Keppy’s MIDI Converter Review: Features, Pros, and Tips

Keppy’s MIDI Converter Review: Features, Pros, and TipsKeppy’s MIDI Converter is a free, Windows-only utility designed to convert between different MIDI file formats and to tweak file data for compatibility and playback improvements. It’s popular among gamers and MIDI enthusiasts who need quick, no-frills conversions (for example, preparing MIDI files for rhythm-game charts or older sound modules). This review covers core features, strengths and weaknesses, and practical tips to get the most out of the tool.

What Keppy’s MIDI Converter does

• Converts between Standard MIDI File types (Type 0 and Type 1).
• Merges or splits tracks, letting you consolidate multi-track files or separate instruments into individual files.
• Adjusts channels and reassigns program (patch) numbers.
• Changes tempo, PPQ (ticks per quarter note), and time signature handling.
• Strips or alters meta events (like lyrics, markers, or proprietary manufacturer events) that might interfere with certain players.
• Provides basic error checking and fixes for malformed MIDI files.

Key features (detailed)

• Conversion: Convert Type 1 to Type 0 (merging tracks into a single-track stream) and vice versa. Useful when an application only accepts one type.
• Track manipulation: Merge tracks under controlled rules or export single tracks to separate files. Handy for isolating parts (drums, lead, bass) or preparing stems for charting.
• Channel mapping: Reassign MIDI channels (1–16) and remove unused channels. This helps when a target synthesizer expects specific channel layouts.
• Program change editing: Bulk-replace program numbers to remap instruments—useful for aligning patches with a soundfont or hardware module.
• Tempo and timing control: Modify global tempo, scale timing values, or change PPQ to match a sequencer or game engine’s expectations.
• Event filtering and cleaning: Remove meta events, SysEx dumps, or proprietary tags that can cause compatibility issues.
• Batch processing: Convert multiple files in one operation, saving time when preparing libraries.
• Preview and quick info: View track lists, channel usage, and basic file stats before committing changes.

Pros

• Free and lightweight: Runs quickly on modest hardware without installation overhead.
• Focused toolset: Provides exactly the features most people need for file-type conversions and basic cleanup.
• Batch processing: Speeds up library-wide conversions.
• Precise control: Fine-grained options for channels, program changes, and PPQ adjustments.
• Good for game/charting workflows: Commonly used in rhythm-game communities to prepare MIDIs for chart editors.

Cons

• Windows-only (no native macOS or Linux builds).
• No built-in MIDI playback or advanced MIDI editing (it’s not a sequencer).
• User interface is utilitarian; not beginner-friendly for users unfamiliar with MIDI concepts.
• Lacks advanced quantization, humanization, or notation export features.

Practical use cases

• Preparing MIDI files for use with specific soundfonts or hardware by remapping program changes.
• Converting Type 1 MIDIs (multi-track) to Type 0 for compatibility with older players or game engines.
• Cleaning up downloaded MIDIs that include extraneous SysEx or manufacturer meta events.
• Splitting a large multi-track MIDI into per-instrument files for individual editing or importing.
• Batch-converting an archive of MIDIs to a single PPQ and channel layout for consistent playback.

Tips and best practices

1. Back up originals before batch processing. Conversions and edits are sometimes destructive.
2. When converting Type 1 → Type 0, review channel assignments: merged tracks share channels, which can cause instrument clashes.
3. Use program-change remapping to match your target soundfont’s patch layout. Keep a reference list of General MIDI patch numbers.
4. If tempo feels off after changing PPQ, use the tempo-scaling options rather than manual tempo edits.
5. Strip SysEx and manufacturer-specific meta events when preparing files for constrained players (older hardware or game engines).
6. For rhythm-game charting, export single-track files for each instrument so chart editors can map notes more easily.
7. Test conversions in your target environment (player, game, hardware) before processing large batches.
8. Consult the converter’s info/preview pane to check channel usage and track counts before committing changes.

Quick workflow example: Preparing a MIDI for an older game engine

1. Open MIDI in Keppy’s MIDI Converter and inspect track/channel usage.
2. Merge tracks to Type 0 if the game requires it.
3. Reassign channels so percussion uses channel 10 (General MIDI convention).
4. Remap program changes to match your intended soundfont.
5. Strip SysEx and nonessential meta events.
6. Save and test in the game; adjust PPQ or tempo scaling if timing differs.

Alternatives to consider

• MIDI editors/sequencers (e.g., Cakewalk by BandLab, Reaper with MIDI tools) for advanced editing and playback.
• Other lightweight converters or command-line tools (e.g., midicsv/midicomp) if you need CSV editing or scripting.
• Dedicated charting community tools if you’re preparing files specifically for rhythm games.

Final verdict

Keppy’s MIDI Converter is a reliable, no-nonsense utility for converting, cleaning, and preparing MIDI files—especially useful for hobbyists, chart-makers, and those working with legacy software or hardware. It’s not a replacement for a full MIDI sequencer, but for its focused purpose it’s efficient, fast, and effective.