🎹 MIDI Note Number Picker
Professional MIDI note number converter that instantly translates any MIDI note value to its corresponding musical note name and octave. Essential for music producers, MIDI programmers, and anyone working with digital audio workstations (DAWs).
MIDI Note Analysis:
MIDI 60 → C4 (Middle C)
Standard example conversion
🔢 MIDI Information
Note Name
Middle C
Frequency
A4 = 440 Hz
Key Position
88-key piano
Octave
Scientific
📊 MIDI Range Context
This note falls in the middle register of the MIDI range. Perfect for melodies and chord fundamentals in most DAWs and synthesizers.
How to Use This MIDI Note Number Picker
How to Use the MIDI Note Number Picker:
- Enter MIDI Number: Input any MIDI note number between 0 and 127 in the main field. Use 60 for Middle C as a starting reference point.
- Choose Notation System: Select your preferred octave naming convention (Scientific, Yamaha, Roland, or MIDI Octave) to match your DAW or hardware.
- Configure Display Options: Enable or disable frequency display, detailed analysis, and keyboard position information based on your needs.
- Get Instant Results: Click "Convert MIDI Note" to see the corresponding musical note name, octave, frequency, and position information.
- Copy or Export Results: Use the copy button for quick clipboard access or download detailed information for reference in your music projects.
💡 Pro Tips for Music Production:
- Middle C Reference: Remember that MIDI 60 = Middle C in most systems - use this as your reference point
- Octave Boundaries: MIDI notes 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108 are all C notes in different octaves
- Common Ranges: Bass (28-48), Piano (21-108), Vocals (48-84), Lead Synth (60-96)
- Drum Mapping: Standard GM drum kit uses MIDI 35-81 for different percussion elements
How It Works
Understanding MIDI Note Number Conversion:
The MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) specification defines 128 possible note numbers (0-127), each representing a specific pitch in the equal temperament tuning system.
🔢 Conversion Process:
- MIDI Number Input: The system accepts any integer from 0 to 127
- Note Name Calculation: Uses modulo 12 arithmetic to determine note name (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B)
- Octave Determination: Calculates octave by dividing MIDI number by 12 and applying notation system offsets
- Frequency Calculation: Applies equal temperament formula: 440 × 2^((MIDI_number - 69)/12) Hz
- Position Mapping: Determines approximate position on standard 88-key piano keyboard
🎼 MIDI Standards & Compatibility:
Our converter follows the official MIDI 1.0 specification established in 1983, ensuring compatibility with all major DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase), hardware synthesizers, MIDI controllers, and music software. The equal temperament tuning system provides mathematically precise note frequencies that match industry standards.
When You Might Need This
- • Music producers programming drum patterns and melodic sequences in DAWs
- • Sound designers mapping MIDI controllers to synthesizer parameters and effects
- • Composers writing MIDI orchestrations and understanding note ranges for instruments
- • Students learning music theory and the relationship between MIDI numbers and pitches
- • Live performers setting up MIDI keyboards and controllers for stage performances
- • Audio engineers troubleshooting MIDI routing and note mapping in recording studios
- • Game audio developers implementing dynamic music systems with MIDI triggers
- • Electronic musicians creating custom MIDI mappings for unique performance setups
- • Music educators teaching digital audio concepts and MIDI workflow fundamentals
- • Software developers building music applications and MIDI-based interactive systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MIDI note number 60 and why is it important?
MIDI note number 60 corresponds to Middle C (C4 in scientific notation), which serves as the central reference point in most digital audio workstations and MIDI applications. This note is crucial because it's the standard reference for octave numbering systems, keyboard layouts, and MIDI mapping conventions across different software and hardware platforms.
How do different octave notation systems affect MIDI note numbering?
While MIDI note numbers (0-127) remain constant, different manufacturers use varying octave naming conventions. Scientific notation treats C4 as middle C (MIDI 60), Yamaha uses C3 for middle C, and some systems use C5. These differences only affect the display name - the actual MIDI number and pitch remain identical across all systems.
What's the range of a standard 88-key piano in MIDI numbers?
A standard 88-key piano spans from A0 (MIDI note 21) to C8 (MIDI note 108), covering 88 consecutive keys. However, the full MIDI specification supports 128 notes (0-127), extending beyond the piano range to accommodate electronic instruments, percussion mappings, and extended synthesizer ranges used in modern music production.
How accurate are the frequency calculations for MIDI notes?
The frequency calculations use the standard equal temperament tuning system with A4 = 440 Hz as the reference pitch. Each MIDI note's frequency is calculated using the formula: 440 × 2^((MIDI_number - 69)/12). While this provides mathematically precise frequencies, actual instruments may have slight variations due to tuning preferences, temperature, and mechanical factors.
Can I use this tool for programming drums and percussion in my DAW?
Yes, this tool is excellent for understanding drum mapping in MIDI. Most DAWs use specific MIDI note numbers for different drum sounds - for example, kick drums are often mapped to C1 (MIDI 36), snares to D1 (MIDI 38), and hi-hats around F#1 (MIDI 42). The tool helps you identify which MIDI numbers correspond to which drum elements in your preferred drum mapping standard.