Adjusting Velocity of MIDI output?

DF_Tweedie · Post by **DF_Tweedie** » Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:56 pm

When sending Jamstix MIDI output to a particular program and its loaded kit ... let's say EZ Drummer 2 and Vintage Kit for an example ... I'd like to be able to dial the MIDI velocity in to my taste.

Again, for an example, with the Vintage Kit loaded, the ride is triggered too loud and the kick too soft. I know I can adjust the VK's instrument's volume and I can also adjust in the EZ Drummer mixer, but I'd like to have the MIDI triggering the kit pretty close to the way I want it to sound without having to do anything but load it.

So, can I adjust the velocity of individual instruments in the Jamstix MIDI output?

Can I save a template with these adjustments so I can load it instead of the generic MIDI Out Template?

Thanks.

Azimuth (Archive) · Post by **Azimuth (Archive)** » Thu Dec 14, 2017 11:50 pm

You have 2 choices that I can think of:

1) Modify the Velocity Behavior curve in the Kit window for the offending kit pieces and resave the Midi Out Template kit with a different name.

2) Adjust the EZD2 mixer where playback sounds correct to you and then Menu>Project>Set As Default Project.

#2 would be my choice.

Post by **Ralph @ Rayzoon** » Fri Dec 15, 2017 8:40 am

Concerning Azimuth's option #1, which I use a lot myself, I find these quick edits helpful:

TOO HARSH -> Click 'Compressed' in kit editor
TOO SOFT -> Click 'Expanded' in kit editor

If those don't work good enough, I'd try the presets in the 'Load' dialog of the velocity mapper.

DF_Tweedie · Post by **DF_Tweedie** » Fri Dec 15, 2017 11:48 am

Ralph [RZ] wrote: If those don't work good enough, I'd try the presets in the 'Load' dialog of the velocity mapper.

Where do I locate the 'velocity mapper?'

If I understand from your comment, it would permit individual velocity adjustment of each piece of a kit saved to a template for a kit hosted externally to Jamstix.

Do I understand correctly?

Post by **Ralph @ Rayzoon** » Fri Dec 15, 2017 11:49 am

Yes, just click 'KIT' and then click on the kit piece you'd like to edit. The velocity mapping is in the kit editor at the bottom, all the way to the right.

DF_Tweedie · Post by **DF_Tweedie** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 2:51 pm

Ralph [RZ] wrote:Yes, just click 'KIT' and then click on the kit piece you'd like to edit. The velocity mapping is in the kit editor at the bottom, all the way to the right.

I am still struggling with this. I see the velocity mapper with the normal, expanded, constrained settings, etc. I also see some grayed out controls when the MIDI tab is selected.

Is this what you are referring to?

Are you supposed to try and redraw the curve and/ or truncate the graphic from the left and from the top?

What I was hoping to find was some type of +/- slider where could simply add or subtract a velocity amount on a per instrument basis and then save a new MIDI Output Template for that specific external kit.

I don't really like to mess with the mixer in the external drum VSTi either. I'd rather have it generally dialed in via velocity and then use it multitimbrally into my DAW's mixer where I can tweak the sound.

Am I missing something?

DF

Post by **Ralph @ Rayzoon** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 2:56 pm

Did you try out the buttons (Compressed, Expanded)?
You can also click 'Load' and try the preset curves there.

DF_Tweedie · Post by **DF_Tweedie** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 5:16 pm

Ralph [RZ] wrote:Did you try out the buttons (Compressed, Expanded)?
You can also click 'Load' and try the preset curves there.

Yes, Ralph, I've tried them and the available presets too.

They obviously 'work,' but not necessarily in the way I wish.

First, the curves seem pretty 'clunky' to draw. Even when I make a single swooping pass there are parts of the graphic (and presumably the actual curve) that don't get redrawn. It seems very difficult to draw with any precision. I'd of course wish for something like the new automation tools in Cubase 9.5 where there are different types of handles to precisely create the curve.

Second, the curve itself isn't everything as naturally across a song JS's generated velocity level is going to also fluctuate. So creating the curve for some 'average' velocity hit, may not translate well at a lower or higher intensity in other parts.

Maybe this is a 'feature request?' I'd really wish there was an offset slider to lower or boost (i.e., translate the generated velocity). That to me is different than a curve. Then, if a particular sample is too loud or soft compared to the rest of a kit, you could simply adjust the offset to make it fit better while maintaining the same relative velocity curve across the different instruments in the kit.