Midomi - Detailed Review

Music Tools

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    Midomi - Product Overview



    Introduction to Midomi

    Midomi is an innovative music recognition platform that allows users to identify songs by singing, humming, or whistling into a microphone. Here’s a breakdown of its primary function, target audience, and key features:

    Primary Function

    Midomi’s main function is to identify songs based on user-inputted melodies. Users can sing, hum, or whistle a tune into their computer’s microphone or a mobile device, and the system will match the melody against its extensive database to provide the song’s title and artist.

    Target Audience

    The target audience for Midomi includes music enthusiasts, individuals who often find themselves trying to remember the name of a song they heard, and anyone looking to identify and discover new music. This tool is particularly useful for those who may not know the lyrics or the artist of a song but can recall the melody.

    Key Features



    Music Recognition

    Midomi uses a proprietary Multimodal Adaptive Recognition System (MARS) to analyze the melody, rhythm, and words of the sung tune and match it with entries in its database.

    User Contributions

    The platform allows users to contribute to the database by singing and recording their favorite songs. This social networking aspect enables users to share their performances, view photos, and send messages to other users.

    Multiple Results

    After conducting a search, Midomi lists multiple possible matches, increasing the chances of finding the correct song.

    Error Correction

    The system is capable of correcting for mistakes in the user’s singing or humming, making it more accurate even for less skilled singers.

    Cross-Platform Availability

    Midomi was available as a web service and also had mobile apps, including one for Windows Mobile devices like the Samsung Omnia II. Overall, Midomi is a user-friendly tool that leverages AI-driven music recognition to help people identify and enjoy their favorite songs.

    Midomi - User Interface and Experience



    The User Interface of Midomi

    The user interface of Midomi, a music search engine that utilizes AI-driven technology, is designed to be user-friendly and engaging, particularly for those who want to search for music by singing, humming, or whistling.



    Setting Up and Using Midomi

    To use Midomi, users need a few basic components:

    • A web browser with the Flash Player plugin (at least version 7).
    • A working microphone connected to their computer, such as a built-in webcam microphone, headset, or phone handset.
    • A soundcard and speakers.

    The setup process is relatively straightforward:

    • Users visit the Midomi website and ensure their microphone is connected and working.
    • They click “Test microphone” and allow camera and microphone access.
    • After recording a 5-second sample to ensure the microphone is working, they can save their settings.


    Search Functionality

    Midomi’s core feature is its ability to search for songs based on user-inputted melodies. Here’s how it works:

    • Users sing, hum, or whistle a tune into their computer’s microphone.
    • Midomi’s proprietary Multimodal Adaptive Recognition System (MARS) technology analyzes the input, matching it to melodies in its database. This system adapts to the stronger components of the input, such as ignoring speech content if the user only hums or whistles.


    Social Networking and Community Features

    Midomi incorporates social networking elements to enhance user engagement:

    • Users can create profiles, add photos, and post notes (both typed and voice notes).
    • They can rate and comment on other users’ recordings, add favorites, and join fan clubs.
    • The platform allows users to share recordings with friends via email and features charts and rankings for popular and up-and-coming users.


    Ease of Use

    While the interface is generally easy to use, there are some potential issues:

    • Users may encounter problems such as not being able to hear playback of original clips or the “Start Voice Search” button not working consistently from the search results page. However, these issues can often be resolved by trying different browsers or restarting the search from the home page.


    Overall User Experience

    Midomi aims to provide a seamless experience for music lovers:

    • The search engine is independent of key, tempo, language, and singing quality, making it accessible even for those who are not skilled singers.
    • Users can listen to versions of melodies sung by other people and purchase the full recordings if available.
    • The platform ensures that user-generated recordings are legally compliant by obtaining necessary licenses and paying royalties to the original songwriters and publishers.

    In summary, Midomi’s user interface is designed to be intuitive and engaging, allowing users to easily search for music using their voice and interact with a community of music enthusiasts. While there may be some minor technical issues, the overall experience is user-friendly and focused on music discovery and sharing.

    Midomi - Key Features and Functionality



    Midomi Overview

    Midomi is an AI-driven music search engine that offers several key features, making it a versatile tool for music enthusiasts. Here are the main features and how they work:



    Voice Search Capability

    Midomi allows users to search for songs by singing, humming, whistling, or even playing the tune into their computer’s microphone or headset. This is made possible by the proprietary Multimodal Adaptive Recognition System (MARS) developed by Melodis Corporation.



