Cakewalk by BandLab Tutorial (Part 3) – MIDI Recording and Editing

Summary

This video tutorial covers how to record and edit MIDI in Cakewalk by BandLab. It walks through setting up MIDI devices, adding MIDI tracks, and using virtual instruments like the SI-Drum Kit. You'll learn to manually input MIDI using the piano roll view, as well as how to record MIDI from a MIDI controller, such as the Akai MPD218. The tutorial also explains tools like quantizing, transposing, and adjusting velocity to refine your MIDI recordings. This comprehensive guide is ideal for those looking to enhance their MIDI production workflow.

Takeaways

• 🎹 **Setting Up MIDI Devices**: Begin by configuring MIDI devices in Cakewalk's Preferences under MIDI devices.
• 🔌 **Connecting MIDI Instruments**: Connect MIDI instruments like the Akai MPD218 via MIDI cables or USB MIDI interfaces.
• 🎵 **Adding MIDI Tracks**: Right-click in the tracks area to add a new instrument track for your MIDI device.
• 🥁 **Using Virtual Instruments**: Launch virtual instruments like the SI-Drum Kit and use sample beats for your project.
• 🔄 **Looping MIDI Clips**: Create loops by selecting a clip, enabling looping in the Clip menu, and stretching the clip.
• ➕ **Adding MIDI Notes Manually**: Open the Piano Roll view to manually input MIDI notes by clicking and dragging on the grid.
• 🗑️ **Deleting MIDI Notes**: Remove unwanted notes by right-clicking on them in the Piano Roll view.
• 📊 **Adjusting Velocity**: Modify the velocity of MIDI notes by dragging the vertical bar in the Piano Roll view.
• 🎼 **Staff View for Sheet Music**: For those familiar with sheet music, consider using a different program like Musescore and import the MIDI into Cakewalk.
• 🎚️ **Recording MIDI**: Record MIDI directly from an instrument by setting the correct input and arming the track for recording.
• ⏱️ **Quantizing MIDI**: Use the quantize tool to align MIDI events to the grid for perfect timing.

Q & A

What is the first step in setting up MIDI recording in Cakewalk by BandLab?

The first step is to go to the Edit menu, select Preferences, and configure your MIDI inputs and outputs. You should ensure that the MIDI device, like the Akai MPD218, is properly selected as the input device.

How do you add a new MIDI track for a virtual instrument in Cakewalk?

To add a new MIDI track, right-click in the blank tracks area and select 'Add Instrument Track.' Then, choose a virtual instrument such as the SI-Drum Kit, which will launch automatically.

What should you do if you accidentally close the virtual instrument window?

If you accidentally close the virtual instrument window, you can reopen it by clicking the small instrument icon to the left of the track name.

How can you add sample beats to a MIDI track?

You can add sample beats by dragging them from the virtual instrument window onto the MIDI track. You can combine different beats and extend the clips to create loops.

What is the Piano Roll view, and how do you use it?

The Piano Roll view allows you to manually input MIDI notes. You can access it by right-clicking an empty MIDI track and selecting 'View Piano Roll' from the menu. You can zoom in, click to add notes, and drag them to adjust their length.

What is the function of the velocity control in the Piano Roll view?

The velocity control in the Piano Roll view lets you adjust the intensity of each note. You can drag the vertical bars up to increase velocity or down to decrease it, with multiple notes displaying overlaid velocities in chords.

What is the difference between the Piano Roll view and the Staff view?

The Piano Roll view is easier for direct MIDI note input, while the Staff view is more suited for those familiar with sheet music. However, the Staff view can be cumbersome in Cakewalk, and using another program like Musescore may be preferable for creating MIDI files.

How can you create a loop from a MIDI clip?

To create a loop, ensure the clip is the desired length, then go to the Clip menu, check the 'Groove Clip' option, and enable looping. You can then stretch the clip to repeat it for as long as you'd like.

What are the two ways to connect a MIDI instrument to Cakewalk?

You can connect a MIDI instrument either via MIDI cables to an audio interface (setting the input to Omni for multiple inputs) or using a USB MIDI interface, which will show up as an input device in the Preferences menu once configured.

What does the quantize tool do in Cakewalk?

The quantize tool adjusts the timing of recorded MIDI events, locking them to the grid. It can modify both start times and durations of notes, with settings like strength, swing, and window to control how tightly the notes align with the grid.

