Learning Journal WEEK 11 – AUM162

DATA

For the composition I created for Project 2, I wanted to illustrate the melody line by using a score so that it would be easier to understand how simple the melody was. The problem was that to illustrate it in the score, I had to convert the vocal track from audio to midi. I have a cheap version of Melodyne and found out that that’s not going to work. Now if I had the full version it would be the bee’s knees easy. I’m really not sure about which plug-in I should buy on the market for the job, so let’s not waste money unless I am completely confident in which plug-in is gonna do the job right.

I read an article talking about Ableton (DAW) and how they use Ableton to convert audio files into midi files. Consequently, since I’ve got Ableton on my old MacBook Pro then it’s time to give it a crack. Let’s see how successful it will be converting audio into midi files and using both DAW’s (Pro Tools / Ableton) to transfer the file between.

Reflection

I was looking for a quicker way to convert audio to midi, so I could increase my workflow. By being able to convert audio into midi or midi into audio would enable me to have more options when I come across any audio problems. The audio I tried was with the vocals, maybe the audio vocals were to complex for Ableton to quickly convert and It might perform better with an instrument rather than a vocal.

Ableton is a DAW that I really haven’t looked at or had any time to study on at home. I have attempted it at SAE once or twice, as I’ve noticed there has been an increase of fellow students or peers using Ableton at SAE. Looks like it’s about time I got stuck into learning the pros and cons of Ableton and see how I can utilize it with Pro Tools.

With the melody conversion of the vocal audio to midi, I tested using Ableton in a couple of different ways. At the end of the day, I achieved this the long way, by manually entering the notes with my midi controller keyboard. This takes a bit of time to do, so I’m now on the hunt to find different alternatives in data transfers/converts and the need for speed to create a quicker workflow when the clock is ticking for a client.

The challenge now on is to work it all out with different techniques of audio to midi conversions. I’m now working on gaining knowledge on problems setbacks and difficulties which I am bound to come across in the future. Since I have Pro Tools, Ableton, and Logic Pro X all on my old MacBook Pro, I will be learning these DAW’s the best I can, since I might be able to solve small problems with one of these 3 alternative DAW mediums. A quick transfer to another DAW and then reimports the file back. Problem solved.

Reference

Group, R., & Glynn, L. (2020, May 29). Convert Audio to MIDI: How to Using Different DAWs. Retrieved August 28, 2020, from https://www.dawsons.co.uk/blog/how-to-convert-audio-midi