Whenever you play play a MIDI or PianoSoft file on the Disklavier in silent mode, the piano sound is generated digitally directly from the file, just like all the voices in the accompaniment. The only difference is that channels 2-16 will play XG/AEM voices whereas the piano part is an AWM voice, using CFIII samples. This is always the case, whether the keys move or not.
As to why you would want to play MIDI files? Many Disklavier customers are not piano players or musicians of any kind (at least in the UK). They buy a Disklavier as a status object to put into their expensive house, they might be a bar, hotel or restaurant and don't want to hire a pianist for 12 hours a day but want a smart looking source of background music, or they may be pianists who likes the idea of their piano being integrated into their distributed HiFi system for background music.
athomik
On Feb 28 2008, uhhmmmmmmmmmm wrote:
>
>I found this on the Yamaha web site:
>
>The Yamaha Grand Silent System provides additional versatility. With the
>touch of a button, you can prevent the hammers from striking the
>strings, while generating superb real-time digital piano tones \u2014 so
>true to life that they even recreate the harmonic resonance resulting
>from incremental use of the sustain pedal. The Silent System is also
>ideal for multi-track recording, allowing you to record orchestral
>tracks from the piano keyboard without sounding the piano. An exclusive
>Quick Escape\u2122 action mechanism and dual-mode sensors automatically
>compensate for hammer stroke variations, maintaining natural touch and
>response in both Silent and conventional modes.
>
>So, it appears from this that digital is indeed making the sound in real
>time based on the key press (pressure, duration, speed). That makes
>sense when someone is actually playing the piano. Using the pedals and
>keys translates into digital reproduction of an acoustic piano's sound.
>
>Playback of a recording is a different story. During playback in
>acoustic mode, the piano sound is definitely dependent on the hammers
>hitting the strings (also note that the pedals may be used). But during
>playback in silent (digital) mode, the sound is generated completely
>from the midi information. The keys can optionally move but that is
>only for show. The pedals are not used, not even for show.
>
>Seems kinda odd for someone to want to use their piano to play a midi
>file. You may as well just play it on your computer.
>
>I hope I paraphased and expanded on your reply accurately.
>
>--Ron