Outlines

00:00

🎹 Introduction to Recording and Editing MIDI in Cakewalk

The video introduces the process of recording and editing MIDI in Cakewalk by BandLab. It suggests watching prior tutorials for a better understanding. The tutorial focuses on creating MIDI tracks, adding VST instruments, inputting MIDI manually, recording MIDI from external instruments, and using editing tools. The first step is setting up MIDI inputs and outputs by selecting preferences from the Edit menu. For this example, the Akai MPD218 is used as the MIDI input device. The video walks through creating an instrument track, specifically using the SI-Drum Kit, and demonstrates how to reopen the instrument window if accidentally closed. The tutorial emphasizes that there are various instruments available, with more detailed explanations in future videos. The video also introduces how to drag and loop pre-made beats, combine them, and extend clips to create music loops. A similar process can be applied to other virtual instruments like bass. This paragraph sets the foundation for MIDI handling in Cakewalk.

05:03

🎼 Adding MIDI Notes Manually

This section focuses on the time-consuming process of adding MIDI notes manually through Cakewalk’s piano roll view. First, the user is instructed to zoom in on the piano roll for better visibility of measures, which allows for drawing and adjusting notes. It explains the function of the Smart Tool for adding notes and adjusting their length, as well as deleting notes using right-click. Velocity control is also introduced, where users can adjust the volume of notes by manipulating vertical bars. For chords, velocity adjustment becomes more detailed since multiple notes’ velocities are overlaid. Additionally, the video introduces the staff view, a notation-based interface suitable for users familiar with writing sheet music. However, it is noted that this method is difficult to use in Cakewalk, and using an alternative program like Musescore might be better. The section concludes by demonstrating how to loop a short MIDI section and stretch it to the desired length using the Groove Clip feature under the Clip menu.

🎛 Recording MIDI with a MIDI Instrument

Here, the video explains how to record MIDI using a MIDI instrument connected via two primary methods: MIDI cables through an audio interface or a USB MIDI interface. For the first method, the user is advised to set the input on the channel to 'Omni,' which captures all MIDI inputs, or specify a channel if multiple devices are involved. The second method, using a USB MIDI device like the Akai MPD218 drum pad, is detailed with guidance on how to configure it in Cakewalk’s preferences. Users are reminded to enable a virtual instrument on the track and arm it for recording before playing their MIDI device. A brief mention is made of software for configuring MIDI controllers, which may be needed for devices like drum pads but is less necessary for keyboards. Finally, users are guided through the recording process for MIDI, similar to how audio recording was done in a previous video.

🛠 Adjusting MIDI Events with Cakewalk Tools

This paragraph covers the tools for adjusting and fine-tuning MIDI events in Cakewalk. First, the quantize tool is introduced as a means to lock MIDI events to the grid, which is especially useful for correcting timing errors that occur when playing live on a MIDI controller. Options for quantization include adjusting start times and durations of notes to match the grid resolution. The strength setting controls how strictly notes align to the grid, with 100% locking them perfectly. The swing tool, used to introduce a swing feel by altering note spacing, is also explained, along with the window tool, which adjusts the sensitivity of quantization. The offset feature shifts notes slightly out of time, and the random option introduces imperfections to the timing for a more natural feel. The transpose tool shifts the pitch of MIDI notes, while the velocity tool allows users to adjust the dynamic range of notes by setting a uniform value, scaling, or randomizing velocities for variety.

🥁 Outro and the Akai MPD218 Overview

The final section highlights the Akai MPD218, a USB MIDI controller designed for creating drum beats. With 16 velocity-sensitive pads and control knobs, it enables faster MIDI input compared to manual methods like the piano roll. The Akai MPD218 is versatile, easily remappable for use with various VST instruments, making it a great tool for drum beat creation. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to check out the description for a link to purchase the device. Viewers are also reminded to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and explore additional product and social media links provided in the video description.

Keywords

💡MIDI

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It is a protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other equipment to communicate and interact with each other. In the context of the video, MIDI is used to record and edit musical notes and events, which can then be played back through virtual instruments or hardware synthesizers. The script mentions recording MIDI from a MIDI instrument and editing it with built-in tools.

💡Cakewalk by BandLab

Cakewalk by BandLab is a digital audio workstation (DAW) software that allows users to record, edit, and produce music. It is the primary subject of the video, where the tutorial focuses on how to use its features to work with MIDI data. The script covers creating MIDI tracks, adding instruments, and editing within Cakewalk.

💡MIDI VST instruments

MIDI VST instruments are virtual software synthesizers that respond to MIDI messages to produce sound. They are an integral part of the MIDI recording and editing process in a DAW like Cakewalk. The script mentions adding a MIDI track for an instrument and selecting an instrument like the SI-Drum Kit.