    MARS Technology

    The MARS technology analyzes multiple features of the audio input, including pitch variation, rhythm information, location of pauses, and phonetic content. It adapts to the parameters that seem most important for each query. For example, if you hum a song, it ignores speech content, but if you sing with lyrics, it uses that information to make the search more accurate. This technology is independent of key, tempo, language, and singing quality, making it effective even for those who are not perfect singers.



    User-Generated Content and Social Networking

    Midomi has a social networking component where users can create profiles, sing their favorite songs, and share them with others. Users can rate and comment on other members’ renditions, share recordings they like, and add recordings to their playlists. This user-generated content helps build and improve the searchable database of music.



    Database Accuracy

    The accuracy of Midomi’s search results improves as more users contribute the same song. The more times a song is contributed, the more information the system has about that song, leading to more accurate recognition results. Popular songs, which are contributed more often, become easier to identify.



    Cross-Language Support

    Midomi supports searches in six different languages, allowing users from various regions to find songs using their native languages.



    Recording and Sharing

    Users can record and share their own renditions of classic tracks. This feature allows for a form of virtual karaoke, where users can showcase their singing talents and share them with the community.



    Browser-Based Interface

    Midomi can be accessed via a browser, using Adobe Flash Player for both audio searching and user recordings. This makes it accessible from any computer with an internet connection and a microphone.



    Benefits

    • Convenience: Users can find songs stuck in their heads by simply humming or singing a few bars.
    • Community Engagement: The social features allow users to interact with each other, share music, and rate performances.
    • Improved Accuracy: The more users contribute, the more accurate the search results become.
    • Language Flexibility: Support for multiple languages makes it accessible to a broader user base.

    Overall, Midomi integrates AI through its MARS technology to provide a unique and effective way to search for music using voice inputs, while also fostering a community of music enthusiasts.

    Midomi - Performance and Accuracy



    Performance and Accuracy of Midomi

    Midomi, a music recognition and search app, has several notable features and some areas that require improvement, particularly in terms of performance and accuracy.

    Accuracy

    The accuracy of Midomi is a mixed bag. According to user reviews, the app’s accuracy is around 70%.
    • When users hum, sing, or play an instrument into the microphone, Midomi can often identify the song correctly, but it is not foolproof. For instance, if the background music is very loud, it may struggle to extract the main melody.
    • The app works better with single-instrument inputs rather than polyphonic inputs, where multiple notes are playing simultaneously.


    Performance

    Midomi offers several ways to search for music, including singing, humming, talking, typing, or even playing an instrument into the microphone.
    • The app is generally intuitive and simple to use, with a user-friendly interface that allows for various search methods.
    • However, there have been reports of technical issues, such as the app crashing on the first use or problems with the “Start Voice Search” button not working consistently from the search results page.


    Limitations

    Several limitations are worth noting:
    • Technical Issues: The app has been known to crash occasionally, and the voice search function can be erratic, sometimes requiring users to restart the search from the home page.
    • Playback Problems: There have been issues with playback of original clips, especially from the recording studio pages, where the sound may not be audible despite the playback bar progressing.
    • Polyphonic Input: Midomi’s engine can struggle with polyphonic inputs, where the background music is loud, making it harder to identify the main melody.
    • User Experience: Some users have found the experience of humming or singing to the app frustrating, especially if the results are not accurate or if the app does not respond as expected.


    Areas for Improvement

    • Enhanced Melody Extraction: Improving the ability to extract the main melody from background noise and polyphonic inputs would significantly enhance the app’s accuracy.
    • Stability and Consistency: Addressing the technical issues such as crashes and inconsistent voice search functionality would improve the overall user experience.
    • Additional Search Features: Integrating the ability to search for songs by snippets of lyrics, as well as searching for songwriters or composers, could make the app more comprehensive.


    Engagement and Community Features

    Midomi also includes social networking aspects, allowing users to rate and comment on each other’s recordings, create playlists, and share recordings with friends. This community aspect can enhance user engagement, but it also relies on the accuracy and reliability of the search functionality to maintain user interest. In summary, while Midomi has some impressive features and a user-friendly interface, it faces challenges in terms of accuracy and technical stability. Addressing these limitations could significantly improve the overall performance and user satisfaction.

