MMD > Archives > March 1997 > 1997.03.14 > 10Prev  Next


Midi Pedaling and Disklavier
By Robbie Rhodes

Like George Bogatko, I do not own a Disklavier, but I work with music
files either created by the Disklavier, or to be reproduced by it.
In order to use Midi editing programs I convert the Disklavier file
structure from 'Eseq' into Standard Midi File (SMF) format using the
file-format conversion software sold by Gary Giebler.  It works smoothly
and accurately for loss-less conversion between Midi and Eseq file
formats.

All of the live performances recorded by a Disklavier which I have
edited, from both vertical and grand pianos, exhibit these character-
sticks in the native Disklavier Eseq file, described herein as observed
after conversion to Midi file, and using the equivalent Standard Midi
File parameters (Yamaha names and numbers don't always match Midi
conventions):

1.  Binary (on-off) damper tray events are recorded as Midi controller
#64 (Sustaining Peed.) in channel 1, with values 0 (off) and 127 (on).

2.  Pedal push-rod position is recorded as Midi controller #64 in
channel 3, with possible values from 0 (off) to 127 (maximum 'on').

3.  The timing of the binary damper events seems accurate with respect
to the note activity.  The timing of the pedal push-rod position data
frequently lags behind the binary damper events (and the note data), with
a time-delay proportional to note activity, as though the processor in
the piano cannot keep up with everything.

I usually disable or erase the pedal push-rod position data and edit the
performance using only the binary damper events.  Thankfully, I've had no
projects which needed continuous position control to implement a musical
effect.  (Please note that my job is not to reproduce the artist's per-
forename -- the customer wants it improved!)

Robbie Rhodes



(Message sent Fri, 14 Mar 97 18:15:25 -0800 , from time zone -0800.)

Key Words in Subject:  Disklavier, Midi, Pedaling

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