How to Edit Your MIDI Tracks in Logic Pro (and the Best Tools to Do So)
Like most digital audio workstations, Logic Pro lets you choose from a library of software instruments. When you record a software instrument, instead of generating audio regions, you create MIDI regions.
Any errors you make while recording a software instrument on a MIDI or computer keyboard can be easily corrected in the MIDI editor in Logic Pro. Learn how to use the editing tools well, and you’re able to vastly improve the sound and feel of your digital recordings.
How to Edit MIDI in the Piano Roll Editor
To edit your MIDI regions, open thePiano Roll Editorby double-clicking on a MIDI region. The central area lets you change the pitch, length, and timing of any note.
In the side window to the left, choose the quantization note length by clicking belowTime Quantize (classic). Press theQbutton on its right to activate quantization. You can use this to quickly make your MIDI regions match the tempo perfectly.
TheStrengthslider, below the quantize button, lets you choose the degree to which quantize changes are implemented. TheSwingslider determines how much swing or marginal off-beat emphasis is placed on selected notes.
You can quantize to a set key or modality (scale type) in theScale Quantizesection. This means if you have a wrong note, you can quickly correct it by quantizing to your intended key and desired scale mode.
Use theVelocityslider to change the dynamic of each note. This differs from volume as it affects the intensity of a note, not just the volume.
You will need to carefully choose the note length you quantize at, or you may change the rhythm away from your intended outcome. Also, you can use this tool to experiment, and find out what different rhythms sound like.
Bear in mind that it’s possible to suck the life out of a recording or mix by applying perfect quantization. In this case, you can either manually move notes slightly off-center, lower the quantization Strength slider, or increase the Swing.
you may also selectFunctions > MIDI Transformto add life to your MIDI tracks, which we’ll look into further below.
Useful MIDI Editing Tools
In case you’re just getting started with Logic Pro, we’ll go over the basics for efficient editing.
In thePiano Roll Editorwindow, useCmd + side-arrows/up-arrowsto zoom in or out horizontally/vertically. Click and drag over many notes to select many at once. you could then pressShifton individual notes to select or deselect them.
Click and drag on the left or right border of the rectangular notes to shorten or lengthen them.
You can click on notes to hear them, and drag them up or down to change their pitch. Alternatively, select a note(s) and useAlt + up/down-arrow keysto change their pitch up or down a semitone.
Use the keyboard shortcutShift + Alt + up/down arrow keysto raise or lower selected notes by an octave. Similarly, holdShift + Altwhile applying velocity or note length edits to make all selected notes have that velocity or note length.
If you’re interested in editing the timing and pitch of audio regions, consider looking into our guides onhow to use Flex PitchandFlex Time in Logic Pro.
The Piano Roll Editor Tool Menu
Similar to your Workspace area, various tools are available to choose from in your left-click tool menu and Cmd-click tool menu. These can be found in the top-center of your Editor window.
By default, thePointer Toolis selected as your left-click tool, and thePencil Toolas your Cmd-click. HoldCmdand click to use this second option.
Pencil Tool
The Pencil Tool lets you create notes wherever you click. Drag to the left or right after clicking to alter the note length. The note length is determined by the length of the last note created.
Brush Tool
The Brush Tool lets you create multiple notes wherever you click and drag. The pitch of the note depends on where your cursor is on the vertical scale, and the note length depends on the quantization note length selected in the side-window.
Other Tools in the Tool Menu
There are a few other tools in the Tool Menu that you may or may not want to integrate into your workflow:
MIDI Transform in Logic Pro
One of the best tools you can use to enliven your robotic sounding MIDI files is theMIDI Transformfunction. To view the MIDI Transform options, navigate to the top-left of your Editor window, and pressFunctions > MIDI Transformafter you have selected a group of notes.
Select theCrescendooption to create a gradual increase in velocity after you input the original and final velocity value. You can also use theHumanizeoption to make small random shifts in velocity, or theRandomize Velocityfunction to apply this effect to a greater degree. ClickOperate Onlyin the MIDI Transform window to apply these functions.
This can dramatically alter a monotonic sound into something that feels alive. Experiment with these functions, and you can stumble upon new ideas while generally improving your MIDI regions. You can alsoreverse your audio in Logic Proto generate even more interesting sounds and creative options.
What Are the Best MIDI Editing Tools for You?
As you may have noticed, there are multiple ways to apply the same changes to your MIDI regions. For example, you could use theVelocityslider orbackspaceinstead of theVelocity Toolor theEraser Tool. While certain editing tools could be called the best for editing MIDI regions, everyone’s workflow is different. What works well for you may not work well for someone else.
Find out what tools suit and improve your workflow by trying them all. Your creative process will determine what best fits your creative and editing style. While you may get comfortable using one set of tools, don’t forget to experiment with new tool combinations to see if you can gain an inch in your editing time or overall creative output.
You can also try toorganize your Logic Pro sessions to a professional standardto save you even more time when editing and creating.
Bring Software Instruments to Life
The MIDI editing tools available on Logic Pro not only let you guarantee rhythmic perfection but also let you add dynamics and randomness to bring the digital sound to life.
Select the right note length division and quantize sections of your MIDI regions to make sure nothing is out of time. Use the Strength and Swing sliders to lessen or increase the impact of quantization and the Velocity slider to alter the dynamics of each note. Set your MIDI regions to a specific scale, and improve your workflow by using the best MIDI editing tools for you. Then, make the most of the MIDI Transform function to add a spark and flow to your MIDI regions.
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