Disklavier

My 1990 disklavier C3 (wagon controller) was just delivered 
yesterday.  Luckily, it came with about 40 disks.  Unfortunately, the 
thing plays these disks very loud.  So loud, in fact, that my wife is 
very disappointed with my purchase decision.  From what I understand, 
this is a fairly common complaint, even with the volume on the 
disklavier turned to -10.

In the interest of marital harmony, is there any way to take an 
existing Yamaha disk and modify the files to decrease the volume?  
I've looked through past messages and played around with some of the 
utility files posted on this group, but I can't seem to figure things 
out.  Instead of re-inventing the wheel, is there anyone who has had 
success in this regard?

I was thinking that I could use the program Veloset to decrease the 
volume of some of the files.  Perhaps I can use the various utilities 
to copy the files to my computer, convert the ESEQ files to MIDI, 
decrease the volume using Veloset, convert back to ESEQ, then save to 
new disk.  Would this work?  I'm having trouble even opening the 
EEXPLORE program...I get an error message and the program is forced 
to close.  (I'm running Windows 2000 Professional at work.)

I'd greatly appreciate any help.

Thanks!
Jeff Bagley

Greetings Jeff,

Of course, you need to regulate the piano and voice it if necessary
and provide a suitable listening environment for it too as explained
by pianobench. Some times it is not possible to meet all the
requirements such as a large enough room or the right surfaces.
Veloset allows for general adjustment of velocity in MIDI files. My
Midimod2 program (find it on my web site) allows for custom
modifications in a large variety of ways. Of course, you need to
convert the files to MIDI first and then back again unless you use the
MIDI input and play the files from a computer. If you have custom
needs, this is the way to go as there are many more utilities and
capabilities when using MIDI files.

-- 
Best regards,
Spencer Chase        mailto:spencer@...
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville,  CA 95542    Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454    UPS only.
Spencer@...
http://www.spencerserolls.com
http://www.spencerserolls.com/MidiValve.htm
(707) 984-8356

It sounds as though your room may be too live or too small. If so, the 
piano will also sound too loud if you play it from the keyboard.

Don't despair.  The option of having a sound-absorbing blanket or 
baffles installed may work well.  See 
http://www.pianosupply.com/acoustic/ for some examples.

As suggested by others, voicing for a quieter sound is a possibility, 
but may sacrifice the crystal-like tones that distinguish the C3.

Adding carpeting (if the floor is bare) and drapes to the room will also 
help.  The drawback is that most fabrics and upholstery absorb the 
higher pitched sounds more than the lower pitched sounds.

You can try playing with MIDI note velocities, but I expect you will be 
disappointed since you are already running the DKV Volume at -10.  With 
the DKV Volume set at -10, you are effectively setting the note velocity 
of all reproduced notes to about 22.  In other words, a note of velocity 
95 will sound with the same intensity as the same note at velocity 22. 
That means that the dynamic range so artfully incorporated by the 
performer will be completely flat--making for dull music.

To help you sort these ideas out, I suggest consulting an experienced 
piano technician.

jeffb0413 wrote:
> My 1990 disklavier C3 (wagon controller) was just delivered 
> yesterday.  Luckily, it came with about 40 disks.  Unfortunately, the 
> thing plays these disks very loud.  So loud, in fact, that my wife is 
> very disappointed with my purchase decision.  From what I understand, 
> this is a fairly common complaint, even with the volume on the 
> disklavier turned to -10.
> 
> In the interest of marital harmony, is there any way to take an 
> existing Yamaha disk and modify the files to decrease the volume?  
> I've looked through past messages and played around with some of the 
> utility files posted on this group, but I can't seem to figure things 
> out.  Instead of re-inventing the wheel, is there anyone who has had 
> success in this regard?
> 
> I was thinking that I could use the program Veloset to decrease the 
> volume of some of the files.  Perhaps I can use the various utilities 
> to copy the files to my computer, convert the ESEQ files to MIDI, 
> decrease the volume using Veloset, convert back to ESEQ, then save to 
> new disk.  Would this work?  I'm having trouble even opening the 
> EEXPLORE program...I get an error message and the program is forced 
> to close.  (I'm running Windows 2000 Professional at work.)
> 
> I'd greatly appreciate any help.
> 
> Thanks!
> Jeff Bagley
> 
> 
> 
> 
> To Post a message to the group, send it to:   disklavier@...
> 
> To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and moderator, send it to:
> disklavier-owner@...
> 
> To reach our group's web site go to:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
> 
> Todd's family web site was completely updated 012/22/03.  It contains some fun disklavier content and links to midi sites among many other things, The url is:
> http://MuncyFamily.com 
> 
> THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
> If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too much mail, go the the web site and change your email delivery option instead.  That will fix the problem, while maintaining your access to the group.  If you insist on leaving us completely send a blank email to:
> disklavier-unsubscribe@... 
> 
> Know someone who wants to join?  Have them send a blank email to:
> disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this link:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join 
>  
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 


