Topic by dondascher

  • Avatar
  • dondascher
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 27-11-2011
  • Posts: 95

Topic: Velocity Curves OverRated ?

I see references to making sure the velocity curve is accurate in order to get the most out of this or any other piano software.

I have never put much effort into that and when I do (utilizing some automated process, such as 'calibration' in PT4) I invariably find that I just revert back to my way of dealing with it ....

Which is ...

I play around a little and see what sort of response I am getting for soft and loud playing and then I simple adjust the curve by hand.   If it is too loud, I lay the curve down a little.   If it is too soft, I bring curve up more quickly.
It does not seem to be rocket science to me.   

I have a Kawai CA63 digital piano, so I assume it already has a decent keybed with a reasonable response curve so that may be part of the reason for the ease at which this seems to be dealt with.

Am I missing something here ?

Reply by jazzkeys88

  • Avatar
  • jazzkeys88
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 30-01-2011
  • Posts: 359

Re: Velocity Curves OverRated ?

@dondascher  You probably aren't missing much if the stock curves work for you.  Consider yourself fortunate. It's pretty much the same with me and my Roland RD-150. I just change the internal curve to "Medium" and I am usually good to go so I am lucky in that respect as well. I find I subconsciously adjust my playing style to the keyboard, just like with an acoustic piano so maybe that is why.

You might want to experiment and monitor the MIDI data to see if you are getting full velocity and so forth though.
Also you can get various different effects by playing with the velocity curves so that can be fun as well.

Happy playing!

SteveO

Reply by Rohade

  • Avatar
  • Rohade
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 15-03-2012
  • Posts: 114

Re: Velocity Curves OverRated ?

I use a clavinova as midi controller, the calibration tool helped a lot.

Reply by dondascher

  • Avatar
  • dondascher
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 27-11-2011
  • Posts: 95

Re: Velocity Curves OverRated ?

STEVE: Thanks for the reply.   It is good to know that there is not some magical effect that I am missing by not focusing on getting the perfect velocity curve.

I do use the velocity curve in ways that I probably shouldn't.    Sometimes, I use it as a cheater to allow me to play something very delicately by simply laying down the velocity curve at low velocities so I do not have to be so careful.   Probably not good technique but then I play for fun.