Analogue / Digital - MIDI

[cs_content][cs_section bg_image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/A-D-SineWavV101.png” bg_color=”#e4e1d0″ parallax=”false” class=”cs-ta-center” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 9% 3%;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”55px”][x_gap size=”25px”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”man h-intro” style=”color: #fff;”]ANALOGUE -/ DIGITAL[/x_custom_headline][x_raw_content class=”p-intro” style=”max-width: 200px;margin: 0.925em auto 1.25em;color: #fff;font-size: 18px;”]

Understanding the
Pro’s & Con’s

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Analogue sound is a pure
sine wave with all sound charateristics.
File size is heavy and editing is restricted

Digital sound is numerical
snapshot of the analogue sin wave.

File size is lite and highly editable.

Sample rate / mathmatical
interprutation is key to ensuring the
science of the replication is accurate.

Understanding the pro’s & con’s between analogue & digital sound in music and from a guitarist’s perspective is not without controversy. In the following paragraph’s we will try to open up the subject to create the necessary awareness.

Music and speech vary continuously in frequency and amplitude. In the same way, analogue signals can vary in frequency, amplitude or both. Digital signals are a series of pulses consisting of just two states, ON (1) or OFF (0). There are no values in between. Digital signals carry more information per second than analogue signals. This is the same whether optical fibers, cables or radio waves are used. Digital signals maintain their quality over long distances better than analogue signals.

The potential fidelity of an analog recording depends on the sensitivity of the equipment and medium used to record and playback the recording. Among other factors, digital audio fidelity heavily depends on the rate at which the recording equipment sampled the original sound wave over a specified increment of time. Even with the newest technologies and techniques, digital audio still cannot create exact replications of an original sound wave.

Many times, digital audio companies try to hide this fact with fancy words like “Uncompressed” and “Lossless”. These words are very misleading as all digital audio features some compression and loss of the original signal. However, even the best trained human ear may not be able to tell the difference between a high quality digital signal and an analog audio signal.

Digital convenience sometimes comes at the cost of fidelity. In mobile/casual listening environments, or if average quality playback equipment is used, the fidelity offered by digital audio may be sufficient for most people. However, for those audio purists that want the very best fidelity possible, and use really high quality playback equipment, digital audio may not be the answer.

Guitar synthesizers have been around since the 70’s and after 30 year’s of MIDI development we are now living in an incredible time for music software and synthesis.

A high quality recording of a valve amp in an expensive studio is going to provide the ultimate richness of tones. However, it is not often if ever we find ourselves in this fortunate position.

More affordable and accessible alternatives can be provided within the “home studio” set-up.

Making sense of all of the different routes into this digital environment can need a strong grasp of whats on offer within products and technologies in relation to what is trying be achieved. There are a number of affordable and flexible options out there.

[/x_raw_content][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section bg_color=”#f8f8f0″ parallax=”false” class=”cs-ta-center” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 9% 3%;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: #666;”]Digital Sound[/x_custom_headline][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” class=”cs-ta-left” style=”margin: 40px auto 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: hsl(0, 7%, 4%);color: #666;”][x_icon type=”music” style=”color: rgba(97, 144, 162, 0.65);”] Environment
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Bit rate is the number of bits that are conveyed or processed per unit of time. “CD Quality” is defined as 16-bit/44.1kHz. Many of the Analog / Digital Converters that come standard on today’s audio interfaces are capable of 24-bit/96kHz which is an even higher quality. When comparing A/D Converters it would be common to see them displayed like this:
24-bit / 96kHz – where 24 is the Bit Depth and 96kHz is the Sampling Frequency.

There are a number of different points in the chain of sequence where an audio can become or be effected by digital. From a guitarists standpoint what makes the best sense in the balancing act between a producing a good sound and getting the most out of the software that is available? And at which point can a conventional guitar file be superseded by a MIDI guitar file? Or which software solutions produce the best results for specific tasks?

