In music, “dynamics” refer to the variations in loudness between notes or phrases. They play a crucial role in conveying the emotional intensity, mood, and structural shape of a piece. Dynamics can enhance the expressiveness of the music.
In the context of MIDI, “velocity” refers to the speed at which a key on a MIDI instrument (like a keyboard or drum pad) is pressed. This value is often used to control the loudness or timbral characteristics of the note being triggered, simulating how traditional instruments respond to varying degrees of force or speed in their play.
- Velocity is represented as a value between 0 and 127.
- A velocity of 0 often means the note is not sounded at all.
- A velocity of 127 represents the maximum speed (or force) with which a key can be struck, leading to the loudest or most intense sound.
- Values in between represent gradations between these extremes.
- Deviation randomizes the velocity value by +- the deviation value (to humanize or add random variation to the velocity value)
- Swell is an LFO (low-frequency oscillator) that modulate the velocity value over time. Swells can be enabled or disabled using the power button.
- Depth – determines the intensity of modulation (how much dynamic range)
- Length – determines the length of the swell in beats (referencing the BPM)
- Position – determines the starting position in the wave cycle of the swell.
Remember that volume and velocity are not identical – here’s a concise comparison of modulating velocity versus volume in MIDI:
Velocity: #
- Expressiveness: Affects the feel and articulation of individual notes.
- Timbral Variation: Higher velocities can change the sound’s quality, not just its loudness.
- Articulation Control: Determines techniques like plucking vs. bowing on some virtual string instruments.
Volume: #
- Global Control: Adjusts the overall loudness of a track or instrument.
- Fade-Ins/Outs: Easier to create smooth dynamic shifts.
- Timbral Consistency: Changes loudness without altering the sound’s inherent quality.
In essence, velocity offers nuanced, note-specific control, while volume adjusts broader loudness without affecting sound quality.
