How to Filter Out MIDI Notes that are out of Key During Recording | Club Cubase January 14th 2022

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how to filter out MIDI notes that are out of key during recording in Cubase. This technique is particularly useful for musicians and producers looking to maintain musical harmony and streamline their workflow. By following these steps, you can ensure that only the desired notes are captured, enhancing your music production process.

Step 1: Set Up Your MIDI Track

• Open Cubase and create a new project or load an existing one.
• Add a new MIDI track by selecting Project > Add Track > MIDI.
• Choose your desired virtual instrument or sound for the MIDI track.

Step 2: Access the MIDI Input Settings

• Click on the MIDI track you just created.
• In the Inspector panel, locate the MIDI Input section.
• Ensure that your MIDI controller is selected as the input device.

Step 3: Configure the Key Filter

• With the MIDI track selected, navigate to the MIDI Modifiers section within the Inspector.
• Look for the Key Filter option.
• Activate the Key Filter by checking the box next to it.

Step 4: Set the Desired Key

• Click on the Key Filter settings to open its options.
• Select the musical key you wish to work in (e.g., C Major, A Minor).
• This will allow you to specify which notes are deemed "in key."

Step 5: Test the Key Filtering

• Play some notes on your MIDI controller.
• As you play, only the notes that match the selected key will sound through your virtual instrument.
• Adjust the key settings if necessary to get the desired results.

Step 6: Record Your Performance

• Once you are satisfied with the key filtering setup, hit the Record button to start capturing your performance.
• Only the notes that are in key will be recorded in the MIDI track.

Practical Tips

• Experiment with different keys before recording to find the best fit for your composition.
• Use this feature to avoid dissonant notes that could complicate your arrangement.
• Remember to turn off the Key Filter if you want to record freeform MIDI notes later.

Conclusion

By filtering out out-of-key MIDI notes during recording, you can significantly improve your music production workflow in Cubase. This feature helps maintain harmonic integrity and reduces the need for extensive editing later. Now that you have this technique under your belt, consider experimenting with various musical keys and compositions to fully utilize this powerful tool. Happy recording!