Dynamics in playback

The volume settings for sustaining instruments and non-sustaining instruments vary in terms of their control of gradual dynamics.

Sustaining instruments

Sustaining instruments include string, wind, and brass instruments, because they can hold a note while being in control of its volume throughout.

Dorico Elements applies gradual dynamics to these instruments in playback.

Non-sustaining instruments

Non-sustaining instruments, such as piano, harp, marimba, and most percussion instruments, have no further control of the dynamic of notes after they have been struck. For this reason, non-sustaining software instruments often use note velocity for dynamics, because this is set at the start of the note.

Tip

You can control settings for each software instrument in the Expression Maps dialog.