Disklavier

From: "Spencer Chase" <spencer@...>

> Greetings,
>
> I have added several features to the program that I previously called
> VelMod. It now adjust velocity as well as performing other functions
> that can streamline the adaptation of MIDI files for use on the
> Disklavier. Go to my home page and follow the links to download it. I
> will post it to the group files area if I get enough feedback to make
> that worthwhile. For now, I want to see how much it is being accessed.
>
> http://www.spencerserolls.com


Hi,

I just wanted to mention my experience of using Spencer's program that he has
made available free on his website. MIDIMOD2 is available at:

http://www.spencerserolls.com/MidiMod/MidiMod2.zip

Spencer has created a program written for Windows' computers that helps better
adapt 'common' MIDI files to the Yamaha Disklavier pianos. He does not even own
a DKV; he's just helping us out! I'm only endorsing this program as an enduser
who has found it has corrected some of the problems I have found with MIDI files
that I am working with.

MIDI files not prepared specifically for the DKVs can problems such as incorrect
velocity levels, sustain pedal not working properly on some models, and in some
files, incorrect channel 'routing' causing either the piano keys not to respond
at all as intended to piano MIDI data. He has listened to many of comments such
as these that have been mentioned here on the [disklavier] list and has come up
with a solution to help in some cases. This program is not a fix for all DKV
MIDI problems. Note: some problems such as mentioned above can be sometimes
corrected by making certain that your Disklavier is properly setup and adjusted
properly by a technician. Also, the DKV control box internal software settings
need to be also set for correct MIDI 'interpretation'.

The program will allow the user to apply changes to individual MIDI files <or>
to perform a 'batch' process on folders or sub-directories containing MIDI
files. You can choose to overwrite the existing MIDI file(s) <or> you can create
new MIDI file(s) from this process.

Here is a quick rundown of some of MIDIMOD2 features:

Allows the user to create velocity 'maps' which can be applied to existing MIDI
files to change the MIDI velocity levels inside the file(s). An example would be
if a particular MIDI file causes the DKV keys to either be too loud <or> too
soft <or> even both inside the same song, adjustments to the MIDI data would
allow decreasing or increasing of the MIDI data to allow a more 'natural'
sounding performance. And the data can be also operated on and 'compressed' in
both directions (loud and soft) in one pass. These velocity 'maps' can be saved
as 'Preset Files' to your local drive and can also be sent to other DKV owners.
You can also observe a histogram graph of MIDI file velocities within a MIDI
file.

Allows the user to modify MIDI channel data within a song that may be causing
the piano keys not to respond as intended. Example, piano data may be on a
higher MIDI channel than channel 1 <or> 2. He has this set up so that you can
choose all MIDI channels below a used-defined MIDI channel, i.e., say channel 7,
to be moved to channels 1 and 2 which are normally used to control some DKV
keyboards. In some models, MIDI data needs to be only on MIDI channel 1 to
control the DKV keyboard. There is an option for this also. (For example, GM
MIDI definition has harpsichord and electric piano on these higher MIDI channels
which may be moved to the DKV piano keys on the lowest channel(s).)

In some models that support continuous pedaling MIDI data, the sustain data
needs to be on MIDI channel 3 to allow proper operation. He provides that
option.

When some of these same models operate on this continuous pedaling MIDI data and
the MIDI pedaling data only has MIDI pedal data that is only fully off or fully
on, a thumping sound may occur on some pianos. This works in much the same
process as the 'compression' of the velocity data as mentioned above. The pedal
action is limited in how far it travels. Again, some older DKV models do not
respond to continuous MIDI pedal data as other than fully-on or fully-off.

There is also a 'help' button that brings up a screen that describes the
program's operation. Granted, the user of this program needs to be a little bit
'MIDI aware' to make full use of its' capabilities.

Thanks Spencer!


Danny Simpson