Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#80879 07/27/10 03:15 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31
M
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
M
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31
Half time is working fine, i have a track at 220 bpm and i load a realtrack at 110 and sounds great but double time does not seem to be working. Say i write a song at 55 bpm and i load the Jazz Sw 110 Acoustic Bass, the double time feature does not work and i get a bad sounding bass line full of artifacts.
I have the 'allow half time/double' box checked but only half time is working. Anything i'm doing wrong?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,792
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,792
Only half the time! Opps sorry my bad! Did I say that out loud?


HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,975
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,975
To make half time or double time work for a track, you need to set the track to half or double time. This is done in realtracks assign dialog, near the top right of the dialog.


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
B
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
B
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
This isn't working for me either. I'm just now exploring the half and double time feature myself, and I'm having the same results as mellowstu. If my song is at 65 BPM, and I choose a snarly, wild electric guitar solo that's at 120, it doesn't seem to matter whether I put a checkmark next to "Double Time?" when choosing the Soloist, or choose "Double Time" in the 'Assign Real Tracks' dialog - I still get a garbled, artifact-ridden guitar solo.

There must be something else we're just not understanding here, huh?

BIAB 2010.5, Build 303

Bobby K.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Hi Bobby,

Early on, I experienced issues with the Soloist. For me, it turned out that the issues arose because the Soloist track was frozen and I didn't realize it. That's when I learned that when BIAB saves a song with a solo, it automatically locks that solo. With this in mind, have you double-checked that the Soloist is not frozen before you apply the Double (Half) time option. Once that option is applied, it is then necessary to regenerate the track.

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,828
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,828
Hello,

Quote:

I have the 'allow half time/double' box checked but only half time is working.




It sounds like you have an old build of the program installed, since newer builds don't have that checkbox. Install the latest build, then follow Peter's instructions, and it should work for you.

Quote:

This isn't working for me either. I'm just now exploring the half and double time feature myself, and I'm having the same results as mellowstu. If my song is at 65 BPM, and I choose a snarly, wild electric guitar solo that's at 120, it doesn't seem to matter whether I put a checkmark next to "Double Time?" when choosing the Soloist, or choose "Double Time" in the 'Assign Real Tracks' dialog - I still get a garbled, artifact-ridden guitar solo.




As Noel said, the problem is most likely that you are generating your solo using the Soloist dialog. Instead, use the Assign RealTracks dialog. For example, try this.

1. Set your song to 55 bpm
2. Right-click on the bass track and click on Add/Remove RealTracks.
3. Select Bass, Acoustic, Jazz Sw 110.
4. Set the Timebase to 'double time'.
5. Close the RealTracks picker and press Play.

In this particular example, note that if you *don't* set it to double-time, Band-in-a-Box will automatically substitute the 110bpm bass with 'Bass, Acoustic, Jazz Ballad Sw 060', then slow this one down by 5bpm. You can enable/disable this particular feature in the RealTracks Preferences dialog (Allow auto-RealTracks subsitution...)


Andrew
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
B
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
B
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
Quote:

As Noel said, the problem is most likely that you are generating your solo using the Soloist dialog.




How else do you generate a solo? I did have success with the 'Assign Real Tracks' double time method you described, which gave me a nice, artifact-free *rhythm* track, but, that's not a soloist. How do we go about generating a double time *soloist*, if not from the Soloist dialog?

Thanks.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Bobby,

When you get a chance, could you please step me through how you go about setting-up a simple solo? That way, I'll be able to read what you do and try it out.

Also, if the end result of your arrangement is going to be an mp3 (or equivalent), Realband is extremely versatile when it comes to manipulating solos. That program might be worth investigating, too.

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
B
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
B
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
Okay, good idea.

Here goes. After opening BIAB, in which my current default style is "=FBL12SP LitePop w/12str.FpkAc.Guit(65RT)", I enter a few chords like, say, C for two bars, then F, and then repeat that several times. Tempo is at 65. I then click the Soloist button, then immediately click the RealTracks button to narrow it down to just RT's. I then choose whatever 120-140 tempo RTs I happen to find - for example, "496 Guitar,El,Rh StoneZ1 Ev120", and then put a checkmark in the "Double Time?" box, and hit "OK". It automatically generates the solo, but when it plays, it sounds awful - slow, garbled and "artifacty". Same as if I *hadn't* checked the "Double Time?" box.

