How do I use my Mac Pro (Catalina) to compose with Finale 26 . I do have it connected and every once in a while- for some reason- a note will appear and sound on the staff.. but not as a deliberate act. I also have a midi (Korg) hooked up and can use that if I first put in one note... but it cannot create the rhythms... only the notes in the original value.
Hi Mike, Jeffrey and J Adrian... yes I have done the tutorials. . But either I don't understand what they are telling me,--or it is not clear. Say, for instance, that I want a quarter note , having already put in a half note ... so I press 5. But instead of the new note appearing, it raises the previous note a third. (which is a good thing at times.., rather than transposing ( which becomes problematic because of the key changes) ) . That's just one of the many problems I have in trying to learn to use the computer.. which, I am told, will make the work go much faster once I get the hang of it. The same thing happens , at times, when I want two C's next to each other ...but different values. So I press the 4 or whatever and it simply gives me a chord. So what have I missed?
I know that I am just learning this... but it is a real learning curve... even some of the jargon in the instructions is new to me.
Although any USB or Bluetooth keyboard will work, get an Apple keyboard or 3rd party with the Apple layout and numeric keypad. This will have the Enter, fn and Forward-Delete keys in the correct locations. All three are helpful with Finale.
I am loving the Apple Magic Keyboard-Numeric and think it's the best keyboard I've ever used.
Mike Halloran - Hi ---- I am looking at the logitech 400... much less expensive and see the fn and Enter...... and it has a key pad which I am used to. (Haven't used a mouse in 15 or more years...) there are some drawbacks.... and am also looking at the Apple. as you suggested. ..thanks for the info.
The Logitech K400 has the Return key labelled Enter as most Windows keyboards do. I know, the K400 is only $18 at some places but if you plan to spend many hours working in Finale on a Mac, there are reasons to consider using something better.
The Return and Enter keys are not the same on an Apple style keyboard with numeric keypad. Finale does not treat them the same, either. Many companies make Apple style keyboards for less. Refurb and used units are easy to find, too. I'm of the opinion that Apple currently makes the best right now but they aren't the only game in town.
Along those lines, the Apple Magic Trackpad II has functionality that the K400 cannot emulate. Until you've used one, you have no idea — neither did I till my MT 1 malfunctioned in the middle of a project and I went out and bought a 2. I then repaired my 1 and sold it. Never going back.
Mike Rosen---- thanks so much,I would love to zoom and learn... but if your e-mail address is. ..has ws in it and at aol.. It didn't go through.
And Mike Halloran, You made up my mind for the Apple.... I really appreciate it.(and will have to get used to a mouse again.... saw it's cousin in Central Park yesterday... seemed friendly enough) I am constanty on the computer and I did see the logitech for $ 17 so might also invest in that.. since my grandson suggested it.
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