MIDI is getting some renewed attention. Mike Hillier delves into some of the impressive new features to further help when using MIDI in Pro Tools 2018…
While Pro Tools’ audio handling has made it the industry standard DAW for recording, its MIDI capabilities have long been seen as inferior to other DAWs, particularly Logic Pro, with many engineers and studios keeping a Logic install handy simply for MIDI-heavy sessions.
This view has probably been a little bit unfair; Pro Tools has actually had some fairly robust MIDI editing capabilities since version 8, and Pro Tools 2018 once again sees Avid expand the DAW’s power.
Always on
In this workshop we’re going to delve into the MIDI side of Pro Tools, looking at some of the more overlooked features and the handy and flexible new tools that were introduced in Pro Tools 2018.
Possibly the most useful of the new MIDI features is the opportunity to record MIDI retrospectively.
Possibly the most useful of the new MIDI features is the opportunity to record MIDI retrospectively.
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This ensures that any great ideas you might have while playing through aren’t lost by forgetting to put Pro Tools into Record mode. Instead Pro Tools is constantly recording MIDI performances of any record-enabled tracks, which can then be brought back and saved to the timeline using the Retrospective Record tool.
There are some quirks to the behaviour of this when altering the Record Enabled track during playback, as all MIDI data is recorded to a single track. So it isn’t possible to switch Instrument Channels during playback and bring back MIDI independently to both channels.
However, MIDI data isn’t hard to manipulate, so you should be able to quickly chop the resulting clip into two or more parts and move each clip to the correct channel. If there was any MIDI data already on the channel, then the retrospectively recorded MIDI will be merged with the existing MIDI.
Another useful tool, especially for composers and arrangers, is the ability to pull a chord sheet from MIDI data by simply selecting one or more clips and using the new Extract Chords from Clips tool. This tool analyses the MIDI data selected and adds chord markers to the Chord Ruler which will then show up in the Ruler and the Score Editor. In our experience it’s been pretty accurate too, even marking out “slash” chords – informing you of the bass note in the chord if it isn’t the standard root note.
Chord rulers
The Chord Ruler doesn’t have any function other than as a visual guide and for adding Chord Symbols to the Score Editor ready for printing. And altering the chord in the Chord Ruler will not at this stage change the MIDI data to match your new chord. But we look forward to Avid developing this in the future, perhaps adding the opportunity for plug-ins to interact with data from the Chord Ruler to add functions that could combine with pitch correction software, or auto-harmonising in the future.
While the Chord Ruler doesn’t currently have any deeper functions, the Key Ruler can be used with some of the new key commands to ensure that edits to your MIDI data are kept in key. We see this as the start for these two Rulers, with plenty more functionality hopefully ready to be added as these are developed.
Key commands
The new key commands are perhaps some of the most powerful new options at your disposal, and while they are unlikely to garner the same level of attention as the flashier, more newsworthy functions, like Retrospective Record, they will probably get more day-to-day use. In the same way that we now work almost exclusively with key commands when working with Clip Gain to nudge audio up or down in level, we can now nudge MIDI data up or down in velocity, as well as up or down in pitch, or side to side in time, without ever taking our fingers off the keyboard.
If you regularly work with MIDI in Pro Tools, or flip from Pro Tools to another DAW for MIDI, then it’s definitely worth spending some time to learn how to use these new functions and key commands.
In this workshop we’ll develop a simple arpeggio pattern – initially composed on guitar – into a more solid arrangement using only MIDI. We’ll transpose notes in key and add chord pads. We’re using the built in Structure Free virtual instrument for the tutorial, but feel free to play around with your own plug-in collection to bring even more life to the arrangement.
Using MIDI in Pro Tools: step-by step
1. The supplied session has a fairly simple 12-bar blues bass pattern supplied as MIDI on an Instrument Channel, running through an electric piano patch in Structure Free.
Pro Tools Midi Controller Setup
2. In the Real-Time Properties track menu (Alt+[4]), we’ve quantised the MIDI using the “02FeelInjector_8ths” groove to give the pattern a little more life. Experiment with different grooves to see what impact this can have.
3. In the 5th and 6th bars the lowest note isn’t held across the whole bar, but repeats following the rhythmic pattern set by the other bars. Move highlighted notes in the MIDI Editor window up or down a semitone with the arrow keys.
Mirrored MIDI Editing This function lets you edit one loop while simultaneously editing all copies of that loop – even when they are on another channel. This is the ideal method for layering samples in a track.
4. Instead of moving notes up or down in semitones you can also move them in key. Click Event>Add Key Change, or the + button on the Key Ruler in the Edit window to bring up the Key Change window. Add an A minor key at beat 1 of bar 1.
5. Now highlighted notes can be moved up or down through the notes in the key of A minor by holding Start (PC) or Ctrl (Mac) when pressing up/down. Try moving the 4th and 6th beat notes of the 5th and 6th bars down from the D to the A.
6. Now we can drag the root note out to fill the whole bar. Previously we might have done this with the Trim Tool, but we can now use Alt+Left/Right to move the end position of the note to the left or right by a grid position.
