Hi Thomas

You can create custom HP preferences for most libraries. You just need to spend time configuring/creating expressions ect.

The quickest way to find out if it will suit your needs is to download the demo and play!

Create a new score, load your player with some sounds, create some techniques and see how you go.

Cheers...

 Daz :o)

I am also thinking of switching back to Finale (my last version was 2012), and I want scoring software that can create voices and parts for 3rd-party VSTs. Specifically, I already have EWQL Symphonic Orchestra Platinum and Choirs Platinum; I also have EW Stormdrums 2, and I bought a collection of virtual instruments (the 8Dio Misfit Instruments of Banjo, Jaw Harp, Trombone, etc.) and a stand-alone Honky Tonk Piano package.

I also have a metal band comprised of Shreddage 2 Guitar and Bass, and Toontracks Drums.

I would prefer being able to score for ALL of these instruments, and play them as both small and large ensembles. I am not good at all, at working with DAWs like Studio One. It is very foreign territory for me, as I am a classical musician by trade. I have used Notion scoring software, with some success (although the results are at times less than polished)

Can Finale do make virtual scores, by creating parts in a score and then assigning virtual instruments or voices to them? If Yes, then I will be happy to buy the latest version of Finale. Thanks very much.

Brian Anderson

Brian,

Finale can playback any sample, but fine tuning this is another story. You can take your EW orchestra for instance and create a custom set of Human playback preferences which triggers the right key switch at the right time, etc...,   This is a very time consuming project and there's no specific instruction on how to do this. It's a lot of trial and error. Plus, this has to be done for every sample library you have. In addition, if you want to use different libraries on the same piece, I'm not 100% sure, but I don't believe you can use multiple Human playback preferences on the same piece at the same time. I've read posts by some users who use EWQL with Finale successfully, but no mention of other libraries being used.

You're not good at using a DAW because you're classically trained, correct? Actually all of us were classically trained, we didn't know what a DAW was. You just have to learn it. Everyone starts as a beginner. You just get out of it what you put into it.

I've given up trying to use other samples with Finale. Nothing works as well as Garritan does with it. So I write in Finale using GPO playback, then I import the file into Logic and do my fine tuning with other samples from there. These sample were created to be used in a DAW. That's where they work best. And DAW's were made specifically to make recordings.

Here's a youtube link, showing one way to get more realistic performances when using samples and a DAW. What is described here are various techniques which can be controlled very easily in a DAW, but very clumsy to try and use in Finale.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OktpoOztRvQ&list=PLha8jec_dVTZc190Q9YcrXZ-iJfDZGIgj

Thanks for your reply, and it sounds like the simplest solution to all of this would to create an EWQL symphony orchestra score, and then import it into a DAW. I could then add more staves of voices or instruments as MIDI files, from the 3rd party VSTs. That way, I am not stuck trying to make everything work inside the orchestra score. By saying I am classically trained, I mean I was a symphony orchestra musician for 33 years of my career life, and now I am composing for a virtual orchestra--and trying to add other instruments as well. Draws as we know them, did not exist vwhen I was in school. Correct, I can learn to use one although I naturally prefer the more familiar orchestra score format. -Brian Anderson-

.......DAWs as we know them.......

If you're interested, there's a forum dedicated to virtual instruments. Orchestral, film scores and music for games are the primary focus of the members. Sample libraries and elements of mixing and production are all discussed. Hobbyists, part-time composers, working professionals, even big name Hollywood composers are there. I've learned a lot there.

https://vi-control.net/community/

Like you, DAW's weren't around back in the 70's when I was in school. But now with these wonderful tools, I can create amazing music without leaving home. My wife and I just released a CD, all made at home. It's great fun.