I'm trying to load midi files generated by BIAB to use in Reaper, but, having issues. They are not playing at all. I guess I need to know how BIAB handles MIDI files. I am guessing it is using multi channels for each instrument. When I drop the midi into Reaper, it asks to load as multi tracks and I thought I was saving just one track from Real Band.
I suppose it would help to explain the work flow.. lol.. I create a song in BIAB, then load that into Real Band, convert all tracks to normal tracks, then save out the tracks I want as midi. But, it isn't just that one track, it is all the tracks from the song.
Is there a better way, and what do I need to know about how BIAB and Real Band treat midi?
Just Drag the midi track out of RealBand into Reaper. So drag the midi track number to DROP MID then green into Reaper. You can Route the midi out or to a VSTi. You can add midi Outputs in Options > Prefs > Midi Devices.
I have some questions about your workflow. I understand you create your song in Band-in-a-Box. Do you save the song in the native Band-in-a-Box file format of SGU?
Then you load "that" (the SGU file?) into RealBand. Do you save the file as a RealBand SEQ file before proceeding?
The next step has me very confused. What do you mean when you stated you "convert all the tracks to normal tracks"?
I'm still confused when you stated you "save out the tracks you wanted as midi". Didn't the tracks contain midi data to begin with?
Then you stated "it isn't just one track but all the tracks from the song".
If you start a song with all tracks as midi tracks in Band-in-a-Box I'm not sure why you would even need to use RealBand. Use the command: File > Save Special ... > Save Song as MIDI File ... and save the song. The same command will save RealTracks as a midi file as long as the RealTracks have midi embedded for transcription purposes.
Yea, thanks all for the response. For starters, I was needing a bass track to work with a 64 bit vst in Reaper, kind of left that out.. sorry..
@Pipeline I totally forgot about trying that, thanks.. probably the best way.
@Jim Yes, I create the song in BIAB, then load the SGU into RB.. I was thinking that was the best way to save the track out as a single .mid file (the bass track). But, it seems that ALL the midi is in one file. RB just knows how to separate each track, and so does Reaper. The problem is, in Reaper, the midi assigned to a different channel, i.e, I am working in channel one, but, the actual data is routed through channel 49, in the case of the bass track. (why I wasn't hearing it)
I suppose the confusion is that, I didn't want to render out as an audio file, but, as a midi file. I wasn't seeing that as an option in RB, or missed it, but then found it.. Render -> Save all tracks to Individual .wav/.mid file
If you have Reaper, try it. Save out midi tracks in RB as separate tracks, then pick any single .mid file and load it. Reaper will ask you if you want to create multiple tracks for each midi item. (Even though it was saved as a single item..)
@Noel96 I am using BIAB 2016 and RB 2016, working mostly with midi. I use BIAB to create chord sheets and what I want to do now is use the midi bass lines it generates.
@rharv Yup exactly what I meant..
sorry guys, I have a bad habit of not being clear about the issues.
Thank you for not getting angry with all my questions. Many times I will THINK I know what somebody means and answer a question only to find I misunderstood.
I would hate to mess up someone's song project because I misunderstood a question and provide bad information.
In BIAB 2017, a single track can be save to a midi file by using the "Edit | Track" menu option (see image below). I am not certain but I suspect that 2016 will have a similar save option.
Also, just to clarify.... midi files are always just a single file but they usually contain information on multiple midi channels since the standard midi format is 16 channels. BIAB and RB are the same as most other midi software in that when they save the midi file, they save this channel information. BIAB does this because each of BIAB tracks has its own midi channel. When any midi file that contains information for multiple channels is opened in Reaper, Reaper asks if you want the information for each channel on separate tracks. This is often much easier when it comes to arranging and using soft synths.
@Jim Fogle Yea, I can understand guy.. lol, I was hoping you guys didn't get angry with me.. lol.. but thanks..
@Noel96, yes, BIAB 2016 has the same menu item as that..
I understand that part and that it all routes to different channels.. I do that with other VSTs in Reaper as well, it saves memory having just one instance of the VST running.
I figured out the simplest way to ask my question!
How can I get that imported midi to play using Sample Tank? Using @Piplines method gets the midi from RB to Reaper, but, he is also using a hardware synth or MS Wave Table. (I don't use either options)
This may be turning into Reaper question as I write this.. I am now thinking I have to find out how to change the channel information in Reaper to get the output routed through Sample Tank.
