1. Choose between drawing and recording
Mouse entry is ideal for precise patterns and corrections. Recording from a controller is more natural for phrasing. The two approaches complement each other: play first, refine second is often effective.
2. Work on note duration
Duration affects groove, envelopes, and overlap. A short bass note, a legato line, and overlapping notes can create three very different results with the same instrument.
3. Quantize without erasing the performance
Quantization corrects timing differences, but full correction can remove natural movement. Fix events that disturb the groove and keep useful deviations.
4. Check velocity with the actual sound
The same velocity curve does not fit every instrument. Listen with the actual loaded instrument: some engines respond strongly, others much less.
TIPS
Keep these in mind
- Zoom in to fix note endings instead of extending everything blindly.
- Keep a few clear accents in each phrase.
- After strong quantization, listen without looking at the grid.
AVOID
- Every note at the same velocity.
- Unintentional note overlaps.
- Correcting a performance until all motion disappears.