I just got the VDL2 software, I have all of my connections correct but when I try to open a file that I did previously I can't get the right sounds.  My snare part has a cymbal sound the entire song.  I tried to change my percussion map to the vdl2 mapping but it wouldn't let me... my question is how do I correct this situation and two, do you have to use the template all the time for the mapping to work correctly because even when I try to copy and paste into the template I still get the same problems???

Windows XP

You do not have to use the Template all the time as the Percussion Maps can be saved as a Library file  bby goin to the FILE MENU -->SAVE LIBRARY -->check ";Percussion Maps";.  You can then load them into any file by going to FILE -->LOAD LIBRARY.

What do you mean by Finale wouldn't let you change the Percussion Map to a VDL map?

Try this:

1.) STAFF TOOL
2.) DOUBLE-CLICK on the staff you want to edit and the StAFF ATTRIBUTES comes up
3.) where it says NOTATION STYLE: Percussion click SELECT
4.) Highlight the Percussion Map that you want to use and then click EDIT
5.) Click ALL NAMNED NOTES and then click DONE, SELECT, OK

These steps will ensure that you are using the correct mapping in the correct manner for each staff.

Check out this diagram to help you with your Channels and making sure that you have your Document setup correctly to receive the right sounds.

[img]http://homepage.mac.com/hirschscott/.Public/VDL%20and%20Finale%20setup%20example.JPG[/img]

Notice that when the second instance of the player opens, it does start on Channel 17 - because each player can only have 8 channels/sounds.  This will change in the new version as it gets loaded into the Kontakt Player 2.

My guess is that you have a combination of channels and percussion maps not being set quite right.  You may also want to make sure that you have PLAY FINALE THROUGH NATIVE INSTRUMENTS VST chosen in the MIDI MENU and then when you go to NATIVE INSTRUMENTS VST SETUP you actually see VIRTUAL DRUMLINE 2 chosen in the dropdown menus.

Thank you for the support...

I have the mapping part down, but I still hear cymbals for my snare part and I followed all of your steps.

If this is a score you wrote before you had VDL, you may need to re-enter the notes since you weren't using VDL mappings when the part was first written.

[quote author=Jim Casella link=topic=1864.msg9230#msg9230 date=1184523579]
If this is a score you wrote before you had VDL, you may need to re-enter the notes since you weren't using VDL mappings when the part was first written.
[/quote]

Exactly as Jim says.  If you have written this from before, you may need to do this.  When was it written?  What sounds are you tryinig to load into the VDL Player?  Was this entered with a Mouse or MIDI Keyboard?

I will try to get back to you when I can.  I am demolition-izing my landscaping in hopes that someday it might look good.  :)  Anyone want to come over and have some ";beverages"; and grill why you help me put up my retaining wall?  Thought so.  :)