Please help me with this basic concept

[BlanktapeQ]

Hi, I know this question is really simple for most of you people here
but I really need someone to coach me in
Please please help me

Here it goes
What's the difference between an audio file and a MIDI file?
Well, I know that audio file is like the direct input from instruments like vocal, guitar, and stuff like that, which is a wave file. And MIDI file is like a digitized signal from the synth
But my question is, I know that I can also record my synth as an audio file too, right?
I can also edit this audio file like I do with MIDI file, right? like, cut, copy, and paste
So what's the advantage for me to record it as MIDI file?
What is the thing that I can't do with an audio file that I can with a MIDI file?

Please help
Thank you so so so much

[jecahn]

The question is more, "What can I do with a MIDI file that I can't with an audio file?" MIDI gives you the ability to alter timing, keys, individual notes, controllers, "instrument assignments" and all sorts of other stuff that audio files don't.

For example, take a typical, boring drum beat: kick on the quarters, hat on the eighths and snare on every first quarter. If that's an audio file, you're pretty well stuck with it. If it's MIDI info, you can swap the hats and the snare or replace the kick with a rimshot or whatever you like. Let's further suppose that you played this drum track by ear on your keyboard. Using quantizing, you can slide a MIDI part into proper timing. With an audio file, you get what you gave. Sure, you can slice and slide with a WAV editor. But, why bother?

Does that make sense? I hope so. Good Luck

[Valkyrya]

Originally posted by BlanktapeQ:

Here it goes
What's the difference between an audio file and a MIDI file?


MIDI files contain only notes...and music will be not so sophisticated as the WAV files that is a sound data file.
The difference between a MIDI file and a sound wave (or MP3) file is quite analogous to the difference between a hole-punched piano roll for a mechanical player piano, versus a music cassette tape or CD. Specifically, a MIDI file keeps a list of what notes at what pitches are being played on what instruments at what times. In contrast, other kinds of music files store a direct recording of the sound waves.

(Excuse me about my English)

http://membres.lycos.fr/denimproject/images/valky1002.jpg
Valkyrya (http://www.mp3.com/valkyrya)
Denim Project Community (http://www.denimproject.cjb.net)

[This message has been edited by Valkyrya (edited 06-25-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Valkyrya (edited 06-25-2002).]

[BlanktapeQ]

Now it's all clear
Thank you both

Another question though

What do you think is the best software for MIDI sequencing + recording + mixing software?

Do I need an external mixing board if I have LOGIC DELTA already?
If so, which mixer is considered the industry standard?

And can I transfer sound files between two different recording software, like LOGIC DELTA and VEGAS?

Any advise would be appreciated!
^.^