Midi and Audio Syncronization

[strawbs1949]

Hi There Everyone,

If anyone knows how to Sync/ a midi File with its original Audio Song(In Cakewalk Sonar). Let me explain as a guitarist i find playing along with midi files OK, but would love to have the original lead and backing vocal running in sync. At my chosen points in the song. I would splice/EQ and delete sections of the original song, say the guitar solo, exposing just the midi file. I have considered other options, for adding vocals, but always feel they are disappointing.

If anyone has any low cost solutions to this overlooked problem, say a karaoke function thats, takes out the lead vocal and then channels into a file which can be used in Cakewalk. I Wish??

[charlie]

As a guitarist also using midi files, I understand the desire to have background vocals. This topic has also been a concern of mine and I have come to realize that I dont have the technical skill to effectively modify a file to include both mid and audio info. I am sure it can be done, but it's beyond my ability at this juncture. However, I have come close to acheiving my goal using midi files and vocal harmonies by using the Digitech vocalist 2. Since the Vocalist 2 does not rely on the midi file for its info but instead analyzes guitar chords and real time vocal for harmonies, I can have harmonies while running straight midi files. One caveat, however, is that the harmonies that are generated are totally dependent on what is being sung. Therefore, harmony parts that stand alone are not possible with the Vocalist. However, bringing in harmonies by means of a footswitch and dropping them out when not needed, is working for me. Used sparingly, the Vocalist can give you harmonies that sound authentic and are pleasing to the ear. No "chipmunkish" sounds. Good luck on figuring the midi/audio sync. If successful, I would sure like to know how you did it.

Charlie

[strawbs1949]

Thanks Charlie,

For your input, with my struggle with this Syc/Vocal problem. I have used vocal/ Harmony boxes/ before, but even with pitch correction, i'm never gonna be a (David Coverdale) in a live situation using midi/Md's/Cd's ect.. You can use other peoples vocals on your songs . Depending on your individual situation and the amount of gigs, this might be a cost effective idea.

Most people strive for perfection and song authenticity regarding the MIDI Files they use, but they have not given a thought to the lack of ,Vocals and Backing Vocals on their tracks. Just compare any Karaoke track to a Midi File, everything is faithfully reproduced for Singers to use. The musician, be it Guitar/Keyboard players has no choice but use computer based midis.

I mainly want the play along with a midi file, but have the luxury of near authentic vocals added, i no you could pay a studio or friends to sing for you. Even if they could they sing like the greats , your looking at £50 up wards cost for each track. My idea is to use
the ORIGINAL TRACK, and marry it to the MIDI TRACK, and TAKE OUT parts of the ORIGINAL as and when needed in the song.

Any Ideas?

[thingyy]

I have seen some Kawai sequencers that have a tape sync.
Voiceworks has realistic voices and can be used via a midi file in note mode to use the existing harmony notes in some files,or write your own.
In your suituation it would be easier to record on to a minidiscs,or Mp3 and have 2 or 3 versions of the file on seperate discs to use as per situation.