Cubase Tutorial: 10 MIDI Key Editor Tips and Tricks

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore ten essential tips and tricks for editing MIDI in Cubase's Key Editor. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, these techniques will help you enhance your workflow, making MIDI editing faster and more efficient.

Step 1: Utilize the Quantize Function

• Purpose: Align your MIDI notes to the nearest grid value.
• How to Use:
  • Select the MIDI notes you want to quantize.
  • Go to the Quantize panel.
  • Choose the desired quantize value (e.g., 1/16, 1/8).
  • Click on "Apply" to adjust the note timing.

Step 2: Use the Transform Tool

• Purpose: Modify note properties such as velocity and length.
• How to Use:
  • Open the Transform tool from the toolbar.
  • Select the parameters you want to change (e.g., velocity).
  • Adjust the sliders or enter specific values.
  • Click "Apply" to implement changes.

Step 3: Create MIDI Parts

• Purpose: Organize your MIDI tracks into manageable sections.
• How to Use:
  • Select the desired MIDI notes.
  • Right-click and choose "Create MIDI Part."
  • Name your part for easy identification.

Step 4: Use MIDI Expression Maps

• Purpose: Control articulations and dynamics more intuitively.
• How to Use:
  • Open the Expression Map window from the MIDI menu.
  • Create a new map and define articulations.
  • Assign the map to your MIDI instrument track.

Step 5: Edit Velocity for Dynamics

• Purpose: Make your MIDI performances feel more natural.
• How to Use:
  • Select the notes you want to edit.
  • Open the Velocity panel.
  • Adjust the velocities to create dynamic contrast.

Step 6: Employ the Scale Tool

• Purpose: Easily change the pitch of multiple notes.
• How to Use:
  • Select the notes you want to scale.
  • Access the Scale tool from the toolbar.
  • Drag to adjust the pitch while maintaining intervals.

Step 7: Use the Range Selection Tool

• Purpose: Quickly select a specific range of notes.
• How to Use:
  • Activate the Range Selection tool from the toolbar.
  • Click and drag over the desired notes to select them.
  • You can then edit or delete the selected range efficiently.

Step 8: Clone MIDI Parts for Variations

• Purpose: Create variations without altering the original part.
• How to Use:
  • Right-click on the MIDI part and select "Clone."
  • Modify the cloned part as needed while keeping the original intact.

Step 9: Utilize the Inspector Panel

• Purpose: Access and edit MIDI properties quickly.
• How to Use:
  • Click on a MIDI note or part to highlight it.
  • Open the Inspector panel from the left side.
  • Modify parameters such as pitch, length, and velocity directly.

Step 10: Save Custom Presets

• Purpose: Streamline future projects with your preferred settings.
• How to Use:
  • After customizing a tool or effect, look for the "Save Preset" option.
  • Name and save your preset for easy access in future sessions.

Conclusion

These ten tips will significantly improve your MIDI editing workflow in Cubase's Key Editor. By utilizing these techniques, you can work more efficiently and creatively. Experiment with these tools in your projects, and consider exploring additional resources to further enhance your skills. Happy editing!