Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 368
tonnie Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 368
After installing BB 2012 V 350 on a new laptop the Output Chords received by my T C helicon Voice Works (via MIDI) is often not showing the correct chords.
So I guess there must be some setting in BB, which is not correct. Any suggestions?

Also I send the Output Chords via the Roland XV-5050 (MIDI in -> MIDI thru). The Roland seems “to listen in” on the Output Chords information, resulting in low but annoying accordion / sax group like chords, played in the root position. Any tips on how to avoid this?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448
I haven't had a need to use this function but if I recall, it is working as designed to give you root position chords.

About what the Voice Works gets, I have read that others have used it so it seems it can work. I've been meaning to try this on my Voice Live Touch. What are you getting when you say the chords are not correct? Totally wrong, or close?


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Quote:

After installing BB 2012 V 350 on a new laptop the Output Chords received by my T C helicon Voice Works (via MIDI) is often not showing the correct chords.
So I guess there must be some setting in BB, which is not correct. Any suggestions?

Also I send the Output Chords via the Roland XV-5050 (MIDI in -> MIDI thru). The Roland seems “to listen in” on the Output Chords information, resulting in low but annoying accordion / sax group like chords, played in the root position. Any tips on how to avoid this?




Hey Tonnie,
Your setup is very similar to mine. You're right that if you use one MIDI port for the XV modsule, then MIDI THRU to the voiceworks, the sound module will play the notes as they pass through to the Voiceworks. Bummer. I hate when that happens.

There are probably several ways to address this, but here's what works for me: I use separate MIDI out ports for the sound module and the voiceworks. Many MIDI interfaces have more than one port.. .I have a Midisport 2x2 anniversary edition (compatible with windows 7)


This approach not only keeps my instrumental MIDI data separate from my vocal data, it also gives me 16 channels that I can use to send controller data to other MIDI controllable devices, such as guitar effects, etc

Using 2 MIDI ports works great in Real band, because RB allows multiple MIDI ports. BIAB only allows one, and that one port must send all 16 channels to the device. Sonar has a way that you can declare which channels go to which device so that you can address multiple devices without conflict even though you only have one MIDI port, but to my knowledge, BIAB cannot do this. (good item for the wish list, though)

This is getting long... more in the next post

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
So that brings us back to the question of how to use 1 port in BIAB to send MIDI data to 2 devices without having both devices play whatever passes thru.

I haven't tried this, but I think it might work:

Let's assume that your voiceworks is set to receive data on channel 1

Go ahead and hook up the MIDI IN port of the voiceworks to the MIDI THRU port of your XV module

assign channel 1 to the track that contains the chords intended for the voiceworks, but DON'T specify a patch. I'm thinking that as soon as you specify a patch for the voiceworks, it will also activate a patch on your synth, and that's why you hear the chords as they pass through.

Unfortunately, by not sending a patch from your song, it means you would have to manually select voiceworks patches for each song. Yet another bummer.

I don't use MIDI YOKE, but lots of people her do. Maybe one of them can add some info I don't have. It is possible that MIDI YOKE provides a away to isolate MIDI channels to different devices. If so, that's the best route to take for BIAB. But if using RB or another sequencer, I would definitely go with a multi-port MIDI interface. It gives you total control of your MIDI that way.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
I don't have any thoughts on the incorrect chord problem unless the voiceworks patch is filtering some of the notes based on the chord represented in the patch

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 27
O
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
O
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 27
You probably have the Roland in performance mode or you are transmitting on channel 1. The Roland will respond to any input it is listening for and in performance mode it listens on all 16 channels. You could send a system to the Roland to put it in program mode and then use a channel other than channel 1. That should point you in the right direction on that situation.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Leave it in performance mode. Set the chord output channel in BIAB to a midi channel number THAT IS NOT ASSIGNED TO ONE OF THE INSTRUMENTS IN THE Roland.This way the stuff will be passed through the Roland to the TC but will be ignored by the Roland.


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
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 27
O
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
O
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 27
You are correct on that. I figured my way was easier since he would have to turn off one of the patches on the module to leave it in performance mode and I wasn't sure he knew how to do that. I normally leave channel 13 to 16 off on my synths for that reason.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 368
tonnie Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 368
Mat,

I have had "enharmonic problems" also in earlier setups.

In spite of the root position, C6 can become Am7, or Cmaj7 can become Em7. However this does not have any practical influence on what is coming out of the Voice Works.

I took up these problem with PGMusic and T C helicon years ago, but they both answered they adhered strictly to the official MIDI protocol. So in other words they were not to blame!

But now the result can but totally unpredictable, also sometimes the changes do not shift, although in the BB spreadsheet the chords are changing. Yesterday however, everything functioned OK.
What I am afraid of now, is that suddenly on a gig it won’t work correctly.

Brgds,
Tonnie

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Quote:

You are correct on that. I figured my way was easier since he would have to turn off one of the patches on the module to leave it in performance mode and I wasn't sure he knew how to do that. I normally leave channel 13 to 16 off on my synths for that reason.




Dang.. I should have known that, but for some reason the thought never even occurred to me! Thanks!

This is what's great about an assembly of minds addressing the same problem. All of us collectively are smarter than any of us individually.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Write it down. New version arrives and stuff gets reset and it takes days to figure it all out again.

Especially if you wait a few years. I forget eating breakfast let alone the bit rate to make Pete's synth #5 to work with some dang thing.


John Conley
Musica est vita
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,736
Posts795,467
Members39,942
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
smitoz, Jonnyfartpants, Gengiz, MarcAlanMichael, Kylie jen
39,942 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 200
Noel96 116
DC Ron 109
DrDan 103
rsdean 103
dcuny 93
Today's Birthdays
baz66, joesarahh, prsings
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5