The Best Audio to MIDI Converter Tools in 2025 (Free & Paid)
By midiagent •

Got a catchy audio melody stuck in your head or a cool sample you wish was MIDI? Turning audio recordings into editable MIDI data opens up a universe of creative possibilities for music producers.

This guide explores the best audio to MIDI converter tools available in 2025, covering both powerful paid options and accessible free ones. We'll help you find the right solution to unlock the potential hidden within your audio files.

What is Audio to MIDI Conversion?

Audio to MIDI conversion is the process of analyzing an audio recording (like singing, a guitar riff, or even a drum loop) and translating its pitch, rhythm, and sometimes velocity information into MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data.

Think of MIDI not as sound itself, but as instructions for how to play a sound: note pitch, when it starts/stops, and how loud it is. Converting audio to MIDI lets you manipulate these instructions easily within your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

Why Convert Audio to MIDI?

There are many reasons musicians and producers use these tools:

  • Effortless Editing: Correct timing or pitch mistakes in a performance far easier than editing audio waveforms.
  • Sound Replacement: Change the instrument playing the melody without re-recording. Turn a vocal line into a synth lead, or a beatbox pattern into a full drum kit.
  • Learning & Transcription: Figure out the notes and chords played in a recording for practice or arrangement.
  • Creative Remixing: Isolate musical elements from audio loops to build entirely new tracks.
  • Enhanced Sound Design: Layer the original audio with new MIDI-triggered sounds for richer textures.

The Challenge: Monophonic vs. Polyphonic

Converting audio to MIDI isn't always perfect. The technology works best with monophonic sources – recordings containing only one note at a time (like a lead vocal or a single-note bassline).

Polyphonic conversion (multiple notes at once, like chords on a piano or guitar) is much harder for software to analyze accurately. While tools are improving rapidly, expect to do some manual cleanup, especially with complex audio.

Best Paid Audio to MIDI Converter Tools in 2025

Paid tools generally offer higher accuracy, more features, and better integration, especially for challenging polyphonic material.

Celemony Melodyne

  • What it is: Widely regarded as the industry standard for pitch correction and audio manipulation, Melodyne also excels at audio-to-MIDI conversion.
  • Key Features: Exceptional polyphonic detection accuracy (Direct Note Access), detailed editing of pitch, timing, and amplitude before exporting MIDI. Integrates tightly with most DAWs via ARA or as a plugin.
  • Best For: Producers needing the highest quality conversion, especially for complex chords and intricate performances. It's an investment, but unmatched in precision.

Ableton Live (Built-in Feature)

  • What it is: Ableton Live (Suite and Standard versions) includes powerful built-in audio-to-MIDI conversion features.
  • Key Features: Right-click an audio clip and choose "Convert Harmony to New MIDI Track," "Convert Melody to New MIDI Track," or "Convert Drums to New MIDI Track." It offers surprisingly good results, especially the dedicated drum conversion.
  • Best For: Ableton Live users seeking a convenient, integrated workflow without needing external plugins. The harmony and melody options work well for clearer recordings.

Logic Pro (Built-in Feature)

  • What it is: Apple's Logic Pro also offers robust native audio-to-MIDI capabilities.
  • Key Features: Uses Flex Pitch analysis to detect notes in monophonic audio, which can then be converted to a MIDI region ("Create MIDI Track from Flex Pitch Data"). For polyphonic material and drums, you can use the "Convert to New Sampler Track" function which analyzes transients to create MIDI triggers.
  • Best For: Logic Pro users wanting a built-in solution. Flex Pitch conversion is great for vocals and lead lines; the sampler track method works well for rhythmic slicing and drum replacement.

Best Free Audio to MIDI Converter Tools in 2025

If you're on a budget or just need basic conversion, free options exist, though they often come with limitations.

DAW Basic Features (Reaper, Cakewalk)

  • What they are: Some DAWs, like Reaper (technically requires a license after trial but is very affordable) or the completely free Cakewalk by BandLab, offer basic audio-to-MIDI functions, often focused on monophonic sources or transient detection for drums.
  • Key Features: Functionality varies, but look for options like pitch detection or transient-to-MIDI capabilities within the DAW itself.
  • Best For: Users of these DAWs needing simple conversion for non-complex audio without extra software. Expect less accuracy than paid options.

Online Audio to MIDI Converters

  • What they are: Various websites offer browser-based audio-to-MIDI conversion. You upload an audio file, and the site processes it, offering a MIDI file download.
  • Key Features: Convenience (no installation required). Results vary wildly in quality. Be mindful of privacy and file size limits.
  • Best For: Quick, occasional conversion of very simple, clear monophonic audio. Use with caution regarding accuracy and data security. An example is the Bear Audio Tool's converter - quality may vary.

Beyond Conversion: AI-Powered MIDI Generation with MIDI Agent

While converting existing audio is powerful, what if you could generate brand new MIDI ideas almost instantly, just by describing them? This is where AI MIDI generation comes in, offering a different but complementary approach.

MIDI Agent is a VST3 plugin that brings the power of cutting-edge AI directly into your DAW. Instead of analyzing audio, it uses advanced AI models like those from OpenAI (ChatGPT), Anthropic (Claude), Google (Gemini), DeepSeek, and models available via OpenRouter to generate MIDI patterns, melodies, chord progressions, and even drum beats based on your text prompts.

Imagine typing "create a melancholic piano chord progression in C minor" or "generate a funky bassline like Parliament Funkadelic" and getting instant MIDI results you can drag right onto your tracks.

  • Overcome creative blocks: Get instant inspiration when you're stuck.
  • Explore new styles: Generate ideas outside your usual habits.
  • Rapid prototyping: Quickly flesh out song sections.
  • Leverage diverse AI: Experiment with different AI models to find unique musical outputs. You can explore MIDI Agent's features to see how it works.

While not a direct audio-to-MIDI converter, MIDI Agent represents the next wave of music creation tools, using AI for generative tasks rather than analysis. It's perfect for sparking creativity alongside traditional conversion methods.

Choosing the Right Tool for You

  • For maximum accuracy converting existing audio, especially polyphonic material, a paid tool like Melodyne is often the best investment.
  • If you use Ableton Live or Logic Pro, explore their excellent built-in features first.
  • For simple monophonic lines or experimentation, a free tool or basic DAW function might suffice.
  • To generate entirely new MIDI ideas from scratch using AI text prompts within your DAW, MIDI Agent offers a powerful, modern workflow.

Audio-to-MIDI converters are invaluable for unlocking the musical data within recordings. By understanding the options available in 2025, both free and paid, and exploring innovative tools like AI MIDI generators, you can significantly enhance your music production workflow.

Ready to experience the future of MIDI creation with AI? Download MIDI Agent today and start generating musical ideas faster than ever before!