bkunda
commented
2 days ago Automatic level adjustment: it seems this refers to a predetermined mix for playback?
MuseSounds already comes essentially pre-mixed. Anything further than this though really is entering into the realm of subjectivity, so I'm not sure we should be trying to automate beyond what we've already done.
Incidentally, very obviously chatGPT-written issues like this are actually harder work to quickly parse than something written clearly by a human. If you have a legitimate feature to request, please do so in your own words, and try to make it much, much shorter than what has been written here.
[Feature Request] Enhanced Automatic Level Adjustment for All Instrumentations #25170
Overview
In MuseScore, when loading the default string quartet setup, users often encounter issues with volume balance. Specifically, the first violin and cello tend to dominate the mix, making it difficult to hear the second violin and viola. This imbalance can affect various orchestrations and configurations, leading to an inconsistent listening experience. The crux of the problem lies in the fact that instrument levels do not correlate effectively due to differing roles and importance in orchestration.
Problem Statement
The current automatic level settings fail to provide a balanced sound across different instrumentations. This leads to instances where certain instruments overpower others, detracting from the overall harmony and intended dynamics of the piece. The lack of uniformity in sound pressure levels (SPL) among instruments at the same dynamic markings can make it challenging for composers and musicians to achieve the desired sonic balance in their compositions.
Proposed Solution
To address this issue, I propose the implementation of an enhanced automatic level placement feature that intelligently balances levels across various orchestrations and instrumentations. This feature would analyze the relative importance of each instrument based on musicological principles and adjust their levels accordingly, ensuring a more cohesive and balanced sound.
Automatic Calibration: The system would utilize known musicological data regarding the roles of instruments in different orchestrations to establish baseline levels.
Dynamic Adjustments: The feature could analyze dynamics in real-time, making adjustments to instrument levels to maintain a consistent sound across the ensemble, particularly during crescendos and decrescendos.
User Customization: While automatic adjustments would be beneficial, users should also have the option to override default settings and manually tweak levels to suit their preferences or specific compositions.
Visual Feedback: Implementing visual cues within the software could help users understand how their adjustments affect the overall balance, promoting a more intuitive workflow.
Prior Art
The concept of balancing instrument levels based on their roles is well-documented in musicology, with established practices regarding the typical dynamics of orchestral and chamber music. However, current software solutions do not effectively translate this knowledge into automatic calibration of levels. Existing DAWs and notation software often rely on manual adjustments, which can be time-consuming and inconsistent.
Conclusion
By introducing an advanced automatic level placement feature, MuseScore could significantly enhance the user experience for composers and arrangers. This improvement would facilitate a more balanced orchestral sound, ultimately leading to higher-quality compositions that better reflect the intended dynamics and relationships between instruments. This feature would not only streamline the workflow but also encourage users to experiment with diverse orchestrations with confidence in achieving a well-balanced output.