PG Music Home Forums PG Music Product Forums Band-in-a-Box for Windows how do i make my strings swell like real strings do?

Index

Print Thread

Go To

Page 1 of 2

how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? #145513 01/06/12 06:57 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 35 F Fishb0bb OP Enthusiast
OP Fishb0bb Enthusiast F Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 35	i have BIAB 2012 and its on windows. i have string instruments backing my jazz song i want to make them swell with emotion. does anybody know how to do that? Even if i have to use a different program? Thank you

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? Fishb0bb #145514 01/06/12 07:01 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 581 MitchC Journeyman
MitchC Journeyman Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 581	What are you using for the string parts.. what program, patch etc ? I just added Garritan Personal Orchestra strings to a tune I did and I used the Piano Roll to add velocity, and draw volume level curves to achieve more realism in the string parts. BIAB/RealBand stuff Orig. tunes (players) 'BIG HAIR' days

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? MitchC #145515 01/06/12 07:07 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 35 F Fishb0bb OP Enthusiast
OP Fishb0bb Enthusiast F Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 35	Im using the strings on the BIAB. Mancinijazz slow ballad tempo 85 something like that. By the way how difficult is the GPO to use. im not the best with computers but im not the worst.

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? Fishb0bb #145516 01/06/12 07:28 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 581 MitchC Journeyman
MitchC Journeyman Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 581	Is 'Mancinijazz' a style name in BIAB ? If so, I can't find it. More specifics please of what you're using so I can pull it up to see what's what. GPO has great sounds, but it's only as good as you program the raw midi notes / data. BIAB/RealBand stuff Orig. tunes (players) 'BIG HAIR' days

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? MitchC #145517 01/06/12 07:31 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 35 F Fishb0bb OP Enthusiast
OP Fishb0bb Enthusiast F Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 35	i thought it was mancinijazz but it must not be. can you still help me? i dont care what strings im using i just need them to swell.

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? Fishb0bb #145518 01/06/12 07:37 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 581 MitchC Journeyman
MitchC Journeyman Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 581	You're not helping me help you unfortunately. I have no idea what song you have pulled up, the style you are working with etc. What 'song' do you have loaded that has string parts that you are trying to work with ? Do you know what the Piano roll is, and how it's used ? If not, we have some serious 'lessons' ahead. BIAB/RealBand stuff Orig. tunes (players) 'BIG HAIR' days

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? MitchC #145519 01/06/12 08:05 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 35 F Fishb0bb OP Enthusiast
OP Fishb0bb Enthusiast F Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 35	Sorry for being so stubborn lol its been "one of those days". im gonna get some sleep and i would love to participate in your "lessons". Tomorrow will be a better day for this because of me. thank you i hope you understand

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? MitchC #145520 01/06/12 08:07 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 27,448 Hudson Valley & Lake George NY Matt Finley Veteran
Matt Finley Veteran Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 27,448 Hudson Valley & Lake George NY	Perhaps also a little more explanation of "swell with emotion" could help. You already have the ability to apply volume increases (louder) and decreases (fade) that add a great deal of realism, especially when the strings are playing football music (all whole notes). Using F5 and making the string track louder and then fading over, say, four bars can do a lot. I use this all the time. 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.

