What is velocity?
Velocity in music is a term that originates from MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology and is used to describe the speed at which a note is played on a MIDI instrument. This concept is very important in music production, as it allows for a more nuanced and dynamic sound.
Historical context of velocity in music
The concept of velocity in music is closely tied to the development of MIDI technology. MIDI, developed in the early 1980s, was a revolutionary technology that allowed electronic musical instruments and computers to communicate with each other. One of the main features of MIDI is its ability to record and playback the velocity of a note.
Before the advent of MIDI, electronic musical instruments could not accurately replicate the dynamics of acoustic instruments. With the introduction of velocity sensitivity, MIDI instruments could mimic the expressiveness of acoustic instruments, opening up new possibilities in music production.
Understanding velocity in music
Velocity is measured on a scale from 0 to 127, with 0 being the softest and 127 being the hardest. The velocity value determines the volume of the note, with higher values resulting in louder notes. However, velocity in music is not just about volume. It also affects the timbre of the note. For instance, on a MIDI piano, a note played at a high velocity will not only be louder but also have a brighter and more percussive sound.
Manipulating velocity in music production
Velocity is a powerful tool in music production. By manipulating the velocity values of notes, you can add depth and expressiveness to your compositions. There are several ways to manipulate velocity in music production, including through the use of MIDI controllers, DAWs (digital audio workstations), and MIDI editing software.
1. Using MIDI controllers
MIDI controllers, such as keyboards and drum pads, are typically velocity-sensitive. This means that they can detect the speed at which a key or pad is struck and translate it into a velocity value. By playing with different velocities, you can create dynamic and expressive performances.
2. Using DAWs
DAWs, such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Pro Tools, allow you to manually edit the velocity values of notes. This can be done in the piano roll editor, where each note is represented by a bar. The height of the bar represents the velocity value of the note. Many DAWs also have velocity editing tools that allow you to randomize or humanize the velocity values. This can be useful for adding a natural feel to your compositions, as it mimics the slight variations in velocity that occur in live performances.
3. Using MIDI editing software
MIDI editing software, such as MIDI Editor and MIDI-OX, allows you to edit the velocity values of MIDI data. This can be useful for fine-tuning your compositions, especially if you are working with complex MIDI arrangements. Most MIDI editing software allows you to view and edit the velocity values of notes in a graphical interface. This makes it easy to visualize the dynamics of your composition and make precise adjustments to the velocity values.
