One-note melody
A solo vocal or instrument line belongs in Convert Melody. Slides and breath sounds may still require note edits.
Ableton Live 12 · native conversion first
Ableton Audio to MIDI: Melody, Harmony & Drums Steps
Choose the Live command that matches the clip, then check the new MIDI track.
Learn more
Live 12 Standard and Suite offer native audio-to-MIDI commands for a selected clip. Melody is for one pitched line, Harmony for polyphonic material, and Drums for unpitched percussion. Ableton's edition chart marks Intro as unavailable. If your Lite installation does not show these commands, an external transcription is another route.
What does this audio contain?
Choose the option that best matches what you hear.
Choose a supported file, then convert it to an editable MIDI draft.
Choose the audio type above first
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.
Native Live 12 steps first
- 01
Select a clean audio clip
In Arrangement or Session View, select the clip you want to analyze. A solo part or isolated drum break gives you a clearer source than a mixed song.
- 02
Use the matching Create command
Open Create or the clip context menu. Choose Convert Melody to New MIDI Track for a single pitched line, Convert Harmony to New MIDI Track for chords, or Convert Drums to New MIDI Track for percussion. These are Live 12 Standard/Suite commands.
- 03
Inspect the generated clip
Live creates a new MIDI track. Compare its notes with the source audio, especially attacks and note endings. Adjust transient markers in the audio clip and repeat the conversion if boundaries are wrong.
- 04
Use an external draft when useful
For Lite/Intro or a second opinion, export an authorized audio region, choose the appropriate PureMIDI route, inspect its preview, and import the resulting .mid to an empty MIDI track. The output is a draft to edit.
Pick the right Live command
Chords or keys
Use Convert Harmony for a polyphonic part. Listen for extra or omitted chord tones before arranging.
Isolated percussion
Convert Drums attempts a Drum Rack rhythm and kit-part mapping. Check every pad assignment; slicing audio is a different operation.
Intro or Lite edition
Ableton's edition chart excludes Intro from Audio to MIDI. For Lite, check the commands in your installation; an imported MIDI draft remains an option.
Check the result before arranging
- Live's own manual recommends clear attacks, isolated sources and uncompressed audio when available.
- A MIDI clip represents detected notes; it does not preserve the original recording's sound.
- If drum pads or chord tones are wrong, edit the MIDI rather than treating conversion as a final arrangement.
When a separate transcription helps
An external result can be useful for comparison or for an edition without native conversion.
Keep the original clip. Export only the part you are entitled to process, choose a melody or full-song route based on the material, and compare both MIDI drafts at the same tempo. Import the version you prefer into Live and correct its timing and pitches.
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.
Ableton audio-to-MIDI questions
Where are the conversion commands?+
Select an audio clip and open Create or its context menu in Live 12 Standard or Suite.
Does Slice to New MIDI Track detect pitches?+
No. Slice separates audio into playable segments and triggers them with MIDI; it does not transcribe the segment pitches.
Can Live Lite import a MIDI file?+
Yes. You can bring an external .mid into a MIDI track. Check your Lite installation for the native conversion commands before choosing an external route.
What should I correct first?+
Compare note attacks and endings with the original clip, then adjust incorrect pitches or pad assignments.