instrument melody line to MIDI via software and it proved to be a major headache. Pitched (melodic) instruments are more difficult to deal with than percussion. With percussion, you just need a beat (rhythm) pattern and can assign percussion instruments as needed (e.g., kick drum, snare, HH, etc.)

Have fun -- pj 

[goutambaul]

I thank you all for the patient reading of my queries and responding with very helpful insights. Actually I am trying to get a style out of a very simple percussion instrument (something quiet akin to beating a wooden table top with bare hand  ). I shall refer to the link referred and shall keep coming back for your guidance.

With regards,

Goutam

[mikf]

If you want to do creative things with the styles/system you probably have the wrong keyboard. The E series keyboards are great value but pretty limited when it comes to customizing.
Mike