Topic by Anubis

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Topic: Sound quality problem

The sound quality is bad when I play with my keyboard, and the volume is low.  It's a lot better when I play directly on the pianoteq software, with the mouse.  I don't understand.

Everything seems to be well connected.  Pianoteq does detect every notes that I play on my keyboard (I can see the pianoteq keyboard play).  And I can make any configuration in pianoteq and it will works, except that the sound is really not clear when I play with the keyboard.... and a lot more clear when I play the same note with my mouse on the software....  (???)

Any idea?

NOTE: I'm connected via a midi interface (midisport1x1) on my laptop computer (in a usb port).  I have windows 7.
I'm using ASIO4AL v2

Last edited by Anubis (08-03-2010 00:56)

Reply by Michael H

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  • Michael H
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Re: Sound quality problem

Hi,

Welcome to the forum. As far as your problem it's hard to say without your being more specific . What do you mean when you say the sound is bad? Is it distorted? Something else?

Not knowing your details,  I can think of two possibilities:

In Pianoteq, underneath 'OUTPUT' is a meter. When you play, if that meter goes into the red you'll hear distortion, and you'll need to lower the volume slider. Compensate for that with your soundcard volume or your amplifier.

If you're playing Pianoteq through a sequencer you may be getting two sounds at once. If you try PTQ alone and it sounds fine, try shutting off MIDI THRU in your sequencer.

Michael

Last edited by Michael H (08-03-2010 02:19)

Reply by BazC

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Re: Sound quality problem

My guess would be you're playing with a lower velocity when you use the keyboard. To check set the bottom left panel in the PTQ interface to velocity.

The click on the virtual keyboard, you'll probably find the velocity in the top third, f to fff range. Now try again using your midi keyboard, chances are the velocity is now around the mf to p area which will be much quieter with a softer attack.

To get them to sound the same you'll have to play harder or adjust the velocity curve to suit your board and playing style.

Reply by Anubis

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Re: Sound quality problem

Wow, thanks a lot BazC, you were right!

With my keyboard, the velocity was below mp.  I raised it and the sound is perfect now.

The velocity is always the same 'cause my old keyboard doesn't see the difference if I play hard or soft...

Thanks to you Michael too for trying to help me.

Reply by BazC

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Re: Sound quality problem

Glad to help!

Reply by Michael H

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Re: Sound quality problem

You're welcome.

Reply by PianoBoy

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Re: Sound quality problem

Just thought I would drop a line.  So far my sound quality is fine, but I have noticed that when I shut off my connection to the internet, Pianoteq does much better.  I guess less load on the processor and memory.  I need to disable my anti virus software when using piano teq, anything running in the background while your using software, especially music software that uses plenty of memory and processing power should be disabled, in my opinion.   You may want to try it out, but make sure you know what your doing or ask someone who does know.  Usually MSconfig in Run mode at start up will let you do this.  I am still using the demo.  I actually like this software.  And I am not easily pleased by software programs.  I am finding it kind of hard to play without pianoteq now.  I like the sounds, sounds more like the older pianos, and I play boogie woogie and blues mostly.  I have also noticed that I can strike the keys more softly now, than when I just do it on the keyboard.  Easier on the hands.  Sorry if I disrupted this thread from it's original content.