Topic by Nick Farrow

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  • Nick Farrow
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Topic: Updated KIViR - Buzzy dampers

Hi there

I've just downloaded the updated KIViR package and given it a test drive. What is immediately noticeable, particularly with the Walter, is the "buzziness" of the dampers. When each key is released there is a distinctive buzz sound produced. Obviously a slight buzz is expected as dampers on fortepianos of this era were not the soft felt of modern pianos, nor were the mechanisms as sophisticated. However, the buzz really dominates the sound, making the piano sound almost as if the bassoon stop is engaged, which it is not. It is particularly noticeable when playing fast staccato semi-quavers. The Dohnal fortepiano by comparison, which is of similar vintage, has a much less obtrusive damper sound.

I don't claim to be an expert, however I have a particular interest in Fortepianos of the late 18th and early 19th centuries and performances on them. I've been listening to performances on Walters and other contemporaneous pianos for the best part of 20 years and was lucky enough to perform my first year recital at University on a copy of a Stein (so have a little first-hand experience). In this time I don't think I've ever heard a "real life" Walter produce this buzzy sound.

However, I don't know the particular Walter that this Pianoteq piano is based on, so it could be that it does produce this buzzy sound and as such the modelling is ultra-realistic!

What I'm wondering is, is there any way to "edit out" the buzziness from the sound? I only have the Stage version of Pianoteq and can't see anywhere to edit the damper sound.

Just to add, I absolutely love Pianoteq and I think it's an amazing piece of software! The Dohnal Fortepiano is my absolute favourite; the sound and feel of the instrument are so very close to those of a real 1780/90s fortepiano.

Cheers
N

Reply by EvilDragon

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Re: Updated KIViR - Buzzy dampers

Yeah, with Stage you can't tweak these things, you would need at least Standard.

Last edited by EvilDragon (13-10-2014 08:01)
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Reply by Nick Farrow

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Re: Updated KIViR - Buzzy dampers

OK, thanks.

In the Standard edition, how might the dampers be edited? I've downloaded a copy of the demo to try and find out how - any pointers? Don't want to upgrade unless it's necessary and I can do what I want to do.

Another thought along the same lines, will key-release velocity have an effect? My keyboard doesn't support it, although I've not encountered a problem with any other instruments.

Cheers
N

Reply by julien

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Re: Updated KIViR - Buzzy dampers

It's a bit complicated, but you have access to the Damper Noise parameter in STAGE, if you use a midi controller. In options/MIDI, just add a mapping between a control change message and "Set Parameter>Damper Noise"

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Reply by Nick Farrow

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Re: Updated KIViR - Buzzy dampers

Thanks for that!

I managed to turn off the damper noise by programming a button on my Digital Piano. The damper sound is now off completely - I don't supposed there is a way to just "turn it down" slightly? If not then that's fine; off is better than on in my case.

Interestingly, I've listened to the revised demos of the Walter and Schantz pianos and although the damper noise is present, it's not as prominent as it is with my setup. Could it be something to do with my Digital Piano which (among other things) doesn't support key release velocity?

Cheers
N

Reply by Jake Johnson

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Re: Updated KIViR - Buzzy dampers

Nick Farrow wrote:

Thanks for that!

I managed to turn off the damper noise by programming a button on my Digital Piano. The damper sound is now off completely - I don't supposed there is a way to just "turn it down" slightly? If not then that's fine; off is better than on in my case.

Interestingly, I've listened to the revised demos of the Walter and Schantz pianos and although the damper noise is present, it's not as prominent as it is with my setup. Could it be something to do with my Digital Piano which (among other things) doesn't support key release velocity?

Cheers
N


Well, can you assign it to a knob instead of a button? A button will turn it on or off, whereas a knob, such as the mod wheel, will let you step through gradations.