Guitar sound in conjunction with how it is approached can take a number of different directions and equally produce a number of different results. It can be all about what you are looking for and what you enjoy.

From digital guitars (or digital applications of the guitar) to guitar synths & MIDI guitars there are a number of varying forms and systems of approach to the software arena. To simplify some of the main reasons for this are to;

Access sound software
Communicate to education software
Control composition software

[/x_raw_content][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: #666;”][x_icon type=”expand” style=”color: rgba(97, 144, 162, 0.65);”] Standards[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][x_raw_content class=”mtl” style=”color: #000;font-size: 18px;”]Ironically since the advent of CD’s and consequently Mp3’s the regular listening standard of music is in a digital format.
Vinyl & tape provided the pure analogue sound of a sin wave, though vinyl is seeing a resurgence of popularity it will probably not be more than a boutique industry.

Even though how we listen to music today is mostly digital the guitar environment is complicatedly poised between the two formats, this is based on a number of delicacies related to the science of sound. [/x_raw_content][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” class=”cs-ta-left” style=”margin: 40px auto 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section bg_color=”hsl(51, 27%, 78%)” parallax=”false” class=”cs-ta-center” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 9% 3%;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: #666;”]MIDI / Synth Guitar [/x_custom_headline][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” class=”cs-ta-left” style=”margin: 40px auto 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” class=”cs-ta-left” style=”margin: 40px auto 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: hsl(0, 7%, 4%);color: #666;”][x_icon type=”random” style=”color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65);”] Concept options
[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_accordion class=”man”][x_accordion_item title=”Guitar synthesizer” open=”false”]There are two main types of guitar-synthesizers:

Guitar-synth using guitars: those that are regular electric guitars equipped with special electronic sensors that actuate a synthesizer
Guitar-synth using non-guitar controllers: those that are guitar-like MIDI controllers

Both types have advantages and disadvantages.

Guitar-synthesizers based on electric guitars

Typical guitar-synths in this category consist of:

A Hexaphonic pick-up that provides a separate analog output for each vibrating string
A converter that converts each of these analog wave forms to corresponding digital representations, from which it recognizes and extracts the fundamental frequency or pitch of each, which it then converts and outputs as electronic (CV/Gate in early days, and later MIDI-formatted) data

This data can be stored or input directly to a synthesizer that generates corresponding notes that can be made audible when played through an amplifier and speaker.

These components may be integrated into the instrument body or modularized in different ways. The hexaphonic pick-up may be a separate component added to the guitar, or it may be built-in. Earlier guitar-synths required the musician to use a proprietary guitar with an integrated hexaphonic pick-up.[/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Guitar processors” open=”false”]Guitar processors

Just to be clear a guitar processor processes a sound where as a synthesizer produces a sound.

The following two products by Roland Boss will hopefully highlight the differences.

GP-10 Guitar Processor →

SY-300 Guitar Synthesizer →

Or for a buyers guide of both categories

Processor/Multi effects sweetwater →

When a sound is processed various effects, filters & compression’s are applied.

There are are a varying amount of guitar processors ranging greatly in price & function. They can be

Rack mounts
Foot pedals
VST plug-ins

[/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Hex pick-ups” open=”false”]Short for “hexaphonic pickup.” A guitar pickup with a discrete output for each of the six strings of a standard guitar. Often employed in synth guitars, this arrangement permits separate processing — effects, amplification, etc. for each string. A hexaphonic pickup attached to a converter can sense the pitch coming from individual strings for conversion into MIDI note messages.

Hexaphonic pickups (also called divided pickups and polyphonic pickups) have a separate output for each string (Hexaphonic assumes six strings, as on a guitar). This allows for separate processing and amplification for each string. It also allows a converter to sense the pitch coming from individual string signals for producing note commands, typically according to the MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) protocol. A hexaphonic pickup and a converter are usually components of a guitar/synthesizer.

Only a few notable models exist, like the piezoelectric pickups on the Moog Guitar. Hexaphonic pickups can be either magnetic or piezoelectric or based on the condensor principle like electronicpickups.

