What is MIDI primarily used for in audio production?

MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is primarily utilized for creating and managing musical performance data through digital means rather than directly producing audio. It allows instruments and devices to communicate and control each other, enabling musicians to compose, edit, and perform music by sending messages about note information, timing, and dynamics.

The function of MIDI is distinct because it does not transmit sound directly; instead, it triggers audio devices or software to produce sound. This means that the method primarily focuses on digital information pertaining to musical performance rather than a direct auditory output. Thus, it fits well with the idea of producing digital audio without relying on traditional analogue sources.

In terms of context, the other options focus on different aspects of audio and multimedia production, such as visual effects, converting analogue audio, or exclusively recording vocals, which do not capture MIDI's primary function of handling musical data rather than sound production in an audio context.