💡MIDI track

A MIDI track is a sequence of recorded MIDI events, such as notes, control changes, and other data, that can be edited and manipulated in a DAW. The video script describes the process of adding a MIDI track for an instrument and using it to record and edit MIDI data.

💡Piano Roll view

The Piano Roll view is a graphical representation of MIDI data where notes are displayed as horizontal lines or blocks on a piano-like keyboard layout. It is a common way to input and edit MIDI notes manually in a DAW. The script instructs on how to open this view and use it to add and adjust notes.

💡Velocity

Velocity in MIDI refers to the speed at which a note is played, which can affect the volume or tone of the note. In the script, velocity is mentioned as a control for adjusting the strength or intensity of MIDI notes, with a bar displayed for each note to increase or decrease velocity.

💡Looping

Looping in a DAW like Cakewalk involves repeating a section of a MIDI or audio track. The script explains how to create a loop by setting a clip to loop and then stretching it to the desired length, which is useful for creating repetitive patterns in music.

💡MIDI cables

MIDI cables are used to connect MIDI devices, such as keyboards or drum pads, to a computer or audio interface. The video script discusses using MIDI cables to connect a MIDI instrument to an audio interface for recording.

💡USB MIDI interface

A USB MIDI interface is a device that allows MIDI instruments to be connected to a computer via USB, facilitating the recording of MIDI data. The script mentions setting up a USB MIDI interface and configuring it in the software preferences.

💡Quantize

Quantize is a tool used in DAWs to align recorded MIDI notes to a specified grid or timing, correcting any slight inaccuracies in timing. The script describes using the quantize tool to lock MIDI events to the grid for more precise timing.

💡Transpose

Transpose in the context of MIDI editing refers to changing the pitch of recorded notes. The video script explains how the transpose tool can be used to shift the pitch of all MIDI notes on a track, which is useful for adjusting the key of a piece of music.

💡Velocity tool

The velocity tool is used to adjust the velocity of MIDI notes, which affects the dynamics or volume of the notes. The script mentions using this tool to change the velocity of notes in a clip, either uniformly or by a certain amount, to add expression to the MIDI performance.

Highlights

How to record and edit MIDI in Cakewalk by BandLab

Setting MIDI inputs and outputs in Preferences

Adding a MIDI track for an instrument

Using the SI-Drum Kit as an example instrument

Reopening the drum kit window from the instrument icon

Adding sample beats to the MIDI track

Combining beats and creating loops

Adding MIDI notes manually using the piano roll view

Zooming in on the piano roll for note input

Using the Smart Tool to add and adjust notes

Deleting notes and adjusting velocity

Using staff view for sheet music familiarity

Creating loops with the Groove Clip tool

Recording MIDI with a MIDI instrument

Setting up a USB MIDI interface

Adjusting MIDI events with the quantize tool

Using the swing tool to add a feel to the project

The window tool's sensitivity settings

Offset tool for shifting notes out of time

Random option for adding timing variations

Transpose tool for shifting pitch of MIDI notes

Velocity tool for adjusting the velocity of notes

Akai MPD218 as a USB MIDI controller for drum beats

Link to purchase the Akai MPD218 in video description

Encouragement to like and subscribe for more tutorials

Transcripts

Hey guys, in this video we’re going to cover how to record and edit MIDI in Cakewalk by

BandLab.

If you haven’t checked out the previous tutorials on this software, I recommend doing

that before moving on.

This video goes into detail on creating MIDI tracks, adding MIDI VST instruments, inputting

MIDI manually, recording MIDI from a MIDI instrument, and editing MIDI with the different

build-in tools.

First let’s go to the Edit menu and select Preferences.

Go to MIDI devices and set your MIDI inputs and outputs.

We need to make sure we can select the Akai MPD218 as our input device on a new track.

Now we need to add a MIDI track for our instrument.

Right click on the blank tracks area and select Add Instrument Track.

For this example, we’ll set our instrument to the SI-Drum Kit.

Once this is done it will launch the drum kit.

If we accidentally exit out of the drum kit window, we just click the little instrument

icon to the left of the track name to open it up again.

Don’t worry too much about how to use all the different virtual instruments, I’ll

go into each of these in more detail in the next video.

For now, it’s enough to know that we have a few sample beats we can test on the left,

and then click and drag these onto the MIDI track to add them to the project.

You can pick different beats, combine them, and drag the ends of the clip to extend them

creating a loop.

We can do the same thing with different instruments, such as the bass.

The virtual bass instrument also has sample MIDI tracks we can add and extend to create

a beat.

Ok so now let’s cover how to add MIDI notes manually.

Keep in mind this process can be very time consuming, and I usually like to use a MIDI

controller instead.

First we need to open the piano roll view.