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? MitchC #145521 01/06/12 08:09 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 8,109 Winston-Salem, NC Pat Marr Veteran
Pat Marr Veteran Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 8,109 Winston-Salem, NC	this may be more info than you care to read, but it is about using piano roll to make all sorts of tweaks to a MIDI file, including swells http://bandinabox.wikia.com/wiki/Using_Continuous_Controllers_in_Real_Band https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? Pat Marr #145522 01/07/12 05:55 AM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,471 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A. Notes Norton Veteran
Notes Norton Veteran Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,471 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A.	If you are using MIDI styles and not RT styles you can do this by exporting your song into a sequencer like Power Tracks Pro -- you could also do this in Real Band. There are two continuous controllers that regulate volume in MIDI, cc7 and cc11. cc7 is generally used to set the track volume. It's like the master volume on an amplifier. When you adjust the "Volume" in the main BiaB window, you are adjusting cc7 cc11 is called expression and it is used to control intermittent changes of volume of any note or group of notes anywhere in the track. To create a swell you would gradually increase (to get louder) and decrease (to get softer) the level of cc11. BTW, a list of all 128 continuous controllers and what they do can be found here: http://www.nortonmusic.com/midi_cc.html -- note what it says for cc7 and cc11 Insights and incites by Notes ♫ Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com 100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? Notes Norton #145523 01/07/12 07:01 AM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 8,109 Winston-Salem, NC Pat Marr Veteran
Pat Marr Veteran Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 8,109 Winston-Salem, NC	Quote: If you are using MIDI styles and not RT styles you can do this by exporting your song into a sequencer like Power Tracks Pro -- you could also do this in Real Band. actually in Real Band it IS possible to swell both audio and MIDI in the piano roll... so it works for real tracks too. However, the other CC parameters (which are normally used to restore the nuances of a human's performance, (such as breath, vibrato etc) don't work for audio (and in fact are not needed because the nuance is an integral part of all real tracks) https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? Notes Norton #145524 01/07/12 07:44 AM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 8,333 London, Ontario, Canada John Conley Veteran
John Conley Veteran Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 8,333 London, Ontario, Canada	You can put your flat strings into any software and have them increase and decrease the sounds gradually at any bar. It does not have to be midi based, however you can render a flat strings track and adjust to suit your needs. On the other hand, you too can spend days learning how to program in midi, adding velocities and other exciting stuff. Very useful. Just be forewarned that about the only thing new in midi these days seems to be dying a very quick death. John Conley Musica est vita

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? John Conley #145525 01/07/12 08:14 AM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 581 MitchC Journeyman
MitchC Journeyman Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 581	Assuming you are trying to do swells to a midi string part... Using the Piano Roll... The violin notes are in the top portion of the pic. You enter these manually or play them in by using a midi keyboard/guitar etc.. You can move the notes around by dragging them up or down to the desired pitch. You make the notes longer or shorter by dragging either end right or left. The bottom area shows the 'swell' you are looking to achieve. You 'pencil in' the type of volume curve you want to happen for each note, phrase etc. You do this by selecting 'Control' in the View/Edit area. Then in the next drop-down, select either 7 Main Volume MSB or 11 Expression MSB: You can set Velocity here also (how aggressively or softly the player, picks, plucks, or bows a note) BIAB/RealBand stuff Orig. tunes (players) 'BIG HAIR' days

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? John Conley #145526 01/07/12 09:18 AM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 24,285 Hamlin NY MarioD Veteran
MarioD Veteran Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 24,285 Hamlin NY	Quote: Just be forewarned that about the only thing new in midi these days seems to be dying a very quick death. Only in your dreams John. You are sending a wrong message here. MIDI is still the hardware standard for communication. Companies like Garritan, NI, IK Multimedia, every DAW (including RB) and many other companies are using MIDI. The only people not using MIDI are the RB/RT inclusive PGMusic camp, the loop camp (I am NOT criticizing either group) or those that only record live or musicians in the studio. Everyone else is using one or another form of MIDI. PS – as an after though it occurred to me that even those recording live the band could be using midi, either musically and/or running a light show with it. Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you? 64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? MarioD #145527 01/07/12 09:35 AM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 8,333 London, Ontario, Canada John Conley Veteran
John Conley Veteran Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 8,333 London, Ontario, Canada	Gee, and I thought I was entitled to my opinion, but I forgot I don't live in the land of the free speech. I'm obviously wrong. John Conley Musica est vita

