Dynamics question.

[uncle808us]

When scoring for an orchestra as far as dynamics go PPP FFF etc. should I set dynamics with the volume controller or velocity controller or expression controller? I need some advice on this, which would be the best to use.
Thank you very much.

[Support]

Expression is for the musician, Volume is for the mixing engineer. So Expression would be the right one for this.

That said, it doesn't really make a difference. Most people (incorrectly) use Volume. If you download 10 orchestral MIDI files you'll find 11 of them use Volume


Giel Bremmers

[uncle808us]

What would be the default value be. I appreciate the help on this.the default setting I’m guessing 64?

[uncle808us]

From a study of this topic velocity,expression,and volume here’s my conclusion.
Volume set over all to match volumes of tracks.
Velocity used for controlling short musical phrases as it can sometimes effect how a sample is played.sounds different if played loudly or softly.
Expression for crescendo or dimuneto during long notes or tied together long notes.
Now I will see how this works in real life composition.

[Support]

the default setting I’m guessing 64?

The would make sense, but the official default value for the Expression controller is actually 127.

You'd use 127 for 'forte', and lower values for softer parts. Perhaps you can use 90 or 100 for mf parts and use this as your own 'default'.

From a study of this topic velocity,expression,and volume here’s my conclusion.
Volume set over all to match volumes of tracks.
Velocity used for controlling short musical phrases as it can sometimes effect how a sample is played.sounds different if played loudly or softly.
Expression for crescendo or dimuneto during long notes or tied together long notes.
Now I will see how this works in real life composition.

Makes sense!


Giel Bremmers