Using a Midi controller with Dorico and a symphonic library

Dorico
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I am a Finale casualty new to Dorico and MIDI controllers, and symphonic libraries! Is there a video or tutorial or site that explains how Dorico uses MIDI controllers with a symphonic library to compose? Signed, desperate.

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Welcome to the forum @pfinley51.

Dorico interacts with MIDI and VST Instruments just as well as any other notation software. Actually, better.

What sorts of things are you hoping to be able to do?

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Thanks for the reply. When buying Dorico and the VSL I was informed that adding a MIDI controller would help me enhance the overall quality of , say, an orchestral score in Dorico and the VSL. But I’m an old Finale guy. I wrote the piece, added Garritan orchestral sounds with Aria player and that was that.

I I see numerous videos on MIDI controllers in real-time recording, but absolutely nothing on how to use a controller with a VSL in Dorico, and remember, I am totally new to this. How does a MIDI controler interact specifically with Dorico and VSL? Can you direct me to any video or written tutorial that will set me on my way? Or can you give me enough examples and pointers that weill get me started?

patrick

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A MIDI controller - a keyboard most of the time - will only control what you put into Dorico. You can send information such as the volume, vibrato, sustaining (like a pedal) to Dorico and it will translate that information to your VST Instruments.

You can also send MIDI data to your VST that can change what sounds play. You can have a Violin playing Arco, pizz., con sord, etc. This is not typically entered with a controller but rather from information in your notation. e.g. If you use the Pizz. Playing Technique, it will send that signal to your VST.

Dorico has a feature called Expression Maps which handle the “translation” of the data. All instruments in Dorico will have an Expression Map assigned to them. You could send a particular kind of MIDI data that would normally be used for controlling Volume but it could translate that information to control, say Vibrato.

This is determined within your Expression Map.

Some YouTube videos about these types of things:

(this one contains a short chapter on MIDI)

Let us know if you have any more questions.

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This is very very helpful! This gives me a start . Thank you so much! Patrick

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