Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,290
PG Music Staff
OP Online Happy
PG Music Staff
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,290
With Band-in-a-Box® 2017, we added the Natural Arrangements option!

If you give a pro musician a complicated chord progression, with fancy extensions like C7b9b13 or Gm11, the musician may reinterpret these rather than playing them exactly as written. This can achieve a much better sounding arrangement because the musician has freedom to choose from similar chord extensions. Now you can get Band-in-a-Box to do the same thing, with options to set this on a global basis, song basis, or individual tracks!

How?

There is an "Arrangements Options" dialog accessible within Prefs - simply choose "Arrange" and you will see on the bottom left of this dialog the option for "Natural Arrangements (re-interpret complex chords)". Within the drop-down menu for this, you can choose:
- Never (even if set in song settings)
- Disabled (unless set in song settings)
- Always for Jazz (unless disabled in song settings)
- Always for All Genres (unless disabled in song settings)

You can also choose to use this setting for just one song, using the "Song Settings" button - just choose the "Enable for this song" option within the drop-down menu on the middle right of this window.

Looking to set this for a specific track or tracks within the song? You can do this too! With the song open, go to Track Settings | Set Natural Arrangement, and select an option.

Have you used this new feature in Band-in-a-Box 2017?


Callie
Marketing Representative
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Indeed many of us have, and I find it really does improve the sound. Voice leading is far better, and fewer range jumps occur. This is a terrific new feature. Even better is the ability to control it globally, by song, or by track.

Callie, I will just mention that, when we discussed this new feature in beta testing, we never did learn exactly what is going on. Several of us guessed, and there were some guidelines stated by Dr. Gannon. Perhaps this is proprietary info, and we will respect that, but if it isn't, it would be nice to know more about the algorithm at work here. As a composer, I really need to know what to expect when I want a particular upper extension, whether I can enable this feature or not.


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: Dec 2011
Posts: 280
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 280
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
it would be nice to know more about the algorithm at work here. As a composer, I really need to know what to expect when I want a particular upper extension, whether I can enable this feature or not.

Yeah, I completely agree with this, Matt.


Pepe aka Lt. Kojak
Milano, Italy
https://soundcloud.com/theodore-kojak/tracks
Hy-Bro Test Sound Files
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,777
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,777
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
Callie, I will just mention that, when we discussed this new feature in beta testing, we never did learn exactly what is going on.
Same story on our (Mac) end, now that you mention it smirk


There's only one thing to do in crisis like this - Sleep on it!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824
Yep, I agree with the comments. I have never used the feature because of these reasons and I get kinda fed up with the nagging pop-up note. Arranging and improvising are both problems


Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,777
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,777
Originally Posted By: Graham Martin
...I get kinda fed up with the nagging pop-up note.
Actually, I just may be able to help you with this bit:
In the global preferences for the way you want the NA function to behave, there's also a separate setting for the messages part of the feature. There you can set the frequency of those "nagging" things quite independently of what you've otherwise set for the feature itself, including turning those messages off entirely if you so desire cool


There's only one thing to do in crisis like this - Sleep on it!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,777
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,777
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
...it would be nice to know more about the algorithm at work here. As a composer, I really need to know what to expect when I want a particular upper extension, whether I can enable this feature or not.
I'd think getting some dedicated guideline videos with audible demonstrations of the actual differences in the outcome each time should really suffice, with greater appeal to the novice and learned alike.
No real need to get into intricate "algorithm", "proprietary info" or what have you, that might only complicate matters without cause.


There's only one thing to do in crisis like this - Sleep on it!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Icelander, was this feature even in BIAB 2016 for Mac?


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: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,777
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,777
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
Icelander, was this feature even in BIAB 2016 for Mac?
Not '16, nope. Didn't realise it had been for a year on your end either...not that I'm surprised wink


There's only one thing to do in crisis like this - Sleep on it!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
No, it was introduced in version 2017 for the PC also. I was just going by your signature.


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: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,777
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,777
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
No, it was introduced in version 2017 for the PC also. I was just going by your signature.
Oh right, thanks for reminding me to update that bit! shocked


There's only one thing to do in crisis like this - Sleep on it!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,777
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,777
Fixed, sorry for the confusion cool


There's only one thing to do in crisis like this - Sleep on it!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Got it, thanks. Makes more sense now.


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
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
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

The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option

Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!

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!

Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!

If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.

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."

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,631
Posts735,242
Members38,520
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
SYOTR, Bpnsrinu, DanyLevy, vasilich, maxrob61
38,520 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 185
DC Ron 100
dcuny 86
DrDan 73
Today's Birthdays
Bernard Rasson, John Temmerman
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5