Disklavier

Good morning, everyone.

On May 15, 2005, at 7:36 PM, sjhart110110 wrote:

> Does the Mark IV play back XP Standard files like the pro?  How does
> the Mark IV (non Pro), store the data to make it "virtually the same
> as a Mark III pro"?

There have been some good replies to various aspects of this question  
and, I think, a couple of misleading statements thrown in as well.

When considering the Pro vs. non-Pro issue, one must separate the  
innate capabilities of the record/playback system from the  
instrument's ability to collect and respond to XP data. XP data  
refers to extra bits of MIDI data that enable the instrument to:

--record hammer velocities on a scale of 0-1023 instead of the usual  
MIDI scale of 0-127

--record key velocity for each note on scale of 0-1023 in addition to  
hammer velocity

--record key release velocity for each note on a scale of 0-1023.

In early model Disklaviers, the dynamic range on playback was  
somewhat limited. The loudest notes that a pianist could record were  
played back a bit softer, and the softest notes that a pianist could  
record were played back a bit louder.

The first Disklavier Pro (Mark IIXG vintage) had a much wider dynamic  
range with little or no restriction. In fact, it could accurately  
reproduce notes that were played so softly that the hammers never hit  
the strings. Part of the Pro's ability to do this had to do with a  
superior record/playback system and part of it had to do with its  
ability to collect and respond to extra bits of performance data  
(i.e. XP data).

I believe it is true to say that many aspects of the record and  
playback system in the Mark IV non-Pro are the same as or very  
similar to the Mark III Pro. That does not mean that the instrument  
can record or respond to extra bits of performance data, but it does  
mean that the instrument has a huge dynamic range and that the  
customer can artificially turn down the playback volume to whisper- 
quiet levels.

Recording in XP mode is an option in the Pro. Using XP mode means  
recording a lot of additional data. In a normal MIDI recording, there  
is a value recorded (or assigned) for each note-on message and each  
note-off message. Those numbers are recorded on a scale of 0-127. In  
order for XP mode to record note-on and note-off with a resolution of  
0-1023 (as well as the additional key velocity information), the  
instrument employs normally unused MIDI controllers to store the MIDI  
data.

In addition to this extra data, the Pro also records key velocity on  
a scale of 0-1023 for each note-on event. Again, this data is stored  
in values assigned to normally unused MIDI controllers.

In order for the Disklavier to know which controller value applies to  
which notes, the instrument uses Key Aftertouch messages. NOTE: These  
messages are not recorded by virtue of how much key pressure is  
applied (as is the case in high-end MIDI controller keyboards). The  
Key Aftertouch data is used in a unique way for the purpose of  
associating the various controller messages to specific notes.

The manner in which XP data is captured and used is a bit  
complicated, and the collection of XP data adds greatly to the file  
size of the recording. At this point in time, I know of no Yamaha- 
published recordings that contain XP data. The best examples of XP  
recordings can be found on the web site of the International Piano-e- 
Competition (www.piano-e-competition.com).

As far as non-Pro Disklaviers are concerned, XP data is benign. Non- 
Pro Disklaviers will ignore XP data. The Pro has a feature for  
stripping XP data from a file; non-Pros do not have this feature.

BTW, pedal data for all Pros and many non-Pros is continuous data.

When deciding whether to purchase a Mark IV Pro or non-Pro, keep in  
mind these two things:

--The DC2 and smaller grand Disklaviers do not have hammer sensors.  
Therefore, their recording system is not as advanced as the larger  
grands. In grand pianos, hammer sensors are currently only available  
in the DC3 and larger instruments. The Pro, therefore, is only  
available in the DC3 and larger pianos.

--The Mark IV non-Pro includes speakers underneath the piano. The Pro  
does not. If you are planning to run the audio of your Disklavier  
into another sound system and therefore do not need the speakers  
included with the non-Pro, you might find it advantageous to purchase  
the Pro instead if the incremental difference is within your budget.

Regards,
PianoBench