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  4. Eleven years loving VSL, still learning the basics

  • Eleven years loving VSL, still learning the basics

    K
    K

    Dear Community:

    Still puzzling over some basics after 11 years. Decided to ask for some help.  Here's my issue today:

    When I'm in VI Instruments (Pro) and I play the notes for a patch on the virtual keyboard and observe the velocity histogram as I move from the top of the key to the bottom, I can observe the change of volume in a bunch of steps, even though the patch I'm playing only has three velocity layers.  How does this work?

    When I program notes in Finale, Sonar, or Presonus Studio One, and I change the velocity, it seems I only get as many different volumes as velocity layers.

    I must be missing some important basics on all those other controls on the page that I've been avoiding all these years!

    I apologize if this is something simple I should have learned from studying the documentation.  

    Sincere thanks, and warm regards to all :-)

    Ken Elias - Three Rivers, CA - United States
  • K
    K

    OK, maybe I was not clear in my original post that I need help.  I've received over one hundred views, but no suggestions.  I really need to know what I'm doing wrong. If this is the wrong place to try to get help. will someone at least tell me what or where I should be seeking the information.  Thanks!
  • PaulP
    VSL Team
    PaulP

    Hi Ken, 

    Sorry about that, I have answered your email to support@vsl.co.at

    In short words, the velocities are there to capture the tone of an instrument, from pp-ff. 

    Each velocity is increased in volume until the next velocity is reached. 

    This is often not as trivial a task as it sounds like, but it's the basis of sample development. 

    Hope that helps. 

    Best, 
    Paul

    Paul Kopf Head of Product Marketing, Social Media and Support
  • K
    K

    Paul, Thanks for responding.  I certainly don't consider it a trivial matter, as I've been banging my head against this for years! :-)   

    So, here's what I hear you saying: That when I play the virtual keyboard, the many steps are the result of not only velocity, but some continuous midi data increasing the volume. I don't think I've seen that in the documentation, but maybe that's how it works. Or.. ??

    I just learned a couple of weeks ago how to use the keyswitch dump file for Finale, and it has enabled me to use my VSL samples with much more effectiveness.  However, the keyswitches are great for the articulations, but I'm not successful so far in transmitting controller data, which may be the problem.

    Any suggestions on that?

    Thanks again for your help :-)

    Ken
  • K
    K

    Paul! :-)  SUCCESS!  I'm getting the controller data showing up in the midi screen.  

    So, still curious, though... If I select the volume, does VI-Pro pick the velocity level that is most appropriate?

    If this is something that is too technical, I'm willing to let it go and just enjoy my progress so far! :-)

    As always, thanks so much for your support of this truly extraordinary product.

    Ken
  • PaulP
    VSL Team
    PaulP

    Hello again Ken, 

    A certain MIDI velocity (0-127) will trigger the designated velocity. E.g, from 0-13 it could be pp, from 14 to 29 it is p and so forth. Within that range, the piano velocity will be played back a little bit louder or lower in volume. 

    In Finale or Sibelius, the values for the dynamics are translated in a certain way, and the corresponding samples are then triggered. 

    Best, 
    Paul

    Paul Kopf Head of Product Marketing, Social Media and Support