In the world of electronic music production, two file formats are foundational: MIDI files and rendered audio files, typically in WAV format. Each serves a distinct purpose and offers specific advantages and limitations. Understanding their characteristics is crucial for producers aiming to optimize both creativity and technical quality in their workflow.
This chapter explores the differences, use cases, pros, and cons of MIDI and WAV files, helping producers make informed decisions during the various stages of production, mixing, and live performance.
1. Understanding MIDI Files
1.1 What is a MIDI File?
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol and file format that encodes musical performance data, not audio itself. A MIDI file contains information about notes, such as pitch, velocity, duration, and instrument assignment, rather than actual sound.
1.2 Pros of MIDI Files
a. Non-Destructive Editing
MIDI data is easily modifiable. Producers can change note values, rhythms, instrumentation, and articulations without any degradation of quality.
b. Minimal File Size
MIDI files are extremely small compared to audio files, making them ideal for collaboration, storage, and rapid iteration.
c. Highly Flexible
One MIDI file can control a multitude of software instruments, samplers, or hardware synths. This allows producers to test multiple sound design ideas without re-recording parts.
d. Automation and Control
MIDI allows for precise automation of parameters such as volume, modulation, pitch bend, and custom controller messages (CC data), which is crucial in electronic music genres that rely on dynamic evolution.
1.3 Cons of MIDI Files
a. No Sound, Only Instructions
MIDI contains no actual sound. The final audio output depends entirely on the instrument or synthesizer interpreting the MIDI.
b. Sound Quality Depends on Playback Device
A MIDI file will sound drastically different depending on whether it’s played through a high-end VST synth or a basic sound card’s default GM (General MIDI) set.
c. Limited for Mixing and Mastering
MIDI cannot be directly processed with EQs, compressors, reverbs, or mastering plugins until it is rendered into audio.
2. Understanding Rendered Audio Files (WAVs)
2.1 What is a WAV File?
A WAV file is an uncompressed audio format that captures the exact waveform of a sound. In music production, rendering to WAV means converting your MIDI-driven virtual instrument or audio recording into a finalized audio file.
2.2 Pros of WAV Files
a. High-Quality Audio
WAV is a lossless format, providing full fidelity sound, ideal for mixing, mastering, and release.
b. Platform and Device Compatibility
WAV files are universally compatible with all DAWs, DJ software, streaming platforms, and media players.
c. Freeze or Print Tracks
Rendering MIDI to WAV helps free up CPU resources by committing tracks with intensive plugins to audio. This is essential in large projects with many VSTs.
d. Necessary for Mixing and Mastering
Audio effects such as EQ, compression, reverb, and spatial processing require actual waveforms, not MIDI data.
e. Safe from Plugin Updates or Deletions
Once rendered, the audio remains intact regardless of changes in plugin versions, settings, or software environment.
2.3 Cons of WAV Files
a. Inflexible Editing
Once a WAV is rendered, changing note pitch, rhythm, or instrument requires returning to the MIDI source (if it still exists) or re-recording the part.
b. Large File Size
WAV files are significantly larger than MIDI, which can make projects heavier and more cumbersome to store or share.
c. Loss of Creative Flexibility
Rendering early in the production process may limit options later. For instance, changing a synth patch or modulation setting after rendering is not possible without going back to the source.
3. When to Use MIDI vs. WAV in Electronic Music
3.1 Composition and Arrangement Stage
- Best Tool: MIDI
- MIDI is ideal for building ideas, experimenting with chords, melodies, basslines, and rhythms using various virtual instruments and synths.
3.2 Sound Design Stage
- Best Tool: MIDI → WAV
- Begin with MIDI to tweak sounds and automate parameters. Once satisfied with the design, render to WAV to reduce CPU usage or lock in the sound.
3.3 Mixing and Mastering Stage
- Best Tool: WAV
- Audio tracks allow for precise EQing, dynamic processing, and spatial treatment that MIDI-triggered instruments cannot undergo directly.
3.4 Live Performance or DJ Sets
- Best Tool: WAV
- Rendered stems or loops are more reliable in live settings, ensuring consistent playback without reliance on synth plugins or CPU power.
4. Workflow Considerations
4.1 Hybrid Workflow
Most professional producers use a hybrid MIDI-to-WAV workflow, maintaining MIDI files for flexibility while rendering tracks that are finalized or CPU-intensive.
4.2 Naming and Archiving
Always keep both the MIDI files and their corresponding rendered WAVs organized. This ensures that you can revisit or modify parts even after rendering or delivering final stems.
5. Real-World Examples in Electronic Music
5.1 MIDI in Modular Synthesis and Sequencing
Modern modular rigs often use MIDI-to-CV converters. MIDI files can be pre-programmed and used to drive analog gear, offering a bridge between digital sequencing and analog sound.
5.2 WAVs in Sample-Based Genres
Genres like lo-fi, drum & bass, and techno often rely heavily on pre-rendered samples and loops for consistent groove and performance stability.
5.3 MIDI for Algorithmic and Generative Music
In experimental electronic music, MIDI is crucial for generative systems where notes and parameters are created procedurally and need to control sound engines dynamically.
Conclusion
Both MIDI and WAV formats are indispensable tools in a producer’s arsenal. MIDI excels in flexibility, control, and experimentation, while WAV files shine in fidelity, processing, and performance stability. Knowing when and how to use each format empowers electronic musicians to work smarter, avoid common pitfalls, and unlock the full creative and technical potential of their DAW and sound design tools.
