Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
M
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
M
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
I just want to log this as a reference for me, and I guess new users as well. I am sure this isn't a new question, so, I would like links for other solutions/example to this as well. (I am sure it's in this forum somewhere already)

what I have a is a backing track that I practice to playing guitar. It is a standard blues rhythm, with rhythm guitar, drums, and simple rhythm keyboards. Key of E, 80 BPM, 84 bars. (about 4 minutes). In Real Band, it's real easy, just drag and drop it onto a track, and I can record my hearts content out. Real Band does a nice job on the correct graphical measures, etc. What I want to do, is, at some point, is let BIAB generate a few measures of solo keyboard, or maybe solo sax using real tracks.

the result I want, is the chords view filled in with the correct chords from beginning to end, and the specific solo parts generated by BIAB. With that, completed, then load it into Real Band so I can record my Guitar Solo parts as needed.

All in all, this will become a "standard" procedure for me, not just this one example. I am using BAIB 2015, not that it really matters, and I am not completely new to the software, just want to have in place a basic idea of the necessary steps for the end result.

so far, this is were I am at in this process..
1) set the key
2) set the tempo
3) set the style
4) load the backing track? (how to in BIAB?) best place to load to, i.e., use melody, or soloist spot, etc.?
5) set up the 1st chord progression, i.e., e7, a7, e7, b7, a7, e7, and b7 then repeat (need easiest way to duplicate to match the backing track)
6) generate solo parts (i know how to make the software generate the A and B versions and when, etc.. using the chord properties and so forth )

so, I guess my "stuck on" area is step 4 and 5. Getting the chord progression to match exactly the backing track.. so as step 6 will generate in the proper places

As I said, in Real Band, with the correct tempo, it marks the measures correctly, so, I know BIAB will be fine.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,687
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,687
If you had asked this question about Biab only we would have told you the best program for this would be Real Band.

RB will generate all the same parts that Biab can using the same RT/RD's or midi styles. It also uses the same chord grid that Biab uses although you can't directly copy the chord grid from one program to the other but you can enter the chords just like you would in Biab.

Inside RB simply right click on an empty track. In the menu that pops up are your options to generate Biab parts. That means your method would be to first create the chord grid then right click a track and generate your parts.

Since RB has 48 tracks you can generate lots of Biab parts including different versions of the same part like maybe you want an RT strumming guitar part or piano part. You can generate 5 different tracks with each track generating a different part from 5 different styles. Pretty cool. Then you can mix and match all those tracks to finally arrive at your final mix.

Also, watch all the RB videos.

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
M
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
M
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
Ok, I will try this method. What I have figured out so far, I was able to fill the chord grid by using BIAB's Audio Chord Builder. It worked pretty must almost flawlessly. It missed by one chord.. I actually found this by accident, too. Happy Accident, I guess.

Once I had the chord grid filled, AND had the backing track to play like this, it failed to generate any real tracks for the keyboard part I tried.

The key is getting the chord grid filled, for me. Thanks, I'll update what happens..

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,584
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,584
Yes, if you want any RealTracks in your song (assuming you want them to play in tune), you have to have a proper chord progression in the chord grid (either by entering yourself, using the Audio Chord Wizard - with corrections, since it's not perfect, or using the MIDI chord wizard for an existing imported MIDI file). BIAB and RealBand rely on the chord grid progression for everything they generate.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA

BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
M
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
M
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
correction, it did correctly generate the correct chords.. the "wrong chord" is actually correct, it is a walk up to the next chord.. very generic blues walk from the E to the A..

In any case, it is somewhat working. I was able to fill the chord sheet in BIAB and load the BIAB file into Real Band, which loaded the correct chord sheet there as well. (using the SGU file generated)

The only problem now, is the timing is off a little bit when I generate whatever real tracks for it. I'll move now to the Real Band section to finish.. thanks again..

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,939
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,939
When you use the Audio Chord Wizard, setting the tempo as you go is important, and first setting the correct Beat 1 is critical. I just kep pressing F8 every bar, and then BIAB has the tempo map. [This assumes your existing audio track was not done to a click track (has all the same exact tempo).]


BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
M
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
M
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
When you use the Audio Chord Wizard, setting the tempo as you go is important, and first setting the correct Beat 1 is critical. I just kep pressing F8 every bar, and then BIAB has the tempo map. [This assumes your existing audio track was not done to a click track (has all the same exact tempo).]


Ok, just to be sure, I should be tapping F8 on the snare hit each time? again, basic blues 4/4 Or just when a bar starts?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,939
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,939
Well, maybe I'm doing it wrong, but yes, that's what I do to ensure an accurate tempo map. I press F8 right on Beat 1 of every measure.


BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
M
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
M
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
Well, maybe I'm doing it wrong, but yes, that's what I do to ensure an accurate tempo map. I press F8 right on Beat 1 of every measure.



Ok, thanks.. Just watched the video on this feature as it is listed in the support area.. lol leave it to me, skip all the beginner stuff and jump into the advanced stuff. I'll post my results here. I'll play with this till I get it right.. Thanks again everybody!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,687
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,687
It depends if your audio file was recorded to a steady click or it was simply a live recording. A live recording might sound to you like it's a steady tempo but if you play the file and start a metronome at the same time you'll hear lots of tempo variations. Generally most just assume the tempo could wander a bit so you're better off to set it per bar.

When you generate an RT which is also an audio file it's tempo is perfect because you set the tempo in the program before you generated but, if your audio file is from somebody else's recording and you don't know how it was made then you should set the ACW manually.

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,113
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,113
To answer #4: how to open your backing track in Biab?

Under the File Menu - Select open song with chords option.

Choosing this selection will open your audio file in the Audio Chord Wizard and once that process has completed;Load the chords into BIAB and load your audio file in the Audio track in Biab.

Initially, there will be a -X before the style listed. Hitting the play button will not produce any sound from Biab instruments. Only the audio file will be heard.
Click in the style description area and this will enable the style and you can generate the tracks.

This should also take care of question 5.


BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
M
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
M
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
Originally Posted By: Charlie Fogle
To answer #4: how to open your backing track in Biab?

Under the File Menu - Select open song with chords option.

Choosing this selection will open your audio file in the Audio Chord Wizard and once that process has completed;Load the chords into BIAB and load your audio file in the Audio track in Biab.

Initially, there will be a -X before the style listed. Hitting the play button will not produce any sound from Biab instruments. Only the audio file will be heard.
Click in the style description area and this will enable the style and you can generate the tracks.

This should also take care of question 5.


I noticed the X and enabled it, but, now it isn't generating all the midi instruments, just one.. any ideas?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,657
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,657
Are you in BiaB or RB?
RB will generate one as a default unless you have the top tracks designated as BiaB tracks. Then it will do all tracks for a style.
When you open a BiaB file (mgu or sgu) RB will make these top 8 tracks BiaB tracks, but if you open any other file you'll need to select that option.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
RB-BBtracks.jpg (128.87 KB, 89 downloads)
Last edited by rharv; 01/17/16 05:06 AM.

Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
M
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
M
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
Ok, I got it to work. The problem was, I didn't read the description for the style. It only generates on the (b), not the (a) parts. (BLUESY1.STY) Thanks..

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,144
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,144
RealBand 2016 has a new feature just for a situation like this. Search for the click track feature. I haven't used the feature yet but there is a video that demonstrates how to use it.

As I remember, you import an audio file into RealBand. If the audio file is in 4/4 time you just press a key to identify beat 1 of each bar. If you know how many bars long the song is then you can identify bar 1 and the last bar and it will automatically fill in the bars in between. There are also ways to create a click track for songs with 3/4 time or very erratic tempos.

RealBand uses the click track feature to follow the tempo of a pre-existing song the same way a musician reading a score follows a conductor.


Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,657
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,657
/sorry, guess I wasn't following

Last edited by rharv; 01/18/16 04:05 PM.

Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
M
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
M
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 60
Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle
RealBand 2016 has a new feature just for a situation like this. Search for the click track feature. I haven't used the feature yet but there is a video that demonstrates how to use it.

