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#264497 10/04/14 04:09 PM
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I have a midi file and when I use the "Import Chords from Midi File" option, it leaves out the bass notes. Is there any way to get a midi file to import with ALL of the notes in the file? I'm on a Mac, with BIAB 2014. What I'm trying to do is import the file and get reasonable chords for the lead sheet, then transpose the score for a combo. I was hoping that it would put notes below some split point (Maybe middle c), on a bass clef. But, if they're totally discarded, it doesn't make sense.

Is there another way to get MIDI files into BIAB?

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Hi Bill,

The "Import Chords ..." function in the PC version of BIAB is about interpreting the chords from a midi file. It doesn't actually load in the chords/bass that are within the midi file. I imagine this function behaves similarly on the Mac version of the program.

If you want to get a bass happening, it's necessary to generate the song once the chords have been interpreted.

Once you've imported the chords, select a midi style that you like (if you don't like the default one that BIAB chooses) and then generate the song. That will create bass notes that will have notation available that can be printed, transposed, etc.

Seeing that you are ultimately wanting to print notation, it might be worthwhile investigating a notation program like MuseScore (it's freeware). Most notation software reads midi files.

Another freeware program that's specifically for midi and might be useful is Aria Maestosa.

Hope this information helps,
Noel

P.S. On the PC version, the way to get the entire midi file into BIAB is to select the "Open Midi File" option under the "File" menu.


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Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, there is no "Open midi file" option in the Mac version. I think it is a very odd that they left off this feature. The program is so complex and quirky at times that I thought there might be another non-intuitive way in one of those massive settings panels. The reason I wanted to try biab for this is it does a nice job of changing the chords on the lead sheet when the song is put on other keys. But actually, I'm probably better off at importing my practice midi into garage band, printing the score and writing the chords by hand. I may be trying to use Biab where it isn't intended. Anyway, the lack of a midi import is odd.

Last edited by BillP-Jazzguy; 10/05/14 10:54 AM.
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Click up on top Menu Melody > Import Melody from Midi file..
choose the Bass channel, click on Notation button, select M.

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Sheesh! How did I miss it? That's one of the problems with biab. Sooo many controls. But I simply looked where I expected to see a file import operation. The pgmusic folks could really use some research where they watch new users try to use their interface.

But, the bass notes are put on the treble clef, even tho the bass clef is shown, empty.. I guess it's a lot to expect for biab to be all things. It's really great at creating a backing track and allowing nice looking lead sheets to be made for a combo.

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Yes it is made by musicians not programers, Realband is better, more DAW based but very sloooow on the development side I hope it will be out for Mac soon !
It should be on the Bass clef, can you go to Melody > Transpose Melody.

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I love iRealBook, which I use on my iPad every day.

When I transpose down (biab), the notes stay on the treble clef, extending down into oblivion. Anyway, for the combo, the lead sheet is fine. I had gotten a midi file from lots2learn.com and wanted to transpose it and print the score, for practicing. Garage Band does this very nicely, but doesn't handle the chord symbols. But, it's quick. So, for my practice, I can just write in the chords. Quick..problem solved.

Biab is good at generating a nice backing track, though. I gotta give pg music that.

Thanks for your info and help.

Ps, most notation programs do a terrible job of putting midi notes in the right clef automatically. If someone makes the process easy, I'll buy their program.

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Originally Posted By: BillP-Jazzguy
Ps, most notation programs do a terrible job of putting midi notes in the right clef automatically. If someone makes the process easy, I'll buy their program.
Sibelius and Cubase are quite alright for that, but then we're also talking some serious price tags smirk
But, as I'm sure you're finding out as you go, BBox was not really intended to be that much of a notation tool, let alone a full fletched sequencer. It's core function was always to provide you with a backing track in a fairly simple way.
In other words, you have to look at it for what it is, and then maybe look elsewhere for what it is not. To me it's best used in conjunction with other tools.


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