Author: Rob Goodwin

Twitter: @mididrumfiles
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Humanize it. Making it feel REAL.

How to Humanize Your MIDI Tracks: Making Music Feel Alive

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a powerful tool in music production, allowing for precise control over musical elements. However, this precision can sometimes make MIDI tracks sound robotic or artificial. To bring a more natural, human feel to your MIDI compositions, here are some effective techniques to “humanize” your tracks.

1. Ease Up on Quantization

Quantization aligns your MIDI notes perfectly to the grid, which can make your music sound too mechanical. Instead of quantizing every note, try leaving some parts slightly off the grid. This mimics the natural timing variations of a live performance1.

2. Vary Note Velocities

In real performances, musicians don’t hit every note with the same intensity. Adjusting the velocity (the force with which a note is played) can add a dynamic range to your MIDI tracks. Randomizing velocities slightly can make your music sound more expressive and less uniform1.

3. Adjust Timing and Note Lengths

Small variations in the timing and length of notes can make a big difference. Slightly shifting notes forward or backward and varying their lengths can create a more organic feel. This technique, known as “MIDI note offsetting,” helps to replicate the subtle imperfections of a human performance2.

4. Use Humanization Tools

Many DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) have built-in humanization tools. These tools can automatically introduce slight variations in timing, velocity, and note length. For example, in Logic Pro X, you can use the “Humanize” function in the MIDI Transform menu to add these variations3.

5. Incorporate Swing and Groove

Adding swing or groove to your MIDI tracks can make them feel more lively. Swing shifts the timing of certain notes to create a more relaxed, off-beat feel, commonly used in jazz and funk. Most DAWs have swing settings that you can adjust to suit your style2.

6. Layer with Real Instruments

Layering MIDI tracks with recordings of real instruments can add a layer of authenticity. Even if the real instrument is playing the same part as the MIDI, the natural variations in the live performance can enhance the overall feel of the track1.

7. Edit Attack and Decay

Tweaking the attack (how quickly a note reaches its peak volume) and decay (how quickly it fades away) can make MIDI instruments sound more realistic. Adjusting these parameters can help mimic the nuances of how a real musician would play1.

Conclusion

Humanizing your MIDI tracks is all about introducing subtle variations and imperfections that mimic a live performance. By easing up on quantization, varying note velocities, adjusting timing and note lengths, using humanization tools, incorporating swing and groove, layering with real instruments, and editing attack and decay, you can make your MIDI compositions sound more natural and expressive.

Experiment with these techniques to find what works best for your music, and enjoy the process of making your MIDI tracks come alive!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

When Will MIDI Die?

The Future of MIDI: Will It Ever End as a Musical Practice?

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) has been a cornerstone of music production since its introduction in the early 1980s. It revolutionized the way musicians and producers create, arrange, and perform music. But with the rapid advancements in technology, one might wonder: will MIDI ever become obsolete? Let’s explore this intriguing question.

The Enduring Legacy of MIDI

**1. Historical Significance MIDI was developed to solve a critical problem in the music industry: the lack of standardization among electronic musical instruments. Before MIDI, synthesizers and other electronic instruments from different manufacturers couldn’t communicate with each other. MIDI provided a universal communication standard, allowing seamless integration of various devices1.

**2. Versatility and Flexibility MIDI’s ability to transmit data messages that specify musical information such as note pitch, duration, and velocity has made it incredibly versatile. It can control not only musical instruments but also lighting systems, stage effects, and more2. This versatility has kept MIDI relevant across various applications beyond just music production.

Technological Advancements

**1. Integration with Modern Technology MIDI has evolved to integrate with modern technology. The introduction of MIDI 2.0 has brought enhanced resolution, increased expressiveness, and bidirectional communication, making it more powerful than ever3. This evolution ensures that MIDI remains compatible with the latest digital audio workstations (DAWs) and virtual instruments.

**2. Emergence of New Protocols While new protocols and technologies continue to emerge, they often complement rather than replace MIDI. For instance, OSC (Open Sound Control) offers higher resolution and more flexibility but is often used alongside MIDI rather than as a replacement4.

The Role of MIDI in Modern Music Production

**1. Industry Standard MIDI has become an industry standard, deeply embedded in the workflows of musicians and producers worldwide. Its widespread adoption and compatibility with a vast array of hardware and software make it indispensable2.

