Playback Options in Dorico
Introduction
Dorico’s Playback Options provide deep control over virtual instrument performance, dynamics, and humanization. Unlike Finale, where playback relies heavily on manual MIDI adjustments, Dorico integrates Expression Maps, Playback Techniques, and Endpoint Setup to create natural and expressive playback with minimal intervention.
Finale users had the Jazz playback style or the ability to create a Swing expression. Many Finale users mistakenly try to apply swing locally using the Tempo Popover, often with unpredictable results. In Dorico, the correct approach—like all things in Dorico—is to set Options globally where possible. This is done in Playback Options > Timing rather than applying it locally.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Accessing Playback Options
- Navigate to Play Mode by clicking the Play tab in the toolbar.
- Open Playback Options via Play > Playback Options or by pressing Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P.
- Adjust playback settings such as timing, dynamics, and articulation interpretation.
2. Configuring Swing and Groove
- To enable swing playback globally, go to Playback Options > Timing.
- Adjust the Swing Ratio slider to set the desired swing feel.
- Choose between different swing intensities for different tempo ranges.
- Avoid setting swing locally in the Tempo Popover, as this can lead to inconsistent results.
3. Configuring Expression Maps
- Expression Maps define how articulations and playing techniques translate into MIDI playback.
- Go to Library > Expression Maps to manage instrument-specific articulation rules.
- Assign an Expression Map to a VST instrument in Endpoint Setup.
4. Assigning Playback Techniques
- Playback Techniques determine which MIDI events trigger specific articulations.
- Access Library > Playback Techniques to view or create custom techniques.
- Link Playing Techniques (visible in the score) to Playback Techniques for accurate interpretation.
5. Managing Endpoint Setup
- Endpoint Setup assigns virtual instruments to each staff.
- Open Play > Endpoint Setup to configure:
- VST/AU instrument assignments.
- Expression Maps for articulation handling.
- Default playback settings per instrument.
6. Adjusting Playback Timing and Humanization
- Timing Humanization introduces natural variations in rhythm and velocity.
- Adjust humanization in Playback Options > Timing.
- Enable Performance Timing to fine-tune note durations and offsets.
7. Editing Playback in the Key Editor
- Open the Key Editor in Play Mode to fine-tune MIDI playback.
- Modify note velocity, length, and controller data.
- Drag articulations and techniques directly onto notes.
Tips & Best Practices
- Assign Expression Maps early to ensure playback reflects articulation changes.
- Use Playback Techniques in combination with Playing Techniques for realistic phrasing.
- Fine-tune dynamics in MIDI Continuous Controllers within the Key Editor.
- Utilize VST Instrument Rack to manage multiple virtual instruments efficiently.
- Set swing globally via Playback Options > Timing rather than applying it in the Tempo Popover.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Problem: Articulations do not trigger in playback.
- Solution: Ensure correct Expression Map is assigned in Endpoint Setup.
Problem: Playback sounds robotic.
- Solution: Increase Timing Humanization in Playback Options.
Problem: Dynamics do not affect playback volume.
- Solution: Check Expression Map settings for MIDI controller assignments.
Problem: Swing playback is inconsistent.
- Solution: Set swing globally in Playback Options > Timing instead of applying it locally.
FAQs
Q: Can I use third-party VST instruments in Dorico?A: Yes, Dorico supports VST2 and VST3 instruments through the VST Instrument Rack.
Q: How do I assign different sounds to different voices on the same staff?A: Use Voice-Specific Expression Maps in Endpoint Setup.
Q: Can I customize playback per instrument?A: Yes, you can assign unique Playback Techniques and Expression Maps per instrument.