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Music Macro Language

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Music Macro Language (MML) is a method of transcribing musical notation as sequence data, which then gets processed into binary performance data, akin to MIDI, for a computer to playback. Most popularly, this syntax can be used to create chiptune music.

Syntax

MML has many variations, but the majority of those languages share a similar syntax.

Syntax Description
oX Set octave for the rest of notes before the next <, > and oX.
For example, o6 will set the octave to 6.
The range is depending on platform.
c, d, e, f, g, a, b Play a note. Use + or - after the letter to specify a sharp or flat, respectively.
A number should appear after the note; this number should denote the note's duration. 1 is a whole note, 2 is a half note, 4 a quarter note, 8 an eighth note, etc.
If no duration is specified, then the duration will be the value specified by the l command.
r Play a rest. Similar to a normal note, the number after it defines its length.
^ Play a tie (extending pervious note, rest or tie). Similar to a normal note, the number after it defines its length.
<, > Decrease or increase octave by 1. The direction is depending on platform, but both of them should be opposite each other.
lXX Defining the default length of a note when the length is not specified.
For example, l4 will set the default length to a quarter note.
@ Set instrument for a channel. The range is depending on platform.
v Set channel volume. The range is depending on platform.

Convert to MML

There are a handful of tools help you convert other sequence formats to MML:

  • PetiteMM, MIDI to MML command-line converter. Java is required to use this tool.

MML usage in SNES ROM hacking

There are a handful of tools known to incorporate MML syntax into editing the music for existing SNES games: