MP3 to MIDI (Windows Only)
Intro: MP3 to MIDI (Windows Only)
This is a demo for converting an MP3 to MIDI. BUT a big disclaimer...this worked for me with 1 instrument. I recorded live piano music into a digi-recorder. Then processed the MP3. This process is a handy way to transcribe music (see limitations).
This Instructable requires that you install two freeware applications. This is a Windows-centric project (sorry to non-Win people). It may be possible to do this Instructable on another O/S. There are some optional applications for printing the MIDI file as sheet music or for editing the MIDI file.
One thing I don't get into is how rip one instrument/voice from an MP3 with more than one. If you know how to do this please post an Instructable. I would love to be able to isolate an instrument or voice from an MP3.
LIMITATIONS
As mentioned above the MP3 can only have one instrument/voice.
The sheet music is often a more complicated version than you expect. You may be able to quantize the MIDI file to make it more readable.
The sheet music only displays a treble or bass clef not both.
(Please report limitations that you discover.)
This Instructable requires that you install two freeware applications. This is a Windows-centric project (sorry to non-Win people). It may be possible to do this Instructable on another O/S. There are some optional applications for printing the MIDI file as sheet music or for editing the MIDI file.
One thing I don't get into is how rip one instrument/voice from an MP3 with more than one. If you know how to do this please post an Instructable. I would love to be able to isolate an instrument or voice from an MP3.
LIMITATIONS
As mentioned above the MP3 can only have one instrument/voice.
The sheet music is often a more complicated version than you expect. You may be able to quantize the MIDI file to make it more readable.
The sheet music only displays a treble or bass clef not both.
(Please report limitations that you discover.)
STEP 1: Install Software (mostly Freeware).
Download and install the following Windows software:
Audacity (v 1.3)
Audacity is a really great open-source software. It is handy if you want to record via your laptop/desktop to MP3. It has a lot of effects.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/
OR get a Portable version at...
http://portableapps.com/apps/music_video/audacity_portable
Amazing MIDI (v 1.7 )
This is also very cool software. It takes a single instrument input as WAV file and transcribes/converts the music to MIDI file. This software has not been updated since August 20, 2003.
http://www.pluto.dti.ne.jp/~araki/amazingmidi/
(Optional)
MIDI Notation (v 2.1.2)
This software takes a MIDI file displays it as sheet music which can be printed.
http://www.notation.com/DownloadNotationPlayer.htm
Anvil Studio (v 2007.12.01)
This software takes a MIDI file and allows the user to edit the music. The basic software is free but you can add on some components for a modest price.
http://www.freewarefiles.com/program_6_70_7660.html
I included the version number for the software that I used. In other words, I got this Instructable to work using these versions. But it is usally better to work with the latest stable version.
Audacity (v 1.3)
Audacity is a really great open-source software. It is handy if you want to record via your laptop/desktop to MP3. It has a lot of effects.
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/
OR get a Portable version at...
http://portableapps.com/apps/music_video/audacity_portable
Amazing MIDI (v 1.7 )
This is also very cool software. It takes a single instrument input as WAV file and transcribes/converts the music to MIDI file. This software has not been updated since August 20, 2003.
http://www.pluto.dti.ne.jp/~araki/amazingmidi/
(Optional)
MIDI Notation (v 2.1.2)
This software takes a MIDI file displays it as sheet music which can be printed.
http://www.notation.com/DownloadNotationPlayer.htm
Anvil Studio (v 2007.12.01)
This software takes a MIDI file and allows the user to edit the music. The basic software is free but you can add on some components for a modest price.
http://www.freewarefiles.com/program_6_70_7660.html
I included the version number for the software that I used. In other words, I got this Instructable to work using these versions. But it is usally better to work with the latest stable version.
STEP 2: Audacity
AUDACITY
Convert MP3 to WAV
Launch Audacity
File > Open
Load your MP3 file.
File > Export as WAV
You can play around with Audacity in order to get a shorter clip or try out some filters. But on your first pass, I suggest doing the basic conversion (MP3 to WAV).
Convert MP3 to WAV
Launch Audacity
File > Open
Load your MP3 file.
File > Export as WAV
You can play around with Audacity in order to get a shorter clip or try out some filters. But on your first pass, I suggest doing the basic conversion (MP3 to WAV).
STEP 3: Amazing MIDI
AMAZING MIDI
Convert WAV to MIDI
Launch Amazing MIDI
Tone File
Map this to a WAV file that will be serve as your instrument. Amazing MIDI ships with a piano and sine wave but you can find some other WAV files to use.
Input File
Map this to the MP3.
Output File
This will autopopulate when you enter the MP3 file. Modify as needed.
Transcribe
Run Transcribe (from the Menu). Before it runs the conversion it will display some settings. I have not tweaked these; I just used the defaults.
Voila!!! Your MIDI file should appear where it is mapped in the Output file
Convert WAV to MIDI
Launch Amazing MIDI
Tone File
Map this to a WAV file that will be serve as your instrument. Amazing MIDI ships with a piano and sine wave but you can find some other WAV files to use.
Input File
Map this to the MP3.
Output File
This will autopopulate when you enter the MP3 file. Modify as needed.
Transcribe
Run Transcribe (from the Menu). Before it runs the conversion it will display some settings. I have not tweaked these; I just used the defaults.
Voila!!! Your MIDI file should appear where it is mapped in the Output file
STEP 4: Optional
OPTIONAL
Launch Notation Player (Player.exe) and map to your MIDI file.
Now you can use Notation Player to view/print the MIDI as sheet music.
You can also play the music and follow along with the sheet music.
***One problem I have had is piano music is displayed with one staff. You can toggle between treble and bass clef but not both. I think this is a limitation of Amazing MIDI.
Launch Notation Player (Player.exe) and map to your MIDI file.
Now you can use Notation Player to view/print the MIDI as sheet music.
You can also play the music and follow along with the sheet music.
***One problem I have had is piano music is displayed with one staff. You can toggle between treble and bass clef but not both. I think this is a limitation of Amazing MIDI.
STEP 5: Optional 2
OPTIONAL 2
ANVIL STUDIO
Launch Anvil Studio and open your MIDI file.
In Anvil Studio, you can modify the music. It also has a bunch of features to play with.
ANVIL STUDIO
Launch Anvil Studio and open your MIDI file.
In Anvil Studio, you can modify the music. It also has a bunch of features to play with.
STEP 6: Conclusion
This technique is something I have wanted to learn. I hope it is useful to you. Please post comments and add ideas that enhance this project.
21 Comments
shaun.cockerill 9 years ago
OMG! I love you!
I downloaded Amazing Midi about 12 years ago, forgot what it was called, and have been looking for it ever since!
There is another one I've been looking for, for a while now, but it still eludes me. It was one where you could sing into the microphone, and it did a pretty decent job of recording the notes. My baby brother at the time talked into the microphone, and the result was pretty hilarious.
But yes, I totally agree on all the above applications... I generally install most of them on any new computer I get.
jame123 4 years ago
AxelB25 6 years ago
Haha! fun to learn things from here.
mp3 to Midi
PawitM 7 years ago
aku suka
Arilana 7 years ago
The piano tone file isn't there. What do I do?
JosephF69 7 years ago
Is amazing MIDI polyphonic?
dziweb. 9 years ago
You can also use popular Audacity for MP3 to MIDI conversion
sachinj9 8 years ago
audacity is not converting in midi files.thata why we are using amzing midi
SanjeebS 8 years ago
how do u get this amazingmidi?
tania novitra 9 years ago
Idonotgivemynamet 9 years ago
Hi - Can anyone help? I have followed the instructions but only end up with a a file ending in the word Tempomap..... it only shows parallel vertical bars when opened in Protools. Where is all the rest of the data - i.e. the notes etc? Thanks
overduekey 10 years ago
Input File
Map this to the MP3.
The program (AmazingMIDI) only allows me to map it to a .WAV file? Somebody please hlep me. I'm very confused.
KaplooeyRaRa 10 years ago
mvukošić 12 years ago
pianodude 14 years ago
carrierpilot1357 15 years ago
jgeekw 14 years ago
frollard 15 years ago
thejazzer 16 years ago
MerleCorey 15 years ago