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Workflow for Generating "Multi-track" MIDI Files from Chords? A Solution Found.
I'm looking for a solid workflow to generate Multi-track MIDI files.
@_Ki created a Mozaic script to split chords across MIDI Channels and MusicKraken has a module to do this as well.
I'm at the step of selecting the best tool for taking these realtime multi-channel input flows and recording it with the capability to export as a file (Music XML export would be a plus).
I've tested a bit with Xequence and will continue testing Cubasis 3 and other DAW's until one shows the greatest benefit.
The chord generator I'm most interested in starting with is a standalone app called "Suggester" but there are IAA and AUv3 generators. I emailed the "Suggester" dev to see if he would export his chords across multiple channels. It does esport MIDI files of all the chords on a single channel.
It would be nice to have an optional stage in the workflow where chords are given rhythmic patterning.
If anyone has suggestions to test I'd appreciate the input and I'll update as a I get closer to a solid workflow to generate multi-track MIDI "orchestrations". I think Cubasis might be good because it might add the right metadata to the channels so my use case target app knows what instruments to load when importing the MIDI file. I'm trying to create a "automatic composer" workflow for Staffpad that makes the pencil editing less time consuming.
SOLUTION:
I had some success using Cubasis 3 as the recording app for Suggester chord progression loops.
Here's the workflow:
1. start Suggester and set up a chord progression.
2. start Cubasis 3
3. Start an AUM session
4. with Mozaic in a MIDI FX slot and @_Ki's "Multi-Divisi v1.2" script downloaded from patchstorage and running. Set the knob to 4-8 channels depending on chord complexity.
5. set the Moziac instance to accept MIDI from Suggester
6. in AUM's MIDI Routing route Mozaic out to Cubasis 3 (check that Suggester is input to Mozaic too)
7. Open Cubasis 3 and create 4-8 channels depending on the complexity of your chords
8. Open Suggester in a sideview on top of Cubasis.
9. Start Suggester in a Loop with audio muted.
10. Configure each Cubasis channel on a specific MIDI channel and with Suggester running you should hear the notes. Cubasis defaults to a Microsonic Piano and when you get a channel playing change the instrument... I used Violin, Viola, Cello on my first test.
11. Match the BPM between Suggester and Cubasis.
12. Arm all the MIDI channels that produce single notes... some have more but recording them is not a problem.
13. Hit record on cubasis with a 1 bar metronome lead-in.
14. after the lead in hit the Suggester play arrow.
15. Stop Cubasis after 1 (or more) loops.
16. I quantized the Cubasis MIDI on quarter notes to avoid a ton of editing later.
17. Create a Cubasis MIDI Mixdown and save to files.
18. I imported the Mixdown MIDI file into Staffpad without any issues but Notion can be used here to convert to the more robust Music XML.
19. Staffpad labeled all the tracks as Microsonic *BUT* it read the Violin, Viola, Cello text and assigned default instruments so it played this instantly:
This may seem like a ton of steps but it's so much easier than writing out parts using the pencil.
Now I can work towards adding more rhythmic interest into the workflow using @_Ki's tips.
Comments
With the right setup, StepPolyArp Unit can add rythms to chords:
Since StepPolyArpUnit ‚resets‘ the midi channel of the input notesto ch1, it needs to be put before the MultiDivisi script that does the channel distribution. SPAU forwards the input CCs and expressions, but
they should be on ch1 (ie keyboard set to channel 1) to match the output notes channel.
.
I also tried RythmBud to add gating, but this didn‘t forward CCs or expressions.
.
Another thing i tried was adding midiGATE AUv3 after the SPAU-gated MultiDivisi with a gate propability of 90% to loosened up the monotonous gating of SPAU a bit by randomly leaving out sounds of the pattern. But unfortunately this sometimes resulted in hanging notes (if the input to SPAU varied fast).
Thanks, I will look into the rhythm after I get the MIDI file create/import working.
I had some success using Cubasis 3 as the recording app for Suggester chord progression loops.
Here's the workflow:
1. start Suggester and set up a chord progression.
2. start Cubasis 3
3. Start an AUM session
4. with Mozaic in a MIDI FX slot and @_Ki's "Multi-Divisi v1.2" script downloaded from patchstorage and running. Set the knob to 4-8 channels depending on chord complexity.
5. set the Moziac instance to accept MIDI from Suggester
6. in AUM's MIDI Routing route Mozaic out to Cubasis 3 (check that Suggester is input to Mozaic too)
7. Open Cubasis 3 and create 4-8 channels depending on the complexity of your chords
8. Open Suggester in a sideview on top of Cubasis.
9. Start Suggester in a Loop with audio muted.
10. Configure each Cubasis channel on a specific MIDI channel and with Suggester running you should hear the notes. Cubasis defaults to a Microsonic Piano and when you get a channel playing change the instrument... I used Violin, Viola, Cello on my first test.
11. Match the BPM between Suggester and Cubasis.
12. Arm all the MIDI channels that produce single notes... some have more but recording them is not a problem.
13. Hit record on cubasis with a 1 bar metronome lead-in.
14. after the lead in hit the Suggester play arrow.
