After changing to a laptop (without separate soundcard), had to spend a lot of time trying to reduce latency issues. Found both an adhoc approach using a tempo track missing an initial eighth note, and also through a hardware approach (using Coolsynth, a Mbox 3, and for good measure Reason Essentials). See prior posts.
However, is it possible for Noteworthy Composer to add a latency compensation feature such as that in Finale? Make life a lot simpler. Having said that, must say that Noteworthy is by far a much better program for entry and editing of music and will remain my notation software of choice.
Edited Post: I had noted that I ran into "port output fail" messages with CoolSoft VirtualMIDISynth (the program I use to avoid major latency issues) after upgrading to 2.75a.2 from nwc 2.75. Reinstalled NWC through 2.75 (testing at each iteration of NWC software) and problem went away. Could just be a minor glitch, and/or that my particular installation of NWC 2.75a.2 went strange, but thought I would mention it and potential fix in case folks run into similar issues with other auxiliary programs.
This is a follow up of prior posts. Essentially, Windows 8 and on created additional latency issues due to removal of midimapper and a "forced" Microsoft soft synth.
I was using Coolsynth through my MBox (and its ASIO) to reduce latency in my recording from my guitar and Roland Equipment. Recently, the person who created Coolsynth has also now created a midimapper that can be installed. Though in beta form, the midimapper allows me to use a midi to USB cable directly plugged into my laptop from my Roland equipment without any latency. I can lay additional tracks as I am listening to previously recorded staffs without a problem. The programs are very simple (good thing for me!). Not sure if it is proper to provide links in the forum, so simply "google" Coolsynth. To get the additional midimapper program, will need to register to the Coolsoft forum.
After much gnashing of teeth and time attempting to eliminate latency (VST's, Coolsynth, etc.), I accidentally discovered a quick workaround. (As a note of background, the playing while an initial tempo or other track sounded tended to result in an eighth note delay in regard to the new track relative to the background track or rhythm track. As a further point of background, I use Coolsynth with almost no buffers instead of the dreaded Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth).
Initially, I used a rhythm track that started 1/8 note before beat 1 of the main repeat bar in a template track. Was "okay" but still left problems and complexities in later adding further parts based upon the earlier recorded track or tracks since they would have to be similarly adjusted.
Then, I discovered that I could simply eliminate the 1/8 note in the subsequently played track and do a bar audit. Worked, but required some notation cleanup work in, illustratively, replacing tied eighths with a quarter note, etc.
More recently, I discovered that if I created, illustratively, a "rhythm" template (say, 4/4 time) with an introductory measure that only had three and one-eighth beats followed by the appropriate repeat sign and number of repeats, all would be good with the subsequently recorded tracks (without the need for cleanup notation editing). Essentially, the initial measure before the repeats would be "shorted" one-eighth beat. Same could be done with the subsequently recorded tracks if they are used as background for further recorded tracks (combined perhaps with some lead in rhythm measures). Not sure why it works, but does.
Not quite as nifty as actually getting the sequencing hardware and software to play nicely, but that may not be possible with Microsoft operating system. I have added a sample template file.
After much gnashing of teeth and time attempting to eliminate latency (VST's, Coolsynth, etc.), I accidentally discovered a quick workaround. (As a note of background, the playing while an initial tempo or other track sounded tended to result in an eighth note delay in regard to the new track relative to the background track or rhythm track. As a further point of background, I use Coolsynth with almost no buffers instead of the dreaded Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth).
Initially, I used a rhythm track that started 1/8 note before beat 1 of the main repeat bar in a template track. Was "okay" but still left problems and complexities in later adding further parts based upon the earlier recorded track or tracks since they would have to be similarly adjusted.
Then, I discovered that I could simply eliminate the 1/8 note in the subsequently played track and do a bar audit. Worked, but required some notation cleanup work in, illustratively, replacing tied eighths with a quarter note, etc.
More recently, I discovered that if I created, illustratively, a "rhythm" template (say, 4/4 time) with an introductory measure that only had three and one-eighth beats followed by the appropriate repeat sign and number of repeats, all would be good with the subsequently recorded tracks (without the need for cleanup notation editing). Essentially, the initial measure before the repeats would be "shorted" one-eighth beat. Same could be done with the subsequently recorded tracks if they are used as background for further recorded tracks (combined perhaps with some lead in rhythm measures). Not sure why it works, but does.
Not quite as nifty as actually getting the sequencing hardware and software to play nicely, but that may not be possible with Microsoft operating system. I have added a sample template file.
The following is an extension of Lawrie Pardy's excellent primer on VST (http://nwc-scriptorium.org/helpful.html#Vst ). After much gnashing of teeth I stumbled across settings that allow for simple latency-free recording into a laptop with integrated sound cards. The procedure works in Windows 7 and 8, and in both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. The steps assume review of Lawrie Pardy's guide. Due to my mental limitations and lack of background in studio recording, I ran into some problems even after reading it, so I thought these extended results might be helpful to some.
