MIDI controllers assist in the recording of MIDI melodies
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is an important aspect of digital music creation. MIDI is a protocol which helps carry data about musical events across platforms and programs. It is possible to compose melodies through MIDI, which can then be inserted into a Digital Audio Workstation, or DAW, program. There are two ways in which this can be accomplished: First, you can import already-created MIDI files into a DAW. Second, you can record MIDI melodies in your DAW live.
Instructions
Importing MIDI melodies from a file
1. Open your DAW software.
2. Create a new MIDI track. Typically, this can be done through the File drop-down menu or by right-clicking on the track view.
3. Import the desired MIDI file into the new MIDI track. Each DAW program has a slightly different process for this function. Many have drop-down menu functions for importing audio clips and other files. Check the File drop-down menu for this function. In most DAW software, you may also use the copy-paste functions. Furthermore, some programs, such as Ableton Live, allow for drag-and-drop insertion.
4. Reconfigure the tempo settings for your project. The MIDI melody you import may have tempo and time signature settings that differ from the default. The DAW software may compensate for this automatically. If it does not, you will need to adjust the project's tempo and time signature settings to match the desired MIDI settings.
Playing MIDI melodies live
5. Connect a MIDI controller to your computer's USB port.
6. Open your DAW software.
7. Create a new MIDI track.
8. Configure the new MIDI track so that it receives input from your MIDI controller.
9. Enable the new track for recording. Usually, there is a button on the track that looks like a record icon, or is labeled with the letter R. This will enable the track for recording.
10. Click the record button on the DAW transport. The transport is the global control for the flow of the project. It is where you find the record, stop, and play buttons, among other things.
11. Play a melody on your MIDI controller.
12. Click the stop button in the transport once you are finished.
Tags: MIDI track, drop-down menu, MIDI controller, your software Create, button transport, Create MIDI, Create MIDI track