What is MIDI?

[richiebee]

Mention MIDI to any musician who is not in the know, and they'll likely cringe. The internet has helped to give it a reputation that sends musicians running for the hills screaming.

MIDI is just a bunch of instructions... turn this note on, turn this note off, play this note at a certain volume... etc. The etc is important. It's what can make it into a breathing performance. But first, lets listen to what people often think MIDI is.

On the internet, you'll find a bajillion covers playing popular songs using the sounds built into virtually every consumer sound card. Several standards exist to allow this to happen, the most widespread being General MIDI Specifications, or GM. The results, from basic programming sound something like this...[listen to midigm.mp3]

With a little tweaking, some re-writing, use of additional controllers, and replacement of the stock sound card GM sounds (and I added horns and a hammond solo), it's easily possible to come up with something like this...[listen to midireal.mp3]

While this will not convert to a MIDI that is compatible with everyone such that they can hear it with the same quality, and that is largely the point of making files with General MIDI compatibility, but it hopefully dispells the myth that MIDI = sucky. Remember, the two MP3's use the same MIDI file as their basic source.

More later...

Rich

[brandondrury]

I love this! This clearly illustrates the possibilities with modern MIDI sequencing. Not everyone considers MIDI to be a legitimate way of making music, but if you don't consider the "real" clip music, I think you are out of your mind.

While I do think it's always preferred to throw some great musicians in a great room, this just isn't realistic on 2am on Tuesday even if you have the budget. MIDI sequencing is a tremendous way to create ruckus.

Great job, Richiebee. You get 1,000 points!

Brandon

[thesilentdrummer]

Awesome!!! Incredible difference, definitely proves the point. This shows just how much potential MIDI has if you just invest some time in it and get past the MIDI sounds on your Casio Keyboard or the Windows integrated MIDI.

[joebingo]

love em both personally! But i think that might be because the first one reminds me of my mega drive...

but yeah, MIDI is massively powerfull nowadays. I love it

[Ryan D]

Great article.

Yeah, people usually associate MIDI with 8-bit SNES music and get turned off by audio interfaces with midi and whatnot. I'm so glad I have midi, I screw up a lot on my keyboard parts and being able to view the piano roll and fix the nasty notes is a godsend.

[griff217]

Nice work Richie...maybe one day I'll get there.

griff

[Picksalot]

Richiebee,

Wow! Very impressive. What was the original MIDI file, and where did you get it?

[Laura]

Originally Posted by richiebee

The etc is important. It's what can make it into a breathing performance. But first, lets listen to what people often think MIDI is.


With a little tweaking, some re-writing, use of additional controllers, and replacement of the stock sound card GM sounds (and I added horns and a hammond solo), it's easily possible to come up with something like this...[listen to midireal.mp3]

I just learned how to do MIDI & did my first recording LAST WEEK. It was a revelation!!!

I'm still in the very Newby stage trying to figure out the basics. Now you're saying the 2 files are the same original source? So how did you change them... just assigned different instruments to the tracks?

[rockinon333]

Wow richiebee! Very Impressive Midi tracks! I really liked the realism of the Drum track. I have been using Drums on Demand Acid & Rex Loops recently and really like them but I would love to know what your drum source is. I also recently bought BFD drums but have not installed them on my computer yet. What source was used for the drum track?
Thanks.
rockinon333

[Midiman]

Awesome Job Dude! this is off the chain man!

Midiman