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Topic: Dynamics and instrument (Read 2566 times) previous topic - next topic

Dynamics and instrument

I put pp on a piano stave since I wanted very quiet sound there.
But the sound won't go any weaker beyond a degree.
I tried followings but they all made the same result:
- Insert pp
- Insert mpc
- Lower MIDI part volume

If I change the instrument assignment (e.g. cello), this doesn't occur.
Is there any restriction of dynamics for certain instrument?
Can I get rid of that?

Re: Dynamics and instrument

Reply #1 –
Kaz, have you tried altering the *velocity" attribute of the pp dynamic? Select the pp mark, press ALT+ENTER to edit it - you should have a popup box with two check boxes. Tick the upper one "Over-ride Default Note Velocity", and alter the value in the window next to this. IIRC, the default value for pp is 30, so try setting it to 25 or even 20. Results are very dependent on your soundcard.

Re: Dynamics and instrument

Reply #2 –
By default, dynamic changes alter the MIDI key velocity. It is possible for a synthesizer to respond differently to velocity changes based on the selected instrument patch. For example, an organ patch might be designed in such a way that it does not respond to MIDI velocity changes. However, it is very unlikely that a piano sound would ignore velocity changes.

Your best bet would be to combine MIDI velocity and MIDI volume overrides in an attempt to get the sound that you are after. You might also try changing to a different piano sound.

Re: Dynamics and instrument

Reply #3 –
Robert, Mr. NW Online

I am thankful for your suggestions very much.
I tried to change some parameters in various ways, and learned followings eventually.

-Changing velocity (with checking override on) affects nothing.
-Changing volume to -1 or 1 or more affects nothing also.
-But value 0 to volume makes the sound extremely low, it is not muted though.
-These were tested in 'Acoustic grand piano', and some other percussive instruments seemed to be the same.
-But the linear loudness changes were obtained with non-percussive instruments such as cello or flute.
(Sorry I haven't tried all the instruments)

It might be because of my sound card. I think it is quite common one though.
I am wondering is there any room I can try more?

Re: Dynamics and instrument

Reply #4 –
Changing velocity ... affects nothing

From this I think your soundcard will not play percussive sounds below a certain level. Do you hear any difference between pp and ppp?

Most cards will not give any sound with volume = 0!

Check also that your card has the correct, up-to-date drivers and has been installed correctly.