What MIDI commonly contains
Basic MIDI information includes note events, note numbers, velocity, and controller values. In a DAW, those events can often be moved, quantized, transposed, or assigned to another virtual instrument without cutting up recorded audio.
Why a MIDI track can be silent
A MIDI track does not automatically contain a finished sound. If no software instrument, external sound generator, or appropriate output is assigned, the notes may be completely valid while playback remains silent. That is a routing or sound-generation issue, not necessarily a problem with the note data.
MIDI is not the same as notation
MIDI was developed for performance and control information. Printed notation needs decisions about voices, beaming, enharmonic spelling, rests, layout, and many other engraving details. When MIDI is imported into notation software, those details often have to be inferred again.
Where MIDI is especially useful
- Playing in parts with a MIDI keyboard or controller.
- Controlling virtual instruments and synthesizers.
- Editing individual notes and controller data after recording.
- Tempo and arrangement work inside a DAW.
- Exchanging performance information between compatible devices and programs.
A useful rule of thumb
Audio describes sound that already exists. MIDI largely describes what should be played or controlled. Many music-production workflows use both side by side.
If you want to hand MIDI data off to a DAW next, DAW Bridge is the relevant next step.