Composing Without a DAW
Lately, I’ve been exploring ways to handle everything — notation, MIDI tweaks, and VST instruments — without switching to a DAW. Even with the free version of Dorico from Steinberg, I was surprised by how much can be done inside one program. It’s clean, musical, and keeps the creative flow fine.
Dorico feels like a composer’s workspace rather than a technical tool. You can focus on writing music naturally while shaping the sound with careful dynamics and playback settings — all from the same window.
Here’s what makes it so practical:
- Notation + MIDI in one place: Write expressive parts and fine-tune playback directly in Play mode
- VST support: Load your favourite sample libraries or synths (Kontakt, Spitfire, Pianoteq, etc.)
- Built-in mixer: Add EQ, reverb, limiter, or even your own mastering plugins right inside it
- Ready-to-render audio: Export clean, mixed audio without leaving the program
Ensemble Setup: Cellos and double basses (centre back), violas (centre mid), piano (centre front), V1 (left 30 degrees), V2 (right 30 degrees)
VST Setup: Steinway B (not D, East West) + Cinematic Studio Strings
Plugins: Waves -> C4, L2, S1
Note: Still at learning stage, reading the manual and testing its features
