|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
I think I understand how midi volume control works with CC7 and CC11 and using them with the events list. I don't seem to know how the volume settings work in the BIAB window though. I see that the mixer sliders are tied to instrument settings in the upper left hand screen. I also know about the volume adjustment in the Melody drop down window. Those controls all work to reduce the volume while the song is playing as do the adjustments in the Bar settings window. However, when I hit the play button again, the volume goes back to where it was before regrardless of what shows on the mixer window or instruments. I realize that the style regenerates, but from what I read in Help, the melody volume is supposed to be independent. I finally just go to the events list and insert a cc7 or cc11 to get the melody volume adjusted. I'm wondering if this is the only way you can make volume adjustments if you are using a hardware synth such as my SD2? I appreciate any comments. Thanks.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46 |
I only use software synths, but I was thinking about your problem and I remembered that BIAB has a MIDI Monitor that you can use to analyze the MIDI codes being generated. I tried various volume settings in BIAB and looked at the resulting MIDI codes. Changes to the volume in BIAB had no effect on the MIDI codes being generated. There were also no codes being sent for tone, pan or reverb--Those are the other controls next to the volume control in BIAB. Therefore, I believe that controls are applied to the tone after it is returned to BIAB from the synth. If your hardware is setup so that the external sythn is output to an amplifier (I don't know if there is another way) then BIAB cannot process the sound afterward, and so you would have to create CC events, instead, to control these aspects of the sound.
Now, maybe someone who uses hardware synths may be able to tell you if there is a different way to setup the hardware, or if there is a way to force BIAB to send CC events for volume when you play a song.
Jim
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Thanks Jim. I do have a sound module and all midi in and out goes through it. In fact my hardware synth has to be turned on when I use Sibelius also. When I render a song to a .wav file, that is both midi and real tracks, the hardware snyth will just play the midi and the audio tracks will be silent as the render takes place. The .wav works fine though. When using a hardware synth, you have to use the re render button in the render window and there are specific references to hardware synths in HELP also. I did see that BIAB inserts an all channel cc7 data = 100 at the beginning of the chorus for the midi melody track. I've been going to the Events List and lowering that number which seems to work. I think your analysis is correct, Jim. As you can see, I have quite a ways to go to grasp some of these basic concepts. Thanks again.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 507
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 507 |
Quote:
........ BIAB has a MIDI Monitor that you can use to analyze the MIDI codes being generated. I tried various volume settings in BIAB and looked at the resulting MIDI codes. Changes to the volume in BIAB had no effect on the MIDI codes being generated. There were also no codes being sent for tone, pan or reverb--Those are the other controls next to the volume control in BIAB. ...........
That's never been the case here, going back many versions of BB. Make sure the midi monitor is not filtering out the data you want to see. Volume is cc7, pan is cc10, and midi reverb is cc91, and of course the appropriate channels need to be enabled in the monitor. Changes to these controllers will be registered whether triggered from the main screen or from the mixer. They will also be sent out the midi port if it is properly configured. Note: "A.Reverb" and "Tone" are for audio tracks and do not trigger midi events AFAIK.
OP: The melody track can be set to honor controller messages just as the other tracks can. There are switches for this in both the style itself and in the song settings. So if a particular controller is enabled and fixed to a value in either of those "places" (and not disabled by an override) any change made by the user will be reset to the value stored in the style or song on hitting play.
Nutshell: with the program properly configured, adjustments to BB midi controllers from within BB should stick and should be sent to an external synth (just as they are to a VSTi). (Whether the synth is configured to process them is another issue.)
Hope this helps. -Ron
EDIT - Stan, from your second post, I see you've confirmed some of this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,674
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,674 |
Hello Stan,
Some older styles might have volume changes in the style, maybe that's what is happening. Press Ctrl+shift+f9 to open the stylemaker. Press the Misc button and uncheck 'allow volume changes with style' if checked.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
It's not the volume in the styles that I'm concerned with for what I'm doing right now. It's just the melody volume. I'm not sure where the cc7 data = 100 comes from, but it's at the beginning of the melody. There must be a default built in to put it there because I didn't. However, I just go to the event list and edit it to a lower value so I acoomplish what I need. If it were up to me, I wouldn't even have a melody in there except maybe for the intro and ending. However, my wife wants it there in case she gets lost so.......... I try to lower the melody volume down to where it can just be heard.
Thanks for the help. I'll check the settings in the style and song settings.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,674
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,674 |
Did you record the melody from a MIDI keyboard?
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Hi Andrew. No, I input everything into Sibelius and export to a Midi file and then load the midi file into BIAB after I do the chords. Seems like the Events List route is all that works with my setup, but that's okay as long as I can get the job done.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,674
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,674 |
Hello Stan,
My guess is that the volume controllers are being saved in the MIDI file by Sibelius. When you import a MIDI file into BB via 'Melody | Edit | Import melody from MIDI file', there is an option to not import continuous controllers (such as volume).
But maybe there are some controllers that you DO want... There could be options in Sibelius having to do with excluding data in saved MIDI files.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
There's probably no telling what Sibelius does and I have a very old version 4.2. Still, it's easier for me to use it than the notation feature on BIAB since I do a lot of copying and pasting. I guess I've used it for so long that it's just easier for me. Don't know what happened today but each time I render to .wav, biab locks up and I get a fatal error message. I reset to factory settings and rebooted, but it did it again. I can get out using task manager though even with the fatal error message. Not a big deal.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Same thing again today with a different file and even the event list CC inserts don't work on the melody track now. Guess I'll just have to do the stuff in Real Band.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 348
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 348 |
I use the short cut keys control shift q to reduce volume and control shift w to increase volume for each part during play back.
You also must first set the midi channel to the part you are adjusting by pressing control 2 through control 9.
Example
1 Press control 9 to set the channel to the melody part.
2 Press and hold Control shift q or w to move the volume up or down.
3 You must press the alt f2 function key if you want to save the new volume setting with your song.
Using this method even if I stop and restart the play back the volume stays the same.
I'm sure their are buttons you can click to accomplish the same task, but I only know the keyboard short cuts.
Tim
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Thanks Tim. I have never used any keyboard shortcuts, but nothing to lose by trying them. I'm also going to start a new file and re-enter a melody to see if that makes any difference. I have been using melodies done by others.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,753
Posts795,813
Members39,951
| |
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