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How to Make Music Without MIDI Input

Advancements in audio technology have allowed producers and musicians of all skill levels to incorporate new sounds and techniques into their performances. One of these advancements, the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) controller, has greatly impacted conventional notions on instrumental recording. MIDI controllers can control and manipulate synthesized sounds that are popular with sequencing programs and electronic music. Fortunately, digital audio workstations can still be employed to create music without the need of a MIDI controller. Traditional audio and synthesized tones can be manipulated with non MIDI-based tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Digital audio interface
  • Digital audio workstation
  • FireWire cable
  • USB cable
  • Microphone
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Instructions

    • 1

      Connect the digital audio interface to your computer using a FireWire or USB cable. Although most interfaces take advantage of the fast transfer speeds of FireWire, a number of devices still utilize USB technology.

    • 2

      Connect your microphone to the interface using an XLR cable. Select the interface as your targeted audio input device within your digital audio workstation's (DAW) "I/O settings" menu. This configuration lets you record captured audio from the microphone directly into your computer.

    • 3

      Use the software-based keyboard assignments for pitch and dynamic control within your DAW to input synthesized sounds without the need for a MIDI input device. Software such as Reason, Logic and Record include a mapping for your computer's keyboard in which letter names are translated as pitch values and the numerical keys as dynamic and octave controls.

    • 4

      Press "record" within your DAW and use your keyboard to record the sounds into the software. Think of your keyboard as a MIDI controller or traditional instrument. Pressing the keys will record sounds with the rhythm and pitch you choose.

Recording Music

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