Click here to continue learning Pro Tools’ new MIDI features
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The MPK mini mkII is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. With an array of hardware controls, MPK mini mkII lets you record, compose, and perform with virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAWs whenever inspiration strikes. This article walks through setting up the Akai Pro MPK mini mkII with Pro Tools First.
Contents
Where do I find Pro Tools First?
Pro Tools first is a free version of the popular DAW Pro Tools. This is available as a free download on AVIDs website after a quick registration process. Click the link below to start the process:
Connecting your MPK mini mkII
- Make sure to connect the MPK mini mkII to a free USB port on your computer before opening Pro Tools First.
- Open Pro Tools First and create a New Project. Avid has created some templates that you can use, however, let's create a blank project. To do that, un-check the box where it says Create From Template and name your project.
- Check the Pro Tools is listening to the MPK mini. Choose Setup > MIDI Input Devices..
- Make sure that there is a check mark next to MPKmini2.
Creating an Instrument Track and Opening Xpand!2
Pro Tools First comes with a free multi-timbral virtual instrument called AIR Xpand!2 that you can use to play your MPK mini mkII.
Please Note: While your MPK mini mkII comes with its own plugins like AIR Hybrid and SONiVOX Wobble, Pro Tools First does not allow the use of third-party plugins.
- In order to open Xpand!2, we first need to create an Instrument Track. Choose Track > New..
- Select Instrument Track > Create.
- On your new instrument track, click inside one of the boxes under Inserts.
- From here Choose MultiChannel Plugin > Instrument > Xpand!2(Stereo).
- Click Xpand!2 under Inserts. This will open up the VST Editor for Xpand!2.
- Make sure that your Track is Record Enabled by clicking the Record button on the Track
- Select your preferred preset inside of Xpand!2 and press some keys to start making some noise!
Mapping the Knobs to Xpand!2
One way to use the knobs on your MPK mini is to map them to parameters in the Xpand!2 plugin.
- When inside of the VST Editor of Xpand!2, right-click one of the parameters inside of Xpand!2 and select Learn MIDI CC.
- Simply move the knob or press the pad on the MPK mini to assign it to the selected parameter.
And that's it! To 'un-learn' the assignment, simply right-click the parameter again and choose Forget MIDI CC.
Syncing the Arpeggiator
The arpeggiator on the MPK mini mkII can be turned on or off at any time by simply pressing the Arpeggiator On/Off button in the top-left corner. But, in order to sync the timing of the arpeggiator with Pro Tools, we'll need to get Pro Tools to send MIDI Clock to the MPK mini mkII and make sure the MPK mini is listening.
- First, we need to download the MPK mini mkII Editor. Follow the guide below for a step-by-step on downloading, installing and using the editor:
Akai Pro MPK mini mkII - How to use the Editor
- Inside the MPK mini Editor, find the Arpeggiator section in the bottom-right and set the Clock to External.
- Send the preset to the MPK mini Program 1 by clicking Send below Program 1 on the left side of the editor.
If prompted for an output port, choose MPKmini2 from the Output section and click OK.
- On your MPK mini mkII, press and hold the PROG SELECT button and press the pad Pad 5 (Prog 1).
- In Pro Tools First, click Setup > MIDI Beat Clock
- Click the box next to MPKmini2, and click OK
- Press the Arpeggiator On/Off button on your MPK mini mkII to make sure the Arpeggiator is turned on.
- Finally, press Play in Pro Tools First. This is necessary for Pro Tools First to send MIDI clock. The MPK mini arpeggiator will not work until it receives MIDI clock from Pro Tools First.
When you hold a chord on the MPK Mini MKII, you should hear the notes of the chord being played one after the next in an Arpeggio style!
Additional Guides & Videos
Further Technical Support
Whether you are a customer or dealer, if you already own an Akai Pro product, or if you just have pre-sales questions, the Akai Pro technical support team is available to help!
Visit the link below to connect with any of the following support options: online community support, phone support, email support.
MIDI and virtual instruments were one of the biggest game changers in music production and are the fundamental tools that a lot of producers use. Some producers rely solely on MIDI programming and samples or virtual instruments for their productions. The most beautiful part about it is that performances, nuances and notes can be shifted around after the initial recorded performance or can be programmed and never performed which opens up a whole new world for people who are not very savvy at playing a musical instrument.
First Things First: What is MIDI?
One of the basic mistakes people make when they think about MIDI is that they consider it audio – and it is not! MIDI is a digital protocol that enables software, hardware instruments and controllers that use this language to communicate with one another. The protocol allows for 16 channels of information to be communicated over one connection. MIDI carries information about events and transmits parameters such as pitch, velocity, length and all sorts of control signals such as tremolo, panning, audio volume, etc. The most common scenario where you will see MIDI in action is a MIDI keyboard controller connected to a Pro Tools system – and this is also the scenario we will look at in this tutorial.
MIDI Devices
There are so many different devices out there that use MIDI protocol to transmit information that even if I try to list everything I will probably miss a few things – nevertheless, for the purpose of giving some examples: drum machines, synthesizers, sequencers, samplers, hardware/ software effects, trigger pad devices, keyboard controllers, DAW Controllers – and the list could go on. The standard connector for MIDI devices is a five pin DIN connector that looks like this:
However, most devices that use MIDI also allow for connecting with USB and the most common configuration for keyboard controllers will be a combination of MIDI input/ output connectors and a USB connector.
