Arobas Music Guitar Pro 5

There were no compatibility issues under Windows XP and 7.
It has the typical configuration setup like any other notation software, as well as a really easy setup. The only counterpart (for me at least) was the MIDI controller setup, since it never accepted my MIDI controller.
Nice user interface and easy to use, since it's really intuitive.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

As regards stability, sometimes I had an issue about an error message coming up on the screen after a long usage, and not only a single window, but a hundred of them one after the other. This issue was partially solved after the 5.2 update, but kept showing an error message after using it for a long period of time (at least, it was just one windows instead of a hundred).
Another problem that I have, is that I cannot add more than 9 different instruments to the composition, because after the 10th it starts cloning all the instruments (by example, if after the 10th instrument, which is a church organ, I try to add a string ensemble, both of them will be a string ensemble and so on).


OVERALL OPINION

Even after all the problems I mentioned above, I can assure you that I won't replace this program with any other and worths every cent spent on it. It's really easy to use and let's you compose freely, altough it has some limitations since it's designed for guitar compositions, but there's always a turn around for such problem (for example, if you want to compose a piano score, you'll need to add two pianos, one for the right hand with the guitar tuning for the higher notes, and another one for the left hand with the bass tuning for the lower ones). Composing was never easier than now with this software, and I can asure you, that once you learn how to use it, you won't know how to work without it, specially if you work with MIDI.

Originally written by innocent.moon on Audiofanzine FR.

No installation problems... I've been using it since version 3 came out... User's manual? I didn't know it had a manual...

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

My PC is quite powerful but I have also used the software with much more limited systems...
The program works perfectly, except sometimes when it decides to display dozens of windows to show you a useless message... In which case, you'll be happy if you have a recent backup because the program crashes and you must restart...
Another con is that it is for guitar only, so the number of octaves is limited... It's a pity, you can't create an organ score for example...


OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for five six years?
Maybe even seven years lol
I don't remember anymore... I can't even remember how long I have been together with my girlfriend...
The thing I like least is the RSE. It's crap! When I write a drum part, I use bass drum 35, snare 38 and kit 16 for the rest. The sound is really powerful... but with the RSE, you can't hear a thing...
I already used versions 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5.
Regarding the value for money, I thought it was free... No, not true: this piece of software is really affordable considering its features.
I would buy it again without hesitation. It's a must have!

RAS

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

RAS

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a few years now.

Software already good, but could have been more fun if it was finalized.
I mean by that is fine to offer chorus, reverb, but it should at least give them something on the instrument.
I end the negative points with countless bugs and problems of this software, I'll even make me happy to list all the problems I encountered:
- Error message then ALL TRACKS FULLY (most common) with the key sometimes unable to save the file.
- Unable to save file ... Ah ... I just build for two hours ...
- The sound in a loop on a measurement while visually it normally takes place
- Save the file. Closing the software. Ah, well, no, it was not recorded, actually.
- MIDI tracks often offset with CSR ... Simply adjust the latency settings but we need to know!


Apart from these occasional bugs, the software is easy to learn, and I am satisfied since I got it. The CSR brings still more quality than MIDI, and even if it applies to bass, drums and guitar, this is a plus.
Importing MIDI is 2 out of 3 correctly with measures well structured. Export opportunities are also good to take.

Wholesale ... Good software. But back often!