Split points

To specify a point at which a measure may split across a system (line) break, see To split a measure across a system break.

You’ll need to specify a different kind of split point when you use Finale’s real-time transcription tool to transcribe a two-handed keyboard performance. Because the computer can’t “see” your hands, you must tell it how it should split your performance onto the two staves. To adjust the split point based on a defined ‘hand width’ for regions of your score, or the entire document, use the Smart Split Point plug-in.

To specify a fixed split point

To enter HyperScribe, click the HyperScribe Tool. The HyperScribe menu appears. See Recording with HyperScribe.

  1. Choose HyperScribe > Record Mode > Split into Two Staves. The Fixed Split Point dialog box appears.
  2. Click Listen. Finale displays a message telling you that it’s waiting for a MIDI note.
  3. Play the MIDI note that you want to designate as the split point for your transcription. If your MIDI equipment is set up properly, the number in the Split MIDI Note text box changes.

    You can also type a number directly into the text box.

  4. Click OK (or press RETURN). When Finale transcribes your performance, all notes below the note indicated will be put on the lower staff; all notes above, including the specified note, will be on the top staff.

    If your piece has no clear split point, you may find it easiest to record the right-hand part an octave higher than written. After Finale transcribes the piece, it’s a simple matter to transpose that staff to the proper register.

To correct split point errors

Occasionally, because there is no clear split point, or because your hands cross, a HyperScribe transcription will contain left-hand notes in the treble-clef staff, or right-hand notes in the bass-clef staff. Using the Note Mover tool, you can quickly restore the notes to the proper staves.

Noteman says: If you are not pleased with the transcription results, check your quantization settings in the Quantization Settings dialog box and the More Quantization Settings dialog box.

  1. Choose the Note Mover tool icon. The Note Mover menu appears.
  2. Choose Note Mover > Delete After Merge. This removes the incorrectly split note from its current staff and merges it with the correct staff.
  3. Click the measure containing the incorrectly split notes. A handle appears on each notehead.
  4. Select the notes to be moved. Select one note by clicking its handle, several adjacent notes by drag-enclosing them, or additional notes by SHIFT-clicking (or SHIFT–drag-enclosing them). The handles you select are highlighted.
  5. Drag any highlighted handle onto the target staff. The notes are automatically transferred to the correct lines or spaces of the new staff.

    You don't have to drag it to any particular line or space; just drag it anywhere onto the correct staff.