**2. Educational Importance MIDI is also a fundamental part of music education. Learning MIDI is essential for aspiring music producers and sound engineers, ensuring that its legacy continues with future generations2.

Will MIDI Ever End?

Given its historical significance, versatility, and continuous evolution, it’s unlikely that MIDI will end as a musical practice anytime soon. While new technologies will continue to emerge, MIDI’s ability to adapt and integrate with these advancements ensures its ongoing relevance.

Conclusion

MIDI has stood the test of time, evolving with technological advancements and maintaining its position as a crucial tool in music production. While the future may bring new innovations, MIDI’s foundational role in the music industry suggests that it will remain a vital practice for years to come.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Traditional MIDI vs. USB MIDI: Which is Better for Music Production?

When it comes to MIDI music production, choosing between traditional MIDI cords and USB MIDI interfaces can be a bit of a dilemma. Both have their own unique advantages and can be better suited for different scenarios. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.

USB MIDI Interfaces

1. Convenience USB MIDI interfaces are incredibly user-friendly. With plug-and-play functionality, they eliminate the need for additional hardware like MIDI interfaces. This makes them a great choice for those who want a quick and easy setup.

2. Compatibility USB is a universal standard, widely compatible with modern computers and devices. This versatility means you can connect your MIDI devices to almost any computer without worrying about compatibility issues.

3. Power Supply One of the significant advantages of USB is its ability to provide power to some MIDI devices. This reduces the need for extra power adapters, simplifying your setup even further.

4. Data Transfer Speed USB supports high-speed data transfer, which can be beneficial for real-time performance. This ensures that your MIDI signals are transmitted quickly and accurately, reducing latency and improving overall performance.

Traditional MIDI Cords

1. Reliability Traditional MIDI cords are specifically designed for musical instruments, ensuring stable and reliable communication. They have been the industry standard for decades, known for their robustness and dependability.

2. Length MIDI cords can be longer than USB cables, which can be useful in larger setups. If you need to connect devices that are far apart, traditional MIDI cords might be the better option.

3. Industry Standard MIDI has been the standard for musical instrument communication for a long time. This ensures broad compatibility with a wide range of devices, especially older equipment that might not support USB.

Which is Better?

For Modern Setups: USB MIDI interfaces are often preferred due to their ease of use, compatibility, and additional features like power supply and high-speed data transfer. They are ideal for modern, computer-based music production environments.

For Traditional or Complex Setups: Traditional MIDI cords might be better if you need longer cables or are working with older equipment that doesn’t support USB. They offer reliability and have been trusted by musicians for decades.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and setup. If you prioritize convenience and compatibility with modern devices, USB MIDI interfaces are the way to go. However, if you need longer cables or are working with older equipment, traditional MIDI cords might be more suitable.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Why Are MIDI Files So Small?

MIDI files are small because they contain instructions rather than actual audio data. Unlike audio files, which store detailed sound wave information, MIDI files store a series of commands that tell a synthesizer or computer how to generate sounds. Here’s a closer look at why MIDI files are so compact:

1. Data Type

  • MIDI Files Contain Instructions: MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. MIDI files contain instructions like which notes to play, how long to play them, how loud they should be, and which instrument should be used. These instructions are encoded as simple, compact data.
  • No Audio Data: MIDI files do not store audio waveforms. Instead, they store numerical representations of musical events (e.g., “play note C4 with a velocity of 90”). This is fundamentally different from audio files, which store the actual sound waves as large sets of data points.

2. Efficiency

  • Event-Based System: MIDI is an event-based system where each event (such as a note being played or a control change) is represented by a few bytes of data. For example, a “Note On” message requires only 3 bytes: one for the command itself (which note), and two for the note and velocity.
  • Minimal Data Required: Because each MIDI event requires so little data, even a complex piece of music with multiple instruments and extensive control changes can be represented with just a few kilobytes.

3. Channel and Track Organization

  • Use of MIDI Channels: MIDI files organize data into channels, where each channel can control a different instrument. Multiple channels can be managed within a single track, and all this information is packed efficiently into the file.
  • Track Information: In MIDI Type 1 files, the data is organized into multiple tracks, but these tracks only contain the essential commands, which take up minimal space.

4. Absence of Audio Recording

  • No Sound Recording: MIDI files do not record or store sound. They do not capture audio from a microphone or any other source. This dramatically reduces the file size compared to audio files like WAV or MP3, which store detailed information about the sound waves.

