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Music: What is the best music notation software out there with the best sound libraries?
Just as the question stated, I'm looking for a music notation software that has the best possible sound libraries with it. I have had started with Sibelius in the past, and then migrated to Finale which, in my opinion, had a bit better sound libraries. I am noticing the lack of "real" sound though, and it is very evident in the scores that I've written. So, I'm looking for the best notation software out there that has the best sound libraries, relatively speaking.
Now, I know that you might mention VSTs, and dedicated software such as Cubase and Magix Music Maker, etc., but these require MIDI and I don't have the money nor the space for that matter to buy one, especially in the current hyperinflation that my country is suffering. A mere BORG MIDI would set be back a whopping 3500$ which is around 3 years worth of salary with the current black market exchange rate (yes it's that bad in my country). So, sticking to software only is what I can pretty much afford.
I do know Musescore has a good reputation, and it is free, but I'm not sure about its sound libraries. I've never really tested them. Can you guys give me an input on that too? Feel free to compare it to other software that are not free as well, I don't mind.
@Mamianka Thanks for for the insight! I'll take a look!
@Robert J Your suggestion is also very noteworthy. Gonna check its notation capabilities along with the VSTs. Hopefully there are some good videos out there about it for demonstrations.
2 Answers
- Robert JLv 74 months agoFavourite answer
A full DAW (Digital audio workstation) system with instrument VSTs for playback does not need hardware MIDI - it's pure software, so just a PC with sound.
Download "Tracktion Waveform"; that is completely free.
Then add any free VST instrument plugins that you like, from the thousands that are available.
You can use both dedicated instrument VSTs and sound banks that can be loaded to a sampler to emulate a particular instrument.
(TX16WX is a good free sampler / sample player, though there are many others).
Look on sites such as vst4free and search google for "Free instrument sample banks".
You can use MIDI files exported from any score / notation program you prefer and import them to Tracktion for playback.
Also, there are such things as audio to MIDI apps and emulations of MIDI controllers or "Control surfaces" apps for phones and tablets, plus utilities such as "RTPMidi" that allow a virtual MIDI connection between computers or phones / tablets etc. and a PC.
You you can use a phone/tablet as a capture or control device and a network link with RTPMidi configured to transfer as if there were a MIDI cable and interface.
- MamiankaLv 74 months ago
My adult (40) son had his Master's degree in dial music and recording technology. He was Sibelius user fire a long time, and now is a big user of Dorico. Uses it daily for professional and educational (he is the chair of the music department of a large school district, and v teachers as well) use. Right now, you can get an unlimited free subscription. Not a trial - FREE. I downloaded it a couple of days ago, but have not had time to dig deep yet. I have used all of this stuff since the mid Seventies - but now, not as much daily as he does.
