Topic by max22

  • Avatar
  • max22
  • Member
  • Online
  • Registered: 26-04-2026
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Request for optimized velocity curve for Yamaha P-525 (Pianoteq use)

Hello everyone,

I’m using a Yamaha P-525 as a MIDI controller for virtual piano instruments, mainly Pianoteq.

I’ve noticed that the default velocity response is not fully ideal for my use. Soft dynamics can be a bit difficult to control, and I often need to play quite firmly to reach a full and open sound, which sometimes feels less natural than expected.

My setup:

Yamaha P-525
Mac
Pianoteq (main instrument)
Focus on classical music and piano practice

What I’m looking for is a velocity curve that:

slightly expands the usable range between 30 and 100
makes it easier to reach higher velocities (100–127) without excessive force
still preserves good control in the soft dynamics (20–40 range)
feels musical and stable rather than overly artificial or extreme

I have already tried basic curves (linear and mild soft compression), but I would really appreciate advice from users who have experience with the P-525 and Pianoteq and have found a well-balanced and practical setup.

Any suggestions for velocity curves or MIDI settings would be highly appreciated

Reply by max22

  • Avatar
  • max22
  • Member
  • Online
  • Registered: 26-04-2026
  • Posts: 2

Re: Request for optimized velocity curve for Yamaha P-525 (Pianoteq use)

[UPDATE - SOLVED] Yamaha P-525 + Pianoteq: Velocity curve that works perfectly with MainStage

Hello everyone,

After a lot of testing, I finally found a velocity curve that solves all the issues I mentioned in my previous post. I’m sharing it here in case it helps other P-525 users.

The problem: With the standard curves on the P-525 or inside Pianoteq, I struggled to control soft dynamics and had to use excessive force to reach a natural fff.

The solution: I now run the P-525 through MainStage as a MIDI host, using the "Velocity Processor" MIDI FX plugin with these values:

0,0 33,34 82,97 104,127

How it behaves:

    0-30: Linear response. The ppp-pp range (20-40) is stable and easy to control.
    30-100: Expanded usable range. The key point is 82 in → 97 out — it lightens the mf-f area without making everything loud.
    100-127: Reaching full fff is effortless. From 104 input it ramps straight to 127, so you don’t have to strike the keys too hard.

With this curve I can go from 0 to 127 smoothly and musically. Pianissimos are easy to dose, and f-fff comes out naturally without physical strain. For classical repertoire it’s the perfect balance I was looking for.

Important note: This works beautifully, but only through MainStage. I tried replicating the exact same curve in Pianoteq’s Velocity editor, but the result isn’t the same — MainStage likely handles interpolation between points differently, with a smoother response.

Final setup: P-525 Touch = Medium → MainStage Velocity Processor with the curve above → Pianoteq with a linear velocity curve.

If anyone with a P-525 wants to try it, let me know how it works for you. I’m happy to share the MainStage patch as well.

Thanks everyone for the previous suggestions!