Human Playback issues - I can't switch back and forth

[Brent]

I've been using version 2014.5 for years, and I haven't encountered this problem before. I cannot get my current file to start with 'square eights, switch to an easy swing, and return to the square eighths at the end. I've referred to the online user manual, and the only thing that it has helped to produce are crashes.

I have tried to implement it with the expression tool, and through the MIDI tool, with no success. It is when I use the MIDI tool that I experience crashes.

Thanks very much, in advance, for any assistance you might provide.

...Brent

[motet]

If you can post your file, that's the easiest way to clear things up. You can delete most or all of the notes, as long as the tempo problem occurs.

[Brent]

Oh, perfect. I tried to send you the Finale file, but I immediately got the message that the file is too big to send. Now what do I do?

Thanks for this.

...Brent

[zuill]

Here's something to check regarding a known issue. If you are using an expression for this, make sure the settings in the Score List are such that all the parts are selected on the Parts column. In a part like piano, only the top staff needs to be chosen, as generally both staves of the piano share a channel. If this works, then the problem is solved. Please let us know.

Zuill

[motet]

If that doesn't solve it, delete all but your top staff and upload it.

[Brent]

Hi Zuill. I'm not sure what you meant in your post, but everything looks correct in the Score List. I've set Human Playback to jazz-light swing, and then off the top I used the expression tool to turn Human Playback OFF for the first six measure. Again, using the expression tool I've turned the Human Playback ON. Towards the end I used the same expression to turn it back OFF. When I play it back it all swings. If I change the setting in Human Playback to none or Standard it plays the whole arrangement using square eighths.

I need to send an audio 'recording' to my client, but I'd like to send it to him with the correct feel.

Thank you for your time.

[Brent]

Hi Motet. I've peeled off all but one of one of the parts, and I was able to attach the file to this post.

Would my issue be related to the fact that most of the parts are using JABB, and the two violin parts are using voices from the Finale default bank? All parts are running through the Aria player.

Thank you for your time and expertise.

[zuill]

In your file, you have an expression called Easy Swing q=112. However, that expression doesn't have a setting to start the swing. Since you can't combine Tempo and Swing in a single expression, you'll need a second expression to activate the swing (you can make it hidden if desired). Also, with only a single staff, my earlier suggestion is not necessary. In a score with multiple staves, go into Edit Categories and Edit the Score List to include all the parts in the Parts column.

Zuill

[Brent]

Thanks for your reply. I followed all of your instructions, and still no joy. I tried to use the MIDI tool to turn off and on the Human Playback, but the program crashed again, and was unable to send a report.

This is starting to get frustrating, but I know I should be able to achieve the two 'feels' in a file.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

...Brent

[zuill]

Okay. Let's start with a demo. This file is very simple. I did it in Finale 2014.5, as that is your version.

Zuill

[Brent]

Ah, Zuill, you've done it again. Worked like a charm. My problem is that I used the help file. What you just showed me is so straight forward and clear it makes me wonder why that method doesn't appear in the official help encyclopedia.

In any case, I really appreciate the time you took to show me the way. You've bailed me out numerous times in the past, and I appreciated those instances, too.

Stay safe and stay well.

...Brent

[Brent]

Well, I've started another arrangement where I'd like to go from bossa to swing and back, and I followed your exact example that you sent me, but it doesn't have the desired outcome. I took note of your settings in human playback and duplicated it in my score, but if I set it to standard the whole chart uses square eighths in playback, and if I set it to swing it swings the bossa parts. It seemed so simple the way you had instructed me but Finale, at my end, isn't playing ball.

Any other suggestions?

[zuill]

Did you set up the Score List properly? That is in the Category Designer for the Expression Tool.

Zuill

[Brent]

Bingo! I had both expressions, and their definitions under Expressions and, apparently, you can't edit that category.

Again, thank you so much!

...Brent