Hey Noel.. Thanks, but, I know all of that.. Anyways, I got it working.. It seems I was over complicating the problem. To see it work, I just dropped Sample tank on the track and just watched for a midi signal.. found the channels, etc.. thanks.. problem solved..
One last thing to note, as it turns out BIAB or RB separates the part played across several channels. This is why I was getting confused too. I soon realized that after Reaper asked me to create individual tracks for each channel, that it was for ALL that one bass part. Some notes are played on one channel, and others on another channel.. Collectively when played back, it WAS the bass track I wanted. Reaper created 4 tracks for that one instrument.. Hence the confusion.. I was thinking that the bass was all on one channel and it was just throwing the rest of the song into the midi as well.
FWIW there is a check box in RB under Prefs on the File tab (I believe) that allows the option to rechannel all the MIDI data on a given track to be on the same MIDI channel.
You have to be careful though and make sure the track only contains data from the instrument you want. The reason this happens is because it is possible to 'force' MIDI data to play on a given channel in RB even though the raw data may be on multiple channels. The image below shows how that can happen. I am forcing this track to MIDI channel 4. By selecting zero (0) it leaves the data unchanged during playback.
Last edited by rharv; 02/12/1706:22 AM.
Make your sound your own! .. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
FWIW there is a check box in RB under Prefs on the File tab (I believe) that allows the option to rechannel all the MIDI data on a given track to be on the same MIDI channel.
You have to be careful though and make sure the track only contains data from the instrument you want. The reason this happens is because it is possible to 'force' MIDI data to play on a given channel in RB even though the raw data may be on multiple channels. The image below shows how that can happen. I am forcing this track to MIDI channel 4. By selecting zero (0) it leaves the data unchanged during playback.
yea, I see that one too.. problem is, it doesn't affect it when it gets exported.. It will still be a multi channel track just as when it was created. That only tells RB how to handle it. What has to happen is, in Reaper, the four tracks need to be merged back into one, aka, a bounce. There is a handy little JS plugin that will work for this too. I'd have to look for it, before I could explain it..
*EDIT*
All you do is import the RB track into reaper as multi track (if has any multi track information). Reaper will create the necessary tracks. Create a new track and route all the imported tracks to this track. In the routing on the receive track, receive ALL MIDI and set the "arrow" pointer to what ever channel you want the incoming midi to go to, i.e., channel 1. (example: incoming midi might be on channel 14 now going to Midi channel 1)
right click record arm button and set to record MIDI "all MIDI". Set record output to ALL MIDI. Hit the record button and it will record the new track with all the midi tracks merged into one track. You could, as I did to verify it was working, put a virtual instrument on the track and the matching channel you want it to go too. However, you would still see midi data in the meters anyway.. just remember to mute the original tracks on playback..
*last edit*
OK, now, it is solved.. this should also work in any DAW, so long as you understand how to route the signal chain..
OK, so, as it turns out I have Type 1 midi files in BIAB set as the default. I also did not know the difference between type 1 and type 0 midi files. So, now I do. lol
I was just confused why when I dropped the midi into Reaper, it became multi track. It made no sense to me that I would need multiple copies of the same VST to play the performance of one instrument. (But, apparently, the best use of MIDI type 1 would be for drums.)
Silently following this thread so it shows up in My Posts.
I'm going to try type one on a midi drum track. Attempt to make quick velocity and program changes, essentially creating my own drum kit, then merge them back to one or two channels. Has anyone exported a mono piano track as type one? How many tracks does it split it up to? My desire would be 1 for left hand and one for right hand. This way I could assign the left hand hand track to a different bass instrument and the right hand track to a synth lead in order to create an unusual character in certain sections of the song.
You can split in in RB then Drag in Reaper, you will get two tracks and the pedal. If you split channels to tracks then save as type 0 it will still give you a choice to split to 3 tracks in Reaper.
In Cubase it splits automatically so you need to un-check Dissolve if you don't want it to.
Originally Posted By: Pipeline
In your Cubase Preferences > Midi Import settings un-check Auto Dissolve Format 0 (Midi Type 0) In RealBand save as Midi Type 0. Also in Cubse Project > Project Settings > Bar Offset 2
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!
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!
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!
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.
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean