How to Record Midi

Musical Instrument Digital Interface, better known as MIDI, is a method of playing and recording music using digital messages. Often compared to the old-time player pianos, MIDI records information about the specific notes played that includes how hard the note was played and for how long. Read on to learn how to record MIDI.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• MIDI sequencer software
• Input device, such as MIDI-compatible keyboard
• Sound generator or sound card

1. Load MIDI-sequencer software to your computer. The easiest way to get started recording is with a software program like CuBase or CakeWalk.
2. Attach an input device, most likely a MIDI-compatible keyboard, to your computer. While you can use a computer keyboard, it really is much easier to record MIDI with a musical keyboard.
3. Check your computer sound card because you may want an upgrade. You need a decent, high-quality sound card to record decent sounding music. SoundBlaster is a commonly used sound card.
4. Hit record on your sequencer software, and begin playing a song. The program records the MIDI data.
5. Make changes to the data you have laid down. It doesn't matter if you goofed or just want to try something different. All you have to do is make adjustments with the sequencer.
6. Change your recording to different instruments, like drums or a French horn. The different instrument sounds are called a "patch," and with General MIDI, each instrument has its own patch number.
7. Use MIDI without ever playing a song. You can take prerecorded MIDI tracks and adjust them by adding different instruments and changing the tempo.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to record MIDI without a computer, but you need a stand-alone sequencer or workstation.
• Check to see if a keyboard has MIDI inputs (five-prong round connectors 1/2 inch in diameter) to find out if it is MIDI-compatible.