Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161
Hello,

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?

Thank you kind people for any help

Regards
Jan

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161
Thanks you very much Matt for that in depth explanation.

Jan

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161
Hi again,

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.

regards
jan

Last edited by jan larkin; 02/06/11 04:49 PM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
Two ways. In Editable Notation mode:

As you know, you can switch between triplet and straight by clicking on the Opt. button (far left) and then check / uncheck Triplet Resolution/Swing.

Or, to do it one at a time, just right-click on the timeline above the measure you are editing, and you can set the Beat Resolution.

You may not be able to get a printout that looks right. There is a FAQ on this, though; I'll see if I can find it.

EDIT: It's FAQ #25. Read this: http://www.pgmusic.com/techfaq23.htm#25

Last edited by Matt Finley; 02/06/11 04:57 PM.

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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 161
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.

jan

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
I
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
I
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
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?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
Ah, revisting a blast from the past (2011)?

IanTai, welcome to the forum.

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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
Originally Posted By: IanTai
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...

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2015-08-04_10-54-39.jpg (90.52 KB, 154 downloads)

BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
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.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
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 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
I
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
I
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
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.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
I
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
I
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
I worked out the melody issue. Thanks for the help.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
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!

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2015-08-04_22-41-56.jpg (49.8 KB, 130 downloads)

BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
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. smirk


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
Trevor, every time I see terms like that, I quaver in my boots.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
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... crazy


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,725
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,725
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
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; 08/04/15 05:29 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…”
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
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®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,294
Posts790,645
Members39,855
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
StratMan1965, CPIA2002, janhardo, Minstrel, Deb D
39,854 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 321
MarioD 217
DrDan 214
Noel96 163
DC Ron 145
Rob Helms 127
Today's Birthdays
Kara Music Production, Алик
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5