5. Repeatable Instructions

  • Repetitive Commands: Many MIDI sequences involve repeated instructions, such as the same note or control change being triggered multiple times. MIDI efficiently encodes these repetitive elements without requiring additional storage for each instance.

6. Text-Based Information

  • Inclusion of Lyrics or Meta-Events: Even when MIDI files include lyrics or other meta-events (like tempo changes), this data is still text-based and occupies very little space compared to the audio data.

Example of File Size Differences:

  • MIDI File: A typical MIDI file for a song might be as small as 5–50 KB.
  • Audio File: An equivalent audio file (e.g., WAV or MP3) of the same song could range from 5–50 MB, depending on the format and quality.

Summary:

MIDI files are small because they don’t store actual audio but rather the instructions needed to generate the audio. This event-based system, combined with the efficient encoding of musical commands, makes MIDI files extremely compact. The small file size is one of the reasons why MIDI is still widely used in music production, especially in scenarios where flexibility and ease of manipulation are important.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Difference Between MIDI Module and A Software Synth

The difference between a MIDI module and a software synth lies in their physical form, functionality, and the way they integrate with other musical equipment and production environments. Both are used to generate sounds based on MIDI input, but they serve different roles in music production.

MIDI Module

What is a MIDI Module?

A MIDI module, also known as a sound module or tone generator, is a hardware device that generates sound in response to MIDI data. It doesn’t have a built-in keyboard, so it requires an external MIDI controller (such as a keyboard or computer) to trigger the sounds.

Key Features of MIDI Modules:

  • Hardware-Based: MIDI modules are physical devices that often come with various sound libraries, ranging from pianos and strings to synthesized sounds.
  • Standalone Operation: They can operate independently of a computer and are often used in live performances or studio setups where reliable, hardware-based sound generation is preferred.
  • Preset Sounds: Most MIDI modules come with preloaded sound banks, often based on the General MIDI (GM) standard, as well as additional proprietary sounds.
  • Connection: MIDI modules typically connect to other devices via MIDI cables, though many modern modules also support USB and other digital connections.
  • Dependability: As hardware devices, MIDI modules are often prized for their reliability and low latency, making them suitable for live performances where stability is critical.

Examples of MIDI Modules:

  • Roland JV-1080: A popular rack-mounted sound module with a wide range of sounds.
  • Yamaha Motif Rack: A module version of the Yamaha Motif synthesizer series.
  • Alesis NanoSynth: A compact module offering a variety of sounds.

Software Synth

What is a Software Synth?

A software synthesizer, or soft synth, is a virtual instrument that runs on a computer or mobile device. It generates sound digitally and is controlled via a MIDI controller or directly within a digital audio workstation (DAW).

Key Features of Software Synths:

  • Software-Based: Soft synths are programs or plugins that operate within a DAW or as standalone applications.
  • Flexibility and Customization: They often offer extensive sound design capabilities, allowing users to create, modify, and save custom sounds.
  • Vast Libraries: Software synths can access massive libraries of sounds and samples, often far exceeding the capabilities of hardware MIDI modules.
  • Integration with DAWs: Software synths integrate seamlessly with DAWs, allowing for easy automation, effects processing, and multi-track recording.
  • Portability: Since they are software, soft synths can be installed on laptops or other portable devices, making them highly convenient for on-the-go music production.
  • Cost-Effective: Often, soft synths are more affordable than hardware MIDI modules, especially considering the vast range of sounds and features they offer.

Examples of Software Synths:

  • Serum by Xfer Records: A popular wavetable synthesizer known for its high-quality sound and visual interface.
  • Native Instruments Massive: A software synth widely used for electronic music production.
  • Spectrasonics Omnisphere: A comprehensive soft synth with an extensive library and powerful sound design tools.

Key Differences

  1. Physical Form:
  • MIDI Module: A physical, standalone hardware device.
  • Software Synth: A virtual instrument that runs on a computer or mobile device.
  1. Sound Libraries:
  • MIDI Module: Typically comes with preset sound banks, often based on the GM standard and other proprietary sounds.
  • Software Synth: Offers vast and often expandable libraries, with more flexibility in sound design and customization.
  1. Integration:
  • MIDI Module: Connects to MIDI controllers or other instruments via physical MIDI connections.
  • Software Synth: Integrates directly with DAWs and other software, often controlled via USB MIDI controllers.
  1. Latency and Reliability:
  • MIDI Module: Known for low latency and high reliability, making them ideal for live performances.
  • Software Synth: Dependent on the computer’s processing power; latency can vary, and reliability may be affected by system stability.
  1. Portability:
  • MIDI Module: Portable but requires additional hardware (MIDI controller).
  • Software Synth: Extremely portable, as it can be installed on laptops or mobile devices.

