aplaymidi Command in Linux with Examples

aplaymidi command in Linux is used to play standard MIDI(Musical Instrument Digital Interface) files, by sending the content of a MIDI file to an ALSA(Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) MIDI port, sound renderer like timidity or a hardware MIDI device is required to play MIDI files.

Syntax

aplaymidi [options] [MIDIfile]

where,

• aplaymidi: This is the command that initiates the playback of a MIDI file.
• [options]: These are optional flags or arguments that control how the MIDI file is played.
• [MIDIfile]: This is the actual MIDI file you want to play. The file should have a .mid extension and can be located anywhere on your file system, provided you give the correct path.

Key Options for aplaymidi

Here's a breakdown of the most commonly used options with aplaymidi:

1. -h or --help

This is used to show all the options and syntax of the command.

$ aplaymidi -h

2. -V or --version

It is used to display the current version of the SW.

$ aplaymidi -V

3. -l or --list

It is used to display the list of all possible MIDI output ports.

$ aplaymidi -l

4. -p or --port=client:port

This option specifies the MIDI output port to which the file will be sent. For instance, 14:0 represents a specific MIDI device or port.

$ aplaymidi -p 14:0 test1.mid

5. -d or --delay=seconds

Adds a delay after playback ends. This can be useful in cases where you want the system to pause for a few seconds after the file finishes playing.

$ aplaymidi -p 14:0 -d 10 test1.mid

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. No sound:

• Use aplaymidi -l to verify the correct port.
• Ensure a sound renderer (e.g., timidity) is installed and running.
• Check ALSA configuration with aplay -l to confirm audio devices are detected.

2. MIDI device not found:

• Ensure drivers are installed.
• Use lsusb to check if USB MIDI devices are recognized.

Conclusion

The aplaymidi command in Linux is an essential tool for playing MIDI files. Its simplicity and flexibility make it an excellent choice for anyone working with MIDI files, whether for music production, learning, or simply enjoying MIDI tunes. With features like port selection and playback control, aplaymidi ensures you can tailor the MIDI playback experience to your specific needs.