    Midomi - Pricing and Plans



    Features of Midomi

    Midomi offers several features that differentiate it from other music recognition apps like Shazam. These include:

    Key Features

    • Tagging music by listening to it
    • Singing, humming, or speaking the lyrics, artist, or song title to identify the music
    • Watching the music video on YouTube
    • Buying the song from iTunes
    • Bookmarking the song
    • Sharing the tagged music with friends via email
    • Access to a vast database of music samples for verification


    Pricing Information

    However, there is no detailed information available on the specific pricing tiers or plans for Midomi. The sources provided do not mention any subscription models, free options, or different tiers of service.

    Further Inquiries

    If you are looking for detailed pricing information, it would be best to visit the Midomi website directly or contact their support team, as this information is not available in the sources I have accessed.

    Midomi - Integration and Compatibility



    Midomi Overview

    Midomi, a music identification and search tool, has several integration and compatibility aspects that are worth noting:



    Platform Compatibility

    Midomi is available on various platforms, including iOS devices. The app allows users to identify songs by listening to a short clip, similar to Shazam, but with additional features such as the ability to sing, hum, or whistle to find music.



    Integration with Music Libraries

    There have been discussions about integrating Midomi with music library management tools like MediaMonkey. Users have suggested using Midomi to auto-tag music libraries by sampling each song and updating the metadata, including album art and ID3 tags. However, this integration is not currently implemented and remains a user-suggested feature.



    Network Requirements

    Midomi requires a stable internet connection to function. For instance, it was noted that the app could only access the server when using Wi-Fi, and not over slower connections like Edge.



    Additional Features and Community

    Midomi offers more than just music identification. It allows users to create profiles, share their musical performances, listen to and rate others’ performances, and even buy original music. These features make it a more interactive and community-driven platform compared to some of its competitors.



    Compatibility Issues

    Some users have reported compatibility issues with certain devices. For example, on the Nokia N900, users encountered problems with the app requesting permission to use the phone’s microphone repeatedly without resolving the issue.



    Conclusion

    In summary, Midomi integrates well with iOS devices and offers a range of features beyond simple music identification. However, it may have limitations in terms of network requirements and compatibility with certain devices or platforms. As of the available information, there is no native integration with music library management tools, but it remains a feature that users would find beneficial.

    Midomi - Customer Support and Resources



    Music Recognition and User Engagement

    Midomi is a music recognition service that allows users to identify songs by singing, humming, or whistling into their device’s microphone. Here’s how it works:

    • Users visit the Midomi website and click on the microphone icon to input their audio.
    • Midomi analyzes the audio and displays the song’s name and artist if it recognizes the tune.


    Social Networking Component

    Midomi also includes a social networking aspect where users can create profiles, share their favorite songs, and interact with other users. This feature allows users to:

    • Sing and share their favorite songs.
    • Rate the performances of other users.
    • View photos and send messages to other users.


    Community Contributions

    Users can contribute to the music database by adding their own songs. This collaborative approach helps build a comprehensive music library that benefits all users.



    Support and Resources

    While specific customer support options such as FAQs, contact forms, or dedicated support teams are not explicitly mentioned in the available resources, the service is relatively straightforward to use. If users encounter issues, they might need to rely on general troubleshooting or contact the parent company, Melodis Corporation, for assistance.



    Summary

    In summary, Midomi provides a user-friendly music recognition service with a social networking component, but detailed customer support options are not readily available in the provided sources.

    Midomi - Pros and Cons



    Advantages of Midomi



    User-Friendly Interface and Multimodal Search

    Midomi offers a simple and intuitive interface that allows users to search for songs in various ways: by singing, humming, whistling, or even speaking the song’s title or artist’s name. This versatility makes it accessible to a wide range of users.

    High Accuracy and Adaptability

    Midomi’s proprietary MARS (Multimodal Adaptive Recognition System) technology is highly accurate in matching human voice to human voice, regardless of key, tempo, language, or singing quality. It adapts to different parameters such as pitch variation, rhythm, and phonetic content to improve search accuracy.

    Community and Social Features

    The platform includes social networking aspects, allowing users to rate and comment on other users’ recordings, create playlists, join fan clubs, and share recordings with friends. This fosters a community of music lovers and enhances user engagement.

