'Humanizing' is a term used often with MIDI recordings, referring to making a virtual instrument playback with a lifelike, human quality. Sometimes, the imperfections in a recording can really bring a track to life, adding dynamics and expression.


Off the Grid


Timing and precision is important when playing music, but equally so can having things a little 'looser'. Try pushing certain MIDI notes slightly off the grid for a human touch, mimicking the intricacies and subtle variations in real playing. For example, move your snare slightly behind on the grid, from where it was originally intended to be placed. A small adjustment here can add a relaxed feel, instantly adding expression to the track.


The below video tutorial highlights the difference in feeling between a fully quantized beat, and a more relaxed, swung and off grid beat.



Dynamics and Velocity


Another great way to add expression and emotion, is by adjusting note velocities. This results in different volumes at which your virtual instrument, or drums, will playback. For example, rarely would a chord on a keyboard be played with the exact same velocity for each note. By adding some differences within the chord, this emulates that human feel, helping a track to sound less rigid or static.


Another example would be the ability to accent hi-hat patterns, choosing a higher velocity for notes that would like to feel 'stronger'. This can emphasise a groove, for example by adding a higher velocity for the hats on the downbeats, with softer velocities for the offbeats.


To adjust the velocity, simply open the velocity channel from the grid view, as seen below. Here, you can adjust the velocities of each note event. If any notes overlap on top of one another, just tap the note you would like to edit from the grid, and the corresponding velocity will be highlighted below.



 

16 Level


The MPC Series features a 16 Level feature, which takes a sample/sound, and makes is playable across all 16 pads. The function will vary depending on what is chosen, but you can choose to use velocity, having each pad play a different velocity. This can be helpful when recording, as you can strike the pad for the desired velocity, without needing to worry about the force the pads are actually hit with. More information on this feature can be found in the video below:





Humanize


On the MPCs, there is a dedicated Humanize function, that you can apply to recorded MIDI note events. First, select the pencil icon to the right of the track selection:




One selected, choose 'Humanize'.



The Humanize function applies randomization to the timing, length, and/or velocity of MIDI note events. The settings below can be adjusted:


  • To select whether or not humanization will be applied to the timing of MIDI events, tap the Humanize Time checkbox. 
  • To select the maximum number of pulses by which the timing of an event will be adjusted, use the Amount (Pulses) slider. 
  • To set how dramatically the humanization effect is applied to the timing, use the Eagerness slider. Negative values correspond to playing “ahead of the beat” while positive values correspond to playing “behind the beat.” 
  • To set whether or not humanization will be applied to the duration of MIDI note events, tap the Humanize Note Length checkbox. 
  • To set how dramatically the humanization effect is applied to note lengths, use the Length ( %) slider. 
  • To set whether or not humanization will be applied to the velocities of MIDI note events, tap the Humanize Velocity checkbox. 
  • To set how dramatically the humanization effect is applied to note velocities, use the Strength ( %) slider. 
  • To determine which notes will use these humanization values, tap the Only Apply to Selected Events checkbox. When on, just the currently selected notes will be humanized. When off, all notes in the track will be humanized. 
  • To apply humanization and keep this window open, tap Apply. 
  • To apply humanization and close the window, tap Do It. 
  • To close the window without making any changes, tap Close.  


Taking advantage of these options can help to add that human feel to your tracks! If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our support team here.