Godin produce a number of guitars with hex pickups, however if you are looking to upgrade an existing guitar with some kind of hex pickup MIDI arrangement then there is the Roland GK or the Fishman Triple Play or the Graph Tech Hexpander, which comes in cheapest… www.sweetwater.com → [/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Polyphonic audio recognition” open=”false”]

Software Solutions –

There obvious differences between a MIDI file or a WAV such as size of file format and what software is available to process the information to the next stage.

Although the term “MIDI guitar” is sometimes used as a synonym, MIDI is not the indispensable feature of guitar-synthesizers or guitar related software, especially after the great advances in the DSP technology. Recently, software guitar-synthesizers featuring polyphonic audio recognition → (recognizing polyphonic pitches of each strings, and distinguishing combinations of fret positions and strings/multiple pitches at the same time) without any special pickups have appeared.
– This system uses an analog Wav file until it meets the software program in the computing process that deciphers it – late in the sequence / computer-side
– More typically played guitar notes are converted to MIDI – early in the sequence / guitar-side
On the plus side with polyphonic audio recognition the pure analog signal arrives and on the negative side this file size is heavy. The question is how latency & tracking values and quality of sounds stack up against the system of converting to a MIDI file at the early stage.

There are a number of products addressing polyphonic audio recognition like avid.com/audioscore → and even the products in the links below.

Link to a good break down description of Sibelius Audioscore and an online shop. bhphotovideo.com/ →

[/x_accordion_item][/x_accordion][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: #666;”][x_icon type=”check-square” style=”color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65);”] Performance & Function[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”50px”][x_accordion class=”man”][x_accordion_item title=”Physical limitations” open=”false”]
Transmitting an audio wav. file between devices can have delays as file size is heavy.

Transmitting MIDI data is more optimal from a weight perspective, but there are physical considerations to take into account.

By understanding some of the fundamental aspects of how sound and even MIDI work we can get a clear idea of some of the obstacles. The nature of physics – for a frequency to be correctly identified it’s cycles must be counted, the lower you go there are less cycles in a second. While keyboards have the advantage of directly triggering a MIDI note, a guitar has a vibrating string that needs to cycle around at least once before it can be recognized by the pitch-to-MIDI system as a musical note. For low notes, it can take over 10 milliseconds (ms) just for a cycle to complete itself, and longer for a note to stabilize and be a recognizable pitch . The low E string fundamental (which needs to be established) is 82.41 cycles per second. This indicates there is only 8.241 cycles in 100 ms, or 0.8241 cycles in 10 ms… (how can the correct pitch in 10 ms or less be established if you can’t even count one full cycle?)- (not sure if extra CPU or any other solution will ever solve this – “Latency Compression”).

Quick fix’s
To get around some of the physical limitations of pitch to MIDI the following techniques could be applied…

Theres a trick if you want to designate a guitar to midi only to avoid tracking delay . All you have to do is use .08-.38 gauge strings and tune up 1 full octave . De tune the sound module by dropping pitch 1 full octave. This eliminates noticeable delay . With some tweeking of parameters you can actually strum percussive sounds and correctly bend notes , tremolo etc.
OR similarly there is Nashville or high strung tuning which refers to the practice of replacing the wound E, A, D and G strings on a six-string guitar with lighter gauge strings to allow tuning an octave higher than standard.

Hertz
Sound travels through the air in waves. Repetitive waves (or cycles). One complete cycle that travels in one second is 1 Hertz (abbr. Hz).

1 cycle per 1 second equals 1 Hertz

A low E string on a guitar vibrates at 82.41Hz. When plucked, its sound waves complete 82.41 cycles in one second. Middle C on a piano…261.63Hz. The full range of standard 88 key piano? From its lowest note (A0) all the way to its highest (C8); 27.50Hz – 4186.01Hz. ALL sounds have a frequency number identifying the exact number of cycles per second.

