I've been using Finale 2014.5 (Windows) for a number of years, and only recently upgraded to Finale 25 (right before 26 came out, which I was able to upgrade to for free), where I discovered a key difference in the Playback (and also in the creation of an audio file), specifically for drum set (in this case, cymbals).

In Finale 2014.5, in Playback, the cymbals (e.g. open hi-hat, crash cymbals) in the drum set (I continue to use the SmartMusic SoftSynth "Standard" sound rather than any of the Garritan sounds, as that sound suits what I'm trying to create) always ring out regardless of the notes' actual duration, which you would expect them to, whereas in the newer versions, they only play for the notes' actual duration and are then cut short (as if choked).

I discovered that when muting some instruments using Mixer (I use vocals, two guitars, bass and drums, all on SmartMusic SoftSynth sounds), this actually doesn't happen, and the cymbals ring out like normal; when unmuting them, the issue resurfaces. I tried creating an audio file on the newer version thinking that it was just a Playback issue, but the "choking" still happens on the audio file as well.

I know this sounds quite long and complex, but is there anything that I can do to prevent this from happening? Having spent the money to upgrade to Finale 25 and then upgraded to the newest version, I don't want it to be a waste and to have to stick to the older version just because the drums aren't playing back the same way in the newer versions. If anyone knows how to combat this, please let me know - thanks!