Topic by Massimo

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Topic: VPC1 Velocity Curve

I have searched the forum, but I could only find various user-made velocity curves rather than an official solution.

So I would like to ask directly: why is it that, now that we have reached Pianoteq 9, Modartt has not yet included a dedicated factory velocity curve preset for such an important keyboard, especially when competitors like VSL and ViLabs have already done so?
I am aware that Kawai's VPC Editor software includes a dedicated Pianoteq curve, but I would like to have one developed directly by Modartt (unless that specific curve was already created as an official collaboration between Kawai and Modartt).

Last edited by Massimo (01-09-2026 11:44)

Reply by Massimo

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Re: VPC1 Velocity Curve

Even assuming that the curve inside Kawai's VPC Editor was created through an official collaboration, it still dates back to the keyboard's launch (around 2013).
Therefore, it was likely calibrated for much older versions (which I cannot even test) compared to the current one.

Since then, has the management of velocity, dynamic range, and resonances really remained the same?
Is using that curve still the best solution today?

Reply by Pianistically

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Re: VPC1 Velocity Curve

Massimo wrote:

I have searched the forum, but I could only find various user-made velocity curves rather than an official solution.

So I would like to ask directly: why is it that, now that we have reached Pianoteq 9, Modartt has not yet included a dedicated factory velocity curve preset for such an important keyboard, especially when competitors like VSL and ViLabs have already done so?
I am aware that Kawai's VPC Editor software includes a dedicated Pianoteq curve, but I would like to have one developed directly by Modartt (unless that specific curve was already created as an official collaboration between Kawai and Modartt).

Massimo , here is my humble opinion . There no such thing as  an official or ‘best’ velocity curve for a given keyboard /piano library  and VPC1 and pianoteq are no exceptions . It really  depends  on your own  touch, technique, specific repertoire you play , whether you play solo or in a band and above all your playing style. Most keyboards that come with internal sounds propose various curves for the same bank sound so that the user can choose  which one he prefers . Using the velocity assistant that comes with pianoteq will allow you to create an initial curve that you can refine over time . The fxp corner also gives various users templates based on their preference , so you can try some of them . I have own a VPC1 for many years before selling it and the default curve was not good for me and ended up I defining  several user curves depending on context .

Last edited by Pianistically (02-09-2026 19:06)

Reply by Massimo

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Re: VPC1 Velocity Curve

I agree with what you wrote, in the sense that the final choice ultimately depends on one's personal touch.
What I was asking for was just a starting point calculated in a strictly scientific way, specifically tailored for Pianoteq 9.
It wouldn't necessarily have to be accepted as the best fit for everyone's individual playing style, but rather as a reliable baseline reference rather than a definitive solution.

Anyway, thank you very much for your input, Pianistically

Reply by jamiecw

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Re: VPC1 Velocity Curve

I agree with all points made on this threat (so not here to add more to that) but as a long time VPC1/Pianoteq combo user and having wasted good amount of time trying to get something I liked I finally settled with the below:

Global Velocity = [0, 18, 38, 64, 90, 112, 127; 0, 14, 30, 56, 83, 108, 127]

Combined with the VPC1's (Pianoteq velocity curve e.g. green LED) and using Sennheiser 560 cans is the best I could muster with my limited knowledge; so in the absence of Kawai and or Modartt doing anything, you could try the above as a starting point and gradually tweak till you hear what sounds good to you and your specific playing style.

Wishing  you best of luck.

J

Reply by Massimo

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Re: VPC1 Velocity Curve

Thank you very much, Jamiecw, for sharing your custom curve!
For my personal touch, I found it a bit too reactive compared to the default Kawai curve or Pianoteq's "moderately fast keyboard" preset.
Your experience highlights that users have to spend a lot of time experimenting to find a good balance.
This is normal if you want the best results, and having reference points provided by both Modartt and Kawai is definitely an advantage.
The curve with 26 adjustment points provided by Kawai is probably still valid for the latest versions of Pianoteq.
I just wanted to make sure there wasn't a more updated and accurate baseline to start from.

Thanks to Jamiecw and Pianistically for your contribution!

Reply by Pianistically

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Re: VPC1 Velocity Curve

Massimo wrote:

Thank you very much, Jamiecw, for sharing your custom curve!
For my personal touch, I found it a bit too reactive compared to the default Kawai curve or Pianoteq's "moderately fast keyboard" preset.
Your experience highlights that users have to spend a lot of time experimenting to find a good balance.
This is normal if you want the best results, and having reference points provided by both Modartt and Kawai is definitely an advantage.
The curve with 26 adjustment points provided by Kawai is probably still valid for the latest versions of Pianoteq.
I just wanted to make sure there wasn't a more updated and accurate baseline to start from.

Thanks to Jamiecw and Pianistically for your contribution!

You are welcome. Good luck finding your best curve !

Reply by jamiecw

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Re: VPC1 Velocity Curve

Massimo wrote:

Thank you very much, Jamiecw, for sharing your custom curve!
For my personal touch, I found it a bit too reactive compared to the default Kawai curve or Pianoteq's "moderately fast keyboard" preset.

You're welcome - yes it is reactive and this is where the rabbit hole begins, you need to tweak dynamics (on one of my presets I have mine set at 48dB), mic volume and placement - this is where Pianoteq shines but it takes time away from practicing/playing :-)

Last edited by jamiecw (03-09-2026 09:32)