Why Choose One Over the Other?

  • MIDI Module: Ideal if you need a reliable, low-latency solution for live performance or prefer hardware-based sound generation. They are also a good choice if you want to avoid relying on a computer for sound production.
  • Software Synth: Best suited for those who require flexibility, customization, and seamless integration with a DAW. Soft synths are ideal for studio work, sound design, and situations where a vast array of sounds and effects is needed.

Conclusion

Both MIDI modules and software synths have their own strengths and are suitable for different applications. MIDI modules are reliable, hardware-based solutions favored in live settings, while software synths offer greater flexibility and integration in digital music production environments. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritize portability, sound customization, reliability, or the breadth of available sounds.

Posted on by — 2 Comments

What MIDI Channel Should I Use?

Choosing the appropriate MIDI channels depends on your specific setup and the type of musical performance or production you’re working on. Here’s a breakdown of what MIDI channels are, how they work, and some general guidelines on which channels to use in different situations.

Understanding MIDI Channels

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) uses channels to manage different instruments or parts in a composition. A single MIDI connection can carry up to 16 channels, each capable of transmitting a separate stream of MIDI data. This allows multiple instruments or parts to be controlled independently within the same MIDI system.

Common MIDI Channel Assignments

  1. Channel 1: This is typically the default channel for most MIDI controllers and instruments. If you’re controlling a single instrument, it’s common to use Channel 1.
  2. Channel 10: Reserved for percussion/drums in the General MIDI (GM) standard. Drum machines, drum kits, and other percussive instruments are often assigned to Channel 10.
  3. Channels 2-9, 11-16: These channels are usually available for other instruments or parts in your composition. You can assign different instruments or voices to each of these channels.

When to Use Specific MIDI Channels

  • Single Instrument Setup: If you’re controlling only one instrument, you can simply use Channel 1. In this case, there’s no need to worry about channel assignments unless you introduce more instruments or parts.
  • Multiple Instruments: When working with multiple instruments, assign each one to a different MIDI channel. For example:
  • Channel 1: Piano
  • Channel 2: Bass
  • Channel 3: Strings
  • Channel 4: Synth Lead
  • Channel 10: Drums (as per GM standard)
  • Percussion/Drums: Always use Channel 10 for drums if you’re following the General MIDI standard. Most MIDI drum kits and percussion instruments are designed to default to Channel 10.
  • Layering Sounds: If you want to layer multiple sounds to play simultaneously from the same MIDI input, you can assign the same MIDI channel to different instruments. For instance, assigning both a piano and a string sound to Channel 1 will allow you to trigger both sounds together.
  • Split Keyboard: Some keyboards allow you to split the keyboard so that different sections control different instruments. For example, you could assign the lower keys to Channel 2 (bass) and the upper keys to Channel 1 (piano).

Practical Tips for MIDI Channel Usage

  • Organize Your Channels: When working on complex projects with multiple instruments, it helps to organize your channels logically. For example, use Channels 1-4 for melodic instruments, 5-8 for harmonics or pads, and 10 for drums.
  • Avoid Overlap: Make sure that different instruments that are supposed to be independent are assigned to different channels. Overlapping channels can lead to unintended sounds or control issues.
  • DAW and Synthesizer Defaults: Some DAWs or synthesizers may have default channel settings. Be aware of these defaults, especially when connecting multiple devices, to avoid conflicts.
  • MIDI Channel Filtering: Some advanced MIDI setups allow you to filter or remap MIDI channels. This can be useful in complex live performance setups where you need to route specific data to particular instruments.

When to Use Specific Channels

  • Simple Home Studio Setup: For a basic setup with a few instruments, using Channels 1-5 for your main instruments and Channel 10 for drums is usually sufficient.
  • Live Performance: In a live setup with multiple MIDI devices, carefully assign each device to a unique channel to ensure that each instrument responds correctly to your performance.
  • Orchestration: For orchestral compositions or complex arrangements, use a systematic approach to channel assignment, reserving specific channels for different instrument families (e.g., strings, brass, woodwinds).

