StaffPad

Like the newly added features like being able to have a video track is really great, as well as now being able to import audio (though I think a more traditional way of moving the sound would probably be better in the future). Would like some more diverse sound samples, the string orchestras and everything that is here is awesome but I'd rather have some more wind instruments like saxes (exotic, haha) than three+ violin libraries. I'd also like if Staffpad would provide a tutorial on how you're supposed to input everything, the program got way more usable as soon as I understood that easiest way to write a quarter pause is to write an S. I remember Staffpad talking about how the program eventually learns how you write but I haven't really found that to be that true.

Promising app, which sadly more often than not leaves me frustrated. It crashes frequently on my 2018 iPad Pro (maybe works better with M1 iPads). And I get no flow in the handwriting. Luckily, they started adding support for keyboard and piano input, which will probably be a step forward. But still the app crashes on me all the time even just using the stock plugins. Overall, wasted money in my case and my impression is that the tech is too experimental and not enough developed for everyday customers. I find it hard to believe that there are any real composers who trust this app on a daily basis.

If you want to quickly write an arrangement that'll sound basically real without the fuzz of going trough Pro tools or Logic this is great! You can basically write the notes and the played result will sound really real with little to no automation. Would love for sax library, the staffpad stock one sounds good but not great. I heard there was a video playback as well in the works? This would make the app even better for scorewriting. Again if you either want to create a quick and dirty arrangement for a band (the app is really targeted towards symphony orchestras) or maybe want to create a nice sounding score this is the best thing I've come across so far!

It’s the worst in recognizing my handwriting that I have seen. Totally worthless after hours of trying. Write in Sibelius or Finale instead. It will save you time even though those programs are harder to learn.

Doesn´t understand handwriting at all. I tried 12/8 time signature and it couldn´t understand a single note. I even copied the examples they have in the help file and it still didn´t read it. A waste of a lot of money. Don´t buy it until you've tried it for a while.

It’s finally here! And it’s brilliant! I have a 2nd generation iPad Pro and I haven’t experienced many bugs. It works fine. I will use it a lot think. I would prefer to have the option to work with a much simpler playback synth. When I work in Sibelius I use QuickTime as playback. I don’t like when the playback sounds are trying to sound “real” and all it does is sounding silly with tons of reverbs and bends. Please fix this! Still, it’s a great app and I’ve been waiting a long time for this. Thank you!

The concept of this app is amazing and the layout is amazing. But the most prominent feature is not that great. The handwriting recognition for notes is god awful. I can’t change any values unless a I change them manually. I would like to write them instead. I can’t even writing articulation correctly. Does an accent look like a staccato? Because StaffPad sure does think that. I draw obvious notes and articulations and StaffPad makes something completely different. This app desperately needs an update to make handwriting recognition better, and make it do what it was built to do: RECOGNIZE OUR HANDWRITING.

So far, I have really been liking staff pad. I’ve never liked notation softwares so I have always relied on paper. However, though it is intuitive and easy to use there are a few things missing for me that I bet if added could be perfect for A LOT of composers. Overall I just find it bit too traditional. As someone interested in experimenting and in avant-garde techniques, I find myself unable to use certain types of notation that are not even that uncommon in today’s age. Since I’ve never been interested in notation softwares for listening to my own music, I would love if microtonal accidentals could be added as an option even if it doesn’t change the audio. Another thing that would be great for me is being able to just write the note heads or neumes for the musician to improvise. Something else that I really wish would be added is cross staff notation and being able to hide time signatures and barlines. Or just be able to select no time signature as an option. As I said, this could make it perfect for more modern composers like me. Who are not too interested in listening back to their music but need these kinds of notation. One more suggestion would be being able to “format the score” my way. Not always trying to fit 4, 6, or 8 bars into each system. But to be able to really customize the end product of your score. I really hope these can soon be integrated! it would make it the best for me and many other composers and I think it doesn’t need too many changes. Keep up the good work

Writing music in this app is impossible. Flats, natural signs, triplets are extremely temperamental and will not read even when written clearly. I want a refund

Staffpad used to be a dream to work with because it was easy to use. Out of nowhere, the app started to crash everytime I tried to edit any score. I emailed them for help to which they used to respond. Then they left me high and dry for no reason after contiguous back and forth emails. The issue still hasnt been fixed. Horrible sevice and broken app.