Lesson 2 of 12Music ProductionBeginner

What is MIDI

1:07

What MIDI is and how it differs from audio - a flexible language for triggering software instruments and controlling parameters like velocity, panning and tempo.

Part of the courseLogic Pro: Making Beats with Drummer & Apple Loops12 lessons (1h 20m)

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Aamir YaqubYour guruAamir Yaqub

What's in the course

12 lessons (1h 20m) · 1 free
    • 01. Intro to Making Beats

      Free lesson

      0:33

    • 02. What is MIDI

      You are here

      1:07

    • 03. Connecting USB controller

      1:46

    • 04. Recording with USB-MIDI controller

      9:08

    • 05. Hidden feature - Capture recording

      3:09

    • 06. Quantizing

      6:38

    • 07. Editing tools in the Piano Roll

      13:24

    • 08. Making beats using Drummer

      6:42

    • 09. Getting the best out of drummer

      13:55

    • 10. Advanced parameters in Drummer

      4:32

    • 11. Making beats using Apple Loops

      10:16

    • 12. Browsing Loops and using Loop metadata

      9:17

Lesson transcript

Understanding MIDI in a DAW

A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like Logic Pro allows us to work with audio, but it also enables us to work with MIDI to trigger sounds from software instruments.

What is MIDI?

  • MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
  • It has been around since 1982.

The Misconception

MIDI is often thought of as a simple trigger for sounds. However, it is a complex language that allows you to do much more than just trigger notes on a piano or a drum hit.

Exploring MIDI Capabilities

Once you dive into the world of MIDI, you'll be able to change various parameters, including:

  • Velocity
  • Panning
  • Tempo of a track

The Origin of MIDI

MIDI was developed when synth manufacturers collaborated to create a language that would allow a Roland synth to communicate with a Yamaha synth, ultimately benefiting musicians. It serves as a method for devices to communicate with each other.

Important Note

Remember, MIDI is not audio. It is a unique language consisting of a set of instructions relayed between one device and another.

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Aamir Yaqub

Aamir Yaqub

Aamir Yaqub is a music producer and engineer based in London. He has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Alicia Keys, David Guetta, Rihanna, Sia and will.i.am, as well as developing independent artists.

Across his courses he teaches his complete Logic Pro workflow - from the interface and recording through beat-making, synthesis and MIDI effects to mixing and finishing a track.

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