Samson Graphite 49 Keyboard MIDI Controller
Configuring Your System For MIDI Recording
In order to record MIDI you will need a hardware keyboard MIDI controller or another device that uses MIDI protocol. I will assume you have a MIDI keyboard as that is the most common hardware device to record MIDI with. The first thing you have to think about is the startup sequence of you Pro Tools system. It is very important to power up you MIDI device before starting Pro Tools, otherwise the software will not detect the MIDI device.
The right order for your start-up sequence should be: computer, any hard-drive that is not bus powered, any audio interface that is not bus powered, all your MIDI devices, your monitoring system and lastly, Pro Tools. All controllers should be plug and play and should play nicely with Pro Tools without any special setup within the software. Now, that we have our system up and running let’s make sure that our MIDI settings are right for recording.
Settings And Track Configuration
Create a new Pro Tools session and head over to the “Setup” tab and click on “Preferences“. In the new window that pops up click on “MIDI” and check that “first selected MIDI track” is selected in the Default Thru Instrument menu. Then, click ok and head over to the edit window.
There are two types of tracks that can handle MIDI – instrument tracks and MIDI tracks. MIDI tracks store MIDI note and controller data only. Audio does not flow through a MIDI track and you need to connect the MIDI track to another track, an auxiliary one that has a virtual instrument instantiated on it. Instrument tracks on the other hand are a combination between a MIDI track and an auxiliary track and enable the user to instantiate a virtual instrument directly onto the track and the input to the track is MIDI while the output is audio. We will look at both scenarios.
MIDI Track + Auxiliary Track
Instrument tracks were only introduced in Pro Tools 7.0 so before using a MIDI track in conjunction with an auxiliary track was the only way to use MIDI in Pro Tools to control virtual instruments. Let’s look at how to set up this scenario. First, let’s create a stereo Master Fader, a MIDI track and a stereo auxiliary track. Your session should look like this:
Configuration of a MIDI + Aux Track Setup – Part I –
Now, instantiate the Mini Grand virtual instrument on the auxiliary track. Next, select the output of the MIDI track and select Aux 1 – Mini Grand 1. You session should look like this:
Configuration of a MIDI + Aux Track Setup – Part II –
Now, if you select your MIDI track and play some notes on your keyboard you will hear the Mini Grand piano VI and you will see the audio signal pop up in the meter of the Auxiliary track and the Master Fader.
Instrument Track
This scenario is much simpler to set up. Delete all the tracks from the previous example except for the master. Create one new stereo instrument track and instantiate Vacuum on it and you are good to go: play some notes on your keyboard and you should hear the synth and see the meters rise as you hit the keys. Your session should look like this:
Why Bother Using MIDI Tracks?
Given that complex setup is required to use MIDI tracks why even bother using them when you have something as flexible as an instrument track in your toolbox? There are two scenarios in which you will find using MIDI tracks not only useful but the only solution. The first scenario is when you want to save some CPU and use the multiple voices on a virtual instrument.
To do so, you only have to instantiate the plug-in once and you can play each voice with a different MIDI Track. Let’s take a look at how to set this up. First delete or hide the previously created tracks except the master and create four MIDI tracks and one stereo auxiliary track. Next, instantiate Xpand!2 on the auxiliary track. Your session should look like this:
Setting Up For Multi-Voiced Virtual Instruments
Now, proceed to select the output of MIDI track 1 and choose Aux 2 – Xpand!2 1 and then choose channel-1:
Next, go on and select the output of MIDI 2 to channel-2 and so on. In the end it should look like this:
Finished Routing For Multi-Voiced Virtual Instrument
All that is left to do is fill up each of the four banks of tones in Xpand!2 with your desired tones and play.
The second scenario is beyond the scope of the article but I will tell you a little about it. The beauty of MIDI is that you can alter a performance post factum so why not use this amazing flexibility with your favorite hardware synths that support MIDI? This can be done with Pro Tools and you can use your favorite synth’s as sound modules. The setup is similar to the MIDI track + Auxiliary Track scenario but the routing is a little more complex.
Recording MIDI
For our first recording we will use the simplest of scenarios: one instrument track with Mini Grand instantiated on it. Select the track and play a few notes to make sure there is signal passing through. Next, proceed to pressing the record arm button on the track, then the master record and finally hit play. You are now recording!
When you are finished remember than you can audition it and name it if you want to keep it. Of course, after the recording you can edit the MIDI clip in any way you might imagine: stretch the notes, change the velocity, add new notes, delete original ones and the list could go on.
Final Thoughts
As I stated in the beginning, MIDI is one of the building blocks of modern music production and it enables the bedroom producer to do things unimaginable a few decades ago. People who do not even play an instrument can now create complex arrangements that would require some amazing playing in order to perform. Mastering the use of MIDI is a must and even though slightly intimidating at first, it is a lot easier to understand and use than it might seem.