Windows 10: Configuring Play in Version 2.51a (and older)

w10-midiprob1

After upgrading to Windows 10, you might encounter the following error when using NoteWorthy Composer Version 2.51a or earlier:This error is caused by a Windows 10 change to the MIDI device subsystem. In Windows 10, it is not possible for NWC to release the default MIDI device, and then reattach to it. This process fails, causing the problem shown.

We have included a full resolution to this issue in version 2.75. In the mean time, you can use the following work around while in the Tools, Options, Midi tab:

work around
Suggested settings
  1. Set Port Usage to Always
    This will reduce the number of times that the program releases and then reclaims the MIDI play device.
  2. Empty the Devices used by play box
    This will make it possible for you to navigate out of the Midi options tab. The default MIDI device will still get used automatically when you start play back.
  3. Restart NoteWorthy Composer
  4. Repeat step 2 and 3 as necessary
    Since the program cannot successfully release/claim the MIDI port on Windows 10, you will have to repeat steps 2 and 3 each time you visit Tools, Options, Midi.

 Update:  It appears as though Microsoft finally got around to fixing the Windows 10 GS Wavetable Synth problems in build 10586.

Version 2.51a Released

Access Upgrade

An update to NoteWorthy Composer Version 2.51 has been released as version 2.51a. You can upgrade your currently installed copy of NoteWorthy Composer 2 by opening it, then select the Access NoteworthySoftware.com command in the Help menu. You will automatically be directed to the page where you can download and install the NoteWorthy Composer 2.51a upgrade.

Continue reading “Version 2.51a Released”

New Lua Scripting Engine

Lua Book

Anyone using NWC version 2.51 or later now has a built-in user tool scripting engine, with no extra download/install sequence required. Version 2.51 introduces a built-in Lua scripting engine that integrates a basic API for handling user tool input and output processing. Every copy of NoteWorthy Composer 2.51 includes two new user tools, found in the new .Automatic section of the User Tools command:

  1. Show Note Names.lua
    This returns a list of note names for the current selection. This is primarily intended as a demonstration of the Lua scripting engine.
  2. Retrograde.lua
    Like the PHP based user tool kit before it, this was the first Lua based user tool while version 2.51 was in development. It will reverse the notes in a selection, which can sometimes be inspiring when working with a composition.

There are several online resources that can help with getting started with your own Lua scripts:

  • The new API available from within a Lua based user tool is currently documented online at: lua.noteworthycomposer.com.
  • Much of the NWC Lua API is actually written in Lua. It can be explored from our gist on github.