Sibelius MIDI > GarageBand without loss

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Level 2

229 points

Sibelius MIDI > GarageBand without loss

I use Sibelius (and sometimes Finale) to compose orchestral scores. However, I find the sounds in GarageBand much better than those included with Sibelius.

When I’ve taken a score in Sibelius and transferred the MIDI to GarageBand it’s a lot of extra work to reorchestrate it to sound right in GarageBand. For example, in Sibelius I can change the cello part from arco to pizzicato and the sound changes when I play it back. In GarageBand I have to duplicate the part so that there’s an arco cello part and a pizz. cello part.

Similarly, if I draw a slur over a measure in Sibelius the slur will sound correctly (legato) when played back. In GarageBand it seems to require me to change each articulation to a different line (instrument). This makes a full orchestral part so unwieldy that I give up and stay with Sibelius.

Am I missing something? Or is there a way to take a MIDI score file from Sibelius into GarageBand and have GarageBand know what each part requires?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Posted on Aug 13, 2011 11:36 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

gjmnz

Level 3

858 points

Aug 15, 2011 6:25 PM in response to BflatBlues

The way that the string software instruments work in GB is that they are dedicated to one articulation only. Also you are limited to just a few anyways. So to move from pizzicato to staccato requires loading two seperate tracks. You are not missing anything with your discoveries, GB is just not set up with its standard or JamPack insrtuments to go really indepth.

Two alternatives:

1. Look into Native Instruments Session Strings or Session Strings Pro http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/powered-by-kontakt/sess ion-strings/ This can run inside of GB as an AU. Tonnes of articulations and great samples. I am not saying that this would solve the MIDI transfer issue but it would give you much more variety.

2. Sibelius 7 is now out and and comes not only with a rediesigned interface but with 38GB of samples. It would mean that you would not have to leave the Sib environment. I would assume that all articulations will be catered for. http://www.sibelius.com/products/sibelius/7/professional_sound_library.html

All the best. 🙂

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Answer 2

BflatBlues Author

Level 2

229 points

Aug 15, 2011 8:14 PM in response to gjmnz

gjmnz, thanks for the response. I was afraid that it was simply a limitation in the interface between two MIDI systems. I don't think either Sibelius or GB is designed for more than basic MIDI import and export.

A few months ago I did buy the symphony and one other added JamPacks made by Apple and they sound pretty good. Knowing this interface issue now it makes it easier to chose the right tool for my scoring needs. (But it sure would be nice to use some of the Apple rhythm loops easily in Sibelius.)

The last time I checked the current version of Sibelius was 6.2. I didn't know that a new release was imminent. FYI, I went to the Sibelius (Avid) site and Sibelius 7 is available for pre-order now; the estimated ship date is August 25.

Thank you again for your help.

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Answer 3

BflatBlues Author

Level 2

229 points

Aug 15, 2011 8:18 PM in response to BflatBlues

Oops. I was trying to click on "Correct Answer" for your post, but somehow it made my own "thanks" the correct answer. I can't find any way to undo that so I made yours "Helpful." My apologies.

(I liked the old Apple discussion board and its processes so much more than this update.)

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Answer 4

gjmnz

Level 3

858 points

Aug 15, 2011 9:43 PM in response to BflatBlues

BflatBlues wrote:

The last time I checked the current version of Sibelius was 6.2. I didn't know that a new release was imminent. FYI, I went to the Sibelius (Avid) site and Sibelius 7 is available for pre-order now; the estimated ship date is August 25.

It must be out somewhere already as people are already posting on the Sib forum and there is already a 7.0.1 update. I am still only on 5 but will upgrade shortly.

Are you on 6? If so, have you looked into the ReWire feature where GB is the host and Sib is the slave. It was suppposed to be one of 'the' selling points of 6 over 5. I can't see how that would solve the articulation problem but you never know, there might be something there.

Cheers 🙂

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