    Comprehensive Music Information

    Once a song is identified, Midomi provides a wealth of information, including song titles, artist names, 30-second preview clips, links to YouTube videos, and detailed artist and album information. This makes it a valuable resource for music enthusiasts.

    Offline Capability

    The app allows searches to be saved and marked as pending if there is no internet connection, ensuring that users can still use the app even without a network connection.

    Disadvantages of Midomi



    Technical Issues and Stability

    Users have reported several technical issues, such as problems with microphone and speaker support, erratic behavior of the “Start Voice Search” button, and occasional playback issues with original song clips. These issues can disrupt the user experience.

    Accuracy Variability

    While Midomi is generally accurate, its performance can be variable. For example, humming the same tune at different pitches or speeds can sometimes produce different results. The accuracy also depends on the number of user contributions to the database.

    DRM Restrictions

    For users who want to purchase songs through Midomi, the requirement to download special software for digital rights management (DRM) can be a significant barrier. This adds an extra step and restricts how and where the purchased music can be played.

    Limited Consistency in Results

    The app’s accuracy has been rated around 70% in some reviews, indicating that while it often finds the correct song, it is not perfect and may require multiple attempts to get the desired result. Overall, Midomi offers a unique and engaging way to search for music, but it still needs to address some technical and usability issues to enhance the user experience.

    Midomi - Comparison with Competitors



    When comparing Midomi with other AI-driven music tools

    Several unique features and alternatives stand out:

    Midomi’s Unique Features

    Midomi is primarily known for its music recognition capabilities, allowing users to identify songs by singing, humming, or playing a tune into their microphone. This feature is particularly useful for those trying to identify unknown songs or find lyrics and artist information.

    Competitors and Alternatives



    Shazam

    Shazam is one of Midomi’s top competitors, with a significantly higher traffic volume (15.1 million visits in January 2025). Shazam also identifies music playing around you, but it does so through audio recognition rather than user input like singing or humming. Shazam integrates well with various music streaming services, making it a comprehensive tool for music discovery.

    Audiotag.info

    Audiotag.info is another competitor that uses audio fingerprinting to identify unknown pieces of music. It has a more specialized approach, focusing on recognizing music recordings using a sophisticated algorithm. With 312.6K visits in January 2025, it is less trafficked than Shazam but still a viable alternative for music identification.

    SoundHound

    SoundHound is another music recognition service that competes with Midomi. It uses conversational intelligence to identify songs and also offers features like singing or humming recognition. SoundHound had 425.8K visits in January 2025 and is known for its integration with various devices and platforms.

    Musipedia

    Musipedia is a collaborative music encyclopedia that allows users to search for tunes by playing, whistling, or singing the melody. While it doesn’t have the same traffic as Midomi or its other competitors (92.5K visits in January 2025), it offers a unique community-driven approach to music identification and discovery.

    AI Music Generation Tools

    For those looking beyond music recognition and into AI music generation, there are several tools that stand out:

    Musicfy

    Musicfy is an AI music tool that allows users to create their own voice clones and generate music with AI voices. It also features a text-to-music capability, where users can describe the style of music and instrumentals they want, and the AI generates a complete song.

    Lemonaide VST, HookPad’s Aria, and AIVA

    These tools are AI MIDI generators that assist in songwriting. Lemonaide VST generates MIDI seeds for chord and melody ideas, HookPad’s Aria uses AI to generate MIDI compositions based on existing songs, and AIVA provides multi-track MIDI with mixing and effects modules. These tools are more focused on music creation rather than recognition.

    Conclusion

    In summary, while Midomi excels in music recognition through user input, its competitors like Shazam, Audiotag.info, and SoundHound offer alternative methods for music identification. For those interested in AI music generation, tools like Musicfy, Lemonaide VST, HookPad’s Aria, and AIVA provide innovative solutions for creating original music.

    Midomi - Frequently Asked Questions



    What is Midomi and how does it work?

    Midomi is a music search engine that allows users to search for songs by singing, humming, or whistling into their computer’s microphone. It uses a proprietary Multimodal Adaptive Recognition System (MARS) developed by Melodis Corporation. This system analyzes each element of the input independently and adapts to the stronger components, such as ignoring speech content if the user hums or whistles the song.

    How do I use Midomi to search for a song?