15. Stop Cubasis after 1 (or more) loops.
16. I quantized the Cubasis MIDI on quarter notes to avoid a ton of editing later.
17. Create a Cubasis MIDI Mixdown and save to files.
18. I imported the Mixdown MIDI file into Staffpad without any issues but Notion can be used here to convert to the more robust Music XML.
19. Staffpad labeled all the tracks as Microsonic *BUT* it read the Violin, Viola, Cello text and assigned default instruments so it played this instantly:
This may seem like a ton of steps but it's so much easier than writing out parts using the pencil.
Now I can work towards adding more rhythmic interest into the workflow using @_Ki's tips.
Note: I emailed the Suggester developer to see if he would entertain creating multi-part MIDI file exports and I'm not sure he understood the request: he thinks it's a Staffpad problem.
Of course, Staffpad or any other IOS DAW could add an "explode chords to parts" feature and save a lot of steps.
But until then I'll use and abuse @_Ki's clever Mozaic script. Polythemus can do this for 4 parts I think. I looked into "Music Kraken" and it appeared to copy all notes into every selected output channel. I gave up and went with the Mozaic scripted solution.
If you are aware of any other options please comment.
Thanks for checking it out. I remember that excitement when @audeonic would write the really tricky scripts for us. That led to me hacking a "One Finger" chord generator and @_Ki jumping in and adding a ton of features. Good times for the community here and on the Streambyter forum.
I didn't think this would work but it did.
I used the 4Pockets "Euclidean Sequencer" as the generator and put it though @_ki's
Mozaic script and then into Cubasis3 with instruments assigned to 8 channels. It showed notes on many channels. I exported to MIDI and imported into Staffpad and it played across a complete string section of Violins 1,2, Viola, Cello and Bass Viol.
I expected the non-chordal input to confuse @_Ki's script but it output on many MIDI channels. I'd like to know how he designed his note channeling logic because it's NOT dependent on chordal inputs. Studying @_Ki's coding is not for a casual hacker. He writes
very efficient, highly organized and elegant code... which means "he's an educated computer scientist". Still... let's see what other magic we can wring out of his script.
I was thinking I'd like a script that splits out notes by adjustable ranges to 4-8 MIDI channels.
I'd like to know if there's a convention for the traditional Treble & Bass Clef piano staffs. Most of my MIDI imports end up with all the notes in the treble and a ton of ugly ledger lines. I'd like to split all notes above middle C to the treble part and those below to the bass.
Many notation programs due this spilt as an option but on IOS it's hard to find this feature.
As a side note, I use the Band in a Box software on PC, and this program generates a multi track song (audio and midi) based on the chords you enter. You can fine tune the way the instruments react to the chords (like only bass in the intro, only piano in a break, etc).
Thing is, the foundation of such a song is a certain style, like a country song, a rock song, in the end it is not your own composition, if you are picky. From another point of view you write music for a virtual band. You can tweak and customize it on a high level to make it unique.
And another thing is, BIAB is not cheap, if you want many styles, and the realtracks (audio files instead of general midi sounds). The interface is also something from the past, could be a windows 95 program.
It is a totally other approach, and not on Ipad, but in a way it is very effective. On Ipad working with Ibassist and the Lumbeat drummers comes close to the BIAB experience. I like it a lot because I like to write a song but I don´t want to program every instrument and every drum beat.
You can export midi lanes and import these files into a DAW, for further development.
I have got into BIAB about 3-4 times over the last 25 years. It's like crack for buying more styles, instruments, features, soloists, etc. I wish they would release some of their code on IOS.
Session Band is the closest set of products on IOS with really good recordings of studio musicians which is how BIAB does it's RealPlayer instruments and soloist technologies.
yes, that is true, PG music has a very cluttered website, and there product is cluttered too. So many add on packs, like x-tra packs, midi packs, super tracks, 49 pack, etc. They make you craving for it. Dumb thing is they mix all kind of styles in the packs, instead of creating packs for a certain style.
And I do have Session band on Ipad, I bought a lot when they where 1 euro each, not long ago. It feels a bit limited and the hihats and cymbals are much too loud in the mix. I have to put more time in these apps to get more out of it.
I find every release has better quality and the prices go up. What styles are the most import to you. I like the Funk, Fusion and Blues for generating backing tracks to improvise guitar practice. But I could see that for song writing I'd probably be all over the "Acoustic" version.
@Paulieworld uses Session Band as a source audio generator for his amazing Montages and compositions that fold in audio and live performances into music that defies genre classifications or plays with contrasting genres. Session Band can make great loop fodder for Loopy Pro and other sample driven apps.
Good you mentioned it, I bought them and forget about it.
I have a lot, 15 apps, only not the EDM, Deep house, Ukele, I had no interest, and not the original and the jazz300 one, because they were not discounted. They use do a lot of disk space, if I remember well.
Thanks for the mention and the accolades. Session Band Rock has some great guitar content. I will be posting something shortly that uses that. Have a great evening!