|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39 |
The Transpose feature is driving me crazy. It doesn't seem to transpose the correct number of semitones.
Does anybody else have a problem?
It's seems like a bug to me.
Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Explain your problem and process in detail.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39 |
Ok Perhaps I am doing something wrong but here is what is happening when I try to transpose one chord.
By the way I am a newbie.
1. Go to Notation window.
2. Chord is C
3. Click on OPT button
4. Transpose Semitone—Here I enter any number preceded by a – or + and it never does what I want it to. For instance, I enter the number 1 and click OK and it transposes from C to D. Then I type in +1 and it transposes to A#. What am I not getting here?
5. Also, when I go to Edit, Undo Transpose…nothing happens.
6. I thought maybe the problem was linked to what Key I was in from the start. Like if I forgot to set the key and then transposed , maybe that confused the program. But I started a new piece from scratch and am still finding the same problems.
I hope that clarifies things.
Thanks Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360 |
Hi Jeff,
On the PC (I imagine it's not too different on Mac), the transpose option that you are talking about only transposes the visual notation. It doesn't affect the accompaniment backing soundwise. This transposition is designed for adjusting the notation to compensate for not C-pitched instruments. Is that what you are after?
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39 |
In general, what I can't understand is why when I want to transpose One semitone it does two i.e. one whole step.
I was able to find some success from the Edit page, Transpose. There it seems to work properly.
But on the Notation page, Opt button, strange things are happening.
In Sibelius, when you transpose it asks which interval, minor 2nd, Major 3rd etc. To me it is much simpler. Or perhaps I am missing something still.
Thanks
Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39 |
This is what I usually would like to do with BB.
Take a jazz standard and write it out in the standard key in BB.
Then, since I am a French Horn player, I want to transpose the entire piece, Melody and Chords to the proper key for me to play in.
When I am on the Notation page and I go to OPT button, I cannot seem to transpose the Entire piece Melody and chords to the right key.
As mentioned earlier, when I want to transpose One semitone, it does a Whole Step which equals 2 semitones. Why is this happening? It seems illogical and flat out wrong what BB is doing, which leads me to the conclusion that it may be a Bug.
Thanks again Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360 |
Hi again Jeff,
I don't know the Mac version of BIAB but on the PC version, I've always found that the most effective way to transpose a song is to use the box where I set the key. When I type in a new key, BIAB asks me if it should transpose. I say "yes" and it all happens.
With BIAB there are a few different types of transposition available (on-screen, whole song, section of song, etc.). When I first started out with BIAB, these confused the heck out of me! Without knowing which type of transposition you are after, it's difficult to address your problem. In the meantime, though, try changing the key (as suggested above) and see if that works how you'd like it too.
Kind regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39 |
Hi and thanks for your help.
But I have just again opened a new song.
The first chord is C.
I got to the Notation page and and Click on OPT.
I then Click to transpose +1. BB....correctly transposes to Db.
Then I input -1 semitone and it transposes to B. Now what is going on? It transposes from Db to B? I don't get it.
And furthermore...I can't Undo this action.
Anybody??
Thanks Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
If you are trying to transpose the chords of the song, this wouldn't be done in notation-options. It is done from the main screen, by clicking on the key signature of the song.
If you are playing a non-concert instrument, and want to see the display in a non-concert key, then you use notation-options. Not sure why you'd be setting that to numbers like +1 and -1 semitones anyway, I've never heard of a non-concert instrument that is only a semitone from concert.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987 |
Peter, You never played the first piano that I owned!  Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360 |
Jeff, Quote:
If you are playing a non-concert instrument, and want to see the display in a non-concert key, then you use notation-options. Not sure why you'd be setting that to numbers like +1 and -1 semitones anyway, I've never heard of a non-concert instrument that is only a semitone from concert.
Just to clarify what Peter has said above ...
Using the Opt when in Notation mode ONLY affects the on-screen display, it does not change the pitch of the song in anyway whatsoever. This type of transposition was designed for, say, a Bb clarinet player who wants to play along with BIAB's accompaniment. In this scenario, the clarinetist needs to read the music a tone higher (+2) but the pitch of the accompaniment needs to stay at concert pitch. By using Notation/Opt transposing, the clarinetist would be able to transpose the on-screen display, stand in front of his/her computer, and play along with BIAB while BIAB (a) shows music at the correct pitch for the player to read and (b) plays the accompaniment at the correct pitch for the overall sound of player in Bb and accompaniment at concert pitch.
When using the Notation/Opt transposition, the song ALWAYS maintains the key it was written in and ALL on-screen transpositions are relative to the original key. Thus, for your song in C, when you go +1 it will change to Db because that is 1 semitone up from C. Then when you -1, it will go to B because that is 1 semitone down from C. Importantly, however, the song never leaves the key of C.
As I said in an earlier post, the different types of transposition available in BIAB are confusing when one starts out. I found them challenging. Now that I understand the program a little better, I understand the subtleties and appreciate how each type of transposition is necessary. For my purposes, the transposition that automatically results by changing the key signature suits my purposes 99.9% of the time.
By the way, if you are looking to use transposition to simply change a single chord in a song, my experience is that it is far quicker simply to use the keyboard to type in a new chord.
Hope this helps clarify things.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39 |
Ok , let me have a look at your comments and I will get back to you.
thanks Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39 |
Noel and Peter, thanks for your help. I am beginning to understand a bit better how this works.
But what I want to do is this:
Transpose chords and melody to F Horn. And then print the lead sheet.
So I am assuming that 1st off I will write the song out in Concert pitch/key. ONce I am finished...Then I go to the Notation Page and transpose everything down a perfect 4th (for horn)? Then I can read/print from this page, Correct?
One thing I am not liking is that I cannot seem to UNDO actions on the Notation page.
Overall, however, I think I am getting it.
The reason why I am doing this is because we are playing with a singer. We need to accommodate their vocal ranges and have to learn the songs in different keys.
Thanks for your time. I am sorry for the confusion.
Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360 |
Hi Jeff,
Sounds like you have it worked out. It's interesting that Undo has not been linked with this action. To get back to your original music, all you need to do is to enter 0 (i.e. zero) in the transpose option that you used to transpose for the horn.
I found BIAB to be a bit of a steep learning curve for a couple of weeks. After that, though, everything started to fall into place. It was well worth the adventure!
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39 |
Hi Noel, and thanks for helping me out.
One thing I am finding very tedious is the input of melody notes on the Notation page.
Is there a way I can input them Real Time at a slower tempo with a midi controller?
I tried to get my yamaha synth set up with BB, but had no luck. I suppose I need to keep trying. Does BB only use the 2 drives mentioned in the midi section?
Thanks Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360 |
Hi Jeff,
BIAB will certainly allow keyboard entry in real time. I'm afraid that I cannot help you with how to set it up on a Mac (I have a PC). I suggest you start a new thread in this forum by posting a "Request for help setting up MIDI keyboard" or something like that.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,739
Posts795,613
Members39,946
| |
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