    To use Midomi, you need to allow the search engine access to your microphone. You can then sing, hum, or whistle the tune you are trying to identify. Midomi will compare your input to its database and provide a list of possible matches. The process is relatively straightforward, though the accuracy can vary depending on the quality of your input and the song’s complexity.

    Does Midomi have a social networking component?

    Yes, Midomi includes a social networking feature. Users can create profiles, sing and share their favorite songs, rate other users’ performances, view photos, and send messages. This allows users to interact with each other and contribute to the music database.

    How accurate is Midomi in identifying songs?

    The accuracy of Midomi can vary. It tends to work better with mainstream and accessible songs, especially when the main rhythm is steady. However, it may struggle with more obscure or complex songs. For example, it might identify songs from well-known artists easily but have trouble with lesser-known bands or songs with non-repetitive progressions.

    What additional features does Midomi offer beyond song identification?

    Midomi offers several additional features beyond just identifying songs. These include the ability to find related YouTube videos, purchase the song via Amazon, view band information and discography, listen to a clean sample of the song, email the song information to others, and bookmark the song. These features enhance the user experience and provide more value than just song identification.

    How much does Midomi cost?

    Midomi has been offered in various forms over the years. In one of its mobile versions, it was available for a one-time fee of $4.99, which included an unlimited subscription. This price allowed access to all the features, including song identification, YouTube videos, and purchasing options.

    Can I use Midomi on different devices?

    Midomi has been available on various platforms, including desktop computers and mobile devices. In the past, it was available through the Windows Marketplace for Mobile, and users could access it via touchscreen devices. However, the current availability on different devices may vary.

    How does Midomi handle user-generated content?

    Midomi allows users to record and share their own renditions of songs. This feature acts as a virtual karaoke platform where users can upload and share their performances with others. This social aspect encourages user engagement and contributes to the community aspect of the site.

    What technology does Midomi use for music recognition?

    Midomi uses the Multimodal Adaptive Recognition System (MARS) developed by Melodis Corporation. This system is designed to analyze different elements of the input (such as singing, humming, or whistling) and adapt to the stronger components to improve recognition accuracy.

    Is Midomi still active and available for use?

    While the original articles and reviews are from several years ago, the current status of Midomi’s availability is not specified in the provided sources. It is recommended to check the official Midomi website or recent updates to determine if the service is still active and available for use.

    Midomi - Conclusion and Recommendation



    Final Assessment of Midomi

    Midomi is an innovative music tool that leverages AI to identify songs based on user input, whether through humming, singing, or recording a music sample. Here’s a comprehensive look at its benefits and who would most benefit from using it.

    Key Features

    • Midomi employs the Multimodal Adaptive Recognition System (MARS) to recognize music from vocal inputs, making it possible to identify songs even when you can’t remember the lyrics or the title.
    • The service allows users to search for music by humming or singing a few bars, which is particularly useful for those with songs stuck in their heads.
    • Beyond identification, Midomi also provides additional features such as finding related YouTube videos, purchasing the song via Amazon, accessing band information, and listening to clean samples of the identified song.


    Accuracy and Usage

    • The accuracy of Midomi is generally good, especially for more mainstream and accessible songs. However, it may vary depending on the volume and the part of the song being inputted.
    • Users have reported better results when the main rhythm of the song is steady, typically in the middle of the track.


    Who Would Benefit Most

    • Music Enthusiasts: Anyone who frequently finds themselves humming a tune they can’t quite place will find Midomi incredibly useful.
    • Karaoke Fans: Midomi’s virtual karaoke feature allows users to record and share their own renditions of songs, making it a fun tool for those who enjoy singing.
    • Musicians and Composers: While not its primary function, Midomi can also serve as a quick reference tool for musicians trying to identify a melody or chord progression they are working on.


    Overall Recommendation

    Midomi is a practical and engaging tool for anyone looking to identify songs quickly and easily. Its unique ability to recognize music from vocal inputs sets it apart from other music identification apps like Shazam. For those who often struggle to remember song titles or artists, Midomi is a valuable resource. However, it’s important to note that its accuracy can be influenced by factors like volume and the specific part of the song being inputted. In summary, Midomi is a handy tool that can enhance your music experience by making song identification simple and fun. It is particularly beneficial for music enthusiasts, karaoke fans, and musicians who need quick access to song information.

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