Podium v1.10 has just been released, with updated MIDI import functionality.
When importing MIDI files, Podium will search the existing project for any device mappings, presets and parameters that matches the MIDI messages in the MIDI file. If you have imported a proper device definition file that is compatible with the MIDI file, the imported arrangement will be correctly set up with presets and parameters assigned to tracks.
You can use multitimbral external synths or plugins. You can also use insert synth plugins. Rachmaninovs second piano concerto (a 30 minute arrangement) actually sounds quite ok when played by 15 instances of mda ePiano 8)
If your MIDI files are GM compatible, then a simple way to hear the file with the proper instruments is to use the ‘Microsoft GS Wavetable synth’. It should be available in the MIDI output interfaces list if you’re using Win2K/XP. This softsynth (not to be mistaken for a VST synth) will accept any MIDI messages sent to the interface and output the sound directly to the default sound card. So to be able to hear the GS synth, you should deselect the audio interface in the Podium interfaces dialog, or else the GS synth won’t be able to get access to the sound card. Once you have set up the interfaces, follow these steps:
Start with a new project.
Go to the Hardware Mappings panel in the project wizard.
Select the ‘Microsoft GS…’ in the listbox.
Choose ‘import device definition’.
Select the ‘Generic GS Instrument’.
Close the wizard.
Select the ‘Import file’ menu, and locate your MIDI file.
Enter the arrangement and hit play.
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