chuck.dallas Posted September 16, 2003 Share Posted September 16, 2003 Any suggestions on the best MIDI software for basic composing? Would like to use my laptop running Windows XP and a Yamaha digital piano for writing piano-based compositions. Thanks a lot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cconroy Posted September 16, 2003 Share Posted September 16, 2003 "Best" is obviously subjective, but it seems like a lot of people around here use either Finale or Sibelius. I've personally only tried the demo version of Sibelius, which looks really nice. But both pieces of software are on the expensive side (around $600 retail). Hopefully someone else here will jump in with some more details. There was a "Finale vs. Sibelius" thread not too long ago too, which you should be able to search for. I occasionally use an older version of Midisoft Studio that I picked up at Guitar Center for like $20. It does the job, but I wouldn't exactly call it "professional-looking". There must be some other similar products out there, too, if you want something cheaper to start with. Hope that helps, or at least stirs up some more replies. -Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lambchop Posted September 16, 2003 Share Posted September 16, 2003 Actually, I still use Mastracks Pro 6.0 by Passport Audio when I can. It won't operate under Win2K Pro, though. Jazz Patrol, a jazzrock/fusion experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Postman Posted September 16, 2003 Share Posted September 16, 2003 If it's just for piano, the lower end Finale products should work fine. I have PrintMusic. Works just fine. Only $70. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synthbro Posted September 17, 2003 Share Posted September 17, 2003 My composer freind John Adams told me to get Sebelius. Granted, he's endorsed by them. So i did. I certainly recommend it whole heartedly. I also use the notation within Logic Audio quite often. It's more than just adequate, but now only for Mac. LH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burningbusch Posted September 17, 2003 Share Posted September 17, 2003 Chuck.dallas posted a similar request before but I don't know that he got any response. He didn't mention notation so I don't know how important that is to him. I believe he has a Protools TDM system and just wants to do simple MIDI stuff remotely. I wish PT Free was XP compatible as that would do what you need (just basic MIDI) without having to learn new software. You might look at the Cubase Studio pack, $299 retail. It depends on if you're doing a lot of rhythmic stuff or not. You also might consider Reason. Very CPU efficient and quite easy to learn. Again, I don't know if all you plan on doing is basic piano tracks or if you might be after something more than that. Busch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuck.dallas Posted September 18, 2003 Author Share Posted September 18, 2003 Thanks for the suggestions everybody and thanks, Busch, for remembering my previous similar question -- you're right, I didn't get any responses. I'll check out Finale, Sibelius and some of the others you mentioned. Busch, I already have Reason and to tell you the truth, I never really thought about using it for composing with my digital piano. Reason's sequencer is pretty basic and it can't drive external devices like my piano, but it might do the trick for simpler compositions. I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the idea! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steadyb Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Originally posted by burningbusch: You might look at the Cubase Studio pack, $299 retail. It depends on if you're doing a lot of rhythmic stuff or not. You also might consider Reason. Very CPU efficient and quite easy to learn. Busch.Busch, What program(s) do you use most? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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