Three simple steps
How to convert drums to MIDI
- 01
Choose a drum loop or isolated drum stem. Clean drum-only audio gives the best results.
- 02
Adjust sensitivity and minimum hit gap, enter your project BPM and choose optional quantization.
- 03
Detect the drum hits, review the kick/snare/hi-hat counts and download the MIDI file for your DAW.
Which drum notes does ToolYogi create?
The current version maps detected kick hits to General MIDI note 36, snare hits to note 38 and closed hi-hat hits to note 42 on MIDI channel 10. These mappings are widely recognized by drum instruments and DAWs.
How does drum detection work?
The browser analyzes short windows of the waveform for transient energy, then compares low, mid and high frequency-band energy to classify each hit. This is a lightweight heuristic designed for quick drum stems and loops, not a studio-grade machine-learning transcription system.
What does sensitivity change?
Higher sensitivity lowers the transient threshold and can find quieter hits, but it may also create extra triggers. Lower sensitivity is useful when the source contains bleed, ambience or other instruments.
Why enter the project BPM?
MIDI stores event timing in musical ticks. Entering the BPM you plan to use lets ToolYogi translate detected hit times into the matching musical timeline. If you do not know the tempo, use the BPM & Key Finder or Tap Tempo tool first.
Should I quantize the drum MIDI?
Quantization moves detected hits to the nearest musical grid. 1/16 is a useful starting point for many drum patterns, while Off preserves the detected timing more closely. Human performances or swung rhythms may sound better with quantization disabled.
Can I use a full song?
You can try, but results are less reliable because bass, vocals and other instruments can resemble drum energy. An isolated drum stem or drum loop is strongly recommended.
A little more clarity
Frequently asked questions
Is Drums to MIDI free?
Yes. The current ToolYogi Drums to MIDI converter works in the browser without an account.
Does my audio get uploaded?
No. Audio decoding, transient detection and MIDI creation happen locally in your browser.
Which drum sounds are detected?
The current version classifies kick, snare and closed hi-hat style hits.
Can it detect toms, cymbals and percussion?
Not as separate MIDI classes in this version. Those sounds may be misclassified as kick, snare or hi-hat.
What MIDI notes are used?
Kick uses note 36, snare uses note 38 and closed hi-hat uses note 42 on the General MIDI percussion channel.
Why are some hits missing or duplicated?
Drum transcription is an estimate. Adjust sensitivity and minimum hit gap, use a cleaner drum stem and edit the final MIDI in your DAW when needed.