Why do we convert midi to audio?

[professorlamp]

After we have the midi finalised i see people convert it to audio but why?
are there any more options? can you give an example

 

[Damian B]

Converting midi to audio saves CPU usage and RAM, and allows you to treat the tracks like they were recorded (especially when referring to drums).

 

[LeSedna]

if you talk about converting to audio the audio result of a vsti, it's simple : it lowers the CPU use. For example, I sometimes render my SSD drums because it uses too much CPU in my biggest projects. Same with orchestration when I think it is finalized. If I want to change something, I can reactivate my vsti, and rewrite it, and rerender it.

 

[Osse]

I'm not sure if I understand the question correctly, but MIDI itself has no kind of audio information, the information could trigger some kind of device that transforms it(the information) into audio signal by interperate it to different notes on for an example virtual synth and/or virtual drum module.

Hope it helps

 

[Osse]

Another thing is that sometimes it's more comfortable to have an audio track with waves to look on while processing or mixing/editing, for convenience and workflow for example.

 

[professorlamp]

ok and to Osse , I know MIDI is just data but i mean turning the data into an audio signal and thanks for the answers that cleared a few things up

 

[LeSedna]

you're welcome !

 

[Torniojaws]

I actually keep one project with all the MIDI stuff as MIDI, and then I make a second project that uses wav-exports of the MIDI stuff. Freezing is a bit unreliable in Cubase, as it tends to crash it with certain VST-instruments with extensive automation on them.