Hansy / Guides / Make a song sound like a music box
How to make a song sound like a music box
A music box plays a song's tune and a few chord notes, high and delicate, with no drums. Here's how to get that from any recording.
1. Add the song
Open RosenBridge and add the song file.
2. Turn it into MIDI
Convert the song: each instrument becomes its own MIDI track with the song's notes, in about a minute of GPU time (free account needed).
3. Play every part on music box
Pick Music box and press Play every part on Music box. The original is muted so you hear the music box; switch back any time.
4. Make it sound like a real music box
A real music box is small and simple.
- Lose the drums and bass. Mute them: a music box has neither.
- Keep the tune on top. Keep the melody and maybe one chord part; mute the rest.
- Raise it an octave. Select the notes and press +12. Music boxes sit high.
- Slow it down a little. Drag the BPM down for a lullaby feel.
5. Download it
Download the MIDI, every part in one file, for any app or keyboard.
Can I make a lullaby version?
Yes: music box or harp, fewer parts, a slower tempo and softer notes.
Do I need to play an instrument?
No. The notes come from the recording; you only choose what to keep.
Which songs work best?
Songs with a clear, singable melody. The tune is what a music box carries.
Common problems
- It sounds cluttered. A music box plays a few notes at once. Mute parts until the tune stands out.
- The melody is too low. Move it up an octave (+12).
- It's too fast to sound gentle. Lower the BPM.