I am trying to create a new part on either the soloist or melody tracks entering notes in the notation windows and then picking a midi instrument to play them. I have opened the notation window in editable mode and I see that the bar is divided into sixteenth notes. Is it fairly straight forward to enter notes this way in band in a box or is there a simpler way by doing the notation in a different program and then importing into band in a box?
You can import the melody from another program as long as you save it as a Standard MIDI file (you can also go the other way).
However, I think the note entry in BIAB is THE best method out there. Actually, BIAB presents several methods. If you use the mouse, each note will appear to be too long until you enter the next one. You can also easily enter rests. It may not seem intuitive at first, but you'll pick it up very quickly.
The measure isn't necessarily divided into sixteenth notes; you can set it for triplets. Use the little Opt button left of the Print button, and select Triplet Resolution at the far left. You can even use the right-click in the red timeline area (above the staff) to change resolution in one bar.
You can also record a melody with one key, and then adjust the pitches later. Or, if you are a lot better with a keyboard than I am, play and record it directly, knowing mouse edits are easy later. I often slow down the tempo to enter a melody with the keyboard, then bring it back to speed. You can drag a note with the mouse for either timing or pitch, or right-click on a note for finer adjustments.
Give it a try, look at the tutorials, and come back here with any questions.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I'm getting on not too bad at entering notes, but one thing is puzzling me, how do I enter a triplet in a straight 4/4 song? I have gone into options and ticked the triplets box, The notes enter fine as a triplet but once I revert to 4/4 time I loose the triplet for those particular 3 notes that I want played as a triplet ie crochet 1 beat length.
Ah I got it, Thank you very much again Matt for all your kind help in this. Now its just a case of entering the right notes as I'm a complete novice at reading or writing music.
Perhaps you meant to say, two beats [for a quarter-note triplet] instead of two bars? When you are in Editable Notation Mode, and you have set the timing to triplets, use every OTHER dotted vertical line for quarter note triplets. [Use EVERY dotted vertical line for eighth note triplets.] So the quarter note triplets would be entered on the first, third and fifth dotted vertical lines. Etc.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
What about quarter note triplets? I see how to get 8th note triplets by subdividing a bar into 3 but what about two bars for the quarter note triplet?
Like this? Well it's not that easy. It displays like this in Editable mode, but switch out of edit, and unfortunately that's no longer what is presented...
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.
I don't know, Trevor, but I'd call those half-note triplets. However, you DID subdivide a full bar (measure) into 3, as was requested.
Since we have clearly read his question differently, it would help if IanTai could come back and clarify.
Matt, thanks, yes I wasn't sure how to interpret. It could be done one way or the other, but not both at the same time. I took a guess. Let me see what I can do with the quarter note job... I'll be back
Trevor
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.
Yes. I meant two beats not measures. So a quarter note triplet would be the equivalent of two beats in a four beat measure. I have one other question about notation, but I'm sure if it should be posted here or elsewhere -
When I notate my melody, it appears to play back with my song. I can see the notes being played light up, but I don't have any play back sound for what I've written. Thanks for responding.
OK, I'm back. Finally got a chance to have a look at this. Here are the quarter note triplets - the other possible interpretation.
Oh, and welcome Ian to the Forum!
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.
Good. A quarter note triplet is three notes sounding evenly spaced in two consecutive beats (assuming a time signature where the second number is 4). Measures don't factor into it...
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Good. A quarter note triplet is three notes sounding evenly spaced in two consecutive beats (assuming a time signature where the second number is 4). Measures don't factor into it...
Hi Matt. 100% agree Only difference for me is all the music theory and rudiments I studied, and the examinations I sat for all those years ago only taught me terms like minims, crotchets, quavers, semi-quavers, demi-semi-quavers, semibreves etc... (Australian Music Conservatorium and London College of Music) Yes, they do it a little differently 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.
Trevor, every time I see terms like that, I quaver in my boots.
Ha Ha Good one Normal for me, but feel free to shake away...
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.
Trevor, every time I see terms like that, I quaver in my boots.
Hey Matt,
Can you do a demonstration of these concepts ( minims, crotchets, quavers, semi-quavers, demi-semi-quavers, semibreves ) on the Flugelhorn for me?...lol
And I thought BB was going to be an arcane subject, I had no idea what I was getting in to...lollol
You guys are too funny. At least I get to laugh till tears run down my face.
Yours Truly,
Seriously confused...lol
Last edited by Planobilly; 08/04/1505:29 AM.
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
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.
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.
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.
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean