Disklavier

I wonder if there might be a technical disadvantage to the approach of
driving the Disklavier via MIDI from a computer.  Namely:

Suppose a piece contains a chord of three notes struck simultaneously.  
This can be represented in ESEQ or MIDI format as three note-on events with
delta times of 0 between the second and third events.  The Disklavier's
embedded controller can process a string of events like this as quickly as
possible, ensuring all three notes strike at the same time (or as close to
it as possible).

Whereas if you send MIDI data into the Disklavier, there is no notion of
delta time; notes are played as they are received (actually 500 ms after
being received, so that the Disklavier can compensate for varying solenoid
strike times at different velocity levels).  As MIDI is a serial protocol
at 31250 bits/sec, 10 bits/byte (8 + start bit + stop bit), a certain
amount of time is required to transmit each byte.

With notes being played as they're received, it's impossible to specify
that multiple notes be struck simultaneously.  Using running status, a 
three-note chord would require a minimum of almost 19 ms to transmit via
MIDI, or about 28 ms without.  A larger chord with note-offs and pedal data
mixed in could slow things much more.

Has anyone been able to tell a difference between playing the same material 
using the console and from a computer?

On the other hand, it could be that the convenience of storing one's music
library on the computer outweighs any concerns about timing accuracy.



On Thu, 28 Jun 2001, Robert E. Welcyng wrote:

> You've done a service to those with an affection for more of those pesky jewel
> cases.
> 
> As an alternative, some might wish to convert their PianoSoft material to MIDI
> and put the files on a CD-ROM.  Let's say you devote 600 MB of a CD-ROM to
> data.  That would allow you to store at least 800 each 720 KB albums on a single
> CD.  Of course, you'd put the files in appropriately labeled folders and name
> the files descriptively.  You'd devote a folder in the CD to playlists and use a
> sequencer to play your DKV.  Rather than search and shuffle through jewel cases,
> you use your Windows "Find" facility to locate files by composer, title, or
> performer.  You don't have to bother about returning disks and cases to their
> proper places.