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MIDI Velocity Tricks

Music instrument digital interface, or "MIDI," is a protocol to send note data from an input device, such as synthesizer or MIDI controller, to a recording interface. How hard you strike the key determines the velocity of the note. The velocity data is interpreted by the interface as volume and intensity. The main benefit of using MIDI is that all note data is editable after recording, so you can adjust the velocity. This allows you to create a range of effects, including volume fades, "chopped" notes and volume pulses.
  1. Tweaking MIDI Velocity Data

    • With the automation box open, the velocity is fully adjustable. Double-click the note to open the automation box. By dragging the velocity line down with the "hand" tool, you lower the overall volume of the MIDI note.

    Fade Out

    • The automation box has a grid. The vertical axis represents volume, and the horizontal axis represents time in beats and measures. There is a base line just above the bottom of the box. This represents zero velocity, or silence. There is also a line representing the current velocity, for reference. Click your cursor on the top-left of the grid,. This establishes a starting point for the volume-automation curve. The curve joins between the start point and the end point; it represents the increase or decrease in volume, relative to the zero-velocity line. For a fade-out, end the curve below the zero line.

    Fade In

    • Do the reverse of a fade-out. Start the velocity curve below zero and finish it level with the current velocity.

    Chopped Notes

    • Click near the top of the square for a loud starting point. Click below the zero line to make a steep gradient. This creates an abrupt drop in volume. Plot a zig-zag automation pattern by making high and low automation points. This will create a chopped up, or staggered, sound as the volume peaks and dips rapidly.

    Pulsing Notes

    • Plot a slightly smoother and less steep zig-zag for a gentler "pulsing" volume modulation, similar to a tremolo effect.

Recording Music

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