Topic by thiesdewaard

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  • thiesdewaard
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  • From: Utrecht, The Netherlands
  • Registered: 14-10-2019
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Topic: About note-off velocity

I'm really super impressed by Pianoteq, and am presently testing it with my controller that does not have note-off velocity (it sends a standard value of 64 on key release). I have two questions related to this:

1
In the trial version, I noticed that all instruments (except for 'Steinway D Close Mic Classical') have a horizontal line as the default note-off velocity 'curve'. I am not able to asses what happens with those 'curves' after calibration, as that part of the calibration process does not work for my keyboard. My question therefore is: are the note-off curves after calibration still horizontal lines (perhaps calibrated to a lower value than 127), or do they change into curves (either curved or diagonal). The answer would help me to asses if the influence of actual key-off velocity curves are significant enough for me to look out for another keyboard. (I have the present one still on review-time). I play a lot of classical music on the piano, but am not a professional pianist. With my present keyboard, I would not be able to make or use key-off curves, but I still can influence the general key-off effect by adjusting the horizontal line.

2
I am also very interested in the harpsichord (I've played a lot on real harpsichords). I would have expected the key release sounds there to be driven by the note-off velocity. The plectrum that travels back touches the string, and the sound of that is different with various release speeds (as it the sound of the overal mechanism traveling back to start position). In Pianoteq, I noticed that the volume of this release sound is regulated separately for the entire keyboard (under 'action'), and is not influenced by the note-off value of individual keys played. This seems a bit strange, but it actually makes the case for me having to change my keyboard a little less urgent. Any thoughts anyone?

Thanks!

Last edited by thiesdewaard (14-10-2019 14:47)

Reply by sandalholme

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  • sandalholme
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  • Registered: 17-06-2014
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Re: About note-off velocity

Re the harpsichord action sounds. I too was an "acoustic" harpsichordist for many years. My experience with the 1624 Ruckers is to create fxps for each combination of registers, allocating keys at the extremes of the compass for changing registers which works in quite a similar way to hand stops and use appropriate allocations of the sostenuto and sustain pedals for the registers commonly used or for the particular ones used in the French Rondeaux pieces where instant changes of register are needed. (in the absence of two physical manuals) The "soft" pedal is reserved as per Pianoteq: to activate the buff stop. These arrangements result in some strange jack return sounds in that, say, the upper 8' "note off" may sound louder than the 2 X 8' jack noise.  (Can't remember the precise anomalies) A quick adjustment within Action will produce the appropriate level of noise from the number of ranks falling as a percentage of the ambient sound of the instrument. The main work here is creating the individual fxps .

As an experienced harpsichordist I'm sure you will find the Ruckers provides an authentic sound, even though, of course, the feel of the action cannot be replicated with a digital keyboard.  TBH that doesn't worry me, although it does some.  For this the only answer, AFAIK, would be a specialist keyboard.  Roland I think do one and I believe someone on PianoWorld, forget the name, may be working on one.