I’ve searched the forum and user manual help but could not find an answer. Does SpectraLayers Pro 11 have the ability to unmix a song, drums, piano, guitar, etc., and export the associated MIDI notes?
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Can it convert audio to MIDI and save each instruments as separate files?
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No, SpectraLayers Pro cannot export MIDI of any kind.
It is simply just an amazing audio editor…
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Are you aware that tracks of songs separated in Spectralayers can be exported into Cubase where they then can be converted to MIDI?
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I have not found the instructions for converting audio to MIDI in Cubase. If I understand, I should be able to take an audio file from Cubase Media and drop it into Cubase. If that is correct, I am not seeing a menu for “Convert Audio to MIDI”. Can you point me to an example? Is there something in the user manual or a youtube video that demonstrates? Thanks!
YouTube search
Cubase Manual
Hope it helps
I used Gemini 2.0 Flash to summarize this answer. Gemini does a nice, mostly accurate job for nearly any Cubase question:
Okay, here’s a guide to creating MIDI from audio in Cubase 13, since I don’t have 14 but the process is identical:
1. Audio to MIDI via VariAudio (Monophonic/Melodic):
VariAudio is the go-to tool for extracting single-line melodic information from audio sources like vocals, solo instrument parts, or bass lines. It works best with monophonic audio.
Steps:
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Import/Record Audio: Import your audio file or record directly into a Cubase project on an audio track.
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Open the Sample Editor: Double-click on the audio event to open it in the Sample Editor.
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Enable VariAudio: In the Sample Editor, locate the “VariAudio” tab in the Inspector panel on the left. If you can’t see the Inspector, click the small “i” icon at the top left. Click the “Enable VariAudio” button (a wavy line icon).
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Analyze the Audio: Cubase will analyze your audio and display pitch information as “Segments” (often visualized as blocks).
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Adjust Pitch Segments (Optional): Manually adjust the position, length, and pitch of the segments. This can help correct errors in transcription.
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Extract to MIDI: Once the segments are adjusted, click the “Create MIDI Note Events” button (a piano key icon) located directly below the VariAudio segments.
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Choose Destination Track: Cubase will prompt you to select an existing MIDI track or create a new one.
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Result: The extracted melody is now converted to MIDI notes on your chosen MIDI track.
Key Considerations for VariAudio:
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Monophonic Material: VariAudio is designed for single melodic lines. It’s not suitable for polyphonic material like chords or multiple instruments playing simultaneously.
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Audio Clarity: A clean recording with clearly defined pitches will produce the best results.
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Accuracy Check: Always review and edit the generated MIDI notes, as adjustments are typically needed.
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Experiment: VariAudio offers pitch quantization and other tools that you can use prior to generating MIDI notes.
2. Using the “Extract MIDI Chords” function (Polyphonic/Chordal, Experimental):
This function is specifically designed for extracting chord progressions from audio. It’s worth noting that it is less accurate and more experimental than other methods.
Steps:
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Import/Record Audio: Import or record your audio.
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Select Audio Event: Select the audio event on your track.
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Right-Click and Select “Extract MIDI Chords”: Right-click on the selected audio event and choose “Extract MIDI Chords.”
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Set Parameters (Optional): A dialog box might appear, allowing you to set parameters like chord subdivisions.
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Choose Destination Track: Select a target MIDI track or create a new one.
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Result: Cubase will attempt to create a MIDI track with a sequence of chords based on the detected harmonies.
Key Considerations for “Extract MIDI Chords”:
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Accuracy Limitations: The results of this function aren’t always accurate. Be prepared to check and edit the generated MIDI chords.
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Still Developing: This feature is still evolving and should improve with future Cubase updates.
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Basic Chord Sketches: It’s useful for quickly creating a sketch of a chord progression, but manual corrections are generally required.
3. Real-Time MIDI Recording with Audio as Guide:
This method uses your audio as a reference while you record MIDI, rather than direct audio-to-MIDI conversion.
Steps:
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Import/Record Audio: Import or record your audio track.
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Create a MIDI Track: Create a new MIDI track in your project.
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Play Audio and Record MIDI: Start recording on the MIDI track while the audio plays, and play along using your MIDI keyboard or controller.
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Result: Your performance based on the audio is now captured as MIDI data. This is suitable for adding human feel and interpretations.
Key Considerations for Real-Time MIDI Recording:
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Human Element: This method emphasizes your own musical performance and delivers a more organic result.
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Flexibility: It allows for creating variations and unique interpretations of the audio material.
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Playing Skill: This requires musical skill and the ability to play along accurately.
Choosing the Right Method:
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For Single-Line Melodies: VariAudio is the primary choice.
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For Chord Progressions: Use the “Extract MIDI Chords” function, but be ready to make manual edits.
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For Humanized MIDI and Reinterpretations: Real-time recording with your audio guide is best.
Important Tips:
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Clean Audio: A clear audio recording with good pitch definition will always improve the effectiveness of audio-to-MIDI conversion.
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Experimentation: Try out different methods and settings to find the best approach for your audio.
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Manual Editing: Always review and edit the generated MIDI data for accuracy in timing, velocity, and pitch.
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Combine Techniques: Using a mix of methods, such as VariAudio for melodies and real-time recording for harmonies, may yield the best results.
This process is focused solely on the built-in audio-to-MIDI capabilities of Cubase 13. Remember that while these tools are useful, manual editing and adjustments are essential. If you’d like to separate an audio chord into individual notes, you must install a version of Melodyne with DNA and use it in ARA.
Hope this is useful. More, I hope Steinberg comes up with a “one click” solution option.
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I wish someone would make proper drum loop to MIDI solution, individual shots is already there, but for loops your best bet is Ableton Live right now, at least when I last tried. If anyone has any alternative solutions, please let me know
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