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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 5
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 5 |
Got a newbie question. When I open midi files from the web, all instruments appear to be in the "Melody" track. Is there a way to separate the bass, piano, drums, etc. from each other?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853 |
That's correct and the way BIAB works.
The other tracks are for BIAB instruments based on the current style loaded. The MIDI gets loaded into the melody track, but you can access the various channels used by selecting the Sequencer icon. From there you can do various things to each channel (change instrument, rechannel, delete, etc). Be aware that the channels used in the MIDI file can conflict with channels used by the other BIAB tracks.
If you are just wanting to work with the MIDI file, then it's best to work in RealBand.
What most people do with BIAB, however, is to load the MIDI file, let BIAB figure out the chord progression, then remove the instruments that would be handled by the other BIAB tracks (usually leaving the melody and maybe some specific riffs or solos), change style to suit, and then create your own version of the song.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Joined: May 2000
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Quote:
Got a newbie question. When I open midi files from the web, all instruments appear to be in the "Melody" track. Is there a way to separate the bass, piano, drums, etc. from each other?
While Realband is certainly more comprehensive when working with standard MIDI files, Band in a Box does allow for a certain amount of control over the MIDI sequence imported to the Melody track.
Locate the big round green "SEQ" button in the toolbar and hit it.
There you can see all the channels of an imported MIDI file, choose to mute some if you wish, change patches, etc.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 5
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 5 |
Thanks, John and Mac, for the info!
-- Steve
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Quote:
Thanks, John and Mac, for the info!
-- Steve
+ 1
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 451
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 451 |
Quote:
Locate the big round green "SEQ" button in the toolbar and hit it.
There you can see all the channels of an imported MIDI file, choose to mute some if you wish, change patches, etc. --Mac
I didn't know that. Good tip. However, when I tried it I couldn't hide the channels I didn't want? Could someone check if this is working in build 357. Thanks Col
iMac, 3.7 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5, BIAB MAC2024 (802), Audient iD4
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677 |
Hi Col,
I have Build #357. I loaded in a MIDI file and deactivated "Play" and "Show" using the SEQ button. It worked like it should.
If you opened the MIDI file using "File | Open MIDI file ...", the file would have been loaded on the Melody track and it's necessary to select "Sequencer on Melody track" when you click the green SEQ button. That might be the problem.
Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479 |
Quote:
Be aware that the channels used in the MIDI file can conflict with channels used by the other BIAB tracks.
To simplify removing the conflict - I know that BIAB assigns MIDI channels in the 1-8 range, plus 10 for percussion. What I do after importing a MIDI file to the Melody Track is go to sequencer for the Melody Track (this shows all the tracks of the imported MIDI file), then for each channel there that is less than 10, I rechannel (Edit/Rechannel)each channel to the range of 11-16, thus removing any conflict. That way I don't have to think about avoiding BIAB-assigned MIDI channels. Not needing to think is good.
kelso
Dell Desktop XPS 8100 W10 HomePrem/64 / Core i5 760 (quad, 2.8GHz) / 8GB DDR3 / 1 TB SATA / ViewSonic VG2428wm / EMU1616 PCI / Event ASP6 Active Monitors / BIAB 2019 64 bit (609) / Cakewalk
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
When a MIDI file is opened properly using the "Open MIDI File" command, (which should be done after hitting "New") the Style should become disabled. Look for an 'X' in front of the Stylename in the Style window slot.
If there is no X there, then the Style will also attempt to play along with the MIDI file and is likely going to be sharing some of the channels used in that MIDI file.
A Rightclickk on the Style slot and select "disable Style" can manually do the same thing.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
...However, when I tried it I couldn't hide the channels I didn't want? ...
If you only see one track in the SEQ window, there is a possibility that you have a MIDI "type 1" file instead of MIDI type 0 (zero).
A type 1 MIDI file has all the channel information on one track.
Type 1 file can be converted to type 0 in Realband using the Extract Channels to Tracks command and then saving as Standard MIDI file. Then try opening that in BiaB.
--Mac
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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.
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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
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