Instrument credits when using MIDI controllers and VST instruments

MusicBrainz
,
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Hello, I would like to clarify the correct way to credit instruments.

If I perform all parts using a MIDI keyboard/controller and VST instruments (for example: cello, drum set, bass sounds), but the performance is expressive and intended to emulate real instruments:

Should I credit:

- The performed instrument (keyboard/synthesizer), or

- The resulting sound (cello, drum set, bass)?

My goal is to keep the data accurate while avoiding overcomplication or misrepresentation of the performance.

Thank you.

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The instrument played, not the sound made by it.

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welcome to the forums, @estefanorodrigo~

I’d go with the performed instrument as well, tho you could use the Credited As field to note the sound (tho I’ve personally used the VST or plugin name in the past). also, depending on if you sequenced (i.e. painting the notes on a piano roll) or recorded a performance to MIDI, you might add a programming credit too (I’d also prolly add this if I edited the MIDI I recorded, personally). so for instance, you might end up with: Nate Fox performed Synthesizer [Vital] or Nate Fox programmed Sampler [cello]

I’ll also add, if you’re adding your own music, you might want to take a look at this guide I’ve been working on for artists adding their own music:

(also lemme know if you have any questions or comments in the main forum thread~)

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Thank you, I understand.

Just to confirm:

When adding instrument credits, should I always list the performed instrument (for example: keyboard, MIDI controller, synthesizer),

and avoid using the “credited as” field to describe the resulting sound (such as drums, cello, bass)?

In other words, should the credits reflect only the actual instrument used, without referencing the emulated sound?

Thank you for your clarification.

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Thank you for the explanations.

I understand that the platform follows a technically consistent structure, and I appreciate that.

My initial confusion came from trying to describe performances made via MIDI controller using realistic VST instruments, where the sound is expressive and performed rather than manually programmed.

Based on the clarifications provided, I now understand that credits should reflect the performed instrument and, when applicable, include programming only where MIDI editing or sequencing is involved.

With this in mind, I will apply a cleaner and more consistent credit structure.

Thank you all for your time, guidance, and for the warm welcome to the forum.

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Keyboards\synths can create all kinds of sounds in a single recording. So it would get way too chaotic to list everything. Name the equipment, not what you are doing with it. I have seen people name the actual make\model of hardware in the (credited as) field

If you want to get a bit more detailed about the recording, you could put notes in the annotaion.

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