Right click on an empty MIDI track, and select View Piano Roll under the View menu.

The first problem we’re going to have is that zoomed out too far.

Every number you see at the top is a measure.

Zoom in using the button in the bottom right corner.

Now we can draw notes.

With the Smart Tool enabled, just click on the piano roll grid to add notes, and drag

them for whatever length you want them to be.

If you need to delete a note, just right click on it.

The bottom part of our Window has the velocity control.

You’ll see a vertical bar displayed for each note.

Drag it up to increase the velocity, or down to decrease it.

If there are two notes playing at once in a chord, the two velocities will be overlaid

and you can see which one you’re adjusting when you click on it because the note will

become highlighted.

Instead of the Piano Roll view, you can also use the staff view.

This is great for people who are familiar with writing sheet music, but the process

is much more difficult in Cakewalk.

If you prefer this sort of view, I think it’s actually better to use a different program

such as Musescore, then export the MIDI file and import it to Cakewalk.

Regardless of which way you created the MIDI file, we can make a short section and cause

it to loop.

To do this, make sure your clip is as long as you want the loop to be.

Then go to the Clip menu on the left side.

Under Groove Clip, enable Looping by checking off that box.

Then just stretch the clip as long as you would like it.

Now let’s cover how to record MIDI with a MIDI instrument.

First off, there’s really only two ways you’ll connect the MIDI instrument.

First is with MIDI cables to your audio interface.

In that case, set the input on your channel to Omni for your audio interface.

This will take all the MIDI inputs to your audio interface and record them.

If you have multiple MIDI input devices, you’ll need to specify a channel.

Otherwise for just one, Omni will work fine.

The other option is to set up a USB MIDI interface like this drum pad I’m using.

When properly connected and configured in the Preferences menu, the MIDI controller

will show up as an input device.

Once you’ve set the input, just make sure you have a virtual instrument on that track

enabled.

Also press the red button to arm the track for recording.

Then press the keys on your MIDI device to hear what sound they make.

Some MIDI instruments, like the one I’m using, will have their own software to reconfigure

what MIDI event is triggered by which pad.

This is important for drums, but not so much if you’re using a keyboard.

Now that you’ve set it up, just press the record button and record the MIDI track just

like we did in the last video for audio.

The last thing we need to look at are the controls for adjusting MIDI events.

First is the quantize tool.

This is used to lock the MIDI events to the grid.

When you record with a MIDI instrument, chances are it won’t lock perfectly in time.

It’s especially difficult to do this with a finger drum pad.

The quantize tool will fix this automatically for us.

When we open it, we’ll have a few options.

First is Starts Times or Duration.

Start times locks it on the grid at specific time values that fit to the resolution down

below.

Durations makes the entire duration of a MIDI event fit the resolution.

The strength option does exactly what it sounds like.

If set to 100%, the notes will strike with perfect timing.

However, this isn’t always ideal, since music isn’t this perfect, and it actually

sounds a little weird.

The swing tool distorts the spacing of the notes and gives the entire project a swing

feel.

50% is the neutral value with no swing.

Above 50%, the first note gets shorter and the second note gets longer.

Below 50%, the opposite is true.

The window tool is basically the sensitivity of the tool.

At 100%, all notes will be shifted to the nearest value.

At 50%, notes within 25% in either direction will be shifted.

Those outside will be left untouched.

Offset can be used to shift all the notes slightly out of time with the project.

I don’t normally use this option.

Last we have the random option, which shifts the notes around randomly up to a certain

amount, which you can control with the slider.

This adds a little bit of error, since perfectly timed music doesn’t sound very good.

Next is the transpose tool.

This will shift the pitch of all the MIDI notes on the track it is applied to.

This is a pretty simple tool to use.

The last tool we need to cover is the velocity tool.

With this, you can adjust the velocity of all the notes in a clip at once.

You can set them all to the same value, change them by a certain amount, scale them by a

percentage, or limit them within a certain range.

They can also by changed gradually throughout the music, or be made somewhat random to change

it up a little.

The Akai MPD218 is a USB MIDI controller for creating drum beats.

It features 16 velocity-sensitive pads for finger drumming, as well as knobs for controlling

different settings within your digital audio workstation.

The MPD218 can be easily remapped to work with plenty of different VST instruments,

and using it to create drums beats allows for faster note inputting time compared to

the traditional piano roll view.

Check out the link in the video description to get your own.

Thanks for checking out this video on recording and editing MIDI in Cakewalk by Bandlab.

If this video helped you out, don’t forget to give it a like and subscribe to the channel.

Also check the video description for products linked in this video, and our social media

links.