Bobby K.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Hi Bobby,

Thank you for the information. I'll have a play around and get back to you.

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
B
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
B
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
Okay. Btw, like I said earlier, if I then right-click the soloist track and 'Assign Real Tracks', then choose the same style (496 - Guitar.... StoneZ...Ev120), with 'Double Time' selected in the Timebase area, it then generates fine and sounds great. I'd be happy doing it that way, but I thought the soloists chosen in the Select Soloist dialog play actual solos, as opposed to just rhythm parts, right? (it's hard to tell with the "StoneZ" style - probably not the best example of the difference between rhythm and soloist)...

...

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Hi Bobby,

I've had a little play around. The "double-time" option in the Soloist dialogue (the pop-up one gets when using the S button to generate a solo) is not a double-time for Realtracks. My understanding is that this particular double-time option is meant for the MIDI solos; it has been around for a lot longer than Realtracks. Double-timing MIDI involves different programming from double-timing RTs. From playing with the settings, my conclusion is that the S button can be used to generate RT solos in normal time only.

To generate RTs in half- or double-time, it is necessary to use the "Assign Realtracks" that you have already discovered (and select double-time or half-time options within the assign option). With Realtracks, it is possible to assign a solo instrument to any track, they are not restricted to the Soloist track. Moreover, the generated solo is created exactly the same on any track. The reason for this is that RT Soloists are pieced together from fragments of actual playing - assembling these solos does not work on a note-by-note basis like MIDI.

A trick that I use with RT solos is to generate the solo and then to use Edit >> Settings for current bar to bring the solo in and out of the mix by varying the volume at the appropriate bars.

Hope this helps,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
B
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
B
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 64
I see. Well if that's so, then in the Select Soloist dialog (via the 'S' button) the placement of that "Double Time?" checkbox - so close to the RealTracks button - is really kind of deceiving, isn't it. At the same time though, it seems like, if you can double or half-time RTs from elsewhere in BIAB (using 'Assign RealTracks'), it should be a simple matter of cloning that function over to the Select Soloist dialog. Maybe it's more complicated than that, I'm not a programmer... But gee, they've already got the RealTracks button in there - they're so close...

The other thing is, I discovered that soloists are among the choices in the 'Assign RealTracks' list. (you see, I thought that *that* route was exclusively for rhythm parts, whereas 'Select Soloist' was exclusively for solos - that was my little mistake.)

So, assuming all possible soloists are also available via the 'Assign RealTracks' dialog, I'm okay with that.

And thanks for the tip about bar settings and soloists. I've been noodling around with bar settings for the first time, and it's amazing the kind of life you can breathe into your songs, just by muting a couple of instruments here and there, and then bringing them back in. Makes my stuff sound... almost legit!

Bobby K.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 22
B
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
B
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 22
Hi,

I have a related question about half/double time. I'd like to try and get two kicks in a row, i.e. a shot on beat 1 *and* beat and then another kick on beat 2. (Two consecutive eighth notes). To date, when I've had to get two eighth note kicks in a row, I typically figure out which one is the strongest beat, and set Band in a Box to Shot or Stop on that beat. Then I play or record the beat that I want emphasized before or after BiaB's assigned beat.
It looks like with the double time/half time options I may have the ability to get two eighth note kicks from Band in a Box by forcing half-time for two bars and then doubling the tempo for those two bars. If this works, I can get around the limitation of not being able to have two consecutive eighth note kicks or more than four changes in a given measure. I look forward to the replies.

Thanks,
Bill

Last edited by Bill Lyons; 07/30/10 01:08 PM.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
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

Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,217
Posts802,020
Members40,070
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Orchestr8, dimtass, Quamido Pirendo, Allan63, isledge
40,070 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 126
zedd 110
DC Ron 93
rsdean 90
Noel96 76
Today's Birthdays
flashlarue, gary133, kirbonite
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5