-- 
Robert Welcyng
Anchorage, Alaska

Greetings Robert,

I am not recommending neglecting the piano if it needs voicing nor
putting it in a location where it can only sound bad if the location
can be improved.

The reason I wrote Midimod2 is specifically to enable the adjustment
of dynamics to suit unusual situations. Instead of using the volume
control that flattens everything in order to reduce the extremes, you
can remap the dynamics to whatever you like and still not lose the
structure of the original music. Linear mapping retains the relative
dynamics but changes the loudness at every level. You can still have
occasional peaks without overloading the listening environment. Using
non linear mappings, you can reduce just the peak levels if that is
what is putting your room over the edge. The dynamic range will be
compressed at the top end but you can still retain the delicate
structure of the lower ranges where the real artistry resides.

Midimod2 is simple in concept but requires a bit of experimentation to
achieve what is right for your unique situation. Personally, I prefer
music with a full dynamic range in spite of the fact that my room is a
bit small. I just give the music a chance to adjust my brain. I only
listen to piano music when I want to listen to it. I do not listen to
it in the background. For those who do, it really doesn't matter much
what the dynamic structure is, as long as it is quiet enough to allow
other processes. For those situations, the volume control may suffice.


Wednesday, July 28, 2004, 5:39:57 PM, you wrote:
RW> It sounds as though your room may be too live or too small. If so, the
RW> piano will also sound too loud if you play it from the keyboard.

RW> Don't despair.\ufffd The option of having a sound-absorbing blanket or 
RW> baffles installed may work well.\ufffd See 
RW> http://www.pianosupply.com/acoustic/ for some examples.

RW> As suggested by others, voicing for a quieter sound is a possibility,
RW> but may sacrifice the crystal-like tones that distinguish the C3.

RW> Adding carpeting (if the floor is bare) and drapes to the room will also
RW> help.\ufffd The drawback is that most fabrics and upholstery absorb the
RW> higher pitched sounds more than the lower pitched sounds.

RW> You can try playing with MIDI note velocities, but I expect you will be
RW> disappointed since you are already running the DKV Volume at -10.\ufffd With
RW> the DKV Volume set at -10, you are effectively setting the note velocity
RW> of all reproduced notes to about 22.\ufffd In other words, a note of velocity
RW> 95 will sound with the same intensity as the same note at velocity 22.
RW> That means that the dynamic range so artfully incorporated by the 
RW> performer will be completely flat--making for dull music.

RW> To help you sort these ideas out, I suggest consulting an experienced
RW> piano technician.

