On 2/5/2016 6:42 PM, Ryan wrote: > I normally use a desktop for my Finale work, but a job has appeared and > I'll need a laptop to work away from home. If you use a laptop for Finale, > what accessories do you recommend? > > Along with the MacBook, I plan on getting a mini MIDI keyboard, and numeric > keypad. Not sure I'll need much more (aside from a bag to hold all of it), > but perhaps there's something else that may be useful? >
When looking into a mini MIDI keyboard, think carefully about whether you will be most comfortable using a 25-key (2 octave) or 37-key (3 octave) keyboard. I've used a 2-octave keyboard for years (the original Korg NanoKey) but have always been frustrated having to switch octaves up and down since many instrumental parts cover more than 2 octaves. But the 2-octave keyboards (I have moved to an IK-Multimedia iRig Keys Mini since it's more modern and is "class-compliant" so it doesn't require drivers) are small enough to fit into the same computer bag with my notebook. I've just bought the Korg MicroKey37 keyboard ($85 at Sweetwater) and have to say that it is very well built. I bought it to be able to use it with my iPad, which the promo material at Sweetwater said was possible, but find that it needs to be run through a powered hub to work with the iPad. It works great with my HP laptop, though. I'm returning it in favor of the bluetooth version MicroKey37Air ($130 at Sweetwater). The basic keyboard also serves as a USB hub, which is where the power need is greater than the iPad's Lightning connector (using the Apple Camera Connection Kit) comes in. The more expensive version can be attached via USB cable or bluetooth. I should be getting the MicroKey37Air delivered today and will put it through several tests. These Korg keyboards have pitch-bend and mod wheels, the Air version supports the use of a footpedal and requires 2 AA batteries to power the bluetooth. It's a solid keyboard with great feel to the mini keys. The big problem with a 3-octave keyboard is that the smallest ones are still 23" long, which is much too long for most computer bags and even many backpacks, so transporting my new keyboard will be an interesting endeavor when I travel. But working with 37 keys is so much more convenient than working with 25 keys, and the octaves are still switchable up and down using buttons on the keyboard so that the full range of midi notes is covered. I looked into bluetooth numeric keypads but never found one that was inexpensive enough for my taste, so I bought a USB version for about $20 (at Amazon a couple of years ago) which works great. There are some fine bluetooth speakers available Sony which fit conveniently into my computer bag but earbuds will be just as nice sounding and will provide better privacy for your music work while you're traveling. Consider some bluetooth earbuds for convenience -- I have a pair and it's so nice to be able to simply stand up from working at my notebook and walk around as needed without having to remember to remove the earbuds. They're great for listening to music, too! -- David H. Bailey dhbai...@davidbaileymusicstudio.com http://www.davidbaileymusicstudio.com _______________________________________________ Finale mailing list Finale@shsu.edu https://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale To unsubscribe from finale send a message to: finale-unsubscr...@shsu.edu
