Why is the default volume -12dB on a few instruments?

[Ill Frequencies]

Just wondering why?
And should I set them all to 0dB by default?

[ilya.soloviev]

for safety reasons
if you will play a chord for example you will overload your output if it will be set to 0db becuase you will multiply your amplitude

[acidpenguin]

In Simpler at least, if you set velocity sensitivity to 100% and volume at -12db then a sound played at 100 velocity will be at 0db.So if you use velocity > volume leave it at -12db, if not jack it up to 0db.

[GillyDJ]

So does 50% velocity mean you should set output at -6db for example?

[acidpenguin]

Yup, if you want 100vel to play at 0db.

[zenlikethat]

Just wondering why?
And should I set them all to 0dB by default?

I think it also has to do with drum racks - if the default for Simpler was higher, then playing several hits at once in a drum rack would clip.

Exactly. Ever had your ears jabbed by an unexpectedly loud, trebly instrument that you just added in? Imagine that 12 decibels higher. Ever noticed how terrible digital clipping sounds? For a variety of reasons, it seems like a good idea to play it better safe than sorry with volume.

[Ill Frequencies]

Ahh it all makes sense now, thats for the responses