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Convert AIFF-C audio to midi

I'm looking for a way to convert from AIFF-C format to midi on my Mac, and to use with a music program.

I can import the AIFF-C file into GarageBand, but can't seem to export it in midi format, which surprised me -- is this not supported?

Then I wondered if QuickTime could help -- but can't find a way ... anyone else?

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

2 x 24" iMac 3.06GHz Core Duo; MacBook Pro 2.26GHz Core Duo; iPhone x 2 (+ old), Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Mar 17, 2011 1:36 PM

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2 replies

Mar 17, 2011 9:07 PM in response to BigMacUser

That's because AIFF is an audio file; it is a recording of a performance. A MIDI file is a file containing notes and durations; it has no audio, and is like a score to be performed. So to go from a recording to a record of notes (i.e. printed music) is called transcription or dictation. Some software can do this, but usually produces errors. A competent musician can do it with their ears and staff paper.

Mar 18, 2011 8:57 AM in response to Jeremy Hansen

Hmmmm ... yes, I agree. In my case I have a recording of a multi-piece band backing up 4 vocalists, and want to tease-out the vocal parts. Hard to separate all the instrumental and vocal "voicings"! Now, if I was able to get a good piece of the conversion done through software, I could possibly fill in the gaps through listening carefully ...

I did a bit of research, and see that there are a number of software products out there that claim to convert audio to midi, but I also see that reviewers report mixed results (as you've indicated in your reply). Does anyone have any experience with the following, or any others?:

- http://www.widisoft.com/english/download.html
- http://www.bestshareware.net/download/widi-recognition-system-pro.htm
- http://www.computing.net/answers/mac/aiff-to-midi/2549.html
- http://www.mymusictools.com/articles/how-do-i-convert-mp3-to-midi.htm
- http://www.brothersoft.com/downloads/mp3-to-midi-converter.html
- http://www.topshareware.com/mp3-to-midi-converter/downloads/1.htm

... and then I just found this one: http://convert.software.informer.com/download-convert-aiff-to-midi-mac/

If you have any thoughts about any of the above, or other techniques or software that would do the job, I'm all ears!

Thanks!

Convert AIFF-C audio to midi

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