Post by flashart on Oct 10, 2016 14:54:04 GMT
Because I swore to only use my powers for good, here's my guide to how I make MIDI backing tracks without a keyboard.
MIDI is digital music made by small electronic elves. They read traditional sheet music which I create using the old but excellent and free Musedit program for Windows, or Crescendo for Android. This can also can be written within other music programs using a piano roll.(For those moments when you can't get the staff)
Once you have your written masterpiece, save/export it as a MIDI file. You will then need another program called a DAW.This will allow you to play and arrange both MIDI and audio files, as well as allowing drum patterns and effects to be added.
For Windows, I find that Sonar is the DAW that is always open. While for Android, I use Audio Evolution. Open the DAW and create a new project.Add a MIDI track and import your opus into that track.
Okay, here's the genius bit.Remember those elves? They need instruments to play. You find these in something called VSTs.A VST is a synthesizer that mimics instruments or other sounds.The range is astounding.Some are free, some are eyewateringly expensive.So once you have put the work into writing the original score, you can audition it with any instrument ,or sometimes group of instruments ie a string quartet, or even noises and effects. So now your dream of sonata in Gm for tuba, dog barks and assorted screams can now be a reality.Point the midi file at the VST and play.
From this point you can change tempo and key, or simply use this as a backing tracking to record your audio. Then save/export the whole lot as an mp3 etc.
As with any process, there's a learning curve. What I've found is that most programs will do over and above what you require, but sometimes it isn't immediately obvious how to do it.
Hopefully, that little taster may encourage some to dip their toes.My main use is to write synth "washes" or textures to provide atmosphere behind my guitar and harmonica noodling.
MIDI is digital music made by small electronic elves. They read traditional sheet music which I create using the old but excellent and free Musedit program for Windows, or Crescendo for Android. This can also can be written within other music programs using a piano roll.(For those moments when you can't get the staff)
Once you have your written masterpiece, save/export it as a MIDI file. You will then need another program called a DAW.This will allow you to play and arrange both MIDI and audio files, as well as allowing drum patterns and effects to be added.
For Windows, I find that Sonar is the DAW that is always open. While for Android, I use Audio Evolution. Open the DAW and create a new project.Add a MIDI track and import your opus into that track.
Okay, here's the genius bit.Remember those elves? They need instruments to play. You find these in something called VSTs.A VST is a synthesizer that mimics instruments or other sounds.The range is astounding.Some are free, some are eyewateringly expensive.So once you have put the work into writing the original score, you can audition it with any instrument ,or sometimes group of instruments ie a string quartet, or even noises and effects. So now your dream of sonata in Gm for tuba, dog barks and assorted screams can now be a reality.Point the midi file at the VST and play.
From this point you can change tempo and key, or simply use this as a backing tracking to record your audio. Then save/export the whole lot as an mp3 etc.
As with any process, there's a learning curve. What I've found is that most programs will do over and above what you require, but sometimes it isn't immediately obvious how to do it.
Hopefully, that little taster may encourage some to dip their toes.My main use is to write synth "washes" or textures to provide atmosphere behind my guitar and harmonica noodling.