Vocal guide to MIDI
Turn a dry guide vocal into notes for a synth double or arrangement reference.
Live REAPER workflow
How to Convert Audio to MIDI in REAPER
Use ReaTune to emit MIDI notes from a clean monophonic signal, or transcribe an exported file and bring the .mid back into REAPER.
Learn more
REAPER includes ReaTune, whose pitch-correction options can send a MIDI event when detected pitch changes. That native route is useful for one clear pitched line. PureMIDI provides a file-based second route for melody or complete-song transcription. The result still needs a listening pass: MIDI contains notes and timing, not the original sound or mix.
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 / AAC. Max 25.0 MB.
REAPER audio-to-MIDI steps
- 01
Prepare a clean source
Duplicate or render the source track. Solo one vocal, bass, or lead for ReaTune; export a longer, polyphonic, or multi-instrument passage for the uploaded workflow.
- 02
Record or create MIDI
With ReaTune, enable sending MIDI events on pitch changes and route the generated events to a MIDI track. With PureMIDI, upload the authorized file and preview the detected result.
- 03
Bring notes back and clean them
Import the .mid or record the routed output, set an instrument, then compare with the audio and repair octave jumps, note lengths, timing, and false triggers.
Useful REAPER scenarios
Bass replacement
Capture a monophonic bass performance and use the MIDI to audition a different instrument.
Lead transcription
Record pitch events from a clean lead, then correct bends and transitions in the MIDI editor.
Piano or chord draft
Use complete-song transcription for polyphonic material that ReaTune's monophonic pitch events cannot describe.
Batch editing outside the source session
Export a file, transcribe it, and return a portable .mid without changing the original REAPER track.
Accuracy and routing notes
- ReaTune's pitch-event route is intended for a clean monophonic pitched signal; drums and full mixes create unreliable triggers.
- Check input gain and remove bleed, reverb, and heavy modulation before detection.
- Bends and vibrato may become multiple notes. Consolidate them according to the musical phrase.
- Complete-song transcription can separate a draft into tracks, but it cannot reconstruct the original project, plugins, lyrics, or chord labels.
ReaTune or an uploaded transcription?
| Material | Recommended path | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Dry single vocal, bass, or lead | ReaTune MIDI events | Local and fast, but monophonic |
| Piano, harmony, or layered audio | PureMIDI complete song | Broader transcription, followed by manual cleanup |
| One exposed melody file | Either path | Compare results and keep the cleaner draft |
| Confidential source that must stay local | ReaTune | No upload required |
Official REAPER reference
Cockos documents the ReaTune option to send a MIDI event when pitch changes in the official ReaEffects guide. Route and record those events on a MIDI-capable track; exact menus can vary by REAPER version.
Cleanup order
- Verify track routing before recording a full take.
- Remove false triggers and octave jumps.
- Merge bend and vibrato fragments.
- Adjust note lengths before quantizing starts.
- A/B the MIDI instrument against the source at low volume.
REAPER audio-to-MIDI FAQ
Can REAPER convert audio to MIDI natively?+
ReaTune can send MIDI events when detected pitch changes, which is useful for a clean monophonic source. It is not a complete polyphonic transcription system.
Why does ReaTune produce wrong octaves?+
Bleed, weak fundamentals, distortion, and strong harmonics can shift pitch detection. Isolate the source, adjust gain, and correct the resulting notes in the MIDI editor.
Can I convert piano or chords in REAPER this way?+
ReaTune's event path is monophonic. Use complete-song transcription for piano or chords, then check voicings and note lengths manually.
Does the MIDI keep my plugin sound?+
No. MIDI stores performance data, not the source audio, plugin, amp chain, or effects. Assign a new instrument after import.
Can I preview PureMIDI first?+
Yes. Listen to a free 30-second preview before deciding whether to complete and download the current song.
Which REAPER export should I upload?+
A clean WAV render is a reliable default. Other accepted formats include MP3, M4A, FLAC, OGG, and AAC within the upload limit.
Are lyrics or chord names extracted?+
No. The output is MIDI note data. It does not identify lyrics or guarantee named chord symbols.
Related MIDI tools
Audio to MIDI
Convert audio files or audio exported from video into editable MIDI drafts.
Audio to MIDI in FL Studio
Compare NewTone's monophonic pitch workflow with PureMIDI, then send the MIDI draft to Piano roll.
Audio to MIDI in Ableton
Convert audio to MIDI for Ableton Live 11, 12, and Lite, with a free 30-second preview.
Audio to MIDI in Logic Pro
Convert audio to MIDI for Logic Pro and Logic Pro X — bounce, upload, drag MIDI back in seconds.
WAV to MIDI
Lossless WAV recordings to MIDI with AI pitch detection.
MIDI Editor Online
Browser MIDI editor for piano-roll editing, playback, track cleanup, quantize, and export.