Adding crescendos and decrescendos

The Process > Scale Velocity command lets you create crescendos and decrescendos on those instruments that respond to MIDI velocity. Most such instruments map changes in velocity to changes in note loudness. Many synthesizer patches alter the timbre of the sound as well, so that higher velocities produce brighter, as well as louder, sounds. Changes in velocity also affect the playback of audio clips.

This command lets you set a starting and ending velocity for the entire time range of the selection. SONAR scales the velocity of each event to create a smooth linear change in velocity. As an option, you can enter a starting and ending percentage; existing velocity values are modified by the designated percentage.

You can also edit note velocities in the Notes pane of the Piano Roll view, which lets you draw shapes other than straight line changes. For more information, see Adding and editing notes in the Piano Roll.

To scale velocities

1.	Select the events whose velocity data you want to change.

2.	Choose Process > Scale Velocity to display the Scale Velocity dialog box.

Figure 251. The Scale Velocity dialog

3.	Enter the starting and ending velocity values.

4.	Check the Percentages box if the values are percentages.

5.	Click OK when you are done.

SONAR alters the velocity of selected events.