Dynamic level changes sometimes seem too ... abrupt. After putting these values into an EXCEL document, I found the difference between each varies without any consistency.
Current Default Values:
fff -> 127
ff --> 108
f ---> 92
mf --> 75
mp -> 60
p ---> 45
pp --> 30
ppp -> 10
---------------------------
Suggested Default Values:
fff -> 127
ff --> 115
f ---> 102
mf --> 88
mp -> 73
p ---> 57
pp --> 40
ppp -> 22
To match most other software packages where f=100, I also like these settings:
Suggested Default Values:
fff -> 127
ff --> 114
f ---> 100
mf --> 85
mp -> 69
p ---> 52
pp --> 34
ppp -> 15
I have a teatowel that explains it in easy to understand terms.
p - piano (soft) - the neighbours have complained
f - forte (loud) - the neighbours are out
Crescendo - getting louder - testing the neighbours' tolerance levels
ff - fortissimo (VERY loud) - to hell with the neighbours
pp - pianissimo (VERY soft) - the neighbours are at the door
dim - thick
Need more?
In NWC2 you can set your own default dynamic velocities.
Tina
I use:
fff -> 120
ff --> 105
f ---> 90
mf --> 75
mp -> 60
p ---> 45
pp --> 30
ppp -> 15
They are all regularly spaced, easy to remember (multiples of 15), and fff -> 120 leaves enough "room" for più fff and the like.