The lowest frequency sound a human can hear is 20Hz, or 20 cycles per second. Any lower, or slower, the ear simply cannot hear it. The highest frequency the human ear can hear is 20,000Hz (or abbreviated ’20kHz’, which is 20,000 cycles per second. Any higher, or faster and the human ear cannot hear it.
[/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”MIDI or Audio Solutions” open=”false”]Some software whether guitar learning programs or software used in the home studio environment utilize the guitars audio signal, from programs like RockSmith & Yousican (learning software) to Guitar Rig & Avid’s Eleven Rack (sound modules for studio). However there are other solutions that convert guitar sound into a MIDI file (done either guitar side with the likes of a hex pick-up or done computer side with polyphonic audio recognition software). Both approaches whether analogue or digital can suffer time delays and / or even tracking issues.

Latency / Tracking are key areas that will define how effectively a particular system ultimately performs. If latency defines delay/lag, tracking defines the accuracy of the played accents such as hammer on’s, pull off’s & slides etc.

Latency is measured in milliseconds and defines the amount of lag/delay between the note being played and heard…(different between treble and bass values) – humans cannot detect inside 4-6 ms. Most products do not specify their latency value!

Converting to a MIDI file at an early phase creates the best solution in terms of transmitting file size. Can this system overcome certain mathematical/scientific complexities and produce accurate sound replication.[/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Judging solutions” open=”false”]Can MIDI guitar offer a better solution?

Does an audio wav. file perform the task of communicating to digital sufficiently…considering today’s processing speeds and “polyphonic audio recognition?”
In whats ways can a MIDI guitar environment offer a better solution?
What are the physical limitations attached to MIDI guitar solutions?

Considering the advantages and disadvantages of various solutions will require a serious look at what’s on offer and even the opinions of others…such as this forum discussion at www.gearslutz.com → [/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”MIDI test speeds” open=”false”]There are a number of products offering access to the digital MIDI world but how do performances compare?

Here a is a link to somebody who has put a lot of time on this…Midi Speed Tests →

Here a is a link to a more up to date appraisal of MIDI latency based on Jam Origins MIDI Guitar 2…decoding-modern-midi-guitar → [/x_accordion_item][/x_accordion][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 9% 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”cs-ta-center man”]Audio Recognition Software[/x_custom_headline][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 40px auto 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-md cs-hide-lg”][x_promo image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/riffstation.jpg” alt=”Analog Digital” class=”promo-custom”]

Riffstation

The ultimate practice app for guitarists and musicians – for mac osx and pc
✓ Get the chords for any song in your collection
✓ See the chord diagrams synced with the music
✓ Slow down or speed up any piece of music
✓ Change the key or pitch of any song
✓ Isolate or mute the guitar in the mix
✓ Get perfect practice loops synced with the beat
✓ See a full feature list here

[x_button size=”small” target=”blank” title=”More” href=”https://www.riffstation.com/”]riffstation.com →[/x_button][/x_promo][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][x_promo image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Capo-Neptune-1.jpg” alt=”Analog Digital” class=”promo-custom”]

Capo

The future of learning to play. With Chord Intelligence, iCloud sync across all your devices, and an award-winning user interface, Capo will have you learning to play any of the music in your iTunes library quickly. Learn more about Capo for Mac and Capo touch for iOS.

[x_button size=”small” title=”See More” href=”http://supermegaultragroovy.com/products/capo/” target=”blank”] super-m-u-groovy.com →[/x_button][/x_promo][x_gap size=”50px”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_promo image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Jam-Origin-2.jpg” alt=”Analog Digital” class=”promo-custom”]

Jam Origin

MIDI Guitar 2 for iOS was just released on App Store. It is is now almost a 1:1 port of the desktop/VST/AU version. Tracking is very fast and more responsive and sensitive than most (hardware-) solutions which means it picks up articulations very well.

