MIDI applications are familiar territory for most audio production, music studio and even DJ software programs. However, few of these place MIDI tools and features at the heart of their program functionality. Instead, they often are lacking the tools and features necessary to achieve the accuracy and precision necessary for MIDI composition, sequencing, recording and editing. With that in mind, SmartScore X offers a high-powered suite to notate instrumental input within in a well-organized, feature-rich interface that makes the finer points of sequencing and editing a simple affair. MIDI input can be rendered in standard musical notation (staffline) as well as TAB, with built-in compatibility that makes it possible to print or export finished compositions or output them directly through another device.
While SmartScore's features and capabilities make it possible to be used in live settings, it's generally better-suited for studio production and arrangement. This is enforced by features such as push-button scanning, which enables scanned sheet music to be edited and even played moments after scanning. Key/clef transposition and part extraction elements, which expedites the editing process while keeping the piece structurally intact, as well as other features such as auto-drum grooves and karaoke instrumentals that help fill in the blanks while suitable elements are being added all create a well-rounded MIDI software product.
SmartScore's scanner-input compatibility makes it an instant ally of songwriters and musicians. Users can scan existing compositions in tab or staffline to change, edit, re-arrange or even transform existing music. The scanner-type and optics quality often can improve or impede the potential of these features but overall, SmartScore does well for itself, even with all-in-one printers that include a built-in scanner, albeit with far less accuracy and fidelity as flatbed scanners.
Keeping lyrics or text intact, or having the capability to input them manually, is a functionality that typically falls by the wayside in a great deal of MIDI software programs. With SmartScore, users can keep text unbroken from a scanned sheet or add lyrics to their original compositions. This is another feature that reinforces SmartScore's standing among and potential for use in schools, churches and other spheres.
SmartScore not only scans existing scores and translates instrumental input with high fidelity, but recognizes complex structures, including repeats, segnos, coda signs, cross-staff voicing, ossias and grace notes, expanding its potential beyond simple MIDI composition and sequencing to the complexities of full musical scoring.
MIDI recording and editing features are fairly standard among audio production and music studio software programs. However, few of these program types lend the focus and precision to go beyond simple recording and playback. SmartScore X features a breadth of tools and features to record instrumental input quickly and accurately and edit with precision and detail. Familiar MIDI features like Piano Roll, Event List and others are also included. There are a few features, however, that deserve a closer look.
While the flaws and errors found in sheet music can often be discovered upon listening, composition, scoring, sequencing and recording often leave little time to consider every detail. With Error Check, users can see problematic measures instantly and make the necessary changes without having to overhaul the entire composition.
Unlike resumes, not all musical compositions can be made to fit on one page. With flexible score displays, users can view multiple pages simultaneously, or even view scores continuously at a scrolling horizontal view that shifts in time with the measures. These different score displays allow users to view scores with varying focus to expedite the overall editing process.
SmartScore is fairly standard in its input and output compatibility and support. Users can scan sheet music, including text/lyrics, to be edited. SmartScore can also import and export MIDI Type I and II formats and even publish directly to Audio-CD.
SmartScore has always been fairly easy to use, managing to strike an impressive balance between ease of use and complexity of function. Now, having undergone a complete overhaul to make the user interface and workflow the center of its focus, users can customize their workspace and workflow to suit their individual needs, and even the untrained or inexperienced individual can make use of advanced features that might not be available (or possible) in other programs.
Musitek provides a healthy help and support structure for SmartScore MIDI Edition. These include a host of built in help features to define and lend insight into tool and feature functionality. Musitek also offers several avenues for technical assistance and a variety of user resources, including a FAQs section and user forum. Program updates can also be downloaded from the website.
SmartScore X MIDI Edition offers nearly everything a musician or songwriter could ever want or need in MIDI software. Its tools and features are strong and its interface is clean. Best of all, its price is just right. With continual updates and changes being made to improve its performance and potential, SmartScore has the makings of a long-term investment and indispensable tool.
