Help to export MIDI with accents converted to velocity, not CC

[jjm_335]

Let me start by saying I don’t spend much time tweaking playback in Dorico, so I am completely ignorant about how to customize playback templates. However, I’m in need of exported MIDI regions in which accented (and also staccato) notes cause a change in note velocity. In fact, what I really want is for note velocity to adhere to overall dynamic shaping, with the added function that an accent or staccato mark boosts the relevant dynamic level (as expressed in MIDI velocity) by X%. I don’t want to lose the CC11 or CC1 data that is already included in the export.

Can this be done? If so, can someone kindly walk me through how to do it (or point me to a video in which this kind of thing is clearly explained)? Many thanks.

[derAbgang]

@jjm_335

I don’t want to lose the CC11 or CC1 data that is already included in the export.

Dorico expression maps only allow 2 types of volume controllers and if you already have CC11 and CC1 configured, velocity would likely be fixed at, I think 100. Most libraries use all three in various ways (velocity for shorts, CC11 for longs and CC1 for virbrato - more or less).

Which playback template is in force or if the Silent template, which libraries are you using?

[jaskarbong]

I am by no means a MIDI expert. That being said, CC1 is usually for a mod wheel, and CC11 is usually expression. Volume is usually CC7. Some instruments - Akai EWI - may derive expression as a percent of volume depending on the user settings. Volume is not inherently a CC setting. You may be able to affect the volume of the accents, however. There is an older thread from Feb 2024 “How to reduce “accent” effect?” that may be of some help. (Sorry, I didn’t know how to link it!)

— Jim

(Thanks @Rikard )

Here’s the Thread…

How to reduce "accent" effect?

I am trying to reduce the increase in volume (velocity?) of a note with an accent. Screenshot here from Write Mode with the note selected. [Screenshot 2024-02-05 at 11.34.16] I tried: change velocity of that note = nothing change dynamics = nothing Playback Options = change increase of accent from 0,50 (default?) to 0,25 and to 0 = nothing I have pitch contour emphasis turned on, as well as the polyphonic thing. What am I missing? How can I reduce the bang this gives?

[Rikard]

@jaskarbong

Sorry, I didn’t know how to link it!

Next to the heart at the bottom of posts, there is a link icon that you can click to get a link to that post. Or if you want to link to a topic, there is a “share” button at the bottom of the whole thing, next to bookmark, flag and reply.

I guess this is the thread you meant?

[jjm_335]

Thanks all. I ended up watching several videos about playback templates and expression mapping. I then downloaded the V-Horns templates and installed those, since they included the settings for BOTH velocity and CC dynamics. Since I really only need it for MIDI export, I just assigned those to every wind and brass instrument and can work with it for now.