When playing sound fonts using Calf Fluidsynth, e.g. the Arachno sound font, the audio level is very low. In the plugin the volume is maximum, and on the tracks the faders are set to 0.0. No plugins used. The level reaches around -40 (on Peak (+6dBFS)), whereas SurgeXT reaches -5 when I set the plugins volume to 100%. I need to bring SurgeXT down a lot in order to hear both signals properly.
Can I change this somehow to get more power from the Calf plugin without using some amplifier plugin?
Try with a different player like Fluida or Ace Fluidsynth (part of Ardour…). Even if not related with this specific issue, avoid Calf Plugin as much as possible.
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Ok, I did some search and I understand the issues with Calf plugins. Switched to ACE Fluidsynth. But the sound level is low there too. The issue is with inputting via MIDI (Roland SH-201). When adding notes via mouse on the piano roll, sound levels are normal.
What might be the issue?
The SH-201 does seem to have some issues with its velocity sensitivity, and that’s probably the culprit here.
You’re just not banging hard enough on them keys 
Here’s a discussion regarding that
https://forum.vintagesynth.com/viewtopic.php?t=61008
One poster says “The SH201 is indeed velocity sensitive, but the keyboard action is so unpredictable, that it’s better too turn it off.
If you are brave enough to fiddle with the velocity curve, do like rhino said.
To adjust the amp velocity sensitivity: Hold down the CANCEL button and turn the LEVEL knob.
To adjust the cutoff velocity sensitivity: Hold down the CANCEL button and turn the CUTOFF knob.”
Edit : Here are some pointers if you cant to change the MIDI velocity on already recorded material
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Thank you very much. Already tried, and I dont need to bang the keys anymore so badly
You could also use add plugin “MIDI Velocity Gamma” or “MIDI Velocity Adjust” from x42 MIDI Filter Collection before the synth.
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