I prefer automation on the actual audio rather than the midi trigger but yes, it is usually a better approach if it solves the problem.

quote:

Originally posted by Microlab Um... unless you use a compressor to achieve a punch effect, isn't it wise to reduce the volume of each single note and thus provide an ideal dynamic range? Or might there be any difference?

It really depends on a few things. Many synth patches (and esp. sampler patches) are programmed to respond to velocity. For example, a widely used effect in synth sound design is to have the filter envelope modulated by velocity. In that case, by adjusting velocity, you're not just making the notes quieter or louder, you're also changing the timbre of the sound by making the filter open up more when you play at a high velocity compared to a low velocity. In some cases, changing the velocity can drastically change the sound.

Also, as you mentioned, compression can be used to add punch, but it can also add warmth, distortion, sustain, etc. That may or may not be what you're looking for, but you're not going to get that same effect by adjusting the MIDI velocity of the notes.

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No, it's not wise to reduce the note volume in order to achieve dynamic compression. Aside from the fact that it won't actually work very well when you're using any kind of effects, compression is transparent whereas changing note velocities places audible accents on some notes.

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use both

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as i stated before , if you can fix the problem via automation , do that. I wouldn't bother with the midi trigger unless you want to change the musical dynamics ( in the oldschool sense ) of the instrument in question.