[x_button size=”small” target=”blank” title=”GuitarCan” href=”http://www.jamorigin.com/products/midi-guitar-for-ios/”]jamorigin.com →[/x_button]

[/x_promo][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-md cs-hide-lg cs-hide-xl”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_promo image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/MiGic-Guitar-MIDI-Converter.jpg” alt=”Analog Digital” class=”promo-custom”]

MiGiC

MiGiC is an innovative software created for music production and live performances. Enable your creativity by using our intuitive and powerful plugin.

[x_button size=”small” target=”blank” title=”More” href=”https://migic.com/”]migic.com →[/x_button][/x_promo][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section bg_color=”#191919″ parallax=”false” class=”cs-ta-center” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 9% 3%;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: #e4e1d0;”]Digital Guitar[/x_custom_headline][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 40px auto 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: #e4e1d0;”][x_icon type=”signal” style=”color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65);”] DIGITAL Sound
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MIDI or Wav. files can both get processed with a digital sound output. A Wav. file (analog sinwave) utilises software that processes a sound whereas a MIDI file needs to be provided a sound source (tone) before any processing.

A Wav. file contains sound information that can then be further processed. A MIDI file contains mathematical values that need a sound or tone allocated, the file size is lighter/faster but needs to be allocated voicing.

A MIDI file arriving in a software device can be allocated to any sounds that are made available. From synthesizer tones to sample libraries that could be anything from a drum to a guitar.

[/x_raw_content][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section bg_color=”rgb(97, 144, 162)” parallax=”false” class=”cs-ta-center” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 9% 3%;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: hsl(0, 1%, 98%);color: #fff;”]MIDI / Synth Guitar today[/x_custom_headline][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” class=”cs-ta-left” style=”margin: 40px auto 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: hsl(0, 2%, 97%);color: #fff;”][x_icon type=”th” style=”color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65);”] MIDI SOFTWARE
[/x_custom_headline][x_raw_content class=”mtl” style=”color: #fff;font-size: 18px;”]To be clear you do not have to have a MIDI guitar to play guitar parts into a DAW to access all of the software & VST plug-ins.

MIDI Guitar / digital guitar…..can take on a number of varying forms…

MIDI sound sources sound libraries – samples

Understand there is a difference with keyboard activate guitar programs…..!

On this website we have divided certain review posts that target certain specific categories

vst guitar audio software →

virtual instruments guitar →

midi guitar →

The potential of digital and MIDI guitars has seen major brands, even the iconic Fender & Gibson brands have made attempts. All be it if the technologies are being provided through specialist business associations.

As well as the guitar brands cited below Line 6 is a company that has always pursued digital solutions.
line6.com →

[/x_raw_content][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” class=”cs-ta-left” style=”margin: 40px auto 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 9% 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”cs-ta-center man”]Guitars addressing Digital[/x_custom_headline][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 40px auto 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-md cs-hide-lg”][x_promo image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Fender-Roland.jpg” alt=”Analog Digital” class=”promo-custom”]

Roland / Fender

Roland and Fender have teamed up to address MIDI since 2007 with the launch of the Fender VG, still today Fender guitars can be bought from Roland fully equipped with the Roland GK 3 pickup to drive GR 55 and other 13-pin compatible gear.

[x_button size=”small” title=”See More” href=”http://www.roland.com/products/gc-1/” target=”blank”] www.roland.com →[/x_button][/x_promo][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][x_promo image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Gibson.jpg” alt=”Analog Digital” class=”promo-custom”]

Gibson

Gibson have made attempts at digital tone with the Chameleon tone they featured on the “Robot” series of guitars which was also launched as a self-tuning guitar featuring Tronical tuning.

[x_button size=”small” target=”blank” title=”More” href=”http://www.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-USA/Dark-Fire/Features.aspx”]www.gibson.com →[/x_button][/x_promo][x_gap size=”50px”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_promo image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Godin-1-1.jpg” alt=”Analog Digital” class=”promo-custom”]

Godin

Godin are another leading guitar brand that has been addressing the potential of MIDI for many years. Godin teamed up with Richard McLish of the RMC pickup company to produce the specially customized Multiac.