1. Select a Channel for your Midi Device that is unlikely to clash with other channels that might be used. I use a Roland GK2A/GI-10 input for my guitar, together with a midi to usb adapter into my laptop. For current purposes, I have the Guitar/Roland Input set to Channel 9.
2. Download/Install: VSThost (http://www.hermannseib.com/english/vsthost.htm ), ASIO4All (http://www.asio4all.com ), one or more free VSTPlugIns (I use VSTSynthfont, http://www.synthfont.com/#VSTSynthFont ); desired soundfonts (many free fonts are available; start with Richard Nagel's excellent WeedsGM3.sf2 for a set that follows conventional instrument assignments: http://www.doomworld.com/vb/doom-general/51104-weeds-general-midi-soundfont-v3-0/ ). Virtual Ports will be needed. A free system is available through http://www.midiox.com . The MidiYoke utility at that site is great, but can be tricky (unfortunately, very little documentation) and, unfortunately, does not work natively in the 64 bit arena (though the more robust MidiOx appears to). I personally found the free LoopBe1 to be a simple and seamless solution to latency free recording with a single instrument input: http://www.nerds.de/en/loopbe1.html. For those needing multiple ports, LoopBe30 is also available for a modest cost. Both work in the 32 and 64 bit environments.
3. VSThost setup (need to be running as a startup item or via desktop link before opening Noteworthy)
a. On initial opening, choose and select a new VSTPlugin under the File Menu or pursuant to screen prompt, if any. For this example, I (like Lawrie Pardy) am using VSTSynthFonts.
b. Under the Menu Item "Devices", select the following: Midi Input Devices: LoopBe Internal Midi (e.g. LoopBe1); Midi Output Devices: LoopBe Internal Midi (e.g. LoopBe1)
Unless using multiple/chained instruments (and/or, unless MidiYoke is also being used), all other inputs and outputs should not be selected (particularly Microsoft GS Wavetable and MidiMapper [which defaults to the hideous and latency prone Microsoft GS Wavetable in Windows 7 and 8])! Make sure the Microsoft GS and MidiMappers are not enabled or running in any other program (including NWC) since that will block use of ports by ASIO and prevent its magic reduction of latency. For simple, single instrument recording, most of the other Midi-Through and other settings in VSThost can be ignored.
c. ASIO (easily selected under the "Devices" Menu): Buffers at 256 appears to work fine. ASIO will probably ask for that information the first time it is run. Make sure the output speakers are available and working. If not, it is probably a Microsoft GS/MidiMapper issue. (See above).
d. Select desired SynthFont plugin if needed (I use VSTSynthfont.dll)
e. Connect the devices on the VSThost screen if that has not already occurred. Connect the orange dot on the right of the Engine Input to the VSTPlugin orange dot by left clicking and dragging. A line should appear. Do the same to link the blue to blue and orange to orange dots between the VSTPlugin and the Engine Output.
f. Select sound fonts for the various channels by clicking the middle VSTSynthFont plugin device (top round object). Click "Preset" buttons if using VSTSynthfont to review/and select the desired soundfonts by channel. Remember to add "1" in determining resulting channel in Noteworthy since VstSynthFont.dll begins at "0" (e.g. Channel 8 in vstsynth is actually Channel 9 in Noteworthy). I tend to use WeedsGM3.sf2 for general recording purposes since it follows GM conventions on instruments. However, one can change particular tracks to whatever soundbank and soundfont desired via clicking on the "SoundFont/Giga etc" button on the VSTSynthFont Screen. Press "Save" if you want to save a particular group of selections. (Note: all channel can be selected by shift click techniques to have a particular set of soundfonts applied to all channels).
g. Can also save the VST settings as a Program if desired to provide for various settings and setups. Saving a VST setting as a Program also provides a backup if you have settings that work and mess them up during a session. (I have never done that . . .)
4. Noteworthy Composer setup:
a. Midiout/Playback Device: LoopBe Internal Midi (nothing else!). Port Usage may have to be "Always".
b. Record: USB Midi Cable. Echo, if desired to LoopBe Internal, and "same channel" (e.g. will be to Channel 9 in my case). Turn on Echo if want to check for latency or simply hear how a particular soundfont is, well, sounding.
c. Select eighth note (or whatever note you want to be the smallest for quantization of midi note) in the Import Tab. For smoother transcription and recording, I tend to set rests at longer amounts. I can edit later if needed.
d. Make sure to uncheck "Separate Midi Channels" and set single chord size to 127 under the Import Tab.
e. Create/use rhythm tracks (under Staff Properties: Channel 10, LoopBe Internal Midi) for a metronome. It should be saved in the NWC Template folder and accessed as a "New" file when first recording a new piece. (I have found Channel 10, Notes D, C, C, C below the Bass Clef, and MidiPatch 116 work pretty well as a Metronome).
f. After recording: change channel of recorded track from 11 to 2 or 3 or whatever (Channel 9 in my case since I like the Preset Soundfont for that channel).
Note that the foregoing settings can be retained for generic playing of Noteworthy and midi files. Freedom is added to add different soundfonts at will, even if not natively allowed in the laptop's puny integrated soundcard.
