.2SF is a container with sound samples + sequence data (like MIDI but in a proprietary engine format).
If you take one thing away from this guide, let it be this: Do not look for a converter. Look for a sequencer ripper.
The journey from mini2sf to midi is a deep rabbit hole into game audio preservation. It is technical, often frustrating, but when you finally extract that hidden chord progression from a 2006 PSP RPG, you will feel like a digital archaeologist. Good luck, and happy sequencing.
Last updated: 2025. Tools and links available via the VGM Preservation Project and HydrogenAud.io forums.
Converting mini2sf (Nintendo DS sequenced music) to MIDI is a multi-step process because these files contain "instructions" for the DS sound chip rather than standard audio. To get a usable MIDI, you must extract the sequence and pair it with its corresponding sound bank . Core Tools Required
VGMTrans: The industry standard for converting sequenced video game music into MIDI, SF2, or DLS formats . mini2sf to midi
SynthFont (Optional): Useful for pairing the resulting MIDI with soundfonts to hear the original instruments .
foobar2000 with the vgmstream plugin: Good for playback and initial inspection of .2sf and .mini2sf files . Step-by-Step Conversion Guide 1. Prepare Your Files
Ensure you have the .mini2sf file and its library file (usually .2sflib) in the same folder. The library contains the shared sound data needed for the mini-files to function . 2. Extract with VGMTrans
Open VGMTrans and drag your .nds ROM (if you have the full game) or the specific .mini2sf file into the window .
Wait for the program to scan; it will list detected sequences (SEQ) and banks (BANK). If you take one thing away from this
Locate the Sequence: In the lower pane, look for an entry like SEQ_XXXX. Right-click it and select "Convert to MIDI" .
Locate the Bank: Right-click the associated BANK_XXXX entry and select "Convert to DLS" or "Convert to SF2" if you want to keep the original instruments . 3. Handle Difficult Files (Alternative Method)
If VGMTrans fails to find the sequence, the game might use a proprietary driver like the one found in Super Princess Peach, which is notoriously difficult to rip . In these cases:
Use a MIDI editor like Anvil Studio or LMMS to manually fix broken track assignments or missing program changes .
If you only have a recording, you can use AI tools like NeuralNote to attempt an audio-to-MIDI transcription, though this is less accurate than a direct rip . 4. Reassembling the Sound Once you have the .mid and .dls/.sf2 files: Open the MIDI in a DAW (like FL Studio or Ableton). The journey from mini2sf to midi is a
Load the converted SoundFont (.sf2) into a player like Fruity LSD or Sforzando .
Assign the MIDI channels to the correct instrument patches from the bank to recreate the original soundtrack .
Here’s a step-by-step guide to converting Mini2SF (a soundfont or tracker instrument format often used in FamiTracker or similar chiptune tools) to MIDI.
Note: Mini2SF is not a standard audio format like MP3/WAV. It usually refers to .2SF (Nintendo DS mini-soundfont format) or Mini 2SF players. If you mean converting a .2SF file (chiptune track) to MIDI, this guide covers that.
Music students and composers often analyze video game scores to learn about counterpoint, rhythm, and arrangement. A MIDI file can be imported into notation software like Sibelius, MuseScore, or Finale to see the actual sheet music.