Dynamics ==> matter of opinion?

[pcartwright]

I'm not a programmer nor am I associated with Notion, but if you want change you have to do a little bit work and understand how some of the more basic technologies (MIDI, digital audio, etc) function instead of simply saying "this dynamic doesn't sound like piano" (which is very subjective, and yes, a matter of opinion).

Now, to expand on the issue of dynamics and how they are interpreted/sound in Notion... You can define dynamics for third party VSTs. This is the code I have in my rules for EWQL Symphonic Orchestra (I've tweaked my rules a bit, so I'm not sure if this is the default or my own making; regardless, it demonstrates the point nicely):

<dynamic-map id="ewql">
<dynamic dynamic="ppppp" value="0" />
<dynamic dynamic="pppp" value="10" />
<dynamic dynamic="ppp" value="30" />
<dynamic dynamic="pp" value="40" />
<dynamic dynamic="p" value="50" />
<dynamic dynamic="mp" value="75" />
<dynamic dynamic="mf" value="85" />
<dynamic dynamic="f" value="100" />
<dynamic dynamic="ff" value="104" />
<dynamic dynamic="fff" value="112" />
<dynamic dynamic="ffff" value="120" />
<dynamic dynamic="fffff" value="127" />
</dynamic-map>

MIDI parameters only have 128 values for a given expression (0-127). So, in this case, dynamics (MIDI CC 11 in EWQLSO) can only be adjusted from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 127. I think it's safe to assume that Notion's sounds are based on MIDI and thus require the same logic as the 3rd party VSTs (the example given above), so, if you wanted to make the piano dynamic softer, you would need to change the value associated with piano. Perhaps you bump it down to 45, but then the variation between piano and pianissimo is reduced. If you continue reducing one dynamic after another in an attempt to get more variation in the dynamics, you'll eventually run out of numerical values to assign to the dynamics (remember, you only have 128 values [0-127] to work with). Of course, this is hypothetical with Notion's sounds since users can't tweak the rules for the default sounds.

I think tweaking/reworking dynamics from the MIDI side is pointless considering that dynamics are relative and that different people have different opinions of what piano or forte should sound like. As mentioned earlier, your best bet to tweak the sound and the dynamics to your liking is to use plugins or the volume/send faders in the Notion mixer.

[wcreed51]

Actually, dynamics effect the note velocity. CC11 would have to be recorded in to a sequencer track associated with the instrument in question.

[pcartwright]

Actually, dynamics effect the note velocity. CC11 would have to be recorded in to a sequencer track associated with the instrument in question.

That's usually true, but I believe EWQLSO uses CC 11. See the code in the rules file:

<setup>
<velocity-map id="ewql" />
<hairpin-map id="ewql" />
<hairpin-cc value="11" />
</setup>

[pcartwright]

I should also note that it appears that velocity and the dynamic MIDI CC (in this case CC 11) are tied to the same scale. See my post on a similar subject (viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1401#p5719). The image from Reaper indicates that velocity and the assigned dynamics controller following the same rules.

[Francois2010]

I am willing to consider it but that's not what I prefer and it will not happen quickly. The frustration I feel is to not hear what I write and be forced to jump through hoops to get there.

Here there is another example in the attached file. The timpani gives a f, and suppose give mp. Listen: measure 5. I placed also a wav to make sure you hear the same thing as me. The tremolo should not change the dynamic. The sound here is supposed to keep mp dynamic.

[pcartwright]

I am willing to consider it but that's not what I prefer and it will not happen quickly. The frustration I feel is to not hear what I write and be forced to jump through hoops to get there.

Here there is another example in the attached file. The timpani gives a f, and suppose give mp. Listen: measure 5. I placed also a wav to make sure you hear the same thing as me. The tremolo should not change the dynamic. The sound here is supposed to keep mp dynamic.

I don't think you understand my comment. I mean to say that if you want change in something like Notion 3, you need to take time to understand the software and come up with constructive comments and suggestions. Criticism with constructive input isn't that useful to anyone.

In the case of your last example, this sounds like a different issue than your first post/example. Your first post had a discernible difference in dynamics, but the crescendo from the mezzo piano to the forte in your last example does not. You should file a bug report and contact customer support about this one.

[Francois2010]

I spent much time for reading the guide N3 and I did several tests.

What I think of N3 appears on all my posts in my signature.

«I love Notion 3. I love to compose.»

I come to the forum to discuss problems and it's about these difficulties I want to discuss. Nothing more.

[pcartwright]

First, did you contact customer support or submit a bug report from your last example?

Second, the forum is a great place to solve problems, but you need to come to the forum with an attitude of collaboration and not a sense of entitlement; too many of your posts are demanding and too few are constructive. This, in my opinion, is not a language barrier but a problem of disposition (Google translator cannot be blamed for a bad attitude). Forum regulars can't (and shouldn't) work out every problem for every user (after all, I'm not being paid to help you); the forum is about teamwork and feedback, and I think bug reports and customer support are the best places for answers if you feel unwilling to contribute.

[Francois2010]

If I see a post that presents a problem whose solution I know I'll be happy to provide the solution. I Have 2120 post on another forum. I'm in sixth place out of a total of 3476 members and it is not always the critics.

When I present a problem I can not help ...

[pcartwright]

It's more your tone and your attitude. You seem to be under the impression that you know more about dynamics and what they should sound like then anyone else.