How to Extract MIDI from Audio Files in DAWs

How to Extract MIDI from Audio Files in DAWs

Converting audio to MIDI is a powerful feature available in most Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). It allows producers, musicians, and sound designers to transform recorded or sampled audio into editable MIDI data. Whether you want to analyze melodies, recreate drum patterns, or experiment with sound design, extracting MIDI from audio opens up new creative possibilities.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to extract MIDI from audio files using popular DAWs, the techniques involved, and tips to achieve accurate results.

Why Convert Audio to MIDI?

Converting audio to MIDI can help with:

  • Music transcription: Quickly transcribe melodies or chords from recordings.
  • Sound experimentation: Apply new virtual instruments to extracted MIDI.
  • Remixing and sampling: Transform existing audio loops into customizable MIDI patterns.
  • Learning and practice: Analyze the structure of complex melodies and rhythms.

DAWs That Support Audio-to-MIDI Conversion

Several DAWs offer built-in audio-to-MIDI conversion features, including:

  • Ableton Live
  • FL Studio
  • Logic Pro
  • Cubase
  • Studio One
  • Pro Tools (with Melodyne integration)

Each DAW has its own workflow, but the general process involves selecting an audio file, analyzing it, and converting it to MIDI for further editing.

How to Extract MIDI from Audio in Popular DAWs

1. Ableton Live

Ableton Live provides some of the most robust audio-to-MIDI features, making it a favorite for electronic music producers. It offers three main conversion options:

Steps to Convert Audio to MIDI in Ableton Live:

  1. Import the audio file into an audio track.
  2. Right-click on the audio clip and select one of the following options:
    • Convert Melody to MIDI: Ideal for monophonic melodies like vocal lines or solos.
    • Convert Harmony to MIDI: Suitable for polyphonic content such as chords.
    • Convert Drums to MIDI: Best for extracting rhythmic elements.
  3. A new MIDI track will be generated with the detected notes.
  4. Edit the MIDI notes, change instruments, and adjust velocity for better accuracy.

Tips for Better Results:

  • Use clean and isolated audio signals for more accurate conversion.
  • Apply EQ and noise reduction before conversion to enhance clarity.

2. FL Studio

FL Studio offers audio-to-MIDI functionality through its Edison audio editor and Newtone plugin.

Steps to Convert Audio to MIDI in FL Studio:

  1. Open the Edison plugin and load your audio file.
  2. Use the “Convert to Score and Dump to Piano Roll” option to extract MIDI.
  3. Alternatively, use the Newtone plugin for manual pitch correction and MIDI export.
  4. Fine-tune the MIDI data in the Piano Roll.

Tips:

  • FL Studio works best with monophonic melodies.
  • Manually correct pitch and timing for better results.

3. Logic Pro

Logic Pro offers audio-to-MIDI conversion through its Flex Pitch feature.

Steps to Convert Audio to MIDI in Logic Pro:

  1. Import the audio file and enable Flex Pitch in the track inspector.
  2. Analyze the track to detect pitch information.
  3. Right-click and select Convert to MIDI to generate a new MIDI region.
  4. Edit the MIDI data in the Piano Roll.

Tips:

  • Flex Pitch works best with clear melodic content.
  • Adjust sensitivity settings to avoid unnecessary artifacts.

4. Cubase

Cubase provides an advanced feature called VariAudio, which allows precise pitch detection and MIDI extraction.

Steps to Convert Audio to MIDI in Cubase:

  1. Load the audio file onto an audio track.
  2. Open the Sample Editor and enable VariAudio.
  3. Analyze the pitch and select “Extract MIDI.”
  4. Edit the extracted MIDI notes in the MIDI Editor.

Tips:

  • Ensure the audio is in tune to improve MIDI accuracy.
  • Adjust pitch detection settings for optimal results.

5. Studio One

Studio One includes the Melodyne integration, which offers high-quality pitch detection and MIDI export.

Steps to Convert Audio to MIDI in Studio One:

  1. Select the audio track and apply Melodyne as an audio effect.
  2. Analyze the pitch using Melodyne's tools.
  3. Export the detected notes as MIDI.
  4. Edit the MIDI in the Piano Roll.

Tips:

  • Studio One users can leverage Melodyne’s detailed pitch analysis.
  • Tweak pitch drift and modulation for precise MIDI conversion.

6. Pro Tools (with Melodyne)

In Pro Tools, the best way to convert audio to MIDI is by using Melodyne, which offers deep pitch correction and analysis features.

Steps to Convert Audio to MIDI in Pro Tools:

  1. Apply Melodyne to an audio clip.
  2. Detect pitch and rhythm details.
  3. Export MIDI from Melodyne's interface.
  4. Edit MIDI data within the MIDI Editor.

Tips:

  • Pro Tools users should take advantage of Melodyne’s precise pitch algorithms.
  • Use manual editing to clean up note inaccuracies.

General Tips for Accurate Audio-to-MIDI Conversion

  1. Use High-Quality Audio: Ensure the source audio is clear and free of background noise.
  2. Pre-Process the Audio: Apply EQ and noise reduction before conversion to enhance clarity.
  3. Work with Monophonic Audio First: DAWs often perform better with single-note melodies rather than complex polyphonic material.
  4. Manually Adjust Notes: Automated MIDI extraction may require fine-tuning for accurate pitch and timing.
  5. Experiment with Different Algorithms: Some DAWs offer multiple conversion modes—try different options for the best result.

Conclusion

Extracting MIDI from audio files can be a game-changer for music producers, enabling them to explore new creative directions and fine-tune their musical ideas. With the right tools and techniques, you can efficiently convert audio recordings into editable MIDI data in your preferred DAW.

By following the workflows outlined in this guide, you can make the most of your DAW’s capabilities and take your music production to the next level.

Image credits: https://samplified.us

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