Music Lesson: Recording and Quantizing MIDI Tracks

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So, I've got my basic guide track done. Let's unplug. I'm going to go back into the MicroKorg here and have a little jam to see if I can come up with something new.

Adjusting MIDI Settings

• First, I need to make a few adjustments in my MIDI device:
  • Click on the MIDI track.
  • Lower the spread, maybe take that off for the moment.

Working with Chords

• I have a four-note chord, but I might actually shrink this down to a three-note chord just for now:
  • This will help me generate the first set of ideas.
  • I want to build up from the bottom up.

"When you arm a track to record into, your little stop button turns into a record button."

• I'm giving myself free rein regarding the length of my recording:
  • Not limited to four or eight bars.
  • I'll record until I find a section that works musically.

Recording Process

• I'm going to click the record button now.

"The first section I liked a little bit more than the second, I think."

• My MIDI notes are in there; that is the main thing.

Quantizing Notes

• Next, I will quantize these notes to align them with their grid positions:
  • Press Command + A on the keyboard to select all notes.
  • Then press Command + U to move them onto their grid positions.

"When dealing with quantize here, essentially, I want to make sure that some of the notes align properly; otherwise, it's going to sound a little bit weird."

• Let's also turn down the volume a bit.

Creating a Contrasting Motif

• I've laid down that little motif, and I think I'll create a second one to contrast the first:

  • This will also help with the structure.

• Now, I'll duplicate the scene:

  • This gives me one of each, and I'll delete the set of chords in the new scene.

• On the first scene, this will play what I just recorded.

• The second scene currently has only the beat, so I need to record another part:

  • I'll hit record and have another jam, similar to earlier.

Final Steps

• My intention is that this will complement the first MIDI part:
  • I'll again select my notes using Command + A and quantize them.

"This way, they lock to the grid, and it's going to sound a little smoother."

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Use these tips to enhance your MIDI recording process for better sound clarity and musical structure!