Audio vs MIDI
In my previous post, we've talked about minimal PC specs that are required in computer based recording studio setup's. But, before we start exploring various types of Audio/MIDI interfaces and sound cards, I would like to briefly explain its basic terminology and definitions.
Audio is an electrical or other representation of sound within human audible range of frequencies (20Hz to 20.000Hz). Audio can be represented in Analog or Digital form.
Analog (traditional) audio is a representation of a sound that is analogous to the air pressure waves of the sound. In Analog audio recording, audio signal is converted into electrical energy and stored on a media (vinyl or magnetic tape) by copying down wave patterns of the sound.
The sound is then played back using reversed process and converted back into Analog signal, to be audible by listener.
Digital (modern) audio is sound reproduction using pulse-code modulation and digital signals. Digital audio is recorded by sampling analog signal and converting it into digital via Analog to Digital converters (AD converters). Digital sound can be further processed in digital form by various sound processors before they are played back. Playback of digital audio is also done by the reversed process of signal being processed back to analog form via Digital to Analog Converters (DA converters). Digital audio is more popular lately due to its ability to be stored and processed in digital domain, and be copied without any quality loss.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is an industry standard protocol that enables electronic musical instruments and other electronic equipment to communicate and synchronize with each other. Unlike Audio, MIDI does not transmit audio signal, but it sends event messages about musical notation, pitch and intensity and controls signal's various parameters and tempo. All MIDI compatible devices (controllers, musical instruments, software etc.) can communicate with each other via same MIDI 1.0 and General MIDI technology, and thus interpret any given MIDI message the same way. As the MIDI data is stored as instructions rather than recorded audio waveform's, the size of data files is very small in comparison to Audio files. However, sampled Audio files can also be triggered by newer MIDI controllers and software sequencers and can be played back the same way as synthetic sounds. As they are velocity sensitive, the feeling of a live musical sessions can be achieved with a little patience and attention to detail.
Audio/MIDI interface/sound card
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| Audio/MIDI sound card with external instrument connector interface |
Audio is an electrical or other representation of sound within human audible range of frequencies (20Hz to 20.000Hz). Audio can be represented in Analog or Digital form.
Analog (traditional) audio is a representation of a sound that is analogous to the air pressure waves of the sound. In Analog audio recording, audio signal is converted into electrical energy and stored on a media (vinyl or magnetic tape) by copying down wave patterns of the sound.
The sound is then played back using reversed process and converted back into Analog signal, to be audible by listener.
Digital (modern) audio is sound reproduction using pulse-code modulation and digital signals. Digital audio is recorded by sampling analog signal and converting it into digital via Analog to Digital converters (AD converters). Digital sound can be further processed in digital form by various sound processors before they are played back. Playback of digital audio is also done by the reversed process of signal being processed back to analog form via Digital to Analog Converters (DA converters). Digital audio is more popular lately due to its ability to be stored and processed in digital domain, and be copied without any quality loss.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is an industry standard protocol that enables electronic musical instruments and other electronic equipment to communicate and synchronize with each other. Unlike Audio, MIDI does not transmit audio signal, but it sends event messages about musical notation, pitch and intensity and controls signal's various parameters and tempo. All MIDI compatible devices (controllers, musical instruments, software etc.) can communicate with each other via same MIDI 1.0 and General MIDI technology, and thus interpret any given MIDI message the same way. As the MIDI data is stored as instructions rather than recorded audio waveform's, the size of data files is very small in comparison to Audio files. However, sampled Audio files can also be triggered by newer MIDI controllers and software sequencers and can be played back the same way as synthetic sounds. As they are velocity sensitive, the feeling of a live musical sessions can be achieved with a little patience and attention to detail.
Audio/MIDI interface/sound card
In order to record any external sound source in digital format and store it on the computer's hard disk, we require some sort of connector/converter between them. We require an Audio interface (that is connected externally to the computer) or sound card (connected internally). Also, to record any synthetic sound, we require MIDI interface or sound card. These devices can come combined as one interface/sound card or as a two separated units. Depending on your needs, you might just require an Audio interface to record audio only, or MIDI interface if your music is going to be mostly electronic. If you are planning to have both options, then you'll need a combined unit.
The list of various Audio/MIDI interfaces and sound cards in the table on the next page will help you determine which one of them will best suit your needs and budget.
The list of various Audio/MIDI interfaces and sound cards in the table on the next page will help you determine which one of them will best suit your needs and budget.
The levels of both the drums and bass need to be at just the right range, so they mix together well.
ReplyDeleteaudio
Hi Brian, while I agree with you, I think your comment is a little bit off this topic, but I do appreciate it very much (especially cause it's the first comment to this blog post). There will be a topic soon about various mixing techniques in one of my next blog posts, so please stay tuned for further updates to come. Also, please feel free to comment and share if you find it interesting. Cheers!
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