RW> jeffb0413 wrote:
>> My 1990 disklavier C3 (wagon controller) was just delivered 
>> yesterday.\ufffd Luckily, it came with about 40 disks.\ufffd Unfortunately, the
>> thing plays these disks very loud.\ufffd So loud, in fact, that my wife is
>> very disappointed with my purchase decision.\ufffd From what I understand,
>> this is a fairly common complaint, even with the volume on the 
>> disklavier turned to -10.
>> 
>> In the interest of marital harmony, is there any way to take an 
>> existing Yamaha disk and modify the files to decrease the volume?\ufffd 
>> I've looked through past messages and played around with some of the
>> utility files posted on this group, but I can't seem to figure things
>> out.\ufffd Instead of re-inventing the wheel, is there anyone who has had
>> success in this regard?
>> 
>> I was thinking that I could use the program Veloset to decrease the
>> volume of some of the files.\ufffd Perhaps I can use the various utilities
>> to copy the files to my computer, convert the ESEQ files to MIDI, 
>> decrease the volume using Veloset, convert back to ESEQ, then save to
>> new disk.\ufffd Would this work?\ufffd I'm having trouble even opening the 
>> EEXPLORE program...I get an error message and the program is forced
>> to close.\ufffd (I'm running Windows 2000 Professional at work.)
>> 
>> I'd greatly appreciate any help.
>> 
>> Thanks!
>> Jeff Bagley
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> To Post a message to the group, send it to:\ufffd\ufffd disklavier@...
>> 
>> To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and moderator, send it to:
>> disklavier-owner@...
>> 
>> To reach our group's web site go to:
>> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
>> 
>> Todd's family web site was completely updated 012/22/03.\ufffd It
>> contains some fun disklavier content and links to midi sites among
>> many other things, The url is:
>> http://MuncyFamily.com
>> 
>> THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
>> If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too
>> much mail, go the the web site and change your email delivery
>> option instead.\ufffd That will fix the problem, while maintaining your
>> access to the group.\ufffd If you insist on leaving us completely send a
>> blank email to:
>> disklavier-unsubscribe@... 
>> 
>> Know someone who wants to join?\ufffd Have them send a blank email to:
>> disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this link:
>> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join
>>\ufffd 
>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>\ufffd 
>> 
>> 



-- 
Best regards,
Spencer Chase        mailto:spencer@...
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville,  CA 95542    Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454    UPS only.
Spencer@...
http://www.spencerserolls.com
http://www.spencerserolls.com/MidiValve.htm
(707) 984-8356

I'm not suggesting that programs for modifing note velocities, such as 
your Midimod2, are not useful.  In fact, I use them frequently myself. 
In my opinion, when diskettes, which I presume are PianoSoft, play too 
loud at DKV volume -10, adjusting note velocities is not going to be a 
good solution.

PianoSoft songs have a nominal velocity range of about 20 to 95 and 
those should play on a DKV at a comfortable listening volume without 
modification of the velocities.  MIDI files from other sources may have 
velocity ranges of up to 1 through 127.  The latter can be tamed by 
software such as yours.

Note, however, that anytime you "scale-down" a range of velocities, that 
is, multiply them by some percentage less than 100, you are reducing the 
dynamic range.  The DKV's volume control does basically that.

I believe Jeff's best approach would be to reduce the acoustic output 
level in his room through voicing of the C3, adding baffles or blankets, 
or adding more absorbing materials to the room.  By doing so, he will 
not lose any dynamic range in a PianoSoft performance.

