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How to Make a MIDI File

MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) is a technology developed in 1982 and started appearing on instruments in January of 1983. It was made primarily for synthesizers, though other instrument controllers were added later. It is essentially a language that communicates data on how a note is played from one instrument to a DAW (digital audio workstation) or another MIDI instrument. Not much has changed in MIDI, and making a MIDI file is a relatively painless and extremely easy process.

Things You'll Need

  • DAW (digital audio workstation)
  • MIDI interface
  • MIDI controller
  • VST (virtual studio technology) instrument
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Instructions

    • 1

      Connect the MIDI interface to the computer via either USB port and install the drivers. Plug the MIDI cable from the keyboard Out to the MIDI interface In.

    • 2

      Open the digital audio workstation.

    • 3

      Set up the MIDI track. Depending on what kind of DAW you have, this may be represented by identifying and changing a particular icon on the track (as is the case for Cubase) or be automatic (as with FL Studio). Load a VST instrument into the track.

    • 4

      Test the MIDI signal. This is normally seen as a meter being activated on the track or the track being lit up when the note is pressed from the controller when it's operating properly. Press "Record" and "Play" on the track.

    • 5

      Click on the "File" menu then choose "Export As." One of the options will be to save as a MIDI file (.mid). Name the file and save.

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Digital Music

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