|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Styles and RealTracks Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 88
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 88 |
This issue was recently raised on the BB forum on Yahoo Groups. Importing a 6/8 midi file without BIAB remapping it to 4/4. According to the FAQ #21 on here: 21. How do I create and use Band-in-a-Box Styles in 6/8,12/8,9/8 and 5/4 time signatures? Band-in-a-Box's StyleMaker creates styles in 3/4 or 4/4 only. However, consider that 6/8, 9/8, & 12/8 styles are just variations of 3/4 or 4/4 - you can make and use styles in these time signatures to get the same effect. · 12/8: Band-in-a-Box considers 12/8 to be a variation of a 4/4 style (i.e. a 4/4 style with a triplet feel). To make a 12/8 style, just make a 4/4 style in a triplet feel. In other words, one bar of 12/8 is equivalent to one bar of 4/4 in a triplet feel. For an example, choose the "Country 12/8" style from the Styles menu | Choose from 24 'Built-in' Styles. · 6/8: This is similar to 12/8. Two bars of 6/8 make up one bar of 12/8, so 6/8 is done in 4/4 as well. Think of 6/8 as 2 beats of 4/4 in a triplet feel. For an example of this, go to the Styles menu | Choose from 24 'Built-in' Styles, and select the "Irish" style. You can set the number of beats per bar to 2 in the Edit | Settings for Current Bar dialog (F5). · 9/8: This is like a waltz (3/4) style in a triplet feel. · 5/4, 6/4, 7/4 etc.: Songs in time signatures like 5/4 and 7/4 can be made. Just pick a base time signature of 3/4 or 4/4, then for the song, select the time signature of 5/4 or 7/4 from the Edit | Set Time Signature menu item. Note that for time signatures higher than 4/4, each bar of 5/4 etc. will be spread over two or more bars in Band-in-a-Box. For example, 5/4 alternates between a bar of 3 and a bar of 2. You can use the Search function in the StylePicker to find styles written for a specific compound time signature. Note: Styles Set 38 for Band-in-a-Box ("About Time") has many excellent styles with unusual time signatures such as 5/4, 7/8, 11/8, 14/8, and 19/16. These styles have been written so that, for example, a bar of 5/4 occupies exactly one bar in Band-in-a-Box, rather than being spread out over two bars. Styles Set 38 requires Band-in-a-Box Version 11 or higher. I tried using a standard 6/8 song “Afro Blue” and imported it into BB 2009.5, as mentioned , it was remapped to 4/4. I then selected a 6/8 style #77, #50, as well as some 12/8 styles and they sounded awful. I was unable to figure out how to "simply" change styles from ¾ or 4/4 to 6/8. Using the recommended #21 procedure above, I guess you can split the 6/8 time over 2 measures using the method, "Think of 6/8 as 2 beats of 4/4 in a triplet feel," but what a drag to go through all of that when a simple fix to "Not Remap" should be all there is to it or some means to select the 6/8 style initially and then import the midi file without changing the mapping. IMHO, I believe BB should get back into the "Midi" aspect of programming and design, as it was initially intended. I realize "Audio" is the new thing, but the market already has enough of that, to me? FWIW! I agree whole heartedly to the "modified" above statement. Can anything be done to get back to midi basics?  (Wrkinit) or trying to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Styles and RealTracks Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716 |
Well FWIW I also agree with the back to midi 'sentiment'. That makes two of us now, hardly a stampede i know, but maybe now's the time for the silent 'majority' ( if there is one) to speak up in favour of midi development.
I think BIAB is at a point where it doesn't really need to listen to calls for better midi unless there was a tidal wave of opinion of the kind that led to the move towards audio a few years back. It's perfectly happy it seems, business-wise, catering for the new market.
That still leaves a sizeable potential market untapped in my view. People primarily into composition and arranging from the ground up have effectively been left with a virtually unchanging program over the years. But the kind of user control this market would need runs counter to the prevailing 'let-BIAB-do- it-all for-you' add-on philosophy and that seems to be how it means to continue for now.
Also you have to consider the possibility that any drastic midi improvements may well be either intractably difficult to implement and/or liable to take away some of the shine from the audio side so I wouldnt be expecting any moves on this any time soon.
Does no harm to ask though but just be realistic about it's chances of ever happening.
Regards
Alan
Last edited by alan S.; 02/07/10 04:46 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Styles and RealTracks Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I think there will be more MIDI styles coming along...
They can't do all things at the same time, resources dictate such.
But MIDI ain't dead yet.
And then there's Bop "Notes" Norton, who is continuing development of his fine MIDI-based BiaB styles. If you haven't investigated these, you should.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Styles and RealTracks Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 88
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 88 |
In response to the subject matter and not seeking to reinvent the wheel. I'm sure I'm not alone in this, but simple modification of certain midi features is not that far off base or is it? In this case, pgmusic's focus, of late, has not included or addressed some basic functions pertaining to midi. Wasn't this the original foundation or bases of the program? In terms of timing, midi import, adjusting of various functions, including it's simple notation features. I would think this would be just as important as the newer "audio" implementations. From other posts I've read of late, it seems this sentiment is shared. It's quite apparent that pgmusic's new audio development or direction, seemingly, has abandoned midi development, and that technology should not go dormant just because of the demand/financial gain of audio. IMHO. And not to rant any further, but as an old ATARI platform user, I found BIAB to be a leader where others have gone asunder. Is it asking that much for a midi undertaking/remodification that addresses simple functions that some of us require and find useful? And yes, Bob Norton's styles have "enhanced" BIAB, but these offerings, without intensive and extensive editing, should not require us to seek outside functionalities with additional costs, that were once inclusive, to some degree, with the original BIAB. I mean when it was 1st introduced and marketed, where was Bob Norton's stuff?  I know, I know, the new pgmusic mantra, "Show Me The Money!" Just Trying to keep it real, Wrkinit (or trying) & Still a loyal user
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Styles and RealTracks Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Well, I have been among the many clamoring for full Time Signature Support for a long time now, measurable in years.
So I wasn't addressing that part of your original post at all.
I'm a diehard crusty capitalist, so I don't see anything bad nor wrong about anyone charging a reasonable fee for their work. Besides that, the value we get in most all PGMusic products is unequalled anywhere else in the music software business.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,737
Posts795,550
Members39,945
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean