Sibelius + Vienna Ensemble Dynamics issue

[LStephens84]

Hello andi et all :) For the most part I'm very happy using sibelius with my vienna ensemble as the playback configuration. I'm currently working on a piece using 2 instances of vienna ensemble at the same time. 1 instance is using the Special addition and the 2nd instance is using Solo Strings. Everything works great together but I'm noticing that when I use PP (pianissimo) dynamic markings for the flute and clarinet (coming from the special edition ensemble instance) simultaneously playing with a PP dynamic marking in the strings (playing from the solo strings ensemble instance) the strings are much louder than the flute. Should I tweak this in ensemble or sibelius (with the inspector)???? Thanks for all your help andi

[andi]

Hello LStephens84!

I guess you have the Expression fader for the wind instruments assigned to CC11, right? In this case you will experience double dynamics (Velocity and Expression) and piano and pianissimo will get very soft. In the "Optimizing Sibelius Playback" manual, page 17, you will find a different (better) way for handling dynamics.
http://www.vsl.co.at/en/68/141/460/576/655.htm

Best reagrds,
Andi

[LStephens84]

wow that does sound better! thank you. Is there an optimum setting for the x-dynamic and x-velocity as far as numeric value is concerned? I found myself tweaking those ratios alot and wanted to know if there's a starting starting point for each of those.

[andi]

Good to read that it helped. I'm not sure though which settings you mean with "x-dynamic" and "x-velocity". There are no settings with these names in the Vienna Instruments or VI Pro player and I don't know of Sibelius settings with such names either.

Best,
Andi

[LStephens84]

sorry i meant velocity x-fade and expression (which I've now set the controller to none for expression). is there a sweet spot setting for these in general or do you always just tweak them by ear?

[andi]

If you are using Velocity X-Fade as explained in the "Optimizing Sibelius Playback" manual, it doesn't matter to which value you set the fader. It gets controlled by the dynamic marks in your score. The Expression fader is just another volume fader. I tend to set it to 100 most of the time.

Best,
Andi