Spencer Chase wrote:
> Greetings Robert,
> 
> I am not recommending neglecting the piano if it needs voicing nor
> putting it in a location where it can only sound bad if the location
> can be improved.
> 
> The reason I wrote Midimod2 is specifically to enable the adjustment
> of dynamics to suit unusual situations. Instead of using the volume
> control that flattens everything in order to reduce the extremes, you
> can remap the dynamics to whatever you like and still not lose the
> structure of the original music. Linear mapping retains the relative
> dynamics but changes the loudness at every level. You can still have
> occasional peaks without overloading the listening environment. Using
> non linear mappings, you can reduce just the peak levels if that is
> what is putting your room over the edge. The dynamic range will be
> compressed at the top end but you can still retain the delicate
> structure of the lower ranges where the real artistry resides.
> 
> Midimod2 is simple in concept but requires a bit of experimentation to
> achieve what is right for your unique situation. Personally, I prefer
> music with a full dynamic range in spite of the fact that my room is a
> bit small. I just give the music a chance to adjust my brain. I only
> listen to piano music when I want to listen to it. I do not listen to
> it in the background. For those who do, it really doesn't matter much
> what the dynamic structure is, as long as it is quiet enough to allow
> other processes. For those situations, the volume control may suffice.
> 
> 
> Wednesday, July 28, 2004, 5:39:57 PM, you wrote:
> RW> It sounds as though your room may be too live or too small. If so, the
> RW> piano will also sound too loud if you play it from the keyboard.
> 
> RW> Don't despair.  The option of having a sound-absorbing blanket or 
> RW> baffles installed may work well.  See 
> RW> http://www.pianosupply.com/acoustic/ for some examples.
> 
> RW> As suggested by others, voicing for a quieter sound is a possibility,
> RW> but may sacrifice the crystal-like tones that distinguish the C3.
> 
> RW> Adding carpeting (if the floor is bare) and drapes to the room will also
> RW> help.  The drawback is that most fabrics and upholstery absorb the
> RW> higher pitched sounds more than the lower pitched sounds.
> 
> RW> You can try playing with MIDI note velocities, but I expect you will be
> RW> disappointed since you are already running the DKV Volume at -10.  With
> RW> the DKV Volume set at -10, you are effectively setting the note velocity
> RW> of all reproduced notes to about 22.  In other words, a note of velocity
> RW> 95 will sound with the same intensity as the same note at velocity 22.
> RW> That means that the dynamic range so artfully incorporated by the 
> RW> performer will be completely flat--making for dull music.
> 
> RW> To help you sort these ideas out, I suggest consulting an experienced
> RW> piano technician.
> 
> RW> jeffb0413 wrote:
> 
>>>My 1990 disklavier C3 (wagon controller) was just delivered 
>>>yesterday.  Luckily, it came with about 40 disks.  Unfortunately, the
>>>thing plays these disks very loud.  So loud, in fact, that my wife is
>>>very disappointed with my purchase decision.  From what I understand,
>>>this is a fairly common complaint, even with the volume on the 
>>>disklavier turned to -10.
>>>
>>>In the interest of marital harmony, is there any way to take an 
>>>existing Yamaha disk and modify the files to decrease the volume?  
>>>I've looked through past messages and played around with some of the
>>>utility files posted on this group, but I can't seem to figure things
>>>out.  Instead of re-inventing the wheel, is there anyone who has had
>>>success in this regard?
>>>
>>>I was thinking that I could use the program Veloset to decrease the
>>>volume of some of the files.  Perhaps I can use the various utilities
>>>to copy the files to my computer, convert the ESEQ files to MIDI, 
>>>decrease the volume using Veloset, convert back to ESEQ, then save to
>>>new disk.  Would this work?  I'm having trouble even opening the 
>>>EEXPLORE program...I get an error message and the program is forced
>>>to close.  (I'm running Windows 2000 Professional at work.)
>>>
>>>I'd greatly appreciate any help.
>>>
>>>Thanks!
>>>Jeff Bagley
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>To Post a message to the group, send it to:   disklavier@...
>>>
>>>To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and moderator, send it to:
>>>disklavier-owner@...
>>>
>>>To reach our group's web site go to:
>>>http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
>>>
>>>Todd's family web site was completely updated 012/22/03.  It
>>>contains some fun disklavier content and links to midi sites among
>>>many other things, The url is:
>>>http://MuncyFamily.com
>>>
>>>THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
>>>If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too
>>>much mail, go the the web site and change your email delivery
>>>option instead.  That will fix the problem, while maintaining your
>>>access to the group.  If you insist on leaving us completely send a
>>>blank email to:
>>>disklavier-unsubscribe@... 
>>>
>>>Know someone who wants to join?  Have them send a blank email to:
>>>disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this link:
>>>http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join
>>>  
>>>Yahoo! Groups Links
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>  
>>>
>>>
>>
> 
> 
> 


-- 
Robert Welcyng
Anchorage, Alaska

Greetings Robert,

Agreed that there must be something seriously wrong with Jeff's
listening environment that adjusting velocities will not fix. Maybe
his wife just doesn't like piano music or maybe the piano is very loud
and the room is very small. I have heard pianos in very small rooms
that I could not stand also. Can't tell without being there.

I changed midimod2 so that it adds a text event saying that the file
was modified and that the note velocities may not be original. Will
upload the new version when I have a faster connection later in the
week.


Thursday, July 29, 2004, 10:27:27 AM, you wrote:
RW> I'm not suggesting that programs for modifing note velocities, such as
RW> your Midimod2, are not useful.  In fact, I use them frequently myself.
RW> In my opinion, when diskettes, which I presume are PianoSoft, play too
RW> loud at DKV volume -10, adjusting note velocities is not going to be a
RW> good solution.

RW> PianoSoft songs have a nominal velocity range of about 20 to 95 and
RW> those should play on a DKV at a comfortable listening volume without
RW> modification of the velocities.  MIDI files from other sources may have
RW> velocity ranges of up to 1 through 127.  The latter can be tamed by
RW> software such as yours.