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? MarioD #145528 01/07/12 09:59 AM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 8,109 Winston-Salem, NC Pat Marr Veteran
Pat Marr Veteran Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 8,109 Winston-Salem, NC	Quote: MIDI is still the hardware standard for communication. Companies like Garritan, NI, IK Multimedia, every DAW (including RB) and many other companies are using MIDI. The only people not using MIDI are the RB/RT inclusive PGMusic camp, the loop camp (I am NOT criticizing either group) or those that only record live or musicians in the studio. Everyone else is using one or another form of MIDI. PS – as an after though it occurred to me that even those recording live the band could be using midi, either musically and/or running a light show with it. MIDI is found everywhere in the music world. I don't understand why you would would say that people using loops and real tracks don't use midi, because the loops and real tracks don't REPLACE MIDI, they are used in conjunction with it to add new options. I don't think MIDI is going away any time soon, but I do see trends that are changing the ways MIDI is used. It was once useful online as a way to send music without requiring a lot of bandwidth... but now audio and video are commonly streamed in real time, and people are no longer accepting of the way MIDI sounds online. Eventually emerging MIDI libraries will be incorporated into operating systems and online MIDI could sound the same to everybody as it now does to people who spend megabux for the latest greatest soft synths. In the meantime, the person with the best combination of talent and technology will continue to sound better than the competition. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? Pat Marr #145529 01/07/12 10:09 AM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 581 MitchC Journeyman
MitchC Journeyman Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 581	I honestly just do not understand this whole MIDI vs RB/RT debate. There is no debate. They both do different things. It's not an 'either / or' situation. To the point of this thread, to the OP, here is a tune I did string swells on... and it happens to incorporate BIAB, Real Band, using primarily Real Tracks. If there were Real String tracks I probably would use them. There are not, so I needed MIDI. Using Piano Roll, entered my string parts, renedered them with Garritan Personal Orchestra. And lastly, a live lap steel track. Every tool used was the right one for my particular need. Each element was necessary, and one does not negate the value of the others. Not much on debates so this will be my last on the MIDI vs Real Tracks thing... The tune, if interested: http://soundcloud.com/mitchc-1/beyond-the-reef-hi-c6 BIAB/RealBand stuff Orig. tunes (players) 'BIG HAIR' days

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? MitchC #145530 01/07/12 11:17 AM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 8,333 London, Ontario, Canada John Conley Veteran
John Conley Veteran Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 8,333 London, Ontario, Canada	I have 4 midi keyboards a JV1010 and a Ketron. I have the VSC and the Dxi and the dog and coyote show. I have a EWI that uses midi. And I see little or no development of midi that excites me. My setup uses midi for the Voicelive. I'm not having a debate about this. It is my opinion that you won't see MIDI XML or MIDI2. I don't think the midi doorbell I stumbledupon will take over the world. I will admit that that doorbell gizmo probably has that FM chip in it we all grew to hate. I have all that gear and just because I think nothing new is showing up in midi I start a 'flame war'. Jeez, lighten up. That said 99 percent of the songs I worked on this week only used midi to send data to the voicelive while I thinker with mics and horns. That works perfectly. John Conley Musica est vita

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? John Conley #145531 01/07/12 12:17 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2003 Posts: 8,021 Rio Grande Valley, Texas silvertones Veteran
silvertones Veteran Joined: May 2003 Posts: 8,021 Rio Grande Valley, Texas	The midi we have today is the same we had in 1983. It never grew or developed. That said the best way to improve on midi stuff is to get your self some sort of controller that is programmable & able to send any midi data there is. Both system common & system exclusive.Could be a small keyboard one or just one with buttons and faders. I had the JL Cooper Fader Master. Now you can "record" CC11 in real time the way you envision it.There are also Software versions as well. Some free.A little more tricky because you need to use a virtual midi cable like MidiYoke. John ESI Gigaport HD+ Lenovo Turion II /4 Gig Ram/ Win7x64 be 15.6" Monitor "The only Band is a Real Band" www.wintertexaninfo.com/BANDS/JohnnyD.php

Re: how do i make my strings swell like real strings do? John Conley #145532 01/08/12 07:01 AM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 24,285 Hamlin NY MarioD Veteran
MarioD Veteran Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 24,285 Hamlin NY	Quote: Gee, and I thought I was entitled to my opinion, but I forgot I don't live in the land of the free speech. I'm obviously wrong. Yes my friend you are entitled to your own opinion, as am I. I was trying to stress the fact that MIDI is not as dead as you said it was. If a newbee had read only your post they might have thought to stay away from MIDI. I wanted to show the other side. Peace - MarioD Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you? 64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware

Go To

Page 1 of 2

Moderated by Andrew - PG Music, Callie - PG Music, Catherine, Jeff Yankauer, PeterGannon, pgmoderation

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

January 14, 2026

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!

January 01, 2026

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.

January 01, 2026

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!

December 24, 2025

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

December 21, 2025

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!

December 16, 2025

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!

December 16, 2025

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®!

More News