Free notation software: Avid Sibelius | First

[pjd]

Hi --

While scraping the Web for Summer NAMM 2018 rumors, I came across a press release from Avid. They have released a free version of the Sibelius | First notation program. Here's a link to the Sibelius First page:

http://www.avid.com/sibelius-first

You need to create an Avid account in order to download it. I use Sibelius First for knocking out lead sheets, etc.

If you're looking for my Summer NAMM 2018 ramblings, please look here:

http://sandsoftwaresound.net/summer-namm-2018-snoozer/

All the best -- pj

[voodoo]

Thanks for the tip. I will try it.

And thanks for writing about the IK UNO. So it cannot be played by (any) IK portable Keyboards? It should offer a class compliant USB midi host port. So it works only with iPad connected. That's a failure. :-/

Uli

[pjd]

Hi Uli --

I decided to update my paid copy of Sibelius First and discovered that Avid has renamed the product line -- and has re-used the name "Sibelius First" to refer to the free, lower-than-entry version. The Sibelius product line has three members:

Sibelius | First    (a free version derived from "Sibelius")
Sibelius   (formerly known as the paid version "Sibelius First")
Sibelius | Ultimate  (the full version)

I recommend checking out Avid's comparison chart. The free Sibelius | First, for example, can handle at most two verses (lines) of lyrics, no sound library, and doesn't have any plug-ins. Some of the plug-ins are quite useful, like the plug-in that creates capo'ed chord symbols.

Avid have gone to a subscription model, so expect more confusion. The Sibelius purchase, download and install process took almost two hours. I went to Starbucks while the sound library downloaded.  It took forever to install the Avid Application Manager; the actual Sibelius install was faster. I have neighbors who work at Avid. Good thing it's hot and we're all stuck inside... 

Sibelius | First is free anyway... Try before buy.

All the best -- pj

[pjd]

And thanks for writing about the IK UNO. So it cannot be played by (any) IK portable Keyboards? It should offer a class compliant USB midi host port. So it works only with iPad connected. That's a failure. :-/

Hi, again --

I haven't looked into any of the other IK Multimedia keyboards. I focused on the iRig Keys I/O because I played one at the Boston Music Expo. The 'boards are well-made, compact and have a nice action with full-sized keys. The chap at the IK booth was really decent and had to listen to me moan about the lack of 5-pin MIDI. If IK offered a 5-pin dongle for the iRig Keys I/O, I would trade my Triton Taktile for one.

Just investigated the iConnectivity Mio4, which appears to bridge USB-B and 5-pin. ($149 USD). That might be an option.

Hey, hey, have a good weekend -- pj

http://sandsoftwaresound.net/boston-music-expo-2018/

[voodoo]

Just investigated the iConnectivity Mio4, which appears to bridge USB-B and 5-pin. ($149 USD). That might be an option.

Then have a look at the Kenton USB Midi Host

  https://www.thomann.de/de/kenton_midi_usb_host.htm

This seems to be the minimal solution for a PC-less USB midi host. I investigated this earlier for my Line6 USB midi foot pedal, which also lacks standard midi connectors, und thus cannot be connected directly to the Genos.

Uli

[pjd]

Hi --

IConnectivity claim that the mio4 can be used standalone without a computer. If so, then it's an alternative to the Kenton. The Kenton is somewhat difficult to obtain in the States -- without paying an exorbitant shipping fee.

Anyway, it's all a bit academic. I'm trying to get rid of stuff and not buy anything new.    (We still hope to move closer to our grandkid.)

All the best to ya -- pj