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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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JBran Offline OP
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Playing and Editing Midi File

Could some tell me the correct way to import a midi file . I want to be able to see all 16 channels and edit them . I am sure i was able to do this a few years ago but i cant remember how i did it.

I can import the midi file using Open Special / Midi file.

The complete file contents shows up in a track called Bass 2 in he mixer window . Before i loaded the file this track wall called Melody.

I get the chords sheet and can play the file with all the tracks included

How do i get the the 16 channels out into there own tracks in the mixer window so i can edit them ?

I am running 2024 pro version.

Thanks

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You simply need to Drag and Drop the .mid file onto the empty chord chart. that will open this window. Just start pushing the right buttons.
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BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.

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JBran Offline OP
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That works ! Thanks very much . I spent hours trying to figure this out.

Is there way to Load Chords Into Chord Sheet ?

Thanks

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[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]File - Import - Import Chords from Midi File (Midi Chord Wizard) - Cntrl-Alt-I


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Just FYI, standard MIDI 1.0 does not support chord symbols, so what Dan shows above is BiaB importing the notes from the MIDI file and building it's best understanding of the chord symbols from that, so it may not match what you expect, but should at least be a good starting point.

There are some implementations that include the chord symbols in some optional text messages, but they're an ad hoc standard.

I think MIDI 2.0 now has chord symbols as part of the specification, but it's likely too early yet to see it much. Most MIDI is still 1.0.


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
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Good point by Gordon. The chord symbols you see in BIAB are interpreted from the imported MIDI.

The last time I checked, they did not add chord symbol storage to the MIDI 2.0 standard. I really hope that I'm wrong.

This short exchange details the issue: https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=printthread&Board=69&main=76713&type=thread


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Hi JBran,

Did you know you can also copy and paste chords from a text file? I copied this from page 91 of the 2025 BiaB for Windows manual:
Quote
You can copy chords in a text file and paste them into a Band-in-a-Box song. Type chords in a text file using a vertical line for a bar line. If you want a blank bar, leave a space or type a % sign between vertical lines. For example, you can type | D | G7 | | F | or | D | G7 | % | F |. You can use shortcuts and non-standard chord display (e.g., | 1j | 2h | 53 |). To add breaks (rests/shots/holds), type period(s) after the chord. To add pushes, enter caret(s) before the chord. If you want a part marker, type a or b and a parenthesis after a vertical line. You can type as many bars as you like on each line


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Originally Posted by Matt Finley
The last time I checked, they did not add chord symbol storage to the MIDI 2.0 standard. I really hope that I'm wrong
I'll emphasise that I think it's now there. My post here is now also perhaps a bit off-topic.

What I've been looking at is in the current Universal MIDI Packet (UMP) document, which says there's a new data type "Flex Data Messages" (section 7.5). Amongst those is:
Quote
7.5.8 Set Chord Name Message
This message declares the name of a chord. The chord can have an optional, alternate bass note and an optional bass chord.
... which appears to contain the right sort of data for chord symbols, though encoded, not as text. I think that's the right data for chord symbols, but there's also the issue 'right data' and whether users and systems actually include such data. Obviously a plain old keyboard can't(?) but an arranger might and something to drive an arpeggiator might. In the examples are DMaj7/F#" and "CMaj7#11".

Summary: I think there's now a message, but I rather doubt that there will be any actual chord name data in MIDI files in the near future.

M2-104-UM_v1-1-2_UMP_and_MIDI_2-0_Protocol_Specification.pdf --- published 2023-11-10


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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