Nokia polyphonic handsets

 

Nokia polyphonic handsets can be divided into two distinct groups,  either 4 note,  or 24 note polyphony.

 

As a basic guide,  the earlier polyphonic handsets such as the Nokia 3510, 5100, 6100, 6110, 7210 and 7250 are in the '4 note' group,  whilst at the later Nokia phones such as the 3650 and 7650 fall into the '24 note' group.

 

 

Creating polyphonic ringtone files for '4 note' Nokia handsets

 

The '4 note' group of Nokia phones can play back four simultaneous notes.

 

As Midi files usually contain 16 channels, most files tend to sound poor if you try to send them to your phone without working on them first.

 

The Ringtone Converter gives you a number of tools to convert a midi file into a ringtone file for a '4 note' Nokia.  These can be used in a two step procedure as follows:

 

Step 1

 

Use the simplify midi or midi type 1 to 0 function to reduce the number of notes that can be played simultaneously to 4 or less.  

 

The midi type 1 to 0 function will retain most of the ringtone, but will not reduce the file size.  The simplify midi function will simplify the midi file,  and usually reduce the file size.

 

Step 2

 

Use the midi trim and enhance volume functions to create different versions of the midi file.  Try creating 2 or 3 different midi files,  then download all to your phone and see which sounds the best.

 

 

Creating polyphonic ringtone files for '24 note' Nokia handsets

 

As the name implies,  the '24 note' group of Nokia phones can play back 24 simultaneous notes.

 

As Midi files generally only contain 16 channels, very few have more than 24 notes playing simultaneously and therefore you do not need to simplify the midi file.

 

It is still a good idea however to use the volume enhancement and midi trim tools to enhance the midi,  and reduce its size to just the section you want on your phone.

 

You may also want to consider using the Midi type 1 to type 0 tool as some midi files are badly composed,  and this tool will re-arrange the midi file to fix common problems.

 

 

Creating standard ringtones for any Nokia polyphonic handset

 

If you would like to use one of the sample, non-polyphonic ringtones included with the Ringtone Converter or a non-polyphonic RTTTL ringtones,  choose a ringtone and then select the 'File' menu,  then 'Save as' and save the file as either a single,  or multi channel midi file.

 

The multi channel option will produce a very loud ringtone which is useful on some Nokia handsets if you have difficulty hearing the polyphonic tones.

 

 

Downloading ringtones to any Nokia handset

 

The procedure for adding ringtones is the same for all types of Nokia.

 

You do still have a few options to choose from however, depending on the features of your phone,  and your computer.

 

Option 1 - Download using WAP

 

This option is available on all Nokia phones.

 

The Ringtone Converter has a fully functional WAP server built in,  and will allow you to download the midi ringtones you have created.

 

For details of how to use the WAP server to download ringtones click here.

 

Option 2 - Download using iRDA

 

If your phone and computer have infra red,  you can use this to send the ringtone files to your phone on most Nokia handsets. 

 

Option 3 - Download using Bluetooth

 

Like infra red,  if your phone and computer have bluetooth,  you can also use this to send the ringtone files to your phone.