MusicianCV · TRVelocity, volume and expression
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Expression and control
MIDI 1.0 note velocity is performance data sent when a note is triggered. The receiving instrument decides how to respond. It can affect loudness and sometimes timbre or sample choice.
Flattening every note to one velocity can erase intentional accents. Consider relative note balance separately from channel volume or expression controls.
Example
Adding the same amount to velocities 70 and 95 differs from making both equal.
Velocity, volume and expressionC4 · 32 → C4 · 100
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What should you preserve when keeping two notes’ relative accents?
Answer
Their dynamic relationship, not just the highest value.Related topics
Volume, expression and modulation · Reading sustain pedal dataReferences
About MIDI — Part 3: MIDI Messages
Summary of MIDI 1.0 Messages
Subject-expert review pending.