|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674 |
I have been needing to create a lot of 6/8 time songs lately and I have to say that I'm really displeased with the way that BIAB expects you to implement it. the instructions in the time signature box say to use 4/4 time and choose a style with a triplet feel.
Why is this still the way BIAB implements 6/8 time instead of actually creating a real 6/8 signature availalbe with real 6/8 styles? at this point I'd even be happy with MIDI only 6/8 styles if the implementation of 6/8 were TRUE 6/8 instead of 4/4 with a "triplet feel."
ok - now that my rant is out of the way, do you have any tips on how to implement these the best way? I have a hard time with tempo and especially with the endings on 6/8 songs implementing them in 4/4. how do you guys handle this?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463 |
The only way I can work with songs in 6/8 is to find a midi file and open it BB. I needed some tarantellas, found 'em on the Internet and deleted all but the chords and melody in BB. The Celtic styles work very well and the Realdrums sound great. However, I rarely refer to the notation.
Any other methods are too challenging for me;
Percy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674 |
thanks for the reply, Percy. so the MIDI files you're finding on the internet are already IN 6/8, I assume? that's an interesting approach. I could certainly create a 6/8 MIDI file to my liking in piano first then import it into BIAB. thanks for the tip, that might help.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463 |
The original midi files are sonically 6/8; the notation is in 4/4 with triplets on the quarter notes, but the midi plays correctly. So if you can create even just the melody (or other parts) in 6/8 on another sequencer, the midi should sound correct once in BB, RB or PT. Then just select your style.
Percy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6 |
I want to create backing tracks in 7/8 and 9/8 time. I posted a thread about it and didn't get many answers. I agree, it should be easier.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674 |
thanks again percy
bobl - I agree! I wish they would implement true time signature features for any meter. I'm sure having real tracks for all time signatures would not really be possible, but I can't imagine why MIDI implementation of any meter would not be easily programmed. I know it would require a change to the main engine as well to allow the measures to work correctly, but I personally would rather see that implemented than some of the other features.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 188
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 188 |
I written arrangements for quite a few 6/8 classical guitar pieces wehre I use two 3/4 bars to equal one 6/8 bar. Works pretty well for a number of sytles.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674 |
that's very interesting, Joe. how do you handle the tempo for that scenerio? would that be 1/2 normal?
thinking further about this it doesn't seem like it would work right. I'm not saying you didn't get it to work that way, but maybe I'm missing something. I can see where 2 measures of 3/8 would work correctly, but I'm not sure how it would work out correctly with 2 measures of 3/4?
Last edited by Beagle; 03/04/11 01:33 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
It works with 2 bars of 3/4 because you would enter a quarter note in place of the eighth note. So across the two bars, you have 6 beats; some of the waltz styles do give a pretty good 6/8 feel, but not all of them.
So, instead of 6 8th notes in one bar, you have 6 quarter notes across two bars. Obviously the notation isn't going to show 6/8, but it should sound okay. Basically, the work arounds (just like using tripletized 4/4) works sound-wise, but not visually. Been that way a long time and has been on the wish list to fix it for a long time as well.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,975
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,975 |
The recommended way would be to use 6/8 as 2 beats of a 4/4 style.
Look at a style like ZZIRISH.sty (an old MIDI style). It is 4/4, with a triplet feel on each of the beats. So it is like 2 bars of 6/8.
Search the stylepicker for the phrase 6/8 or 12/8, and you'll find other examples.
Same with 12/8 = 4/4 (1 bar of 4/4 = 1 bar of 12/8)
9/8 = 3/4 (waltz time, with each beat having a triplet feel).
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6 |
Peter, one of the limitations of your suggestion is that you can't change which beats are emphasized. I would like to create backing tracks in 9/8 but I want the emphasis to be 2-2-2-3. I have played around with putting three measures of 2/4 with one of 3/4 and speeding it up but it is very cumbersome for a new user like me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674 |
Quote:
It works with 2 bars of 3/4 because you would enter a quarter note in place of the eighth note. So across the two bars, you have 6 beats; some of the waltz styles do give a pretty good 6/8 feel, but not all of them.
So, instead of 6 8th notes in one bar, you have 6 quarter notes across two bars. Obviously the notation isn't going to show 6/8, but it should sound okay. Basically, the work arounds (just like using tripletized 4/4) works sound-wise, but not visually. Been that way a long time and has been on the wish list to fix it for a long time as well.
I see, John. thanks, that's helpful!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674 |
Quote:
The recommended way would be to use 6/8 as 2 beats of a 4/4 style.
Look at a style like ZZIRISH.sty (an old MIDI style). It is 4/4, with a triplet feel on each of the beats. So it is like 2 bars of 6/8.
Search the stylepicker for the phrase 6/8 or 12/8, and you'll find other examples.
Same with 12/8 = 4/4 (1 bar of 4/4 = 1 bar of 12/8)
9/8 = 3/4 (waltz time, with each beat having a triplet feel).
Peter - thanks for your reply. I think I understand this so I guess if that's the only real "tip" there is then my thread just becomes a complaint that true 6/8 and other odd meters aren't implemented and I truly would like for that to be included in BIAB.
another question, however, is how do I handle the tempo? for example, if I have a song in 6/8 that I want to create backing for in BIAB and it's tempo is 60bpm. is it still 60bpm using 4/4 time with a triplet feel in BIAB?
Last edited by Beagle; 03/06/11 11:49 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,975
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,975 |
For odd time sigs, as mentioned most 6/8 and 12/8 feels can be done well in 4/4. And most 9/8 works in 3/4. But of course there are exceptions to that, and many other time signatures. We have support for lots of odd time signatures. This is present in Styles disk #38. http://www.pgmusic.com/styles38.htm<< I would like to create backing tracks in 9/8 but I want the emphasis to be 2-2-2-3. For example, the style "98_4_5.STY 9/8 Meter style" likely has the 9-8 feel that you are looking for 2-2-2-3 http://64.40.109.185/pgmusic/audio/sty38/high/98_4_5.wmaNote that the notation for these styles isn't 9/8, so if correct notation is a "must have", then this styles disk won't help. But if you want to play all kinds of odd-time signatures in BB, including things like 19/16 etc., then you should explore the styles on this disk.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,201
Posts801,895
Members40,066
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean