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As with many other issues midi-backing
tracks are a question of how much time and money one wants
to spend. I list some alternatives below.
1: Pre-recorded midi backing
track: These can be usually downloaded from websites or
purchased from pages such as tune1000. It all depends on who
has sequenced the track. Those purchased from reputable websites
are usually of good quality, but with those downloaded from
personal or fan sites the quality can vary greatly from excellent
music to absolute rubbish! Midi tracks normally conform to
the General Midi (GM) standard and are playable on a variety
of equipment from computers to GM compatible keyboards. The
quality of the sounds will be directly related to the equipment
used so therefore the same midi file will sound very different
for example on a PC when compared to a high end keyboard such
as Korg, Yamaha Roland, etc.
 
These tracks though are inexpensive
way for vocalists or small bands to obtain reasonable quality
backing tracks.
2: Self –made Midi track:
As above but made by oneself. Pre-recorded tracks can also
be modified and enhanced. This will require keyboard playing
and sequencing skills.
3: Propriety Keyboard Formats:
These are by far the best sounding tracks. For example a Korg
Trinity keyboard can produce far superior sounds than any
GM compatible synth (the Trinity is GM compatible as well).
This will require keyboard playing and sequencing skills as
well as an understanding of the keyboard in question.
However there is one downside
– these tracks are only playable on the keyboard they are
produced on as each has there own standard.
Another added option to all of
the above is to record the tracks together with extra vocals
instruments to a multitrack recorder whether dedicated or
stand-alone. This can then be transferred to CDs, which the
performer can use as backing tracks. This though can be time
consuming.
Ernest H Slade
www.gear-review.co.uk
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