RW> Note, however, that anytime you "scale-down" a range of velocities, that
RW> is, multiply them by some percentage less than 100, you are reducing the
RW> dynamic range.  The DKV's volume control does basically that.

RW> I believe Jeff's best approach would be to reduce the acoustic output
RW> level in his room through voicing of the C3, adding baffles or blankets,
RW> or adding more absorbing materials to the room.  By doing so, he will
RW> not lose any dynamic range in a PianoSoft performance.

RW> Spencer Chase wrote:
>> Greetings Robert,
>> 
>> I am not recommending neglecting the piano if it needs voicing nor
>> putting it in a location where it can only sound bad if the location
>> can be improved.
>> 
>> The reason I wrote Midimod2 is specifically to enable the adjustment
>> of dynamics to suit unusual situations. Instead of using the volume
>> control that flattens everything in order to reduce the extremes, you
>> can remap the dynamics to whatever you like and still not lose the
>> structure of the original music. Linear mapping retains the relative
>> dynamics but changes the loudness at every level. You can still have
>> occasional peaks without overloading the listening environment. Using
>> non linear mappings, you can reduce just the peak levels if that is
>> what is putting your room over the edge. The dynamic range will be
>> compressed at the top end but you can still retain the delicate
>> structure of the lower ranges where the real artistry resides.
>> 
>> Midimod2 is simple in concept but requires a bit of experimentation to
>> achieve what is right for your unique situation. Personally, I prefer
>> music with a full dynamic range in spite of the fact that my room is a
>> bit small. I just give the music a chance to adjust my brain. I only
>> listen to piano music when I want to listen to it. I do not listen to
>> it in the background. For those who do, it really doesn't matter much
>> what the dynamic structure is, as long as it is quiet enough to allow
>> other processes. For those situations, the volume control may suffice.
>> 
>> 
>> Wednesday, July 28, 2004, 5:39:57 PM, you wrote:
>> RW> It sounds as though your room may be too live or too small. If so, the
>> RW> piano will also sound too loud if you play it from the keyboard.
>> 
>> RW> Don't despair.  The option of having a sound-absorbing blanket or
>> RW> baffles installed may work well.  See 
>> RW> http://www.pianosupply.com/acoustic/ for some examples.
>> 
>> RW> As suggested by others, voicing for a quieter sound is a possibility,
>> RW> but may sacrifice the crystal-like tones that distinguish the C3.
>> 
>> RW> Adding carpeting (if the floor is bare) and drapes to the room will also
>> RW> help.  The drawback is that most fabrics and upholstery absorb the
>> RW> higher pitched sounds more than the lower pitched sounds.
>> 
>> RW> You can try playing with MIDI note velocities, but I expect you will be
>> RW> disappointed since you are already running the DKV Volume at -10.  With
>> RW> the DKV Volume set at -10, you are effectively setting the note velocity
>> RW> of all reproduced notes to about 22.  In other words, a note of velocity
>> RW> 95 will sound with the same intensity as the same note at velocity 22.
>> RW> That means that the dynamic range so artfully incorporated by the
>> RW> performer will be completely flat--making for dull music.
>> 
>> RW> To help you sort these ideas out, I suggest consulting an experienced
>> RW> piano technician.
>> 
>> RW> jeffb0413 wrote:
>> 
>>>>My 1990 disklavier C3 (wagon controller) was just delivered 
>>>>yesterday.  Luckily, it came with about 40 disks.  Unfortunately, the
>>>>thing plays these disks very loud.  So loud, in fact, that my wife is
>>>>very disappointed with my purchase decision.  From what I understand,
>>>>this is a fairly common complaint, even with the volume on the 
>>>>disklavier turned to -10.
>>>>
>>>>In the interest of marital harmony, is there any way to take an 
>>>>existing Yamaha disk and modify the files to decrease the volume?
>>>>I've looked through past messages and played around with some of the
>>>>utility files posted on this group, but I can't seem to figure things
>>>>out.  Instead of re-inventing the wheel, is there anyone who has had
>>>>success in this regard?
>>>>
>>>>I was thinking that I could use the program Veloset to decrease the
>>>>volume of some of the files.  Perhaps I can use the various utilities
>>>>to copy the files to my computer, convert the ESEQ files to MIDI, 
>>>>decrease the volume using Veloset, convert back to ESEQ, then save to
>>>>new disk.  Would this work?  I'm having trouble even opening the 
>>>>EEXPLORE program...I get an error message and the program is forced
>>>>to close.  (I'm running Windows 2000 Professional at work.)
>>>>
>>>>I'd greatly appreciate any help.
>>>>
>>>>Thanks!
>>>>Jeff Bagley
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>To Post a message to the group, send it to:   disklavier@...
>>>>
>>>>To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and moderator, send it to:
>>>>disklavier-owner@...
>>>>
>>>>To reach our group's web site go to:
>>>>http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
>>>>
>>>>Todd's family web site was completely updated 012/22/03.  It
>>>>contains some fun disklavier content and links to midi sites among
>>>>many other things, The url is:
>>>>http://MuncyFamily.com
>>>>
>>>>THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
>>>>If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too
>>>>much mail, go the the web site and change your email delivery
>>>>option instead.  That will fix the problem, while maintaining your
>>>>access to the group.  If you insist on leaving us completely send a
>>>>blank email to:
>>>>disklavier-unsubscribe@... 
>>>>
>>>>Know someone who wants to join?  Have them send a blank email to:
>>>>disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this link:
>>>>http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join
>>>>  
>>>>Yahoo! Groups Links
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>  
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>> 
>> 
>> 



