Re: Kawai VPC 1

sigasa wrote:

I have recently managed to get my VPC1 working again after the supplied power pack / AC/DC adapter blew. I am currently using a Casio Privia power pack / AC/DC adapter that works perfectly and is better quality.

Anyhow, the reason for my post is this. I have found that the most even velocity response is obtained by using the curve which lights the power button solid orange on the VPC1. I forget offhand which VST instrument this curve was custom designed for, but it isn't Pianoteq! Pianoteq's custom curve lights the power button solid green.

Since realising that that velocity response is much tighter using the 'solid orange' curve, I have been working on the Pianoteq velocity curve to achieve a pleasing piano curve. I shall post an .fxp to the file area soon. I have managed to get the VPC1 to sound much better this way.

Do note that there has had to be quite a drastic change to the default Pianoteq curve (in Pianoteq velocity curve pane) but early results prove positive.

I'll return shortly.

Kindest Regards,

Chris

You never got back to us with your latest confirmation? Was simply doing the solid orange curve inside vpc editor with a default curve in PTQ the best for you back then?
I am personally looking for the best curve for using with PTQ for learning classical and simulating the most real feeling possible, as closely as possible to real pianos....

Last edited by JohnAps (16-02-2025 00:23)

Re: Kawai VPC 1

scherbakov.al wrote:
mf wrote:

Thank you for being so active in here! I recently got Pianoteq and was wondering if you've made any updates to your Global (VPC 1 Editor) or Pianoteq settings for v8. Also open to any settings suggestions anyone else may have! Thanks!

Recently, with the new version of Pianoteq most often use the following strategy: I put the instrument in cell "A" and, if possible, create the same settings between the notes (except for the points of impact of the hammers and the position of the dampfers). I set the same width of the unison, the same quality of the unison, set the perfect alignment, turn off all effects except reverberation, turn off the limiter, leave one microphone per channel without mixing and delays, place the microphones closer, make the noise of the mechanics quieter. Even the spectrum profile has been reset. And with such settings, Bluthner been living in cell "A" lately. Cell "B" usually contains a randomly selected instrument with default preset settings. But at the same time I turn off the limiter (I don't like something about it). And when playing, I often switch between "A" and "B". And I often change the instrument in "B"-cell. Something like that.

As for the Vpc1, since I made my midi keyboard with live piano mechanics, I no longer use the Vpc1. He stands and waits for the moment to be sold.

Oh, yes!  The question was about the speed curves. In the current position, the curve used is flat.

What was your last best setting though? I am personally looking for the best curve for using with PTQ for learning classical and simulating the most real feeling possible, as closely as possible to real pianos....

Last edited by JohnAps (16-02-2025 00:24)

Re: Kawai VPC 1

JohnAps wrote:
sigasa wrote:

I have recently managed to get my VPC1 working again after the supplied power pack / AC/DC adapter blew. I am currently using a Casio Privia power pack / AC/DC adapter that works perfectly and is better quality.

Anyhow, the reason for my post is this. I have found that the most even velocity response is obtained by using the curve which lights the power button solid orange on the VPC1. I forget offhand which VST instrument this curve was custom designed for, but it isn't Pianoteq! Pianoteq's custom curve lights the power button solid green.

Since realising that that velocity response is much tighter using the 'solid orange' curve, I have been working on the Pianoteq velocity curve to achieve a pleasing piano curve. I shall post an .fxp to the file area soon. I have managed to get the VPC1 to sound much better this way.

Do note that there has had to be quite a drastic change to the default Pianoteq curve (in Pianoteq velocity curve pane) but early results prove positive.

I'll return shortly.

Kindest Regards,

Chris

You never got back to us with your latest confirmation? Was simply doing the solid orange curve inside vpc editor with a default curve in PTQ the best for you back then?
I am personally looking for the best curve for using with PTQ for learning classical and simulating the most real feeling possible, as closely as possible to real pianos....

Apologies, John.

I have long forgotten. I had so much problem with irregular velocities due to the slip tape issue that I gave the VPC1 away.

I now have a Casio PX-S7000.

Warmest regards,

Chris

Re: Kawai VPC 1

sigasa wrote:
JohnAps wrote:
sigasa wrote:

I have recently managed to get my VPC1 working again after the supplied power pack / AC/DC adapter blew. I am currently using a Casio Privia power pack / AC/DC adapter that works perfectly and is better quality.

Anyhow, the reason for my post is this. I have found that the most even velocity response is obtained by using the curve which lights the power button solid orange on the VPC1. I forget offhand which VST instrument this curve was custom designed for, but it isn't Pianoteq! Pianoteq's custom curve lights the power button solid green.

Since realising that that velocity response is much tighter using the 'solid orange' curve, I have been working on the Pianoteq velocity curve to achieve a pleasing piano curve. I shall post an .fxp to the file area soon. I have managed to get the VPC1 to sound much better this way.

Do note that there has had to be quite a drastic change to the default Pianoteq curve (in Pianoteq velocity curve pane) but early results prove positive.

I'll return shortly.

Kindest Regards,

Chris

You never got back to us with your latest confirmation? Was simply doing the solid orange curve inside vpc editor with a default curve in PTQ the best for you back then?
I am personally looking for the best curve for using with PTQ for learning classical and simulating the most real feeling possible, as closely as possible to real pianos....

Apologies, John.

I have long forgotten. I had so much problem with irregular velocities due to the slip tape issue that I gave the VPC1 away.

I now have a Casio PX-S7000.

Warmest regards,

Chris


No worries, Chris! Thanks for replying! If you happen to remember any of your settings please do remember to share them here for us who carry the vpc-1 torch!

Re: Kawai VPC 1

To anyone who may still be looking for a good curve I will share my findings (after owning the VPC1 for over 5 yrs now & countless of hrs trying to figure out something I was happy with) - so the caveat here, is "what I was happy with" & that is what you ought to be aiming for too.

A bit of context:

I have been using Pianoteq with the VPC1 with the straight default curve and the built in VPC1 curve where the green light is on & it worked because my touch was (as my most recent Russian piano teacher tells me) weak - but when I did want to play FF and above I felt like I was bashing the piano (a reference for anyone who knows Dr K :-)?

After having my touch re-examined I realised the above settings were too much so started looking again and I believe I came up with a solution that allows me to play strong but not overwhelm the sound - and that is to set:

1) VPC touch to the red light (I believe that is the last C# combined with the power on/off button)
2) Set Pianoteq to Moderately Fast Keyboard

I have gone back and forwards with an actual grand piano and this allows for an authentic touch at least based on the method I am taught with now.

Last tip: If you find the sound a bit subdued you may want to tinker with EQ, Microphone settings, lowering dynamics & volume.

HW used: VPC-1, Roland Rubix 24 sound card and JBL LSR305s.

Have fun tinkering!
J

Last edited by jamiecw (08-08-2025 17:55)