GarageBand: Organ instrument may not make any sound in imported MIDI files

  • Last Modified: December 21, 2007
  • Article: TS1083

Symptoms

When you assign an organ instrument to a track in an imported MIDI file, the track may no longer making any sound. The track works as expected if other instruments are assigned to it.

This issue may occur if the MIDI channel for the track in the imported file is set to channel 4 or higher. The organ instrument in GarageBand responds only on channels 1 through 3. MIDI notes on channel 1 trigger the upper register of the organ, channel 2 - the lower register and channel 3 - the foot pedals.

Products Affected

GarageBand

Resolution

If you create your own MIDI files for use in GarageBand, be sure that any track that is to be played by an organ uses one of the supported channels. Usually, channel 1 is the best choice.

This document will be updated as more information becomes available.

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