Conclusion

The choice of MIDI channels is all about organizing your MIDI data efficiently and ensuring that each instrument or part of your composition responds as intended. For most setups, using Channel 1 for your primary instrument and Channel 10 for drums is a good starting point. As you add more instruments or complexity to your setup, assigning each one to its own channel will help keep your MIDI data organized and easy to manage. Whether you’re working in a home studio, performing live, or composing an orchestral piece, thoughtful MIDI channel assignment is key to a smooth and successful musical workflow.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

How do I add lyrics to MIDI files?

Adding and storing lyrics in MIDI files is a feature supported by the MIDI standard, allowing lyrics to be embedded directly within the MIDI data. This can be particularly useful for karaoke applications, live performances, or any scenario where the lyrics need to be synchronized with the music. Here’s how lyrics can be added and stored in MIDI files:

1. MIDI Lyric Meta Events

MIDI files can store lyrics using Lyric Meta Events. These events are a part of the MIDI standard and are specifically designed to embed text, such as lyrics, into a MIDI sequence. Each word or syllable of the lyrics is associated with a specific time in the track, allowing them to be displayed in sync with the music.

  • Meta Event Type: The MIDI event type used to store lyrics is the Lyric Meta Event (0x05).
  • Text Data: The actual lyrics are stored as text data within these events.

2. Software for Adding Lyrics

To add lyrics to a MIDI file, you typically use a MIDI sequencing or editing software that supports Lyric Meta Events. Here’s how you can do it:

Using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)

Some DAWs and MIDI editing software allow you to add lyrics directly to a MIDI track. Examples include:

  • Cakewalk by BandLab: One of the most popular DAWs for handling MIDI lyrics. You can input lyrics directly into the MIDI track and align them with the corresponding notes.
  • Cubase: Another DAW that allows the addition of lyrics via the MIDI editor.
  • MuseScore: A free notation software that supports adding lyrics to MIDI files.

Steps to Add Lyrics in a DAW

  1. Import or Create a MIDI Track: Start by importing an existing MIDI file or creating a new MIDI sequence in your DAW.
  2. Access the MIDI Editor: Open the MIDI editor in your DAW to view the MIDI events. There should be an option to add or edit lyrics.
  3. Enter Lyrics:
  • In Cakewalk, for example, you would use the Lyric View to input lyrics, aligning each word or syllable with the corresponding note.
  • In MuseScore, you can select the note where the lyric should appear, and then type the word or syllable.
  1. Sync Lyrics with Music: Ensure the lyrics are synchronized with the music. Each word or syllable should be associated with the appropriate note, allowing it to display in time with the music during playback.
  2. Save the MIDI File: Once the lyrics are added and synced, save the MIDI file. The lyrics will now be embedded in the file as Lyric Meta Events.

3. Karaoke MIDI Files

MIDI files with embedded lyrics are often used in karaoke systems. These files are typically referred to as MIDI-Karaoke or KAR files (MIDI files with a .kar extension).

  • KAR Files: These are specialized MIDI files that include lyrics and other metadata designed for karaoke systems. Many karaoke software programs support these files and can display the lyrics on the screen in sync with the music.

4. Playback of MIDI Files with Lyrics

To view and play back the lyrics embedded in a MIDI file, you’ll need a compatible MIDI player or software that can interpret and display the Lyric Meta Events.

  • MIDI Players with Lyric Support: Some MIDI players, such as vanBasco’s Karaoke Player, can display lyrics as the MIDI file plays.
  • DAWs: Many DAWs that support MIDI lyrics can also display them during playback, allowing you to see how the lyrics align with the music.

5. Considerations

  • Encoding: Ensure that the lyrics are encoded in a supported character set, usually ASCII or UTF-8, to avoid issues with special characters.
  • Timing: Precise timing is crucial when syncing lyrics with music. Pay attention to the placement of each Lyric Meta Event to ensure they display correctly.

Conclusion

Lyrics can be added and stored in MIDI files using Lyric Meta Events, making it possible to synchronize text with music for applications like karaoke or live performance. By using MIDI editing software or DAWs that support lyric entry, you can embed the lyrics directly into the MIDI file, ensuring they play back in sync with the corresponding notes. This feature adds another layer of interactivity and functionality to MIDI, making it a versatile tool for music production and performance.