|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 236
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 236 |
Can someone please point me to instructions on how to define a specific bass line?
Let's take for example a Pink Floyd tune, say "Wish you were here". The bass line (as well as every other instrument) defines this song. A RealBand style would probably come close but for this song close is not good enough. I can think of many other example tunes that you would want to exactly duplicate the bass line.
Thanks in advance for any pointers.
Todd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Specific Bass lines are best done on the Melody or Soloist track as MIDI bass patch, either by recording MIDI to the track from a MIDI controller, or note-entry methods.
Sometimes it is easier to just place the specific lines in the bars where needed, depending upon the song, and then use the Auto Bass from the Style file for the rest. Switch between the two using Bar Settings dialog window, muting one and then the other as needed.
In case you are not already aware, attempts to change the actual "Bass" notes in the editor won't work because all instruments other than Melody or Soloist are volatile tracks and will get regenerated by the Style file whenever you hit Play, wiping out your editing.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
If you just want to make covers and take the time to do it I'd suggest RealBand. Band in a Box is designed to change the bass line every time you press play. It's what it does.
You can freeze it, move it to the Soloist line, mess with it, and use a midi instrument to play it. You cannot get RealTracks to play a line as printed, it does not work that way. (At present).
There are covers out there of almost all the stuff you'd want. If you find the right one and a midi module you'll fool 90 percent of the people. Of course someone in the audience played a zither and they know for maybe that's not really one, but maybe one made by a blind guy in MN. When the dogs fell through the crust on the snow and stuck you in the cabin hard by the Canadian border, the snow is horizontal and your parrot, though stuffed, agrees with your rendition of Bob Marley plays parrothead music. Nice.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 236
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 236 |
Todd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 236
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 236 |
Thanks John. Wow, is the last part of your last paragraph from Zappa?
Todd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Biab is not designed for covers but if you take the time to learn the stylemaker and stick to midi only you can do a lot with styles assuming you have a good quality midi synth. Example, write your own style that uses that bass line. But and it's a big butt if that's what you want to do is to produce covers then imho you're much better off just finding, buying or creating midi files. You would play and edit those in Real Band. There's websites that sell really excellent ones or you can find some good ones floating around the web. The only thing with those is you never know what you're gonna get. They're free, ya know? You can also check out Norton Music, Bob Norton posts here all the time. He's created and sells hundreds (thousands?) of styles that suit a lot of covers.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 368
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 368 |
You can alter the bass track in BB note for note and listen to it by pressing the replay bottom only!!!! If you press play everything will disappear.
Once you are happy with the results, freeze the bass track.
This is probably too much work in your case, but for smaller alterations this works just fine. Please make a note (like FB) for froozen bass in the name of your file.
Brgds,
Tonnie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,860
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,860 |
John is ,,,, let's say sort of different! But we love him anyway!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Zoom Livetrack L-8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 7 |
not sure i completely understand, i'm trying to create the specific bass line in all blues (6/8 time) how would i input these notes?? thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 7 |
how do you do the note by note input?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677 |
William, Note-by-note input can be accomplished using either (a) Notation Editor mode, (b) Piano Roll mode or (c) Staff Roll mode. If you read music, the easiest would be to use the Notation Editor (which is the one I use). Also, if you have a midi keyboard attached to your computer, it's possible to play the notes in. If you go to the link below, there's a 6:17 minute video clip called "Entering notation in Band In A Box" that is worth watching. It's in the "Beginners" section. This clip will help you understand how it's done. http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htmRegards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 7 |
so i've entered by notation exactly what i want. i preview it and it sounds perfect, i freeze it and then go and replay it and its GONE. i'm missing something
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 7 |
and i've tried to patch into a melodist track or solist track and the midi patch bass isn't just a bass, it's a muddy piano sound. although it seemed to play the correct notes. still not accomplishing the goal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677 |
so i've entered by notation exactly what i want. i preview it and it sounds perfect, i freeze it and then go and replay it and its GONE. i'm missing something William, To help me appreciate what's happening, I need to know the answers to a few questions. Which track are you entering the notation onto? Is it a Realtrack (i.e. track name is in green) or is it a midi track (track name is in yellow)? When you say "preview it" could you please explain how you do this, what icon/button you press to do the "preview"? Also, when you say "replay it", can you please tell me which icon/button you press to "replay it"? "Lastly, are you activating the correct freeze button? Each track has its own freeze. I've written a number melodies, basses, etc, over the years and 'freeze' always works for me. As a check, once a track is frozen, there will be an asterisk beside the name. I'm not sure if you've done this but after you enter notes manually, immediately save a copy of your file and then save a second copy with a new name. Having a backup file always means you can get back to what you had if things don't go according to plan. If you could make a copy of your file (after notation has been added) available here on the forum by using Dropbox (or equivalent) it would be very useful. It's quite challenging to solve problems without seeing the song file involved. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,142
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,142 |
so i've entered by notation exactly what i want. i preview it and it sounds perfect, i freeze it and then go and replay it and its GONE. i'm missing something My understanding is that you can only enter your own notation into the Melody and Soloist tracks. Anywhere else and it will be overwritten. Like Noel mentioned, which track(s) did you use?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,639
Posts807,843
Members40,179
| |
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