MIDI Files: A Simple Guide

What Is MIDI?

MIDI is a way to store and share musical instructions like notes, timing, and dynamics. It’s not audio — think “sheet music for computers.” Your DAW or synth turns those instructions into sound using whatever instrument you choose.

Quick Start

1. Generate a melody, chords, bass, or drums in MIDI Muse.
2. Download the MIDI file (or drag and drop if your DAW supports it).
3. Import into your DAW and place it on a MIDI/instrument track.
4. Pick a virtual instrument (piano, synth, bass, drums, etc.).
5. Edit notes, velocity, and timing to taste. Done.

What’s Inside a MIDI File

• Notes: Pitch and length (what and how long to play).
• Velocity: How hard a note is played (affects loudness/attack).
• Timing: When notes start (your groove).
• Optional info: Tempo and markers. No sound is stored inside.

Using MIDI From MIDI Muse

• Choose a generator (melody/chords/bass/drums) and set key/tempo in MIDI Muse.
• Export and import into your DAW. Most DAWs let you drop it straight on a track.
• Assign an instrument that matches the part (piano for chords, bass synth for bass, drum kit for drums).
• Refine: quantize a little, humanize a little, tweak velocities for feel.

Best Practices

• Quantize smartly: Tighten timing but keep some groove by not going 100%.
• Use velocity: Louder notes = accents; vary for movement and realism.
• Stay in key: Match the MIDI’s key/scale to your song for instant harmony.
• Tempo: Set your DAW tempo to the MIDI’s tempo or let your feel lead.
• Clip length: Keep patterns short and loopable (1–8 bars) for quick arranging.
• Layering: Try the same MIDI on different instruments for thicker textures.

Troubleshooting

• No sound? Make sure the track has a virtual instrument loaded.
• Wrong key? Transpose the clip or change the instrument preset.
• Off‑beat? Lightly quantize or nudge notes; check the DAW tempo.
• Drums sound odd? Use a GM‑style kit or remap notes to your drum plugin.