Dynamics - Roland XV-88 User Manual

5.2 Dynamics

Fundamentally, dynamics in Sibelius consist of two parts, the Attack strength and
the Dynamic level. The Attack and Dynamic values are set in the playback diction-
ary, with a number in the range 0-127. Attack and Dynamic are assigned to MIDI
functions in the sound set for each patch, and optionally, for specific articulations/
techniques, allowing the values set in the playback dictionary to be sent using whatever
MIDI function(s) a device responds to.
Different libraries and devices use different methods of controlling dynamic and attack
levels, some of which respond better than others in Sibelius, but generally fall into two
categories, crossfaded velocity layers and separate velocity layers.
Crossfaded Velocity Layers
Crossfaded patches (often abbreviated XF or DXF) allow for even, continuous changes
in level from the quietest to loudest sample. Crossfading frequently uses MIDI CC1,
commonly mapped to the ModWheel, to control dynamics and may or may not utilize
note velocity at all (or may assign it to another related function, such as attack speed).
These patches are generally preferable in Sibelius as they allow for smooth crescendo
and diminuendos over sustained notes. Depending on patch programming, the Attack
value sent by Sibelius may have no effect.
Separate Velocity Layers
Patches programmed with separate velocity layers allow attack and dynamic to be con-
trolled separately, but usually prevent the continuous change in dynamics resulting in
staggered and "jumping" dynamics. Because the MIDI controller assigned to dynamics
(typically MIDI CC7 or CC11) operates within the active velocity layer rather than
the instrument as a whole, the output of low velocities at a dynamic is not the same
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as high velocities at that same dynamic.
While there are exceptions to this, the majority of devices that use velocity layers for
sustaining instruments will pose a problem when it comes to continuous dynamic
changes in a Sibelius score.
Perhaps the best workaround is to utilize hidden dynamics and a plugin to create a
smooth dynamic change that ends at the desired level. Enter the dynamic mark that
should appear (print) in the score followed by a hidden marking that is the same as the
ending dynamic, such as . Then, use the Cresc./Dim. Playback plugin to create
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the crescendo from to using either MIDI CC7 or CC11.
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Roland XV-88 - Sibelius Sound Set User Manual | 18