Keyboard Specifications, Dynamic or velocity sensitive Options

[p-p-h]

Hi,

Could someone explain me the difference between
dynamic keybords and velocity sensitive keyboard.
I'm starting music with computer and intend to buy
an USB keyboard with my computer.

Thanks for any clue

PPH

[dixiechicken]

Not really!
However most keaybords of decent quality these days are velocity-sensitive
(As opposed to a typical hammond organ keyboard or old synthesizers)

Velocity sensitive means that the keyboard generates a midi-number depending on HOW HARD you hit the keys.
( the harder the hit - the higher the velocity)
Hardest hit generates midi-number 127 - the softest possible hit should generate midi-number 1. Giving you in theory access to 127 dynamic levels.

That is however also dependent upon IF - your soundmodule ic capable of receiving these midi-numbers and have sampled/generated sounds that through the internal circuitry of your soundmodule can process the sound volume properly.

In theory at least I think - most people would argue that a trained concert pianist on good quality conert piano (Bösendorfer or similar) is the ultimate tools to achieve a near unlimited number dynamic nuances.(levels)

The keyboard on grand concert piano is of course velocity sensitive.

Hope this clear up part of your question

Cheers: Dixiechicken

[lepetitmartien]

After some explanations in the FR forum… basically "dynamic" is the marketing babble at M-audio for an equivalent of pressure sensitive. which is roughly equivalent to velocity sensitive but not quite.

[dixiechicken]

My old EPS-sampler w keyboard is both velocity and pressure sensitive.

With heavy handed playing I get a loud sound, if I hit a key and keep it down and apply some pressure, the "LFO" kicks in and give the triggered sound a vibrato - as an example.
The pressure can be used for opening/closing the envelopes or what ever.

The really big thing with the Ensoniq:s pressure sensivity is -
that the indvidual pressed keys that make up a chord are INDVIDUALLY sensitive.

I.e: if I hit a C-major chord with my right hand - C-E-G - and apply pressure only with my right little finger - ONLY the G-note will get the vibrato effect.
Usually the pressure is applied to all notes that are played even if pressure is ONLY applied to ONE key.

The above is perhaps the most common use for this midi-implementation, velocity is for volume and pressure is for effects.

Cheers: Dixiechicken

[lepetitmartien]

What I was implying is you can deduce speed (velocity) from pressure, but pressure information AFTER the trig of a note is Aftertouch… Here, it's limited to the first pressure so velocity in the end and no aftertouch.

You just happen to have a great keyboard

[dixiechicken]

You just happen to have a great keyboard

Dont I just know it!

Cheers: Dixiechicken