|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7 |
I'm entering a song and it has an extended ending with multiple instrumental verses. It's going to run well ove the 255 bar limit in BB. How do you guys get around this? I eventually want to use it as a backing track and record it using Reaper or Audacity. Is there a way to maybe split the extended ending off to another song but have it jump right into it or something like that?
The song's only about 6 1/2 minutes long. I can't be the only one who needs a song that long... There must be someone out there who has come up with a solution...
Thanks!
Charlie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157 |
You can only input 255 measures in midi (has to do with base 10 mathematics). You will need to add repeat/coda marks etc . . .
There used to be a video tutorial on the PG Support page about adding repeats. Good luck,
Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7 |
I tried the repeats, but repeats add more bars. It does not appear that you can have repeats without adding new bars. I thought perhaps another chorus, but it seems that it's one chorus per song...
Charlie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,357
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,357 |
Hi Falconer, I'm not quite sure what you mean by the following. Quote:
I tried the repeats, but repeats add more bars. It does not appear that you can have repeats without adding new bars. I thought perhaps another chorus, but it seems that it's one chorus per song...
Does your song have verses and choruses that use the same chord pattern? If so, it is these that can be set up to repeat and thus reduce the number of bars. As an example, I'll use the song "Top Of The World" by The Carpenters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq5pLi0huhw
The structure of this song is 1) Intro 2) Verse 3) Chorus 4) Instrumental Turnaround 5) Verse 6) Chorus 7) Chorus 8) Ending
In the above structure, the verse and chorus repeat. Using repeats in BIAB, it would only be necessary to type in one Verse and one Chorus and then set the score so that it repeats those sections. In effect, this will halve the number of bars that you have to assemble.
Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7 |
Starting at bar 161, I have a 36-bar pattern that needs to repeat about 5 times. I haven't been able to figure out how to make the repeats work. If I choose edit>repeats then select the bars and number of repeats, and check generate/ insert new bars, it overruns the end. If I don't check generate/ insert new bars, then the repeat doesn't work.
How do I create a second chorus using just the section I want to repeat and tack that on to the end of the main section?
Charlie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7 |
Just tried the repeat thing again; it will give me 2 repeats but no more. I need 5. If I copy the 36 repeatd measures to a new file it will play them all. It's all about running into the 255 bar limit.
How to get around that 255 bar thing?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493 |
Why are you starting at bar 161? Could any section of that be reduced with repeats? Seems like an excessive number of bars to all be unique.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7 |
Bars 1-20 are the intro. Bars 21-56 are the first verse. Bars 57-92 are the second verse. Bars 93-128 are the first guitar solo Bars 129-148 are the third verse Bars 149-152 are the break Bars 153-160 are the turnaround Bars 161-196 are the first section of the final instrumental. Those bars need to repeat 4x.
Maybe we're disconnecting on the repeats. According to my reading and experience, repeats are strictly a function of the notation, not the song length. Even if it's the same 4 bars over and over, you can only repeat them up to 255 bars total for the song. Now, I can set the "number of choruses in the song" to a certain number. What I can't figure out how to do is to use that "chorus" construct as a portion of the song (like bars 161-196) with the rest of the song outside of that. Or string multiple "choruses" together...
Charlie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157 |
You may need to record your song in parts and then splice them together in a sequencer. Biab has a limit of 255 midi measures, due to the math the PC uses etc . . . I was hoping a repeat would have helped with that problem, but if it is not allowing you to go past 255, you will need to record it in sections.
Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
161-bar intro. 4 36-bar choruses. 197 bars of the chord sheet used, you'll even have room for an extended tag ending. ;-)
Kent PG Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7 |
Yes! Got your email, Kent. That did it. I KNEW there was a way to do it. Thanks much. The screen shot helped, too...
Now, is there a way do do multiple different choruses per song or is it limited to one?
Thanks again!
Charlie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
Falconer something to think about conceptually when doing songs. biab for roughing out song ideas n then youll also have realband where you can do a load of trak manipulation etc etc n song icings. think of it like building a house. biab for the song foundation idea..n RB for building up the song. cos rb has 48 traks.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE ! "what is the black art of audio engineering ?" my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning see my tips in the tips section.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Quote:
Yes! Got your email, Kent. That did it. I KNEW there was a way to do it. Thanks much. The screen shot helped, too...
Now, is there a way do do multiple different choruses per song or is it limited to one?
Thanks again!
Charlie
Right on, glad I could help... As for the multiple different choruses thing, that's not possible at this time, sorry.
Kent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
|
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 21 |
>>You can only input 255 measures in midi (has to do with base 10 mathematics). You will need to add repeat/coda marks etc . . . Well actually base 2 (binary) but 10 is 2 in binary so I'll give you credit 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,470
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,470 |
I would make "parts 1 and 2", export them as MIDI files and then combine them in a MIDI sequencer.
There are simply some songs that cannot be put in the 255 limit, no matter how creative you get with repeats.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,449
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,449 |
How long have I been asking for this...?
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157 |
Tom,
I believe anything more then 255 is impossible, due to the calculation? I can't explain it, but I believe it has to do with the multiplication of 255x255 and not enough 11000100010 space etc . . . ?
Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Well, when you need more than 255, time to start exporting to REALBAND and keep on going...
--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
Topics85,736
Posts795,465
Members39,942
| |
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|