Finale Questions

I'm currently considering the purchase of Finale, because I'm looking for the best quality samples I can get.

So, first off - are all the samples superb? Does the brass sound realistic; do the strings resonate as they should?

Secondly, what are my MIDI import options? If I import a MIDI, can I assign one of the high-quality samples to each of the tracks?

Thanks for your help.

Oh boy...ok first off, if you're looking for good-quality samples then you shouldn't be looking for a notation software. Finale is made to write music and make it look great when printed. It can be used to produce excellent recordings with the built-in version of Garritan Personal Orchestra (A sound library, that's the thing you're looking for) however it's not what it's best at nor what it's meant for.

check out www.garritan.com for the most common, affordable sound library out there. I use it; sounds great.

If you want better, look for EWQL Symphonic Library. Amazing sounds especially if you're looking for a nice Hollywood-style sound; excellent library with an astounding choir and great variety of samples. Will cost you a pretty penny though for any of their 3 versions.

Top of the line full orchestral library is probably Vienna Symphonic. Amazing variety of sounds, excellent quality and VERY versatile. Be prepared to take out a new mortgage though.

All of these sound libraries can be used with any MIDI editor that supports VST plugins or even without in most cases. Find the sites, take a look and good luck.

(In terms of notation software though, Finale IS the best so go with that. Also, the version of GPO that comes with Finale is NOT the full version; some instruments and varieties and functions are missing so keep that in mind. I use Finale 2006 but I have the full version of GPO.)

Wow, thanks a lot for your help. I'm looking into the sample libraries now - the Garriton one looks most cost-effective for now. Again, thanks. ^_^