|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,495
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,495 |
Hi folks, as per my bio, I am using 4 external synths. Originally, I had these daisy-chained through my MOTU 828 Hybrid audio interface but I kept hearing a faint tone of another synth playing along with my main synth (the DX7II). I turned off all the other snyths except the dx7 and could still hear the other synth. I assume this is the ForteDXi. In fact, I can change the tone of this ghost sound by changing the voices in the pull down in the upper left corner of BIAB. By the way, the DX is showing up in the keyboard that runs across the top of BIAB.
In reading somewhere on the BIAB site, or a mention by you folks, I remembered that BIAB uses channel 1 and also noted that the ForteDxi is using channels 2,3,4,6,7,8 and 10. I set my DX up to use the default channel 5 but still heard the sound of another synth. I changd the default channels in BIAB and on my synth to send and receive on chaneels 15 and 16....the only channels that weren't indicated by Fortedxi or the harmonization channels. Still I could hear the other synth.
I then disconnected the synth daisy-chain from the MOTU 828 Hybrid sound card and brought out my MOTU Express XT 8 port midi interface. I hooked each synth up to a different port and a different channel on each port such that BIAB and Forte has exclusive use of all 16 channels on port 1. Still I could hear the internal BIAB synth with only the DX7 on.
On my setup I have the non-BIAB ports selected as the midi input drivers, have tried various settings for the midi output driver, the "use DXi/Synth" is checked and the "route midi through to midi driver" is unchecked. Still I'm hearing the other synth. All the other external synths are powered down so only the DX and BIAB are running....so I am assuming the "ghost" synth is the ForteDXi.
The only way that I have found to stop this is to click on the "Thru" pulldown at the top of BIAB and mute the thru track. Once I do that everthing if fine, the DX plays clean and does not trigger the ForteDXi. Is this the right way of setting up the thru track or do you think I have setup some kind of midi loop that is triggering the Forte DXi plugin?
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,728
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,728 |
There are a few things I don't understand about your description, and I'm not sure I understand exactly what you are *trying* to do. In any case... you have a MIDI cable going from the OUT on your interface to the IN on your DX7, and another cable going from the OUT on the DX7 to the IN on your interface... is that correct? Are you sure you haven't plugged the cable into the THRU port instead of the OUT port? That would explain why the MIDI data is being echoed back to the computer.
If not, I suppose the DX7 is echoing the MIDI data to the OUT port, and there is likely a way to turn this feature off (although I couldn't see it from a quick glance at the manual).
Looking at the MIDI Monitor in Band-in-a-Box is a good way of seeing exactly what's happening.
Note: You can disable MIDI thru in Band-in-a-Box in Opt. | Preferences | MIDI Options. The "Thru" track in Band-in-a-Box is used for MIDI data received by an external MIDI device. e.g. so you could play along in realtime on your keyboard.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,495
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,495 |
Hi Andrew, thanks for getting back to me. Sorry for the convoluted explanation, it gets complicated using 4 hardware synths, a sound interface and a midi interface. What I am trying to do is to play the DX7 in realtime and not hear the ForteDXI play along with it. Whatever voice the Forte assigns to channel 5 is the voice that plays along with the DX7. Its the same pitch, its just another voice sounding with the DX7. I would prefer to hear only the DX7 when playing in realtime.
To resolve this, I moved the midi part of my system over to a MOTU 8 port midi interface. Now the DX is on port 2 channel 2 and the other synths are assigned to their own independent ports and channels.
Still what ever voice Forte assigns to channel 5 is played by the DX7. The only way that I have found around this is to mute the "Thru" channel in BIAB, then the DX7 sounds by itself.
Perhaps I am not undestanding what the "Thru" channel is supposed to do. Do you have to mute it when you play live with a hardware-based synth?
I appreciate your continued help and support.
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,728
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,728 |
Oh I see, I had thought you were hearing everything received by the DX7 echoed back to Band-in-a-Box, but it's only the part you are playing.
Yes, that is expected. The "Thru" track in Band-in-a-Box is used for hearing your live playing. If the word Thru is confusing, think about it as having a MIDI cable connected from a (imaginary) Thru port in Band-in-a-Box to the MIDI output driver/synth.
If you don't want to hear that live part in BB, you can do one of the following, whatever happens to be most convenient:
1. Mute the thru part.
2. Disable the thru part all together (Opt. | Preferences | MIDI Options)
3. Unplug the MIDI cable that goes from the OUT on the DX7 to the IN on the MIDI interface.
4. Toggle some setting on the DX7 that prevents it from sending MIDI data OUT. (? perhaps turn the 'transmit channel' parameter off)
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,495
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,495 |
Right Andrew, I think my misunderstading of the function of the Thru track has been my problem all along. I have found, as you suggested, that by muting the Thru track I can hear the DX only and if I want to play the voice that Forte assigned to the Thru track, I just turn "local off" on the DX. So everything is fine now.
Thanks for the help and continued support.
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 152
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 152 |
Hi, Can I ask a what may be a silly question but why are you wanting to use 4 synths if that is what I assume you are doing from what I read. Are you wanting them all to play via biab at some time or other?.
Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,495
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,495 |
Hi Jeff, over the years have collected a few synths, midi interfaces and sound cards. Always looking for a way to keep it all together. Currently I am using the DX7II to do live play into BIAB but also use it as a controller to play the other 3 rack mounted synths. Love the DX with the E! card, it was way ahead of its time and still holds it own today.
Have to admit, I got into VSTi's a year or so ago and find that I am using them more and the hard synths less but I've got the hard side of system widdled down now to the point that it takes up a small corner and not the entire room.
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 152
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 152 |
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the explanation, I understand now especially as 3 are rack mounted synths. I had a DX7 a long time ago, great sound. I recently got a Korg M50, does all I want and superb sounds. I too also used the VST's for a long time but I'm getting back into hardware of late and trying to get to grips with midi again.
I'm afraid I don't know enough about midi to be of any help but the other guys seems to know what they talking about, it's a great forum for friendly help.
Regards. Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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® 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.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,048
Posts799,340
Members40,015
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean