Convert MIDI to AFC

Understanding MIDI and AFC file formats

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a standard file format used for storing musical performance data, such as notes, velocity, and control signals. MIDI files do not contain actual audio, but rather instructions for synthesizers or virtual instruments to generate sound.

AFC (Adaptive Frequency Coding) is a proprietary audio file format, most commonly associated with Nintendo GameCube and Wii games. AFC files store compressed audio data, typically used for in-game music and sound effects.

Why convert MIDI to AFC?

Converting a MIDI file to AFC is often necessary for game developers or modders who want to use custom music in games that require the AFC format. Since MIDI is not an audio format, the conversion process involves rendering the MIDI to audio and then encoding it to AFC.

How to convert MIDI to AFC

1. Render MIDI to audio (WAV or AIFF): Use a digital audio workstation (DAW) like FL Studio, GarageBand, or LMMS to open your MIDI file and assign virtual instruments. Export the result as a WAV or AIFF file using File → Export → WAV or File → Export → AIFF.
2. Convert audio to AFC: Use vgmstream or AFCTool (community tools) to encode the WAV/AIFF file to AFC. These tools are command-line based and require specifying the input and output files. For example:
   afcencode input.wav output.afc

Recommended software for MIDI to AFC conversion

• FL Studio or GarageBand (for rendering MIDI to audio)
• AFCTool or vgmstream (for encoding audio to AFC)

Note: There is no direct one-step MIDI to AFC converter. The process always involves rendering MIDI to audio first, then encoding to AFC.

Summary

To convert MIDI to AFC, first render the MIDI to an audio file using a DAW, then use a specialized tool like AFCTool to encode the audio to AFC format. This workflow is essential for integrating custom music into games that use the AFC format.