|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 41
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 41 |
I play by ear quite well, and I rely on Band in a Box to tell me what chord I have just played.
RealBand does not do midi chord detection.
I am surprised that by version 2010 you have not added this important feature.
Why?
Will you ever add it?
This is the main reason I haven't used Realband and have stayed with BIAB.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,455
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,455 |
If you record the playing, you can use the chord window to interpret the chords. Check the options button in the chords window (or right-click, I don't remember which right now). You can tell it to interpret the chords at any point.
There is also a default checkbox to interpret the chords when a file is opened if they have not been interpreted previously; make sure that is checked.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Glenn, please be more specific. I take it you're talking about playing a midi keyboard and you have Biab tell you what the chord is? If that's the case say so because the more details you provide in your question the better. Otherwise, Real Band does midi chord detection just fine but it's doing it from a midi file not from a keyboard input. I've never done this but I think you could record your keyboard as a midi track in Real Band, save it as a midi file, then open any another midi song and then go back and reopen what you recorded and RB should detect the chords because it does the chord detection when you first open the file.
As to your question asking will you ever add it, this is a user forum not a direct pipeline to the company but occasionally Peter will jump in and make a comment about something like this. If he doesn't then that's what the Wishlist forum is all about.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,455
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,455 |
I believe if you right-click in the chords window you can use the MIDI chord wizard (or custom MIDI chord wizard) to interprate the chords at any time...
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 41
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 41 |
JazzMammal,
I meant the way BIAB does it: Hit Ctrl-Enter while holding down a chord on the keyboard, and the chord that you are playing is interpreted and the chord symbol in inserted into the measure.
When I am sounding out chord changes and building up a progression in Band in a Box, that's how I do it.
I'll have to check what you mean about right clicking. I hope that works, similar to the way BIAB does it with Ctrl-Enter. That would be great if it does. I have looked in the RealBand online help file for anything about chord entry from the keyboard and nothing was mentioned.
But I'll try a right click and see if a chord symbol appears.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi Glenn,
This thread's a week old now, but I figured I'd jump in..
I think the reason that this feature was never implemented, is that by the time your project gets to RealBand, your chords should already be entered.
Everybody does things a bit differently, but I'd get the backing tracks put together in Band-in-a-Box, and open the project in RealBand when you're ready to record additional audio or MIDI tracks, or add more RealTracks than you have room for in your Band-in-a-Box project.
The idea isn't to use one program or the other, but to use both, since they each have their own specialties. Band-in-a-Box is for generating music based on chords you've entered, and RealBand is good at recording.
Hope this helps
Kent
PG Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897 |
Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.
Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
Yeah...why can't I just feed my extended-chord jazz real book chords into the software and end up with all those Miles and Dizzy extensions transferred to good ol' BIAB, and have them reproduced as "the correct background chords"??
 
http://www.thegigbaby
Because that's not what Biab is. Biab is designed to do it "it's way", not your way. When you enter the chords, Biab will use voicings that it thinks should be correct according to the style you picked. And then it's deliberately designed to change it slightly every time you hit play because a real band won't play a tune the exact same way every time either especially if it's a jazz tune. Hence the name "Band in a Box". That's why it was a big deal to be able to freeze tracks if you want certain parts to not change. If you want exact voicings you have to create a style that uses those voicings. I learned that years ago when I wanted to do Impressions using the original McCoy Tyner "So What" chords. No matter what I did or what style I picked, Biab never came up with those voicings. I could program the rhythm with no problem but Biab did the voicings according to the style and then with the different variations sometimes it would be fairly close and other times it wouldn't. It would require a separate "McCoy Tyner Impressions" style that I never bothered trying to create.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 41
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 41 |
Kent, That makes sense. I *was* trying to use Realband as a BIAB replacement.  I was mainly wanting it for different vst synths for different instruments. When it comes time to record, I now typically move the midi tracks to Sonar and use some pretty high-powered vst synths, such as Spectrasonics Trillian for acoustic bass. And Omnisphere for pads and strings. Thanks for the replies everybody.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
glenn.
you are aware that you can import your biab midi/song into RB ??
then run a test plugging in your high powered plug ins.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
glenn.
you are aware that you can import your biab midi/song into RB ??
then run a test plugging in your high powered plug ins.
The term "import" can be confusing. No need to import it, you just open the file with RB as you would with Biab. You can also create the song from scratch in the first place right in Real Band. RB uses the same chord grid, the same Biab styles and synths along with whatever Real Tracks/Drums you have. Still, the two programs are not interchangable. RB will open up Biab files but Biab will not open RB files so that could bite a noob if they're not expecting it.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean