How to Convert Audio to MIDI in Ableton Live
AI tool for Ableton Live 11 / 12 / Live Lite users · free 30-second preview
First right-click an audio clip in Ableton Live and choose Convert Melody, Harmony, or Drums to New MIDI Track for the source type. PureMIDI is a browser-based second pass when you want another result to compare or need to process audio outside Live. The workflow supports Live 11, 12, and Lite.
What does this audio contain?
Choose the option that best matches what you hear.
Choose what you want to convert
Choose a supported file, then convert it to an editable MIDI draft.
Free preview: up to 25.0 MB. Full conversion after sign-in: up to 25.0 MB.
Choose what you want to convert
Formats: MP3 / WAV / M4A / FLAC / OGG / WEBM / AAC. Max 25.0 MB.
How to convert with PureMIDI and return to Ableton — 4 steps
- 01
Select the audio clip in Ableton
Pick the clip in Session or Arrangement view. Solo vocals, monophonic lines, and clean single-instrument clips give the best accuracy.
- 02
Export as WAV
Use File → Export Audio/Video or the ⌘⇧R (Mac) / Ctrl+Shift+R (Windows) shortcut. Set the loop region to the clip length and save as WAV 16/24-bit.
- 03
Choose the type and upload to PureMIDI
Drag the exported WAV onto the upload zone on this page. The AI generates a .mid file in about 30 seconds.
- 04
Drag the MIDI back into Ableton
Drop the .mid file onto an empty MIDI track in Ableton — notes drop right in. Add a Drum Rack, Operator, Wavetable, or any instrument to play it.
Use cases
Audio Clip → MIDI
Convert audio clips already in your Ableton session into MIDI drafts, swap sounds, and remix.
Sample library transcription
Turn purchased audio loops into MIDI so you can play them through Drum Rack, Sampler, or Operator.
Vocal → instrument doubling
Convert a recorded vocal into MIDI and double it with synths, pads, or basslines.
Complement Ableton's built-in tools
When the built-in Convert Drums/Harmony/Melody options miss notes, run PureMIDI in parallel and compare.
Ableton audio → MIDI accuracy notes
- Solo vocals, solo instruments, and monophonic lines yield the highest accuracy.
- Choose one-melody conversion for one clear line. For an exported full mix, choose full-song conversion to get a multi-track draft.
- Live Lite has track-count limits but the conversion workflow is identical.
- Export PCM WAV 24-bit with Render as Loop enabled for the cleanest input.
Ableton Live's built-in Audio to MIDI commands
Use Live's native command first when the clip is already in your Set.
- Choose Convert Melody to New MIDI Track for a monophonic vocal or solo instrument.
- Choose Convert Harmony to New MIDI Track for polyphonic chords or harmonic instruments.
- Choose Convert Drums to New MIDI Track for isolated percussion; Live attempts kick, snare, and hi-hat mapping.
- Use clear attacks, isolated instruments, and uncompressed WAV or AIFF for the best native conversion input.
Ableton Live version compatibility
The same workflow works in every recent Ableton version.
| Ableton version | Supported | Export shortcut (Mac) |
|---|---|---|
| Ableton Live 12 | ✅ | ⌘⇧R |
| Ableton Live 11 | ✅ | ⌘⇧R |
| Ableton Live 10 | ✅ | ⌘⇧R |
| Ableton Live Lite (11 / 12) | ✅ (track-count limited) | ⌘⇧R |
| Ableton Live Intro | ✅ | ⌘⇧R |
Pro tip: Render as Loop for precise exports
Set the Loop Brace to the exact range you want, enable Render as Loop, and you'll get a clean WAV without trailing silence.
Other DAWs & instrument workflows
Not using Ableton? Use the page tuned to your DAW or instrument.
Core audio to MIDI paths
Choose the conversion path that matches your source. These pages separate general audio, compressed MP3, YouTube/YT workflows, and local MP4/video files so each search intent has one clear owner.
AI audio to MIDI converter
Best default for WAV, M4A, FLAC, recordings, stems, and authorized audio exported from video.
MP3 to MIDI converter
Use the MP3-specific page when your source is compressed MP3 and you need bitrate or retry guidance.
YouTube to MIDI workflow
Preview a link, confirm rights, then upload audio you own or are licensed to use for MIDI conversion.
MP4 / Video to MIDI converter
Upload a local MP4, MOV, WebM, or M4V and convert its audio track directly to MIDI.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ableton audio to MIDI tool free?+
Hear a free 30-second result before signing in. Complete conversions use one-time credit packs with no subscription; see /pricing.
Which Ableton Live versions are supported?+
Ableton Live 10/11/12, Live Lite, and Live Intro all work the same way: Export → Upload → Drag back.
Does it work on Live Lite?+
Yes. Live Lite has track-count limits, but Export Audio and dragging MIDI back into the project work normally.
Can I convert a full song mix to MIDI in one go?+
Yes. Choose full-song conversion for an exported full mix to generate a multi-track MIDI draft (6-15 credits by length). Choose one-melody conversion only for one clear vocal or instrument line.
Can I make drum MIDI for Drum Rack?+
The current engine focuses on pitch detection. Mapping kick/snare/hat to a Drum Rack needs a dedicated drum workflow — this page's output isn't pre-mapped for Drum Rack.
What audio format should I upload?+
WAV, AIFF, MP3, M4A all work. For best accuracy use PCM WAV 24-bit.
How do I get the MIDI back into Ableton the fastest?+
Drag the .mid file from Finder/Explorer onto an empty MIDI track in Ableton. The notes appear instantly.
How is this different from Convert Drums/Harmony/Melody to New MIDI Track?+
Ableton's commands run locally inside Live and use dedicated Melody, Harmony, and Drums paths. PureMIDI offers one-melody/instrument and full-song/multi-instrument conversion. Compare both on the same source rather than assuming either is universally better.
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