-- 
Best regards,
Spencer Chase        mailto:spencer@...
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville,  CA 95542    Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454    UPS only.
Spencer@...
http://www.spencerserolls.com
http://www.spencerserolls.com/MidiValve.htm
(707) 984-8356

Many thanks to all who have replied.  They are all excellent 
suggestions, and I've begun initiate some of the ideas.

As far as playing with midi's, I'll let you know how that turns out.

Thanks again!
Jeff



--- In disklavier@yahoogroups.com, Robert Welcyng <rwelcyng@a...> 
wrote:
> I'm not suggesting that programs for modifing note velocities, such 
as 
> your Midimod2, are not useful.  In fact, I use them frequently 
myself. 
> In my opinion, when diskettes, which I presume are PianoSoft, play 
too 
> loud at DKV volume -10, adjusting note velocities is not going to 
be a 
> good solution.
> 
> PianoSoft songs have a nominal velocity range of about 20 to 95 and 
> those should play on a DKV at a comfortable listening volume 
without 
> modification of the velocities.  MIDI files from other sources may 
have 
> velocity ranges of up to 1 through 127.  The latter can be tamed by 
> software such as yours.
> 
> Note, however, that anytime you "scale-down" a range of velocities, 
that 
> is, multiply them by some percentage less than 100, you are 
reducing the 
> dynamic range.  The DKV's volume control does basically that.
> 
> I believe Jeff's best approach would be to reduce the acoustic 
output 
> level in his room through voicing of the C3, adding baffles or 
blankets, 
> or adding more absorbing materials to the room.  By doing so, he 
will 
> not lose any dynamic range in a PianoSoft performance.
> 
> Spencer Chase wrote:
> > Greetings Robert,
> > 
> > I am not recommending neglecting the piano if it needs voicing nor
> > putting it in a location where it can only sound bad if the 
location
> > can be improved.
> > 
> > The reason I wrote Midimod2 is specifically to enable the 
adjustment
> > of dynamics to suit unusual situations. Instead of using the 
volume
> > control that flattens everything in order to reduce the extremes, 
you
> > can remap the dynamics to whatever you like and still not lose the
> > structure of the original music. Linear mapping retains the 
relative
> > dynamics but changes the loudness at every level. You can still 
have
> > occasional peaks without overloading the listening environment. 
Using
> > non linear mappings, you can reduce just the peak levels if that 
is
> > what is putting your room over the edge. The dynamic range will be
> > compressed at the top end but you can still retain the delicate
> > structure of the lower ranges where the real artistry resides.
> > 
> > Midimod2 is simple in concept but requires a bit of 
experimentation to
> > achieve what is right for your unique situation. Personally, I 
prefer
> > music with a full dynamic range in spite of the fact that my room 
is a
> > bit small. I just give the music a chance to adjust my brain. I 
only
> > listen to piano music when I want to listen to it. I do not 
listen to
> > it in the background. For those who do, it really doesn't matter 
much
> > what the dynamic structure is, as long as it is quiet enough to 
allow
> > other processes. For those situations, the volume control may 
suffice.
> > 
> > 
> > Wednesday, July 28, 2004, 5:39:57 PM, you wrote:
> > RW> It sounds as though your room may be too live or too small. 
If so, the
> > RW> piano will also sound too loud if you play it from the 
keyboard.
> > 
> > RW> Don't despair.  The option of having a sound-absorbing 
blanket or 
> > RW> baffles installed may work well.  See 
> > RW> http://www.pianosupply.com/acoustic/ for some examples.
> > 
> > RW> As suggested by others, voicing for a quieter sound is a 
possibility,