Ah! Retired at last. So now I can return to music.
Problem: my current Windows 7 32 bit laptop has severe latency problems when I try to add background line to melody line or vice versa. Have tried resetting computer to background priority. Tried adding MidiOx or MidiYoke and other virtual ports. Tried ASIO (does not work with the laptops hardware). I do not use softsynths at this time, so that is not a drag on the system resources. I think the problem probably reflects limitations in the onboard sound in the laptop (it otherwise has plenty of ram and speed).
I use a Roland GK2A pickup on my guitar and a Roland GI-10 Guitar Midi Interface. I plug into the computer via a USB midi cable. The Roland devices work on my old clunky Windows 98 desktop with Ensoniq and Creative Soundcards (and game port plug in). Would like to use a newer laptop, however, if possible.
Query
(1) Does someone use or know of a reasonably priced laptop (less than $ 1,000) that does not seem to have latency issues (maybe one that has a separate sound card rather than integrated sound)?
(2) Alternatively, does anyone know if external USB audio cards (maybe one of the Creative line) avoid or minimize the problem?
A while back, Marsu noted how to do guitar tabs. Can no longer find it, but was great idea! In his instructions, multiple one line staves were added. As a matter of simplification, one additional stave (with six lines for guitar) should do the trick. Cookbook instructions are as follows. Not as hard as it may sound.
1. Add new staff (Staff 2) immediately below staff in question. 2. Right click Staff 2, go to "Properties", "Visual", "Lines", and increase number of lines to 6 (unless playing banjo or guitar with broken string). 3. Copy upper staff into Staff 2. Mute Staff 2. Highlight entire Staff 2, right click. Choose "Properties", "Visibility" tab. For "Show on printed page" option, choose "never". 4. On Staff 2, immediately before first note, position cursor on relevant guitar "string" line. Insert text ("x"), use staff lyric for font (or any other font you choose or have created), and type in the number of the fret. If playing a chord, simply enter further "text" entries on the relevant "string" before the chord. (Don't worry about lining up yet). 5. Continue inserting text (e.g. fret number on relevant "string") before each of the remaining notes. 6. When done, highlight the entire Staff 2. Right click. Choose "Properties", Expression Placement. Be sure to have "Preserve Width" unclicked, and have Alignment/placement" at "next note/bar". 7. If you want "bar" lines to show on tablature, highlight each bar line, right click, choose "Properties", "Visibility" and "Always" for "Show on printed page". 8. Have not quite figured out how to add visible slurs and ties into the tablature staff yet (without making the origin note visible).
If your music is going to be published in the Web, be sure to select "Midi Mapper" as the playback device under Staff Properties, Midi. If a specific card or device is chosen, folks who do not have that card or device may not be able to hear the music through Noteworthy Player or the NWC plug-in as such.
For folks lucky enough to have Acrobat 4.0 or the Acrobat Distiller, conversion of a NWC file to PDF format is as simple as selecting the Acrobat Distiller as the printer. Otherwise Fred Nachbaur's method works great (and is much cheaper than buying Acrobat 4.0).
P.S. Acrobat also allows file open/play links to be inserted into pdf files so that folks can click and hear as well as see the score on the Web.
NoteWorthy Composer is one of the few programs that conveniently allows guitar chords to be placed on the score through use of the Insert: Text command.
Underscores can be used in two helpful manners in lyrics.
A "space, underscore" sequence will move a syllable forward one note. This can be helpful in multiple lyric songs with multiple endings.
Sometimes a two-syllable word is desired on each note of a slurred or tied note. Hyphens will cause the first syllable to be carried over the entirety of the slurred/tied notes. However, underscores (without spaces) will divide the syllables appropriately.
Want to install a dash in your lyrics? Hyphens will cause havoc with syllable placement. Instead, cut and paste a dash from your wordprocessor (or the Windows Charmap.exe program)into the lyric editing sheet. Use the "en dash" from WordPerfect (or Charmap) for "hyphens" (regular hyphens from character sets act as "hyphens" in Noteworthy Composer) and "em dash" for actual dashes. (Further tip: play with copy/paste on other characters. Copy/paste also works to copy a refrain or other matters to/from wordprocessor and the lyric screen and from lyric to lyric).
Dragon Dictate allows programming of keystroke commands or sequences to voice commands. It can be used to select note values, rests, clefs, tempo, flats, slur, tie, beam toggles and pretty much any of the basic menu commands in Noteworthy Composer. Use of the voice commands and the mouse speed up the editing and entry of materials in a score. A limited working version of Dragon Dictate is available free of charge on the Novell Wordperfect 6.1 CD Rom. One advantage of NWC over other software is that virtually all of its functions have a keystroke equivalent (rather than being a purely mouse function) so that the keystrokes can be converted into voice commands.
For those who desire to import midi tracks/staffs without fear of having them further split up by note ranges (and without the hassle of having to change note ranges each time in the Import Wizard), simply go to Tools/Options/Import and set the maximum chord size to the maximum (127). That will then be the default in the Wizard.
