To make audio recordings of your VDL creations so that you can burn them to a CD or save them as MP3's to share on websites or email, you must first create an audio file of your playback. An audio file is typically an AIFF or a WAV file. Note: MIDI files do not contain any audio data. Once you've created an audio file (aiff or wav), you can burn it onto an audio CD; or if you want to save as an MP3, you can easily convert it to that format with a free program such as iTunes or numerous others.

Depending on how you are using VDL, methods for recording audio will vary, but for many of our users a quick and satisfactory recording can be captured from using a basic audio recording program such as Audacity (free) or WireTap Pro (free trial, inexpensive). Essentially, when you hit 'Record,' these programs will record any sound coming through your soundcard.

A more high-tech way to render audio recordings, which is also more flexible and professional, would be to use an actual DAW (digital audio workstation) program such as Logic, Sonar, Digital Performer, or Cubase. If you are unfamiliar with sequencing programs, or are on a budget, these may be a little intimidating. However, this is how much computer music is made by the pros and they by far offer the most flexibility.

If you are hosting VDL as a plug-in within Finale 2006d or later, you can easily render an audio recording of your work by selecting File>Save Special>Save as audio file. If you are not hosting VDL as a plug-in in Finale, most likely you're using VDL/Kontakt Player in stand-alone mode, in which case the Audacity or WireTap methods (above) may be your best bet.

If you are using Sibelius 3, don't be confused by the File>Save as Audio Track function. Unfortunately, that will only work if you are playing back sounds from the integrated Kontakt Player (silver or gold) within Sibelius. In Sibelius 4, this is at File>Export>Audio. The same restriction applies, so the Audacity or WireTap methods (above) may be your best bet.

If you are using Sibelius 5, it is highly recommended that you also be using Virtual Drumline 2.5 which comes with Kontakt Player 2. KP2 is integrated as a virtual instrument plug-in within Sibelius 5, offering much tighter integration than ever before. Assuming you're running your VDL sounds within plugged-in instances of Kontakt Player 2 in Sibelius 5, all you need to do to render a full audio playback of your score is select the Export>Audio feature.
 

There are many other options for recording audio on your computer. These are just some brief descriptions of methods that have been popular with some of our customers. This topic comes up from time to time on our users forum which is a great resource to search for ideas.