Noteperformer version up

[adagio4evergreen]

I saw the news that NotePerformer has been updated, but does it support the playback engine? I rely on the playback engine, so I am currently using version 4.

[sjanssens]

If you want to continue using the playback engines, you need to keep using 4. Also, the playback engines are now unsupported so there’s always a chance that an update to a library may cause issues with the engine. This is unfortunate, but Wallander’s hand was forced. You can search the forums for the history of the NP 5 release.

[adagio4evergreen]

Thanks for the information! Since the playback engine is a major reason why I keep using NotePerformer, that means I can’t use the latest version—but the biggest issue is that I wouldn’t be able to use my preferred reverb!

[Michel_Edward]

Is NotePerformer post-playback engine going to improve on its own sounds?
What sort of thing can we expect from upgrades going forward?

If the instruments get improvements in sound quality (for example, the solo strings being a bit less twangy) then it’s not that bad losing access to the NPPEs.

But if nothing actually happens to the sounds from NotePerformer, then is upgrading to a newer version worth the loss?

[sjanssens]

These comments from Arne might answer your questions (or not):

NotePerformer 5.1

I appreciate your concern for our business, but I assure you it’s unfounded. Our primary business is not audio production, but to enable users to produce better printed scores for live musicians through proof-listening. Our software provides educational value and a more effective workflow, with the printed score serving as the final product. Our software was made to prevent score creators from being misled by computer playback into under- or overnotating scores, or degrading them by misplaced …

NotePerformer 5.1

We have no plans to implement generative AI. Our general users want immediate audio feedback that doesn’t require an Internet connection or use up the computer’s entire resources. Although NotePerformer’s technologies might be considered old-school, they are well-suited for notation playback, and we will instead try to improve them gradually rather than find a replacement.

[adagio4evergreen]

I am unable to use the “Synchron Stage Reverb” in NotePerformer 4. While there seem to be workarounds, it isn’t supported out of the box. Since it appears to be available in NotePerformer 5, I am hoping for an update that adds support for it to the playback engine.

[mducharme]

@adagio4evergreen

I am hoping for an update that adds support for it to the playback engine

This isn’t going to happen. The NPPE engines are gone permanently.

[leeholdridge]

I use NP 5 and I have made a few different playback templates using NP, one all NP, one with the VSL strings substituting for the NP strings or one with the BBCSO strings. All work really well using the NP engine. I can easily bring my own reverbs including the Synchron stage into those. The fact that NP 5.0 and up offers separate channels makes it possible.

[dko22]

@adagio4evergreen

Since the playback engine is a major reason why I keep using NotePerformer

@NotePerformer 5.1

I appreciate your concern for our business, but I assure you it’s unfounded. Our primary business is not audio production, but to enable users to produce better printed scores for live musicians through proof-listening. Our software provides educational value and a more effective workflow, with the printed score serving as the final product

If you disagree and regard the final product as being a mock-up or indeed a live performance, then the only solution is to stay with NotePerfomer 4 as I and countless others do.