Finale Forum

SUBJECT: Adjusting total volume of a file

After many years I have completed my Symphony #2.

The work is currently in four files. Unfortunately, I did not monitor playback
sound levels. When played separately one after the other – three play well at playback level 6. However, one movement is too loud, and it needs to playback at
level 4.

Question 1: is there a way to adjust the sound level in the too loud
movement, and should it be done separately or after I
combine the 4 movements into one playback file?

I completed all four movements using Finale 2014 as I was comfortable with adjusting details.

Question 2: Should I move all files to V26.2 for further improvements – or
Should I go directly into a DAW?

Question 3: Which DAW would you recommend?

I look forward to your advise, and thank you for your help.

BudM

If you want to adjust the volume of a file globally, any audio software will do it (Audacity, etc..).

You don't state whether you use Windows or Mac, but the movement's volume can be adjusted within Finale by Midi/Audio menu/VST Banks and Effects and lowering the master volume (assuming you're not using outboard midi). Alternately you can lower the volume through Finale's mixer.
You don't need to invest in a DAW just to adjust volume. As stated, free Audacity will do the job.

HELLO

I use Windows

Thank you
BudM

The suggestion to use a DAW, like Audacity or the more powerful Ardour (can be fully downloaded for $1) gives you far more control over the playback sound, even create a surround sound file. Finale's mixer is very limited. Surely your work deserves the best.

I've experimented with getting more control over playback by exporting a Finale midi file with its HP to a DAW and then having the DAW control Finale's playback of 3rd party VSTs. Having used trial versions of Reaper, Samplitude, and now Cubase, the learning curve is not easy. The initial problem in each case was just getting the two software systems to communicate. Once that was squared away if was learning the DAW's graphical interface to affect the various midi continuous controllers. I don't believe Audacity has such capability and is mostly for working with audio files.

The OP wants to mix down his tracks, chiefly to balance the volume. Audacity's Envelope tool is easy to use: he could shape the waveform to his liking in less than a minute, after concatenating the files. This option requires very little learning and offers lossless editing.