Finale does not release audio stream - exclusive mode (?)

[Edgar5]

New install of Finale 25. Windows 10 1803. ASUS Prime X299-Deluxe Motherboard out to Soundcraft Signature 12MTK mixer via USB.

Problem 1: Even though I have gone into the Sound settings and turned off "Exclusive Mode" for my mixer… If I have any other source playing sound (e.g. MediaMonkey, Audacity, VLC etc.) when I launch Finale, the sound stops coming through my mixer.

Problem 2: After I exit Finale, no other sound source is allowed access to the mixer. I must reboot to free the audio stream.

I almost never use Finale to produce sound; it is used almost exclusively to create clean copies of handwritten charts.

Is there some setting in Finale which will tell it play nice with other sound sources?

Edgar5

[motet]

Not that I've found. If you find a solution, please let us know.

[zuill]

Either ASIO or Rewire might be involved here. Are you using either of those?

Zuill

[motet]

On my system it's hard to tell. What's the solution if so?

[zuill]

I was referring mostly to the OP, as Finale 25 has both. I have not used Rewire, so I have never turned it on. In audio settings, I use direct sound, not ASIO. ASIO has caused me problems in the past.

Zuill

[motet]

Well, now F2014.5 won't play at all. The playback cursor hangs in the first bar. Scrubbing doesn't work. 2011 works fine. The people in MM technical support throw up their hands.

I'm getting near the end of my rope with Finale. Finally have a 64-bit machine, so am able to run Dorico now.

[motet]

Under Finale's Audio Setup the only choice is Realtek ASIO.

[Edgar5]

Either ASIO or Rewire might be involved here. Are you using either of those?

it seems that ASIO was set as the default. I tried DirectSound but got error code 7. I tried WASAPI and resolve the issue of Finale hijacking the Audio Stream, but Finale produced no sound output. I retried ASIO and got sound output but Finale hijacking the Audio Stream. I retried DirectSound and this time did not get an error code and everything works just fine* - Finale DID NOT hijack the Audio Stream, with MediaMonkey playing in the background I was able to hear piano notes entered and the score played.

* While Finale would play piano it would not produce any sound for a simple bass drum line. I can live with this!

My thanks to zuill for pointing me in the right direction!