[linux-audio-user] [ANN] ALSA MIDI Humanizer v0.0.1

Cesare Marilungo cesare at poeticstudios.com
Fri Jul 7 09:21:28 EDT 2006


Dave Phillips wrote:

> Greetings:
>
>  Ah, one of my favorite threads. I compose a lot with MIDI, and 
> sometimes I like to try making the results sound at least a little 
> more human. A few (probably obvious) notes :
>
>    No human player can play two notes in a row with exactly the same 
> precision, it's simply not possible. Small-range random changes to 
> velocity at least help shake up the flatness of MIDI parts. However, 
> if the range of variation is too wide the randomizations sound pointless.
>
>    No human players play with metronomic accuracy, nor is such a thing 
> desirable from human players. However, the range of variation is a 
> significant consideration. Set drummers often play the bass drum, 
> snare, hi-hat, and cymbal in slightly different tempo relations, 
> creating the various grooves and feels that underlie musical styles.
>
>  A "groover" would be a cool piece of software, i.e., something that 
> shapes the existing music into another rhythmic style, but I don't 
> think it would be easy to get right.
>
>  IMO the best way to humanize MIDI parts is to hand-code their 
> velocities, note by note where necessary, which means the coder must 
> have a practical knowledge of performance factors. I also routinely 
> add a tempo track that loops an asymmetric group of fluctuating tempo 
> values, like a very narrow-range LFO applied to tempo. Again, if the 
> width of the range is too great the looseness becomes sloppy, 
> destroying the intended effect. Usually I keep a range of +/-4 clicks, 
> e.g. 120-121-122-121-120-119. If these values are applied to tempo 
> events at the level of 16th-note triplets they'll have a nice 
> "upsetting" effect on the rigidity of the sequencer's tempo.
>
>  Dynamics and tempo relativities are profound aspects of any engaging 
> performance, whether a player plans them in advance or they occur as 
> an improvised response to the music (and possibly to the other players).
>
>  Just some thoughts for further consideration.
>
> Best,
>
> dp
>
>
>
Dave, have you seen this software I've just found?

http://www.midi-plugins.de/mplug/mplug-hum.html

This is quite close to what I want to achieve.

After I've read your comments, and those by Frank and Stephen, I believe 
that the possibilty to choose different probability curves (linear, 
gaussian, exponential, reverse exponential) is the next feature to add.

-- 
www.cesaremarilungo.com




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