MIDI Sound Quality Is Reduced After Installing Windows 98

ID: Q190824

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you play a Musical Instrument Device Interface (MIDI) file after installing Windows 98, the sound quality may seem to be poor. Instead of sounding like actual musical instruments, the playback may sound artificial or synthesized.


CAUSE

When you upgrade from an earlier version of Windows, the "Single Instrument" MIDI setting for some sound cards may not be retained; the default MIDI device for the sound card may be used instead. If the previously installed sound driver had a MIDI device (such as a wave table synthesis driver) other than the default device selected, it may have been changed back to the sound card's FM Synthesis default.


RESOLUTION

To change the MIDI playback device back to one that provides wave table synthesis, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.


  2. Double-click Multimedia, and then click the MIDI tab.


  3. In the MIDI Output box, click the MIDI playback device you want to use. If you do not know which device to select, consult your sound card's documentation or manufacturer.


  4. Click OK.



MORE INFORMATION

This behavior may occur with any sound card that has its drivers upgraded during the Windows 98 installation. It may also occur with sound cards using wave table add-on daughter cards. 


Keywords          : kbenv kbsound win98 
Version           : WINDOWS:
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: February 13, 1999