Drum volume

[Steptoe]

I've noticed on some of my midi files the drums sound louder on some files than on others, is this just my imagination?
I use Magix Midi Studio and or Cakewalk to edit my files, the drum level is always set to maximum (127) and the standard kit using the electric snare is used on every file, however some just seem louder than others.
Could it be something in the event list I am missing?

[themd21]

Hi Steptoe,

It's probably the velocities on the drum track (channel 10).
You can check this out in cakewalk event window.
The velocity is to the right of the data and is a figure between
0-127.

[Steptoe]

Hi Jimmy
All the drum velocities are set to 127

[JazzCat]

Possibilities: Duped notes. That will increase the 'loudness'. Another couple questions. Have you checked expression? Are you soloing and comparing these drum tracks on these different files? Other instruments and different tunes can give the illusion that something is louder or quieter.
Cat >^..^<

[Steptoe]

How do I check the expression? Duped notes? I'm guessing thats a note doubled? Magix Midi studio has an on screen mixer and I've noticed the LEDs are higher on some drum tracks than others even though the velocities are all set to 127. When working live I try to get the drums pretty loud(just like a real bloody drummer!) So I'd be keen to get them all up high.......
Thanks
John

[themd21]

Hi Steptoe

The expresssion is set under Controller 11.
Go into your event list in Cakewalk, channel 10, and check what controllers are set usually in the first bar or two. Look for controller 11 and a value between 0 and 127.

[midimart]

Try just the standard Volume too.....

Volume = Controller 7 (0 - 127)

Expression = Controller 11 (0 - 127)

As Cat said..... Many tracks just seem louder or softer due to their overall mix..... A bass guitar can give the illusion of a bass drum being louder, a Clean guitar can also do the same with a snare drum and so on.... Sometimes it just comes down to the mix... And sometimes all you can do is increase/decrease the volume or velocity etc of the other instruments on the track.... And get the levels correct that way...... Midis can be a hard life sometimes.....

[buster]

Hi I use midi as backing tracks live and as a good guide I always set the drums to 127 and the bass to 120 and I have a good mix but I have have found that the over sound quality is down to the sound card

[guilty]

I agree....most of the time they seem louder due to overall mix. I also agree that the drums should be up there in the mix. Nothing worse than an act using midi's with the vocals & guitar right out there and whimpy backing tracks mixed way down. I'm in a Duo and prefer to sound like a 6 piece band NOT elevator music. Busters 127/120 mix usually works for me.

[levi2]

sometimes changing your drum kit makes a difference ie from a standard kit to room or rock kit Ive even changed the odd one to electro kit with yamaha xg