MIDI to Audio

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Member Since: Nov 09, 2008

I'm trying to record my MIDI tracks to an audio track by choosing audio mixdown and then selecting a format (such as wma) and checking the import as audio box, but the audio track that is imported into the project when the process is completed is totally blank. Any ideas why? Am I doing it the right way? What I'm ultimately trying to achieve is to be able to convert my tracks to MP3 but in order for my MIDI tracks to be heard in an MP3, I need to convert them to an audio track first. The manual isn't very helpful to a beginner.

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Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 19, 2008 10:24 pm

Um, it might help if you told us what software you are trying to do this in.

And in most cases the DAW is able to do a mix down to mp3 with everything as it is. You simply select all the tracks and such that you want mixed down and then hit export, audio, mp3 and let the DAW do its thing.

Member
Since: Nov 09, 2008


Dec 20, 2008 12:55 am

Sorry, it's Cubase 3.1 SX. It won't include the MIDI instruments when I convert to MP3. I've been told I must first convert them to audio tracks and it's this I'm having problems with

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 20, 2008 01:12 am

Are you using external hardware synths or VSTi synthes?

If they are VSTi then simply selecting them and making sure to include them in the export selection choices will do it.

If it is hardware then you need to insert a new audio track and simply record the external synth to it.

Member
Since: Nov 09, 2008


Dec 20, 2008 05:21 pm

I'm using a cheap Creative Prodikeys keyboard and Soundblaster Live soundcard. The MIDI sounds I'm using are on the Soundblaster Live. I've found if I use only VST instrument sounds that come with Cubase, it mixes down fine. But I need to use some of the Soundblaster Live MIDI sounds but these are omitted during mixdown. It says I have to convert these onto an audio track to enable them to be heard but this is what I can't work out how to do and the manual is useless on this point. Thanks very much for your help by the way.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 20, 2008 07:04 pm

OK that explains a lot then as to what is happening.

So yes, in that case the onboard synth chip of the SB will need to be fed out the line outputs and right back into the line inputs of the SB card.

Make certain to MUTE all the other tracks and only play back one track at a time.

Set up an audio track to record the SB's output and you should be all good.

Member
Since: Nov 09, 2008


Dec 22, 2008 12:15 am

So yes, in that case the onboard synth chip of the SB will need to be fed out the line outputs and right back into the line inputs of the SB card.

Can you tell me how to do that please? I can't find anything about it in the manual!

Set up an audio track to record the SB's output and you should be all good.

The same here too if you don't mind please? I think the manual assumes you have a more sophisticated keyboard/synth than my little £20 job!
Thanks very much for your help it really is valuable as I know no musicians at all, much less one who is familiar with Cubase.

Member
Since: Nov 09, 2008


Dec 22, 2008 12:18 am

Also, does that mean I would need to buy a lead of some sort like a phono plug lead? I know this will probably sound stupid, but I will need to know where it will need to be plugged into (i.e. which particular sockets)?

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Dec 22, 2008 12:36 pm

On the SB card, there's output ports (maybe 2, or maybe 1 with L & R on the same jack). This is where your sound comes out, that you can hear.

The card also has input ports. I don't know if you have MIC input, or LINE input. ALso, I don't know if you have stereo input jacks (L & R on one), or mono inputs L separate from R input.

Anyway, yule (heh, nice xmas reference) need to connect cable(s) from the output ports over to the input ports. This will

1. let you play the midi sequence
2. send the synth sound out the outputs
3. record the audio part onto a new track in your software

Like Noize said, you'll want to mute everything else, so just the synth audio is sent out the outputs.

And, in your Cubase, you'll want to create a new track, that listens on your input ports, to receive your newly incoming audio signal. You can record this track as mono or stereo, your choice, i guess. It can be done either way, and depends on what your synth is sending out.

Yes, you'll need some sort of cable, but I can't tell you what kind, as I don't know exactly what type of ports you have on the soundcard.

hth

Member
Since: Nov 09, 2008


Dec 22, 2008 11:23 pm

Thanks guys, you've been a great help

Member
Since: Nov 09, 2008


Dec 23, 2008 03:00 am

I've just thought of something else I'm not sure about (sorry to be a pain) but when I get this lead to send the signal back into the Soundblaster, will I need to set up another input and/or output bus from within Cubase?

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Dec 23, 2008 11:44 pm

Simply set up the track you want the midi recorded to and use whatever buss is normal. Just make sure and mute all other tracks so they don't play back and get recorded to the new track.

Member
Since: Nov 09, 2008


Dec 24, 2008 04:03 am

Thanks Noise2u. I really appreciate your help

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