Enhancing MIDI Recordings - Velocity Velocity Velocity is often associated with volume, yet the two attributes of a MIDI recording should be differentiated. Velocity means key pressure .
Volume refers to audio loudness .
Excessive velocity in a MIDI recording is one of the most common errors, often detracting from an otherwise commendable performance. Jelly Roll Morton reportedly would scowl at someone who was severely pounding the piano keys. You can hear excess velocity. The effect is to make the music sound harsh and strident, instead of sonorous and pleasing. Keeping in mind that we are addressing the amount of pressure on piano keys, or how hard guitar strings are strummed or picked, there are several ways to approach the problem of potential distortion.