Speedy note entry not working in v27.4

[kevindoman]

Just found out today I am unable to use my speedy note entry. For years, with previous version, I can select the speedy note entry, then click on a measure, I would be a box and I would be able to edit/add individual notes in that measure.

Today, I selected the speedy note entry tool, click on a measure, I get a static box and that's it. Keyboard shortcut probably still work because I can enter some random numbers, then exit speedy note entry, I see corresponding rests based on the number I entered. But that's it.

Anyone else experience this?

K.

[BuonTempi]

Are you using a MIDI keyboard? If not, is "Use MIDI Device for Input" DE-selected in the Speedy Entry menu?

Took me years to figure that out, so I never got the hang of Speedy Entry.

Despite the fact that Finale supposedly became auto-aware of MIDI devices over a decade ago, it still keeps this setting (which seems to just prevent QWERTY keyboard input) on by default, even if you have no MIDI keyboard.

[kevindoman]

I didn't pay attention to that setting for the longest time because in previous version, "Use MIDI Device for Input" can be be selected or de-selected, I was able to use edit the measure just fine.

With the PDF bug and now this speedy entry issue, I just uninstalled and re-installed v27.3 and I am good to go. I'll stay active on this forum to watch for further development before switching again. Lost a week of work trying to figure out if it's my PC or Finale.

[ebiggs1]

My Speedy works in 27.4 like it always has. I doubt MM messed with the Speedy tool when the basic reason for 27.4 was updating the Mac OS problem. It is really odd that folks are seeing strange issues with 27.4.

[motet]

The print-to-PDF mess has nothing to do with the Mac OS, either. I agree they probably didn't intentionally mess with Speedy Entry, but who knows? I guess I would file a support ticket.

[BuonTempi]

It is really odd that folks are seeing strange issues with 27.4.

There's just no explanation for all these problems that people keep having with Finale.

[motet]

Has anyone else tried Speedy entry with 27.4 on Windows?

[ebiggs1]

The print-to-PDF mess has nothing to do with the Mac OS, either

However, MM probably did "mess" with the PDF print tool. I doubt they did mess with the Speedy Entry tool. There is no proof, yet, that what the OP is seeing is 27.4 related. Convicted by coincidence or is it a real problem?

[motet]

It's a problem for the O.P. here. Is Speedy entry working for you in 27.4?

[ebiggs1]

Is Speedy entry working for you in 27.4?

I know it isn't a well received opinion on this forum if Finale works but, yes, Speedy and 27.4 works as expected. It is the only version I use or even have installed on my computer. My only hiccup is it asking me twice where to save the PDF files.

I have two thoughts about 27.4. First I doubt there would be a 27.4 if 27.3 worked with Sonoma OS. Secondly, I doubt seriously MM has any outside beta testers. My guess is they thought well we need to have something more than just fixing Sonoma so lets fix PDF printing.
Without outside beta testers that will see many times more different situations of people using Finale than any few insiders could, they blew it.

[motet]

If someone says something is not working after an update, it's helpful to know whether everyone is having that experience or it's peculiar to a particular system, so in this case your experience is very helpful.

I was a Finale beta tester many years ago but I don't know if they still have them. As you say, there are many different combinations of hardware and uses of Finale, so it seems like they would be helpful. Beta testing is not systematic, though, and doesn't replace rigorous testing. It looks to me like MakeMusic doesn't have very good QA in-house. It's not uncommon after a Finale update to find a broken plug-in, for example. Trying every plug-in and every tool and command should be standard operating procedure. Typically, software developers go to great lengths to test things before a release, both with live testers and automated tools. If you release something that's broken, it's not good for your reputation and your future sales.

[ebiggs1]

I was a beta tester for MM for 10+ years. I got to be pretty close friends with several of the folks, Justin and Yvonne and the others. I am still a beta tester for some other large software makers.

It seems when ever this new group releases a new version something else is broken or does not work. They obliviously don't test everything. If you think you are going to fix the PDF printing ability of Finale you must think it is broken or faulty. Doesn't the thought that Finale users must do something like d/l a third party PDF print utility to make correct PFD's. But you don't test any of that not even the industry standard Adobe Acrobat. If you had outside beta testers I am certain that would have been found even if you only had a few.

[motet]

I personally don't believe the claim that breaking the ability to use print-to-PDF programs like CutePDF was an accident. Someone had to write special code to intercept the print to CutePDF, which normally is transparent to Finale, so how could that happen accidentally? I suspect that someone figured that one print-to-PDF program was the same as the next.

[ebiggs1]

I suspect that someone figured that one print-to-PDF program was the same as the next.

I really doubt it but at any rate a group of outside beta testers would have stopped that immediately.

I still think it an unrealized consequence which is the same reason that MM doesn't do any major revision. Fear of breaking something else. And that boils down to not enough money to do so and/or not enough technical ability to do so.

[motet]

I keep hoping someone will buy the company and invest what it takes. I'm not sure if that makes sense from a business point of view, though.

[kevindoman]

Quick update....
I upgraded Finale to v27.4.1.100 tonight and my only two confirmed issue that failed me was print to PDF using Nitro PDF Pro and my speedy note entry feature, BOTH is working!

On MM's side, I am a Finale user for the longest time. Finale was first introduced to me in 1989 when I entered my freshman year as a music major and grew through the versions to today.

I am very happy with the features, the flexibility, etc. everything up to this v27.4 update. Thank goodness MM provide a fix so quickly.

So, thank you MM.

[LEckerling]

I'm not able to get Speedy note entry to work. I'm currently using a trial software on Mac. "Use Midi Device for Input" is checked.
My midi setup is working for "simple", when I play notes from a midi keyboard. When I switch to Speedy, I still "hear" the notes I played, but it does not enter into the score.

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance

[Peter Thomsen]

LEckerling,

The info you have given us, helps.
But we need a little more.

Take a look in the MIDI/Audio menu.

* Is the menu item
Play Finale Through MIDI
selected or de-selected?

Also, take a look in
Window menu > ScoreManager > Instrument List

* What playback device is selected?
(You can attach a screen shot)

[LEckerling]

HI Thanks....

Play Finale Through Audio Units is what was selected. I just changed it to "Play Finale Through midi".

In score manager, a "voice" instrument was selected. Now that I have changed to play audio through midi, I no longer hear a sound when I play the keyboard in speedy. I also don't hear a sound in "simple", but the notes are still entering on the score.

[motet]

Since MIDI input works in Simple entry, your various MIDI/Audio menu settings are probably OK. Go to Preferences and click the button that says Reset All Preferences and see if that fixes it.

[LEckerling]

It does not fix it. I use a Korg O1W, that goes through a midi interphase, and from there to the computer. That's probably why "play through audio units" works, and "Play through midi" doesn't. Hmmmmm

[motet]

If "play through audio units" works, then play through audio units! That setting is for outputs, not inputs.

Make sure CapsLock is not on.

How familiar are you with Speedy entry? You do realize that it works backwards from Simple? You hold down the MIDI key, then press keypad numbers to enter notes.

[LEckerling]

OMG!! THANK YOU! I literally have had a trial finale for not even one full day, so i'm not familiar at all. And THAT was the problem!

Hold down the midi note first, and then push the button!

Whew!

I've got a lot to learn! I've been using Overture for a VERY LONG TIME, and it's almost worthless now. So Now I have Trial versions of both Finale and Sibelius, and I'm deciding.

Again, thanks a bunch!