MIDI File Scroller
Scrub through MIDI files manually with position control. Instead of playing back MIDI files in real-time, MIDI File Scroller lets you “seek” to any position and hear exactly what notes would be playing at that moment.
Perfect for exploring MIDI file content, creating position-based interactions, or building systems where MIDI playback is controlled by sensors, gestures, or other continuous input.
How it works
MIDI File Scroller loads a MIDI file and maps its entire timeline to a 0-1 position control. Move the position parameter and hear the MIDI notes that should be active at that point in the file.
MIDI file - Load any standard MIDI file (.mid/.midi)
The process monitors for file changes, so you can edit externally and see updates immediately.
MIDI track (1-127, default 1) - Select which track to scrub through
Choose different tracks to explore different instruments or parts.
Position (0.0-1.0) - Manual position control through the file
0.0 = beginning of file, 1.0 = end of file. This parameter can be automated, controlled by sensors, or manipulated in real-time.
Key features
Instant seeking: Jump to any position in the MIDI file immediately - no waiting for playback to catch up.
Note duration mapping: The process understands note lengths and maintains proper note-on/off states as you scrub through.
Smooth transitions: Moving the position slider creates clean note transitions without stuck or overlapping notes.
File monitoring: Edit your MIDI file in external software and changes appear immediately.
Creative applications
Interactive exploration: Let users explore musical compositions by moving sliders, sensors, or controllers - each position reveals different musical content.
Gesture-based playback: Map body tracking, camera input, or sensor data to MIDI file position for expressive, non-linear musical experiences.
Visual synchronization: Synchronize MIDI content with video scrubbing, image sequences, or other position-based media.
Composition analysis: Study complex MIDI compositions by slowly scrubbing through sections to understand harmonic progressions and voice leading.
Performance control: Use as a “tape head” that can be positioned anywhere in a musical sequence for live performance manipulation.
Integration techniques
Sensor control: Map the position parameter to sensor data - use distance sensors, light levels, or motion tracking to control playback position.
Video synchronization: Link MIDI file position to video scrubbing for synchronized audiovisual experiences.
Multi-file systems: Use multiple MIDI File Scrollers to scrub through different files or tracks simultaneously.
Automation curves: Draw automation curves for the position parameter to create custom, non-linear playback sequences.
Technical details
The process uses interval mapping to efficiently track which notes should be active at any position. It maintains proper MIDI state, ensuring clean note-on/off messages as you move through the file.
The position mapping is linear - equal position changes create equal time movement through the file, regardless of tempo changes within the MIDI file.
Works perfectly with MIDI Filter to extract specific types of data, MIDI utilities for processing the output, or software synthesizers for audio generation.
Related processes
Chain with MIDI utilities for note processing, use MIDI Filter to extract control data, or combine with Mapping Tool to shape the position control response for more musical scrubbing behavior.