As I remember, you import an audio file into RealBand. If the audio file is in 4/4 time you just press a key to identify beat 1 of each bar. If you know how many bars long the song is then you can identify bar 1 and the last bar and it will automatically fill in the bars in between. There are also ways to create a click track for songs with 3/4 time or very erratic tempos.

RealBand uses the click track feature to follow the tempo of a pre-existing song the same way a musician reading a score follows a conductor.



Sounds promising.. wink I'll be upgrading in the next couple of weeks, but, for now, I need to get this working for a project due next week. The latest problem is Real Band and BIAB are not on the same page when I transfer to RB. One possible problem is that the audio file has a recorded metronome lead in, and I am setting the actual 1st bar and not counting the metronome. When I go to RB, it is off by one whole measure. If I use the metronome as the first measure, then I have to turn everything off with the chord properties, etc., and everything renders perfectly, but, it is off in RB. My next step is to edit out the metronome and work with that, along with trying a click track.

I can link to the audio file I am working with, if anyone is interested. The timing in that file is spot on, no issues what so ever. I am pretty sure it was created with just 12 bars and copy and pasted out to 84 bars. (all done in Apple Pro Logic X)

I am hoping to have this work, as I really don't want to submit a 4 minute guitar solo.. lol

EDIT: I moved everything over to RB.. figured out how to do everything I need from there.. so, I don't need to use BIAB for this particular project.. thanks everyone!

Last edited by Music-AMG; 01/19/16 11:35 AM.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 French for Windows is Here!


Band-in-a-Box® 2024 apporte plus de 50 fonctions nouvelles ainsi qu'une importante de contenus nouveaux à savoir : 222 RealTracks, des RealStyles nouveaux, des SuperTracks MIDI, des Etudes d'Instruments, des Prestations d'Artistes, des "Morceaux avec Choeurs", un Set 3 de Tracks Jouables, un Set 2 de RealDrums Jouables, deux nouveaux Sets de "RealDrums Stems", des Styles XPro PAK 6, des Xtra Styles PAK 17 et bien plus encore!

Tous Packages | Nouvelles Fonctionnalités

Video: Making a Song with Band-in-a-Box®, ChatGPT, and Synth V

Take your Band-in-a-Box® project to a whole new level when you incorporate ChatGPT and Synth V to add lyrics and vocals to your song!

We wanted to demonstrate how this is done with our video, where we show you how to go from nothing to a finished "radio ready" modern pop song by combining the features of Band-in-a-Box®, ChatGPT, and Synth V!

Listen to the finished song, so you get a listen to the finished product: https://demos.pgmusic.com/misc/behindthefame.m4a

If you like it, watch the video. Either way, let's hear your comments!

Henry Clarke: Revolutionize Your Band-in-Box® Tracks with Regenerating Function

One of the new features added with Band-in-Box® 2024 is the Tracks Window, which will look familiar if you've worked with other DAWs.

Henry Clarke explains why he loves the Re-generation function within the Tracks Window in their video Revolutionize Your Band-in-Box® Tracks with Regenerating Function.

Watch video.

Learn even more about what the Tracks Window can do with our video Band-in-a-Box® 2024: The Tracks Window.

User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®

The Bob Doyle Media YouTube channel is known for demonstrating how you can creatively incorporate AI into your projects - from your song projects to avatar building to face swapping, and more!

His latest video, Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box, he explains in detail how you can use the Melodist feature in Band-in-a-Box with ACE Studio. Follow along as he goes from "nothing" to "something" with his Band-in-a-Box MIDI Melodist track, using ACE Studio to turn it into a vocal track (or tracks, you'll see) by adding lyrics for those notes that will trigger some amazing AI vocals!

Watch: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box


Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!

Paket | Was ist Neu

Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!

The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!

Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.

This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,880
Posts738,372
Members38,610
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
Barry Thibault, jodanko, Palomeke, Allan Freihaut, macjones
38,609 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 162
rsdean 118
musocity 109
DC Ron 99
dcuny 92
Today's Birthdays
jacques herb
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5