I’m looking for a sensible solution for a MIDI keyboard for inputting notes into Dorico.
In addition, it should also be useful with Cubase as a control surface.
Nice to haves:
At least a semi-weighted keybed
Some endless rotary encoders for easier VST control
49 keys, no room for more unfortunately
I was looking at the Novation Launchkey 49 Mk4, does anyone have an opinion about that?
It’s for my son, he has big hands and can’t (he doesn’t think so, but I do…) use one with mini keys.
Thx guys for thinking along!
I have very little experience with these types of controllers, I myself use a Stream Deck and a super simple Mini Keyboard, but I want Noah to have something a little more future-proof for working with Cubase and having a more serious keybed.
I’m starting to gravitate towards the Novation Mk4 models, and the Launchkey 49 in particular. Maybe other folks have experience with that…
Well, I just ordered the Launchkey 49 Mk4. Apparently, after a conversation with a fellow forumite, you need to set the commands issued by the various controls in a companion software/driver, since the deck is very much geared towards DAW use.
Novation, if you’re reading this, please add a factory profile for Dorico, this could easily be a Stream Deck/MIDI keyboard rolled into one. Albeit without the pretty icons…
It seems to be a matter of configuring the buttons to send simple MIDI messages in order to trigger Dorico’s keycommands. I will report back on our progress…
Forgot to follow up on this: This works great, the unit is freely configurable with about 24 buttons and can send actual text-based keycommands to Dorico! Along with the built-in keyboard, which really isn’t too bad at all, this is a viable Dorico input machine, glad we got this!
The configurator can be online, and then syncs across multiple host machines, but can also work locally.
Hi @YourMusic.Pro , I bought a Launchkey mini 37 Mk 4 for my desktop. So far I didn’t find a way, to get the play and record buttons to work. Is this possible in Dorico? In Cubase it is no problem.
I don’t write enough (still working mostly as a novelist these days) but I love my Novation. For HeiPet… there is also a 37 Mk4 with full-size keys, but they don’t really advertise that one. You have to look at the company website to find it.
Thank you, @clancyweeks , but the mini fits perfectly on my desk, just for step time note input and corrections. I also have a full size keyboard next to my desk.
Alright, just out of chat with support: It appears the transport buttons are wired differently and for specific DAWs, but the support person was open to the idea of adding Dorico to that list.
That would be great! Thanks for your efforts! @Ulf , as Dorico uses the same playback engine as Cubase, there is perhaps also a chance that Steinberg could improve this.
Hi, I wrote to the Novation Tech support and got following answer:
Those functions will only be available when there is a dedicated script for the program.
Since we don’t have a script for Dorico Pro 6, these functions will not work.
Since the playback engine is the same as for Cubase, this shouldn’t be to hard (says a guy, who never wrote a line of code …). @Ulf, wouldn’t it be a good idea, to make the Cubase Script work in Dorico?
I would turn the question around and ask: The Dorico scoring engine is now also available in the score editor in Cubase, so why not work in Cubase from now?
Well… I think the minimum level for round-trip to Dorico, plus overall useability costs $329.00 US, so that’s out of reach for me, at least. I’ve pretty much mortgaged the farm just to get into scoring software.
Would you really need a Cubase Pro version. Cubase Artist or even Cubase Elements are also available and much cheaper in price. For many people that don’t make a living from their musical work, this might be an alternative.
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