Mixing Down Question (audio and midi)

[dmbpettit]

I have a project that has some acoustic guitars and 1 midi track with some basic drum beats. When I mix the project down, I don't get the midi drums, just my guitars. What am I doing wrong?

 

[dachay2tnr]

You have to convert the midi to audio first. There are a few ways to do this, but perhaps the easiest is simply to use a DXi.

For ex., add a new audio track to the project and in the FX box of that track choose the VSC DXi (virtual sound canvas). Then go to your midi track and for the track's output choose VSC.

Once you've done that you should be able to mix down and get the midi stuff along with the audio.

Another approach is to "record" the midi data to audio, but this is a bit more complicated.

The DXi approach is a breeze (assuming you are happy with the sample sounds). If you don't like the VSC samples, you can try the Live Synth Pro and download some Sound Fonts. I think Sonar comes with a 30-day free trial version of Live Synth Pro.

 

[James Argo]

You're gonna do what the almighty Dachay2tnr command. You have to convert the midi to audio first.

...Yeah sure. But how will I do that, Jaymz ?

If you use DXi instrument, be pleased to read
this fabulous thread....

...Cool. But I use external MIDI devices, Jaymz.

Then route the audio signal from your external MIDI device to audio in of your computer (Soundcard's Line In). Insert an audio track, arm it for recording audio. Hit record...

After all is done, you can remove any MIDI track, and you'll have all tracks of audio. Save your curent project in different name. Mix all those audio track into 2 tracks (L&R or Stereo). Voila...


Jaymz

 

[dmbpettit]

None of that seems to work. On the midi track, the output is 4-DMI-GM Drums (Basic Kit). I don't have any midi equipment, I just created the beats using the piano role.

 

[dachay2tnr]

What software are you using (Sonar, HS2002, PA()??? And what sound card do you have?

 

[AlChuck]

I don't have any midi equipment, I just created the beats using the piano role.

Sure you have MIDI equipoment, you just don't realize it. If you hear MIDI drums, either (a) your sound card has an on-board synth, or (b) you are playing a soft synth like the Virtual Sound Canvas or Microsoft Wavetable Synth. Either way, the MIDI track needs to be recorded by your sound card as an audio track.

I don't recognize the device abbreviation in the MIDI track (DMI). It might be the soundcard's on-board chip if you have one. It might be a softsynth that I don't know. It might also be that you have the wrong instrument definition loaded. People new to this that don't understand where MIDI sounds come from sometimes think that by loading a Korg M1 instrument definition, for example, they magically get the sounds of the Korg M1 on their computer.

By the way, it's the piano roll.

 

[moskus]

the output is 4-DMI-GM Drums

Are you using a Drum Map?

 

[ModalMike]

From my experience, you should have and audio AND a midi track created when you have a synth or drums in your project. Set the audio out to the sytnh or drum track output 1 and select BOTH but holdig control when you click them the bounce to a new audio track.
mike

 

[dmbpettit]

I am using Sonar 2.0 XL, and I have the AUdigy 2 Platinum. ANd yes, I believe it is a drum map that I used.

 

[moskus]

Ahhh... Set the recording source to "MIDI synth" in the Creative Surround Mixer (or the Windows Mixer). In Sonar create an audiotrack and record away...


(And if you're using the Audigy 2, then you should read up on soundfonts... www.thesoundsite.net and www.hammersound.net).

 

[dmbpettit]

Awesome! Thank you Moskus.

 

[moskus]

That's what I am/we are here for...