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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
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I opened a MIDI file in Band in a Box 2013. It is making use of General Midi. It is only the melody part I am interested in. Normally, in the synth window (black area top left) I would just put the radio on Melody and choose something like electronic piano, but when I do this now, it makes no difference, I still get the MIDI sound.
I'm supposing there is a way to change the voice but what is it? What am I missing?
Woody - Sacramento
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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When loading a MIDI file into Band in a Box, all tracks of the MIDI file will be on the Melody channel.
But to access them on a channel by channel basis and change patches, use the big round green SEQ (Sequencer) button in the toolbar to open another window, which should be rather self explanatory from there, also has mouseover tips and Help section. Here we can mute certain channels if desired, as well as change patches.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 70
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 70 |
@Mac,
Thank you for replying. What I am looking for is not another MIDI Patch, but what I would like is to make the sound I'm getting not be General MIDI. For example, I am bringing in a simple treble and bass clef MIDI file that should sound like a piano. GM does OK, but it sounds hookie and it would be nicer if instead I could get it to sound like the sounds you normally get out of BB.
Is there a simple way to do this? Perhaps I copy the melody track to the soloist track and make the soloist track sound the way I want it, then mute the Melody track. I don't know. I'm guessing.
Basically, all I want to do is bring in a MIDI file that has piano music on it and play along with with it - slow it down, etc. But the MIDI voices sound so bad it takes some of the fun out of it.
Woody - Sacramento
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2000
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. Hi WAS: Some clarification of terms is necesary here. (We will leave Real Tracks out of the discussion for the moment)
>>>>... another MIDI Patch, but what I would like is to make the sound I'm getting not be General MIDI...>>>
General MIDI is not any particular sound. It is a set of agreements that most synth makers are party to. For instance, the agreement says that instrument #1 will always be a grand piano, #5 will always be a "Rhodes" sound, #27 will always be a jazz guitar, and soon. It is the list you see when you click on the menu under the word "Combo," and that is all it is. Each synth will have its own grand piano, rhodes piano, jazz guitar and so on. Each synth will sound different even though it uses the GM standard.
>>>...I am bringing in a simple treble and bass clef MIDI file that should sound like a piano....>>>>
BiaB has no sounds of its own. It can only send instructions to a synthesizer, The synthesizer is the sound source. Somewhere in your computer is a software synthesizer. You may not be aware of it. If you hear anything at all, is is because BiaB is sending instructions to this synth.
Go to OPT>PREFERENCES>MIDI and you will see inforation on which synths are hooked up to you conputer.
If you want better sounds, get a better soft synth. I recommend Coyote. It sounds good and you can buy it from PG Music for $40, then call tech support for help getting it set up. There are lots of other sound sources you could try, but this is the one I would recommend for someone new.
<>>>...it would be nicer if instead I could get it to sound like the sounds you normally get out of BB..>>>>
Not sure what you mean by "get out of BB." Please explain.
Oh...and...Hello from Sacramento!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Hi Woody, Seeing you have 2013, another option available to you is to use the Hi-Q sounds. Firstly: right-click on the Melody track (1) and then select "Select Hi-Q Midi Synth" (2).  Secondly: from the menu that will pop up, select one of the three pianos.  Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
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OP
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Well, thank you all for your help.
I tried the Hi-Q sounds but when doing so I was told that Sample tank DSI was not installed. When I went to install it, it made a federal case out of it and it looked like it was going to install a number of things I don't really want installed, so I backed out.
Let me switch subjects a little bit and ask what perhaps is a simpler question. I can live with GM Piano if I have to. However, when I bring in a MIDI file I don't seem to be able to control the volume for the Melody from the Mixer Window. Now matter where I put the slider the volume seems to be the same. I want the volume to be lower for MIDI because I can barely hear my Thru track. I want to hear my thru track so I can play on top of it.
How do I lower the volume on the MIDI melody so I can better hear my Thru track?
Woody - Sacramento
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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In the SEQ window, under Edit to the right of each channel in the MIDI file, there is a Velocity command that can be used to lower the Velocity of every note on a track, this can correspond to lowering the volume.
You can also pick one channel and not have it play at all by unchecking the corresponding box next to it under the PLAY heading. That effectively mutes any instrument in the file.
But there is a certain type of MIDI file, "type 0" that you can run into by downloading free files from the internet, that type of file puts all instruments on one channel or track, making it impossible to see the listing as separate tracks. In this case, RealBand has a command that can 'Extract to tracks' by channels, then save as .mid file from RealBand, close realband and open the file again in bb. Or you might find much more control over MIDI files by using RealBand to open and play them in the first place. For example, any "type 1" MIDI file will open right up on separate tracks in RealBand, and there's a volume fader for each track in Tracks View. As well as Mute and Solo buttons.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
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I never understand the thougt process that installing and setting up a program so that it works, as being to much trouble. A few minutes setup time and you can have hours of fun with the add on features in these programs.
Give 'er a whirl! Really!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 70
Enthusiast
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 70 |
HeyRob!
I'm not new to computers so this is not my first rodeo. When I did the insall it asked me for considerably more than just to intall Sample Tank DSI. It made me jump through all kinds of whoops where IK MultiMedia is concerned. It insisted on going through three diffent installations of Amplitide 3 free, Sample Tank Free and something else I don't remember. Their web site did not appear to be put together very well and I had no idea what they were doing to my system or how it might affect other things on my system that have to do with sound (like Sibelius and Finale)
I use BB primarily for practice and sight-reading. It did not appear to be worth the risk - given I have other options.
It's a great product in many ways, but this was my experence.
Woody - Sacramento
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Yup - SampleTank Free WAS a B--ache to install. There is a Top Class tutorial at the top of these pages and it got me through. It is worth installing it, not only for the Hi-Q sounds but also for the EXTRA FREE sounds that you can download from the website. Not sure if you can make those ones work in BAIB (havent tried yet) but what the heck. I would like to see MORE Hi-Q sounds available via BIAB, maybe at the 2013.5 point. (Its gonna come - you KNOW that!!). Choice is pretty limited at the moment. However I am in Lust with RealTracks and can only ask that BIAB bring on more and more and more. PLEASE don't make them all Jazz or Latin. Some of us are POP and Rock musicians. I know its a disgrace - but there it is! lol !! cheers ian
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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
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These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
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Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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:
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-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
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-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
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Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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