Convert MIDI to FSB

Understanding MIDI and FSB file formats

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a standard file format used for storing musical performance data. It does not contain actual audio, but rather instructions for playback, such as notes, velocity, and instrument information. MIDI files are widely used in music production, gaming, and digital instruments.

FSB (FMOD Sample Bank) is a proprietary audio file format used by the FMOD audio engine, commonly found in video games. FSB files can contain multiple audio samples, including music, sound effects, and voice data, often compressed for efficient playback in real-time applications.

Why convert MIDI to FSB?

Converting a MIDI file to FSB is typically required when integrating custom music or soundtracks into a game that uses the FMOD engine. Since FSB files store actual audio data, the MIDI must first be rendered to an audio format before packaging into an FSB file.

How to convert MIDI to FSB

The conversion process involves two main steps:

1. Render the MIDI to an audio file (such as WAV or MP3) using a digital audio workstation (DAW) or MIDI player.
2. Convert the audio file to FSB using FMOD's tools.

Step 1: Render MIDI to audio

Use a DAW like FL Studio, Ableton Live, or a free tool like VLC Media Player to open your MIDI file and export it as a WAV or MP3 file. For example, in FL Studio, use File → Export → WAV file.

Step 2: Convert audio to FSB

Download and install the FMOD Studio suite from the official FMOD website. Use the FSBank tool included with FMOD Studio to convert your audio file to FSB format. The typical command-line usage is:

fsbankcl.exe -o output.fsb input.wav

Alternatively, FMOD Studio provides a graphical interface to import audio assets and build FSB banks.

Recommended software for MIDI to FSB conversion

• FL Studio or Ableton Live (for MIDI to audio rendering)
• FMOD Studio (for audio to FSB conversion)

Both FL Studio and FMOD Studio are industry-standard tools, ensuring high-quality results and compatibility with game engines.

Summary

To convert a MIDI file to FSB, first render the MIDI to an audio format, then use FMOD Studio's FSBank tool to package the audio into an FSB file. This process is essential for integrating custom music into FMOD-powered games.