> > RW> but may sacrifice the crystal-like tones that distinguish the 
C3.
> > 
> > RW> Adding carpeting (if the floor is bare) and drapes to the 
room will also
> > RW> help.  The drawback is that most fabrics and upholstery 
absorb the
> > RW> higher pitched sounds more than the lower pitched sounds.
> > 
> > RW> You can try playing with MIDI note velocities, but I expect 
you will be
> > RW> disappointed since you are already running the DKV Volume at -
10.  With
> > RW> the DKV Volume set at -10, you are effectively setting the 
note velocity
> > RW> of all reproduced notes to about 22.  In other words, a note 
of velocity
> > RW> 95 will sound with the same intensity as the same note at 
velocity 22.
> > RW> That means that the dynamic range so artfully incorporated by 
the 
> > RW> performer will be completely flat--making for dull music.
> > 
> > RW> To help you sort these ideas out, I suggest consulting an 
experienced
> > RW> piano technician.
> > 
> > RW> jeffb0413 wrote:
> > 
> >>>My 1990 disklavier C3 (wagon controller) was just delivered 
> >>>yesterday.  Luckily, it came with about 40 disks.  
Unfortunately, the
> >>>thing plays these disks very loud.  So loud, in fact, that my 
wife is
> >>>very disappointed with my purchase decision.  From what I 
understand,
> >>>this is a fairly common complaint, even with the volume on the 
> >>>disklavier turned to -10.
> >>>
> >>>In the interest of marital harmony, is there any way to take an 
> >>>existing Yamaha disk and modify the files to decrease the 
volume?  
> >>>I've looked through past messages and played around with some of 
the
> >>>utility files posted on this group, but I can't seem to figure 
things
> >>>out.  Instead of re-inventing the wheel, is there anyone who has 
had
> >>>success in this regard?
> >>>
> >>>I was thinking that I could use the program Veloset to decrease 
the
> >>>volume of some of the files.  Perhaps I can use the various 
utilities
> >>>to copy the files to my computer, convert the ESEQ files to 
MIDI, 
> >>>decrease the volume using Veloset, convert back to ESEQ, then 
save to
> >>>new disk.  Would this work?  I'm having trouble even opening the 
> >>>EEXPLORE program...I get an error message and the program is 
forced
> >>>to close.  (I'm running Windows 2000 Professional at work.)
> >>>
> >>>I'd greatly appreciate any help.
> >>>
> >>>Thanks!
> >>>Jeff Bagley
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>To Post a message to the group, send it to:   disklavier@Y...
> >>>
> >>>To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and 
moderator, send it to:
> >>>disklavier-owner@Y...
> >>>
> >>>To reach our group's web site go to:
> >>>http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
> >>>
> >>>Todd's family web site was completely updated 012/22/03.  It
> >>>contains some fun disklavier content and links to midi sites 
among
> >>>many other things, The url is:
> >>>http://MuncyFamily.com
> >>>
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> >>>If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too
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your
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send a

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> >>>
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> >>
> > 
> > 
> > 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Robert Welcyng
> Anchorage, Alaska

We had a similar problem (from my wife's point of view).

Carol Beigel recommended to install the sound absorbing foam, it 
worked fine. (Great advice, thanks Carol)

Now we both listen the piano and even answer the phone without 
stopping the piano "performances", the sound is still great (but not 
loud).

I brought the bare foam sheets from:
http://www.markertek.com

Search for
"Markerfoam Acoustic Foam"

You have to cut them to size, but compare the pricing!