Leave a Review StaffPad
Just not There Yet
This app has a lot of potential, but the handwriting recognition isn’t good enough. I’ve spent about three hours working with the app, trying to get it to recognize what I’m entering, and note recognition is successful only something like 1/3 of the time. Rest recognition is even lower: only around 10% of the time does it successfully parse my rests.
This would be OK if there was a fallback way to input notes (and change durations), but StaffPad assumes note input succeeds. There’s no palette backup alternative to enter notes when recognition fails.
Additionally, toggling into erase mode requires an absurd amount of pressure. I’m not using a screen protector, and the amount of force I have to use feels like I’m going to damage my iPad.
This app would be fantastic if if prioritized a solid palette based workflow for both symbols and notes in addition to handwriting recognition. As it is, the low recognition success rate leaves the app unusable for creating scores.Show lessPNW_Matt
Crashes, loses files
WAY too expensive for an app that has completely lost my files more than once. Finished a 75 bar solo line and when I went to rename it, it disappeared. Sometimes I open my iPad to find that other files are no longer in the Library. This app can’t be trusted, and is unreliable. It’s a shame because the actual features are excellent - it understands my writing no problem and I like being able to put rehearsal marks, expression etc. Would like to be able to add my own courtesy/cautionary accidentals (eg a reminder for a young player that the note is Db). Incredibly frustrating to lose work without warning. Don’t buy.Show lessjandarc1
So much untapped potential!!
If Staffpad allowed users to customize the handwriting recognition to their own handwriting idiosyncrasies this app would be a powerhouse tool for composers. Or handwriting shortcuts! Imagine writing the number “16” on the staff and the program would fill the bar with 16th notes on the same pitch. Or you could train the program to read “16 d” as inputing the 16th notes in a Dorian scale pattern.Show lessrajaorr
Good but not great
Even though StaffPad allows you to write notes on the staff, you have to be extremely patient with trying to diligently write the notes carefully or you will get an “orange” staff error message. So, I have spent more time practicing writing the notes on StaffPad than creating music, which at times becomes frustrating. However, I enjoy the freedom to write/create music wherever I am and neatness of the sheet music. So when I print it out, it already has a professional look and easier to read than my handwritten music notes. So, I am sticking with it hoping that the developers figure out a way to make this more user friendly.Show lessRhymessong
The brain to pen connection is now complete!
Pros:
1. Extremely easy to get started, keep going, requiring little reference to a manual. Access to dynamics, articulations are immediate.
2. Versatile - able to swap voices, change keys, etc.
3. Easily the most intuitive app for the composer (that I'm aware of)
4. Easy to share via musicxml exporting.
Minor issues:
1. The random yellow measure appear here and there. Means finding / deleting little hand scratches. I find copying and pasting another non-yellow measure over the yellow measure easier.
2. You can get stuck in some mode where you can modify existing notes but not enter into a mode to add more notes - it means you haven't dismissed the annotations ribbon.
3. Some parts of the interface do not match the manual instructions.
4. The manual does not address what I think must be common ways you can fall off the path of care-free editing. Hope this is addressed down the road. Otherwise, you will experience some amount of trial and error.Show lessAlMathias
Poor handwrittng recognition
Sorry I spent the money this app cost. The handwritten notation recognition is very poor. It’s incredibly frustrating to enter notation when it refuses to work. The developers took the approach of training the user to do what the software expects. A more modern approach that would work better in the long run would be to have a software training session where it adapts to how you write notation. Think of how Siri trains to your voice when you get a new iPhone.Show lessasdghkhfs
Great App
Accessible and simple app, it have its few flaws, but they are constantly updating and optimizing the app for a better use of the app. Looking forward to what more the app will have to offer us.GOD is the lord
Not ready for professional use
This app has a lot of potential, the idea is great, but the truth is that it takes so many trials in order to write what you want that you can get frustrated pretty quickly. Hand recognition in this app is not ready yet for professional use. I need to be able to write down quickly my scores otherwise it defeats the purpose.Show lessPejobass
Amazing
I am a once-professional now-amateur composer. I have Cubase and the cool sample libraries. But I was lost in sample reviews, signal pathways, DAWs, etc. Staffpad made me 10x more productive simply by removing all the noise and letting me concentrate on the music. The libraries are pro-level (genuinely - Berlin, Spitfire, etc) and sound great. Would you score a Hollywood blockbuster with it? You could sketch one for sure. Seriously, this is a powerhouse composing app that is the shortest distance from writing notes on paper to hearing an audio rendering with professional samples. Visit the community on VI control for more details ; much more relevant reviews than here.Show lessIrritated and 5 dollars poorer
At first disappointment, then enlightenment
I decided to take a $89+ chance even with mixed reviews. It was almost a mistake. At first glance, this program demanded that I conform to IT…the learning curve was super hard and unbending. I felt like I was become like a machine. I am a veteran composer…instead of speeding up the process the program slowed it down , d not allowing my creative flow and spontaneity. HOWEVER I decided to give things time and devoted hours to study and practice. Along the way I even had some “breakthroughs”. Yes at first I spent hours figuring out the human “mistakes”. But I slowly got better. The process is still semi beta and needs work. To the developers perhaps analyze personal note writing styles to give a composer-specific touch to the app. This app has so much potential to be a game changer!Show lessEar Cleaner
