Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create an account?
Accounts are automatically created at checkout.
Stuffit Expander won't unzip the files correctly. What can I do to fix this?
"The Unarchiver" works better than Stuffit. You can download it from here: http://unarchiver.c3.cx/
How can I legally use your midi files? Can I use your midi files in _________ way?
All of these questions are addressed in our simple to understand License Agreement.
Why do your libraries contain so many MIDI Patterns?
Hi, this is Tony with Prosonic Studios. I want to answer this question directly:
In the past I'd use loop libraries and most of them didn't cut it.
You get like 500 loops and only 28 of them are any good - most of them sound like the drummer is trying to show off (too many notes or something).
I usually want drums that are more subtle - more song oriented when writing and practicing
What's more, it was rare to find a loop (out of those 500 loops) that would sound good in my current piece (wrong accents or something).
I created the Prosonic Libraries to overcome these issues.
What is a "MIDI file"?
While the word "MIDI" is used to describe a few different things. A "MIDI file" can be thought of as "Sheet Music in Digital". (Sheet music that computers can read and play.
What is a "MIDI Pattern"?
We use the term "MIDI Pattern" to mean: a short (one measure) musical pattern (or motive) that is defined in a MIDI file.
What is a "MIDI PHRASE"?
We use the term "MIDI Pattern" to mean: a short (four measure) musical pattern (or motive) that is defined in a MIDI file.
What is the difference between a "MIDI PHRASE" and a "MIDI PATTERN"?
The only real difference is the length of the motive. A "MIDI Pattern" is one bar long and a "MIDI Phrase" is four bars long. The "MIDI Phrases" are more recent and are of higher quality.
How many notes can each of your MIDI patterns have?
The number of notes per pattern range from 3 to 150.
When I play a drum pattern it sounds like piano. How can I make it sound like drums?
The MIDI Standard recommends putting drums on channel 10. So your sampler probably has the drums on that channel. If you are using the Prosonic Midi Browser then change to channel 10. See the Midi Browser page for details.
Are your patterns usable in "X" software?
All of our MIDI patterns are, standard, general MIDI files. So, really, any software that can open or import MIDI files can use them.
We have over 400 MIDI files you can download for free on the site. These are perfect to test with, as the actual files are in exactly the same format as the demos. So feel free to download a few and try them out in there.
What does "Royalty-Free" mean?
It means that you don't have to pay us a percentage of each performance, or sale, of a song that you create with our patterns. You only pay us a one-time License Fee (the cost of the patterns) to use the patterns in your own larger musical compositions.
Can I share my password, or the files/patterns, with anyone?
Sharing of your password, or the files/patterns, is strictly prohibited and is a violation of International Copyright Law. You are purchasing a License to use the files/patterns in your own music royalty-free. You are not purchasing the copyrights. Please, carefully read the Licensing Agreement on the checkout page.
Can I make a backup copy of the files/patterns?
Yes, you are allowed to make one backup copy to a backup media like CDROM. We actually suggest that you do this soon after you download them. (Please read the Licensing Agreement on the checkout page for details.)
I didn't receive an e-mail from you after my purchase. Why?
It probably got put in your SPAM or BULK MAIL folder. If you have an sbcglobal account then you need to add: CustomerService@Prosonic-Studios.com to your list so that our e-mails will get through. If you didn't get an e-mail please contact us.
When I download a zip file Safari automatically unzips the files. How can I stop this so I can use Stuffit Expander?
Make sure "Open Safe Files After Downloading" is unchecked in Safari Preferences: Safari->Preferences->General Uncheck "Open Safe Files After Downloading".
All the midi files are in one directory! Why aren't they categorized in folders like in the example?
This can happen if you're using a Mac and only have Stuff-It Standard. Stuff-It Standard will not unzip files with the directory structures. You must use an extractor like STUFFIT EXPANDER. (yeah, it's FREE!) Get it here: http://www.stuffit.com/mac/expander/index.html
You'll need to set these preferences in StuffIt Expander too:
1. Set file mapping to "assign all to stuff it expander".
2. Set destination to "expand archives into the same folder as the archive" and "when the archives contains multiple items" is checked.
3. In expansion make sure the top 4 boxes are checked with Desktop chosen in the first box checked.
(Make sure "Open Safe Files After Downloading" is unchecked in Safari too, as discussed in question above.)
Each time I extract a Volume it doesn't seem to add anything. Am I doing this right?
Yes, you're doing it right. You must extract each volume, but the first volume that you extract creates the folders on your drive. Then, each volume after that adds more midi files to those folders, so you won't see new folders being added. But if you check the file count of those folders you'll see that new midi files are being added for each volume you extract.
I have a slow connection. How much time do I have to finish my download?
You can take as much time as you need to download the files. When you purchase a library you get a password which you can use to login to your account. You can come back at anytime, login, and download your files, so long as you abide by the Licensing Agreement. (That you must read, and agree to, on the checkout page.)
Are your drum patterns in GM or extended GM?
The patterns are compatible with GM but use an extended GM mapping (for more instruments). Here's the mapping:
13 = Surdo Mute
14 = Surdo Open
15 = Hi Q
16 = Whip Slap
17 = Scratch Push
18 = Scratch Pull
19 = Finger Snap
20 = Click Noise
21 = Metronome Click
22 = Metronome Bell
23 = Seq Click L
24 = Seq Click H
25 = Brush Tap
26 = Brush Swirl L
27 = Brush Slap
28 = Brush Swirl H
29 = Snare Roll
30 = Castanet
31 = Snare L
32 = Sticks
33 = Bass Drum L
34 = Open Rim Shot
35 = Bass Drum M
36 = Bass Drum H
37 = Side Stick
38 = Snare M
39 = Hand Clap
40 = Snare H
41 = Floor Tom L
42 = Hi-Hat Closed
43 = Floor Tom H
44 = Hi-Hat Pedal
45 = Low Tom
46 = Hi-Hat Open
47 = Mid Tom L
48 = Mid Tom H
49 = Crash Cymbal 1
50 = High Tom
51 = Ride Cymbal 1
52 = Chinese Cymbal
53 = Ride Cymbal Cup
54 = Tambourine
55 = Splash Cymbal
56 = Cowbell
57 = Crash Cymbal 2
58 = Vibraslap
59 = Ride Cymbal 2
60 = Bongo H
61 = Bongo L
62 = Conga H Mute
63 = Conga H Open
64 = Conga L
65 = Timbale H
66 = Timbale L
67 = Agogo H
68 = Agogo L
69 = Cabasa
70 = Maracas
71 = Samba Whistle H
72 = Samba Whistle L
73 = Guiro Short
74 = Guiro Long
75 = Claves
76 = Wood Block H
77 = Wood Block L
78 = Cuica Mute
79 = Cuica Open
80 = Triangle Mute
81 = Triangle Open
82 = Shaker
83 = Jingle Bell
84 = Bell Tree