Check that the Sample Rate in MIDI/Audio > Device Setup > Audio Setup is the same as the setting for your sound card (or system).

Thanks much. They match. Got another idea?

Well, grasping at straws now (especially since you've probably already tired some or all of these):

1. Restart Finale.
2. Reboot the computer
3. Reinstall Finale
4. Use the "Submit a request" link at the top of the page to send your file to Finale Support.

thanks for the word. I appreciate it as I stumble along :)

I am having the exact same issue. Any update on a solution? Thanks

From Finale Support:

"At this time, there is a lag issue with Finale v26 on Windows computers. To see if this is what you are running into, can you let me know if you are using the Spacebar + Click to playback your document? If so, there is a workaround that will allow you to use this same process successfully while we are working on this issue. To do this, you will just need to click click start from the playback controls first and then continue to use the spacebar + Click method. "

This has worked fine for me.

jc

Thank you. That did the trick.

I also thank you! 

It works! Thank you.

I know this is an old thread, yet the problem remains.  (I have Finale 27.2.0.144 which is the latest version) This isn't a "nice thing to have" but a critical function.  Thanks for the workaround above, but if something this basic remains a problem, perhaps Finale will offer us a "workaround price" next time? 

Donald,

Please send this in to tech support. Use the Submit a Request tab at the top of the page. Your comment on the forum may not be picked up and logged as an actual problem, without the direct contact.

This is no longer an issue for Mac users. If you are on a Mac, send it to MM Support as MikeR suggests because you shouldn't be seeing it. I have no idea if it still affects Windows users. Perhaps someone can post on that.

NotePerformer Version 4 has been promised for a long time. We're still waiting.