The Velocity Processor in Logic Pro shapes and transforms incoming MIDI velocity values before they reach the instrument. Because velocity affects loudness, brightness, articulation, and overall expressiveness, this plugin is essential for refining performances, evening out dynamics, or creating intentional variation. Whether you’re fixing uneven playing, adding life to programmed parts, or smoothing out a layered synth patch, the Velocity Processor provides precise control over how your notes feel.

Key Features

• Velocity Curve: Adjusts how the input velocity maps to the output velocity using a user-definable curve.

• Make Fixed: Forces all incoming notes to a single fixed velocity—useful for consistent articulations.

• Add/Scale: Adds or multiplies incoming velocities by a set amount.

• Limit: Sets minimum and maximum velocity boundaries to maintain a controlled dynamic range.

• Compress/Expand: Narrows or widens the range of velocity values for more subtle or more extreme dynamics.

• Filter: Blocks notes outside a specified velocity range.

• Presets: Includes curves and processing setups for drums, keyboards, orchestral parts, and expressive synths.

Best Use Cases

• Evening out inconsistent performances from MIDI keyboards

• Tightening drum programming for punch and consistency

• Making soft synths more expressive with controlled velocity curves

• Matching velocity behavior across multiple virtual instruments

• Creating dynamic variations in repeated or loop-based parts

• Enforcing articulation triggers in orchestral or sampled instruments

Popular Song Examples

• “Rosanna” – Toto

• 0:20–0:40 (5:32 total)

• Subtle ghost notes and dynamic control in Jeff Porcaro’s groove illustrate how controlled velocity shapes feel.

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• “Get Lucky” – Daft Punk

• 0:10–0:35 (6:09 total)

• Tight, consistent funk guitar and bass lines show the importance of even, controlled velocity for rhythmic clarity.

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• “Viva La Vida” – Coldplay

• 0:14–0:40 (4:02 total)

• String parts rely on consistent velocity shaping to maintain an energetic, rhythmic pulse.

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• “Clarity” – Zedd (feat. Foxes)

• 0:42–1:00 (4:31 total)

• EDM synth plucks with controlled velocity produce bright, punchy attacks—similar to using velocity limiting or scaling.

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• “Maps” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

• 0:00–0:20 (3:40 total)

• Dynamic drum patterns highlight how velocity variation creates emotion and movement.

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• “Reckoner” – Radiohead

• 0:15–0:40 (4:50 total)

• The delicate percussion work demonstrates the expressive power of nuanced velocity control.

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• “Lose Yourself to Dance” – Daft Punk

• 0:18–0:40 (5:53 total)

• Consistent, punchy drum machine-style programming reflects the kind of velocity shaping done with this plugin.

Workflow Tips

• Start with a Curve Preset to quickly audition natural vs. aggressive response shapes.

• Use Limit Mode to keep drums punchy without unexpected loud hits.

• Try Compress Mode on piano parts to control wide dynamic swings.

• Use Make Fixed for synth bass lines where articulation consistency is crucial.

• Pair with Randomizer to reintroduce subtle variation after controlling the velocity range.

• Scale velocities upward for brighter synths or downward for softer pads without re-recording.