Unlocking Creative Possibilities: Converting Audio to MIDI in FL Studio

Converting audio to MIDI in FL Studio is a powerful technique that allows you to extract rhythmic or melodic content from an audio sample, which can then be edited or repurposed for your music production needs. This process can be achieved using FL Studio's built-in audio sample editing tool called Edison.

The benefits of extracting rhythmic or melodic content from an audio sample are numerous. For instance, it allows you to:

• Repurpose existing audio material, such as a vocal hook or guitar riff, and apply the extracted MIDI notation to a different instrument, like a synth.
• Analyze and study the composition of a piece of music by breaking down its individual elements.
• Use the extracted MIDI information for performance-based techniques, such as triggering and automation.

To convert audio to MIDI in FL Studio using Edison, follow these steps:

Converting Pre-Existing Audio to MIDI

FL Studio offers a straightforward method for converting pre-existing audio to MIDI using Edison, its integrated audio editor. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Drag and drop the audio into a track in arrangement mode.
2. Left-click on the corner of the sample, then select 'Edit sample' under the Sample section to open Edison.
3. In Edison, select the relative pattern and channel for the notes.
4. Right-click on the sample in Edison, and choose 'Convert to score and dump to Piano Roll' under the Tools section.
5. Utilize the notes on a fresh piano roll in a new track.

This method works best with audio files that have clear attacks and isolated instruments. Uncompressed, high-quality audio files such as .wav or .aiff are recommended for more accurate conversions.

It's important to note that the conversion process in FL Studio might not be as advanced as in other DAWs like Ableton Live, which offers dedicated 'Convert Melody', 'Convert Harmony', and 'Convert Drums' commands to analyze the musical context of the original audio and generate MIDI accordingly. However, FL Studio's Edison allows for a quick and simple way to convert audio to MIDI for creative exploration.

Recording Audio Ideas and Converting to MIDI

FL Studio provides a convenient way to record audio ideas, such as humming or singing, and convert them into MIDI data. This can be particularly useful for quickly capturing melodic or rhythmic ideas and repurposing them with different instruments within your project. In this section, we will walk through the process of recording audio ideas in FL Studio and converting them into MIDI data.

Recording Audio Ideas in Edison

1. Set up the correct audio input in the Mixer and choose the input source. This is necessary to ensure that your external audio input (e.g., microphone) is correctly routed to FL Studio.
2. Go into Edison by adding it to an FL slot in the mixer (use F9 to bring up the Mixer if it is not showing) and enable 'On Input',
3. Click the Record button in Edison to record the external audio input (e.g., humming or singing). Once you have captured your audio idea, click the Stop button.
4. Follow the same steps as mentioned earlier for converting pre-existing audio to MIDI.

Converting Pre-Existing Audio to MIDI

1. Drag and drop your audio file into Edison's waveform editor.
2. Go to the Tools menu (the icon for the menu item is a wrench) in Edison, and choose 'Convert to Score and Dump to Piano Roll' under the Analysis submenu.
3. FL Studio will place a pattern in the channel with the instrument you assigned in the Step Sequencer. Open this pattern in the Piano Roll to view and edit the converted MIDI data, including note lengths, pitch data, and velocities.

By following these steps, you can quickly capture audio ideas, convert them to MIDI, and assign them to different instruments within your FL Studio project. This method offers a flexible and efficient way to experiment with different sounds and compositions based on your initial audio ideas.

Applications and Use Cases

In the world of music production, converting audio to MIDI in FL Studio enables producers and musicians to explore creative possibilities and enhance their workflow. This section will discuss various applications and use cases for this technology, including studying compositions, repurposing existing audio samples, and experimenting with different sounds and textures.

Studying Compositions

Converting audio to MIDI allows musicians to analyze complex compositions more easily. By transforming the audio into MIDI notes, users can visualize the structure, melody, and harmony of a piece, making it simpler to understand and study the arrangement. This can be particularly helpful for learning how to play a specific song on an instrument or gaining insight into a composer's techniques.

Repurposing Existing Audio Samples

Another application of audio-to-MIDI conversion is repurposing existing audio samples for other instruments. Producers can take an audio recording and convert it into MIDI data, which can then be assigned to a different instrument or synthesizer. This allows for the creation of new and unique sounds based on the original sample, providing fresh inspiration and expanding the sonic possibilities.

Experimenting with Different Sounds and Textures

Finally, converting audio to MIDI enables producers and musicians to experiment with different sounds and textures. By extracting the MIDI information from an audio source, users can manipulate the data to create new rhythms, harmonies, or melodies. This can lead to the discovery of innovative sound combinations and the development of unconventional musical ideas. Moreover, it can also assist in sound design and layering, as the MIDI data can be used to trigger multiple instruments or effects simultaneously.

In conclusion, converting audio to MIDI in FL Studio offers numerous applications and use cases for musicians and producers. From studying compositions and repurposing existing audio samples to experimenting with different sounds and textures, this technology opens up a world of creative possibilities and enhances the music production process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, converting audio to MIDI in FL Studio using Edison is a powerful technique that can greatly enhance your music production process. The process involves importing an audio file into FL Studio, opening the sample in Edison, and then converting the sample to score and dumping it into the Piano Roll. This method allows you to extract rhythmic or melodic content from an audio sample that you can then edit or repurpose, offering immense creative possibilities.

The benefits of this technique are numerous, including the ability to study or practice someone's compositions, quickly transcribe musical ideas, or even convert your own vocal recordings into MIDI data. Once the audio has been converted to MIDI, you can edit the note lengths, pitch data, and velocities to fine-tune the results, and assign the MIDI data to different instruments for further experimentation and songwriting flexibility.

Overall, the ability to convert audio to MIDI in FL Studio using Edison opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to expand your musical horizons and refine your production skills.