|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,712
PG Music Staff
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,712 |
Thank you Noel, that solves the problem of separate tracks, and probably explains why sometimes it worked for me and other times not. I must have had it unchecked in one. So that is great, if MAC users don't have access to RealBand, then this will work for them, and also I find BIAB really fast if I just want this feature quickly to get back to Synth V. Yes, the same process should work for either Mac or Windows. If you encounter a file that does not load into Synth V properly (e.g. harmonies not on separate tracks), it would be great if you could send us the file (ideally both the BB song file and MIDI file). If you don't want to share the file on the forum you could send it to support@pgmusic.com and reference this forum thread, or send it to me in a PM.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 57 |
Hi,
Another user of Reaper + BB + Synth-V, with little time for music... and most of it dedicated to finish a project that is not songwriting.
I can replicate the steps to export melody + harmony tracks to multiple tracks in Reaper but I saw a few things that are midway between possible bugs and expected features:
1) Setting the harmony properly, dragging the melody to the drop area and then dragging the "MID" rectangle to Reaper drops melody plus harmonies, but all in the same track (somehow expected) but also all in the same MIDI channel. Why? When hitting play BB uses channels 4,11 and 12 (if properly set both in the general options and the harmony channels A, B and C).
I would expect to have at least the 3 MIDI channels separated.
Ideally, the best thing could be to export the MIDI as separate tracks.
2) It could be ideal if someone could create the harmonies from the VST3 plugin, this has the advantage of the integrated edition (it is really the main advantage of using the DAW mode.
3) It could be less ideal but much better than the present situation if one could drag and drop harmonies from BiaB standalone to a DAW. Not as good (but I think there are other things to fix in the plugin with higher priority).
4) Finally I understand the RealBand workflow but.... too many steps for this time and age! And as Thomas S points, not valid for MAC users (not my case). I think it could be a reasonable expectation that important functions in BB have the equivalent in the plugin.
The new flexibilty to define tracks in BB 2024, combined with the "Multipicker Library" and the tracks view is great. I don't know if it is reasonable to expect that the new functionality will also work with the convenient drag'n'drop exporting or (much better) inside the plug-in. I also appreciate the efforts to directly reference the Real Tracks in Reaper without the need to actually render and copy them locally, this opens the integration to a whole new level. But at the same time I miss simple stuff.
I understand that the origin of BB was a "MIDI accompaniment program" (very good for live use back in the 90's). I also understand and appreciate the total compatibility with older files generated... 30 years ago? That's a massive plus for me. But now that BB is taking the whole songwriting process to a new dimension (now with the revolution of synthetic voices!) it could be important to streamline the functionality and workflow of important functions to be used in a DAW. In a generic external DAW, not RealBand or PowerTracks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 129
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 129 |
There are two separate (but related) issues in this thread relating to streamlining the workflow of BB with Synthesizer V:
1) Getting MIDI lyrics in and out of BB and back and forth to Synth V
2) Getting BB-generated harmonies on to separate tracks.
My understanding of the status of these issues are:
1) RealBand works perfectly for both issues, but BB does not. If BB could be aligned to the way RealBand does this that would be a great improvement.
2) Noel has explained a way for BB to export harmonies on separate tracks, but I cannot yet confirm that it works for me. I need to keep trying.
3) The only way to get lyrics in and out of BB is to either use the MIDI text converter, or Reaper users can use the script posted above. In either case it is slow and cumbersome, until BB is upgraded.
4) In the meantime, for Windows users, using RealBand will be the best solution.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 57 |
There are two separate (but related) issues in this thread relating to streamlining the workflow of BB with Synthesizer V:
1) Getting MIDI lyrics in and out of BB and back and forth to Synth V
2) Getting BB-generated harmonies on to separate tracks.
My understanding of the status of these issues are:
1) RealBand works perfectly for both issues, but BB does not. If BB could be aligned to the way RealBand does this that would be a great improvement.
2) Noel has explained a way for BB to export harmonies on separate tracks, but I cannot yet confirm that it works for me. I need to keep trying.
3) The only way to get lyrics in and out of BB is to either use the MIDI text converter, or Reaper users can use the script posted above. In either case it is slow and cumbersome, until BB is upgraded.
4) In the meantime, for Windows users, using RealBand will be the best solution. I totally agree. And I would add... If this welcome functionality (harmonies, lyrics) was available in the plug-in it could be times better! (that's the intention of having the plugin, isn't it?). I have similar feelings about Synth-V plug-in, but this is not relevant here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,712
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,712 |
1) Setting the harmony properly, dragging the melody to the drop area and then dragging the "MID" rectangle to Reaper drops melody plus harmonies, but all in the same track (somehow expected) but also all in the same MIDI channel. Why? When hitting play BB uses channels 4,11 and 12 (if properly set both in the general options and the harmony channels A, B and C). Thanks for your interesting comments. I think this has been said earlier in the thread, but just to clarify -- I believe that most of the confusion around saving the harmonies in MIDI files is related to the concept in Band-in-a-Box of "writing the harmony to the melody track". If you *do not* select that option, then the harmony is generated in real-time and is not actually written on any track. You can save a MIDI file by pressing the MIDI button in the toolbar (file panel). If in the MIDI file options dialog you have selected "include harmony in MIDI file" (which is the default), then Band-in-a-Box will write the harmony parts to separate tracks "Harmony voice 1", "Harmony voice 2", etc. So that should be perfect for Synth V. However, if you do the function to "write/convert the harmony to the melody track" and save the MIDI file, or you use drag and drop via the drop station, both the Melody and harmony parts are saved to the same track. Since we have Utility tracks now in Band-in-a-Box, we should probably write the harmony parts to separate utility tracks and that would avoid the problem of the parts being on the same track.
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 01/12/24 02:16 PM.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 129
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 129 |
RESOLVED!
The issue is now resolved with the update to version 1109. Midi Lyrics come in and out of BB and back and forth to Synth V perfectly. Very fast service and attention to our needs. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,472
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,472 |
Hi Thomas, Yes! It's excellent  When you get a chance, could you click on the "Resolved" button in original post in this thread? That will let everyone know that the post is a worthy read because it was resolved. All the best, --Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,941
Posts797,974
Members39,987
| |
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