MIDI velocity (0-127) represents note intensity and is distinct from master volume

In a MIDI environment, the volume or intensity of each individual note is called its velocity, represented on a scale from 0 (silence) to 127 (maximum). This is distinct from channel fader levels (relative track volume) and the master output fader (overall mix volume). Varying velocity across events gives parts a sense of human realism and expressiveness. Uniform, unvaried velocity produces mechanical-sounding parts. Velocity maps to physical strike force on acoustic instruments — a hard piano keystroke produces high velocity; a soft touch produces low velocity.

Examples

A conga pattern with varying velocity between 40 and 110 across 16 steps sounds expressive. A pattern locked at velocity 100 sounds robotic.

Assessment

Explain the difference between velocity, channel fader, and master fader. Given a velocity graph, describe what you would hear dynamically.