| | |  | | | MP3 Files for Worship
FAQ:
Q - What's the difference between Midi Files and MP3 Files?
A - Midi files are small computer files which allow keyboards or midi file players to play back music using their own internal sounds to simulate instruments through synthesis. Whilst these are great for many instruments such as pianos or drums, they can never sound truly realistic for instruments like guitars or wind, sung vocals cannot be reproduced, and unless they are programmed very well may sound rather artificial.
MP3 files, on the other hand, are actual recordings just as you would find on a CD or record, performed by top musicians and singers especially for DM Music, featuring real instruments and backing vocals. If played back through a suitable PA system it would be very difficult indeed to tell whether you were listening to MP3 files or live musicians! |  |
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Q - Should I use Midi Files or MP3 Files for our church's sung worship?
A - Both have their own advantages. If you already have a Midi file player you will be happy to learn that DM Music will continue to bring out top quality Midi files for download on our website. You may have musicians that like to play along to the Midi files in church by muting certain tracks, or perhaps you like the flexibility of being able easily to change pitch or tempo. On the other hand, MP3s undeniably sound better, and can feature sounds like vocals, wind instruments and acoustic guitars that can never sound truly realistic on a Midi file.
With prices and storage capacity of personal MP3 players falling every day there is no need to spend large amounts of money investing in new equipment; the chances are that someone in your group will already have everything necessary to download and play the files.
Q - How do I use an MP3 file as backing for our church worship?
A - Simply connect your MP3 player to your amplification system as you would do a cassette or CD player, adjust the level and off you go. To ensure a seamless session without searching for the songs, in a few seconds you could create a playlist, putting the songs in any particular order as the occasion demanded. Anyone who has spent ages fast forwarding and rewinding a cassette deck will appreciate the simplicity of MP3s!
NB: You can also plug your MP3 player into a powered speaker or portable PA system, and even a suitable portable CD/tape player or hifi system. Which means MP3's are ideal for use in small groups, outdoor events, childrens and youth events, Holiday Clubs, outreach, missions etc.
Q - What kind of MP3 players are available?
A - Over the last few years the iPod personal stereo has become ubiquitous; on any train or bus journey you will see people of all ages with their headphones on listening to their music collection on an MP3 player. Of course, many other types of personal music players are available, and devices with capacities to store many hundreds of songs are now available on the high street for a few pounds. Any of these devices can be used to play MP3 files in church simply by connecting them to the PA system via a lead into the headphone socket. If your church uses a laptop computer, this can be used to play the files straight from the hard disc in the same way.
Another idea is to use a DVD player with MP3 capability - MP3s can be burned to CD-ROM and played back on an inexpensive DVD machine. Some portable CD players also offer this option. Many mobile phones now have MP3 playback capabilities (although it might prove distracting if someone were to ring you in the middle of a song, so this might not be the most practical option!). Finally, a dedicated portable recording device such as the Edirol R-09 would also allow you to record sermons, lectures and so on in MP3 format, which could then be transferred to a computer via high-speed USB to be edited, duplicated or published on the
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