[x_button size=”small” target=”blank” title=”GuitarCan” href=”http://www.godinguitars.com/godingman.htm”]www.godinguitars.com →[/x_button]

[/x_promo][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-md cs-hide-lg cs-hide-xl”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_promo image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/carvin-1-1.jpg” alt=”Analog Digital” class=”promo-custom”]

Carvin

The Carvin NS1 Nylon Synth Access Guitar offers the flavor of a nylon string acoustic with the addition of MIDI synth access. Using the “Graphtech” Hexaphonic pickup with MIDI-compatible output (compatible with controllers such as the Roland GR33™, VG88™ and VBass™, Roland GI-10™, Axon 100™ and others).

[x_button size=”small” target=”blank” title=”More” href=”http://www.kieselguitars.com/catalog/guitars/ns1″]www.kieselguitars.com →[/x_button][/x_promo][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section bg_color=”#e4e1d0″ parallax=”false” class=”cs-ta-center” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 9% 3%;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: #666;”]Continuing the MIDI quest[/x_custom_headline][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” class=”cs-ta-left” style=”margin: 40px auto 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: hsl(0, 7%, 4%);color: #666;”][x_icon type=”unlock” style=”color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65);”] Creative solutions within limitations
[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][x_raw_content class=”mtl” style=”color: #000;font-size: 18px;”]Addressing the pro’s & con’s of the changing environments between analogue & digital for guitarists is a complex subject with no exact answers. It’s all a question how you want to utilize the environment of creative technology!

Just to be clear the division of where analogue turns into digital can be carried out at numerous junctures…different systems/solutions approach this differently. Where the best solution lies is still emerging within the evolution of this technology.

Hopefully this page has helped in getting a general understanding within the standards & differences of analogue / digital for guitar…playing…recording…& getting the most out of a creative experience with a guitar. [/x_raw_content][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”false” class=”man” style=”color: #666;”][x_icon type=”user” style=”color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65);”] Home studio[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][x_raw_content class=”mtl” style=”color: #000;font-size: 18px;”]The following link provides a decent amount of information on a number of different aspects to get right when setting up a home studio… basic home recording studio.com/analog digital converters →
[/x_raw_content][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” class=”cs-ta-left” style=”margin: 40px auto 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 9% 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”cs-ta-center man”]More Extreme approaches[/x_custom_headline][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 40px auto 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-md cs-hide-lg”][x_promo image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Guitar-Wing-1.jpg” alt=”Analog Digital” class=”promo-custom”]

Guitar wing

MIDI control surface, dive into the vast world of software, controlling programs like Logic, Garage Band, Ableton Live, Guitar Rig, Reason…

[x_button size=”small” title=”See More” href=”http://lividinstruments.com/products/guitar-wing/” target=”blank”] lividinstruments.com →[/x_button][/x_promo][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-xl cs-hide-lg cs-hide-md”][x_promo image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Mind-Music-Labs-1.jpg” alt=”Analog Digital” class=”promo-custom”]

Sensus

Senus is a guitar produced by Mind Music Labs, designed to satisfy the needs of contemporary musicians looking for new sounds and new ways to express themselves.

[x_button size=”small” target=”blank” title=”More” href=”http://www.mindmusiclabs.com/”]www.mindmusiclabs.com →[/x_button][/x_promo][x_gap size=”50px”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_promo image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Lineage.jpg” alt=”Analog Digital” class=”promo-custom”]

Lineage

Lineage MIDI guitar arrived in 2015 and follows on from the You Rock MIDI guitar…

[x_button size=”small” target=”blank” title=”GuitarCan” href=”http://www.lineageguitar.com/”]www.lineageguitar.com →[/x_button]

[/x_promo][x_gap size=”40px” class=”cs-hide-md cs-hide-lg cs-hide-xl”][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_promo image=”https://guitartuning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Next.jpg” alt=”Analog Digital” class=”promo-custom”]