Finale 2003 and working in OSX (Classic Mode). Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the current version of Finale run under OS X?
A: Finale 2003 is not a native OSX application. Although Finale 2004 (expected to be released summer of 2003) is currently in development and will be a native application, in the interim Finale 2003 (and earlier versions) will need to run in Classic mode or OS 9.
Q: What exactly IS “Classic mode”?
A: Classic means that an application was written with earlier Macintosh OS versions in mind, but will run in a “compatibility mode” called Classic. If you launch a Classic application while running in OSX, it will launch this separate “shell” or “mode” allowing the user to use this program. The application will use OS9 looking dialog boxes and the OS9 menu bar will be visible when you are using a classic application. Clicking back into
the Finder will bring you back to OSX. Finale 2003 is a Classic application.
Q: Does MIDI work the same in Classic mode of OSX as it does in OS 9?
A: No. While MIDI applications (including Finale 2003) can work in Classic mode, MIDI communication is not possible. That’s because OMS will not work in classic mode. Users of OSX should simply choose to boot their Mac in OS 9 when using MIDI applications – IF their computer supports OS9.
Q: Does MIDI work fine (with Finale and other applications) when booted into OS 9 from machines with OSX installed?
A: Yes, it works really well, and this is often our recommended solution.
Q: How can I avoid a “stuttering” sound when using the Mac’s internal QuickTime sounds for playback?
A: The stuttering playback happens in OS 9 with QuickTime 5 and in Classic mode with QuickTime 5 or 6. If you are using OS 9, we recommend you upgrade to QT 6. If you’re using Classic, you could uninstall QuickTime 5 and reinstall QuickTime 4. (This will result in OS 9 and Classic using QT 4 and OS X using QT 5.)
Q: It sounds like my MIDI problems could be eliminated if I booted my Mac in OS 9. How do I do that?
A: Follow these steps:
1. Click the System Preferences icon in the Dock (or go to the Apple Menu and choose System Preferences)
2. Click Startup Disk (in the System section)
3. Choose your OS9 System folder.
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