StaffPad now for iPad

[Cinebient]

https://www.staffpad.net

[Forgotten]

Seems like a good idea, but at $90 I’ll pass, particularly based on the App Store comments about bugs and the software having problems recognizing accidentals.

[emasters]

It's actually a very good scoring app, having just purchased it for iPad last week. It does take time and practice to get used to the handwriting recognition -- which can be frustrating at first. I think most who are giving it low ratings, are not getting to the point where they've made it up the learning curve. If you're look for immediate satisfaction, may not be the best choice (Notion from PreSonus has a faster learning curve). But StaffPad's approach is innovative. Watching the posted videos and reading the on-line docs, helps get up-to-speed.

[Cinebient]

It sure could be improved and i think it will but having finally really quality orchestra sounds on an iPad is the main thing for me. And i´m sure it will just get better. I even wonder how that can sound as good as the much bigger sample libraries within Kontakt since they must be stripped down a lot with such small footprint.
Also having things from Orchestral Tools, Cinesamples, Spitfire Audio and i guess more in the future on an iPad is a great thing as well. So far iOS really lacks these good samples. First time i hear such quality on an iPad.
At least for me these demos sounds really good if you think it all happens on an iPad. Another reason i might get the next new one.
F.e.

[benjamind]

There should be a release of Sibelius for iPad, plus Noteperformer 3.x being released as an add-on. There is no reason why this shouldn't work. The WIVI instruments require so little processor resources, and I am sure one could run a complete orchestral setup on an iPad with Sibelius and Noteperformer.

But...alas...it isn't to be. They stick to PCs and notebooks for that stuff. Why not iOS devices? They work just as well for this sort of thing, since CPU resources are very low.

Sibelius for iOS could include Noteperformer as an add-on. Much more resource friendly and wouldn't take a heap of memory either.

[Torchlight]

Would anyone with experience of both like to say what the advantages of StaffPad are over Notion, if any?

[emasters]

I have both StaffPad and Notion on the iPad Pro 12.9 inch. Notion is a good program (just updated to v2.5). Its handwriting recognition is more flexible in terms of adapting to your style and works well. StaffPad also does good with handwriting recognition, but it's more terse - you must do it StaffPad's way. Once you adapt, it's fine - but there is a learning curve with StaffPad. Notion is more traditional in its approach - reminds me of Sibelius in terms of palettes of symbols, etc. If you read the manual, it does use handwriting recognition for many things. And for a modest investment you can get all the instruments you'll need. Plus it imports/exports to Notion on the desktop. Notion on iPad is a good program, easy to use and moderate in price. StaffPad seems to try to be more intuitive in its approach (for example, erase by pressing a bit harder with the pencil versus an erase tool with Notion), using clever ways to work with your score. It's basic sounds are fine, but in some areas lacking (both solo and ensemble instruments). However, you can purchase pro-quality sound packs that extend the basic sound library, if you're trying to get a more "finished" playback sound. But the sound packs are expensive - many in the $99 range. For example, if you get the Spitfire Symphonic libraries (woodwind, brass, string), plus Spitfire's percussion library - thats $396 (plus the cost of StaffPad). But of course the sound quality is superior (just listen to the demos). StaffPad seems innovative in its approach, where Notion is more traditional. A good example -- automation for Expression, Volume and Panning is drawn on each staff with StaffPad -- never seen this before. It's a clever way to approach this and it's fast and works well with the pencil. They are both good apps -- it's a question of your desired workflow and if you want to create more "polished" playback results (at a commensurate price). I like and use both, but have yet to invest in any StaffPad sound packs. So far, the stock sounds are close enough for my use and work fine.

[Torchlight]

Thanks for the insight. I've got Notion and will probably stick with it for now. Might wait and see if Staffpad goes on sale some time. The premium libraries are definitely tempting. I've got most of them on desktop already, though, so it would be irritating to have to buy them again.