Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 212
M
Matti Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 212
Hi
About 20 years ago I used Trax software created by Passport Deisgns to make music. Trax made files with MTS extension. They could also be saved as standard midi files. MTS extension is nowadays used for video files but that is another thing.

Now I try to go through my old files and play them but I don't have Trax anymore. MTS files is not recognized by any software that I have. I have lost the original disk of the Trax software. It is also possible that it would not work anymore on current Windows.

Any ideas how I could make the conversion from MTS files to MIDI files?

Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,107
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,107
I searched for several solutions, but did not find a suitable result. Could you upload one of your Trax (.MTS) files and someone might be able to investigate if it is possible to extract the MIDI content?


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 212
M
Matti Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 212
I tried to upload one file but PG allows only certain type of files to be attached.

My understanding is that if I could get Master Track Pro software from somewhere it can handle MTS files.

Today I found the Trax setup.exe file but it refuses to run the setup as it can be run only on old Windows versions.

Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,107
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,107
You wouldn't be able to upload it directly to this PG Music site, but you could upload it to Drop Box or a similar file sharing site, and then share the link here.


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761


Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.

When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629
Just off the top of my head, have you tried renaming one to .mid file extension?
I know it sounds crazy, but may be worth a shot.
If you did upload one somewhere that would have been the first thing I tried.
Might just be a MIDI file with extra junk in it.

20 years ago and all ..


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 212
M
Matti Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 212
Thank you for your comments. I could not get Timidity software up and running. It is mentioned on the Reddit page.

Renaming does not help. I tried with BIAB and Audacity but the software does not understand the data on the file.

The original creator of Master Track Pro and Trax midi software has a new company Passport Music Software. There is a forum on the site and I update a question there. The "Contact us" page is not activated.

Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
The “new” Passport website is pretty new but has a long history. The original author of Encore notation software bought it back.

I remember Master Tracks Pro. I seriously doubt the software would install decades later.

There are others of the new forum waiting for Encore 6 which may read your MTS file. In the meantime, upload your file to somewhere like Dropbox. Let me try.


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 212
M
Matti Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 212
I downloaded Trax software from here:
https://vetusware.com/manufacturer/Passport%20Designs/?author=1533

The files contain Bach.mts which is technically a similar file that was created by Trax.

Master Tracks Pro dowload includes the same Bach.mts.

Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,065
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,065
I’m betting that you are the anonymous poster here:

Passport Music

Trax and AudioTrax were budget versions of MasterTracks Pro. I have no idea if MTP can open those files or convert them. I have a feeling that most MTP users don’t even know about those old versions, probably why no one responded to your question. Unfortunately, Don Williams didn’t answer either which would have been ideal seeing how he wrote the original versions.

There’s an article on the old hardware requirements here:
Article from Sound On Sound, March 1992

I suggest going back and asking if anyone with a working version of MTP can try and convert a file for you. I’ve done this for Encore and MusicTime users. If someone can do the conversion, then you can work out a deal to convert all.


BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 212
M
Matti Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 212
This issue is solved. I found a guy that has Encore system up and running. I sent all my MTS files to him and he saved them as MIDI files.

Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
I'm glad you solved it. I've followed what I assume are your posts on the Encore forum as well as here.

I did not know Encore could open these files. I have the over ten year-old Windows version (I was a beta tester for many years). It works on my Windows 11 system, although it's no less buggy now than it was then. Did you convert them on Encore for Mac, or Encore for Windows? Just curious for future reference.


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,065
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,065
Originally Posted by Matt Finley
I'm glad you solved it. I've followed what I assume are your posts on the Encore forum as well as here.

I did not know Encore could open these files. I have the over ten year-old Windows version (I was a beta tester for many years). It works on my Windows 11 system, although it's no less buggy now than it was then. Did you convert them on Encore for Mac, or Encore for Windows? Just curious for future reference.

My question, too. I suppose I could read the Encore 5 manual again but so much of it is wrong, never occurred me to try that. When I’m back in my office later today, perhaps…

I do talk to Don now and then but feel it’s not my job to bother him about progress on Encore 6 or the lack of it. Last we spoke, he’s still working on Encore 6. Next up is Overture 6 which will be able to open Encore and MasterTracks files, then comes the update to MTP.


BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
Yes, if the new Overture that is developed first can read the older Encore files and export complete Music XML, I will be all set.


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,065
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,065
Originally Posted by Matt Finley
Yes, if the new Overture that is developed first can read the older Encore files and export complete Music XML, I will be all set.

Don’s plan is MusicXML 3.0 which is still a standard. Many apps never updated to 3.1 or 4.0.

In the meantime, I’m using PDFtoMusic Pro to convert my Encore files as needed—appears to be xml 3.0. Is it great? Not at all but it’s a lot more accurate than SmartScorePro for Encore files.

I lost one of my 2012 MacBook Pros last week when I stumbled in my office and dumped some coffee into it. Turns out that an inexpensive insurance policy I bought from AT&T covers this with a $99 deductible. If they can’t repair it, I’ll be offered a later refurb. I’m hoping it can be repaired, however. Fortunately, I have another juuuuust in case.


BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
I remember you mentioning PDFtoMusic Pro. I have it. It often doesn't want to proceed but when it does, it works well. Are you saying it reads an Encore native file? Or that it's pretty good reading PDFs created by Encore?


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,065
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,065
Originally Posted by Matt Finley
I remember you mentioning PDFtoMusic Pro. I have it. It often doesn't want to proceed but when it does, it works well. Are you saying it reads an Encore native file? Or that it's pretty good reading PDFs created by Encore?

PDF files only. It gets confused if expressions are too close to lyrics, text or other symbols but it can save time.

A number of people recommend Myriad's Harmony Assistant. Although it claims the ability to import Encore files, I find it does a terrible job especially with regards to lyrics, most of my work in Encore. I download the demo now and then just to see if any progress has made. In addition, I find the workflow cumbersome.


BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,065
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,065
I used PDFtoMusic Pro last week on a score where the guy who laid out the original couldn’t keep away from dotted slurs—and that was just the beginning of his many mistakes. I was in time wasting hell when it scanned them all in as slurs—but not slurs that Finale could just delete. I had to delete the notes they were attached to first then re-enter. Fermatas over double-bars instead of caesurra and other crap…

I would have been better off entering everything by hand. Next time…


BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

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
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!

Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.

Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.

If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!

202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!

Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.

Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.

The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
  • iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!

All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!

It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!

The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.

The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.

Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.

Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.

Holiday Weekend Hours

As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:

April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours

Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!

— Team PG

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,301
Posts802,961
Members40,086
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
DC Cougar, luli, windsax, GregNYR, Gouby Raya
40,085 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 118
rsdean 89
vicarn 73
DC Ron 73
zedd 72
Noel96 58
Today's Birthdays
Bob Rogers, knurd75, Tommycat
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5