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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100 |
Dear Biab Users --
Please help.
I am seeking a quick way to make the drums and bass more varied.
I play a lot of jazz-rock-fusion, new-age, ambient, and modern-jazz tunes.
Is there a quick and easy (quick and dirty?) way to get Biab to vary the bass and drum patterns a bit more, to play a bit more outside, or something like that?
Also, I seek similar advice regarding dynamics (volume) of the bass and drums. I would like, for instance, for it to put in a very soft and low-volume chorus every now and again, etc.
I do not mean to "cheat" by saying "quick and easy" but I mainly use Biab for practicing technique and improvisation, so I do not need to make Awesome Biab Tracks. They are really good as-is, even now. I just want some hints or tips or suggestions to add a bit more variety to the patterns, that's all. Does not have to be perfect, just a bit more varied.
FYI, I am running on Windows 7 and (will very soon be running) Biab 2014 UltraPlusPAK.
What do you think?
Thoughts? Tips? Suggestions? Ideas?
Thanks.
-- Mark Kamoski
Last edited by mkamoski; 12/01/13 09:55 AM. Reason: Added minor details.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
Wow. Version 2014 was released 52 minutes ago and you're running it already?
Anyway, in version 2014 of BIAB there is an enhanced capability to load additional RealTracks as sub styles. You can do this with the last few versions as well; it's just that it's now easier to call them sub styles A, B, C, D etc. and click through part markers to select them.
By varying similar realtracks, you should be able to get the effect you are seeking. You cannot make any one pattern play more outside, but you can choose from patterns that are more or less traditional. You'll have to audition lots of tracks and styles but it's worth doing.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360 |
Mark,
In addition to what Matt has said, don't discount the midi bass tracks found in the midi-only styles. There are some excellent bass lines there. These sound really good now with the Hi-Q midi sounds.
Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
Yes, there have been great strides in MIDI that makes it a resource not to be overlooked. What's old has become new again.
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.
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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 |
There is a Prefs setting that may be toggled the wrong way for you if you aren't hearing Walking Bass in the Middle Choruses.
"Vary Style in Middle Choruses"
Hit the Prefs button, then hit the Overrides button.
Bottom of the Overrides window, make sure that Vary Styles in Middle Choruses is checked, also make sure that the "Force to simple arrangement" below that is UNchecked.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100 |
@ Matt Finley -- I really appreciate your advice about Biab. Well, I supposed I should have said something like "will be running Biab 2014 UltraPlusPak very soon" just to be clear. Really, I just wanted to indicate if there are 2014-specific details then I want those for sure. I like this program so much and I upgrade every year. So worth it. Really helps with practice. I focus on playing live-music and Biab is just so awesome for when the band is not around, etc. Anyway, I appreciate the guidance a lot. Thanks so much. -- Mark Kamoski
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100 |
...don't discount the midi bass tracks found in the midi-only styles. There are some excellent bass lines there. These sound really good now with the Hi-Q midi sounds...
Dear Noel -- Thanks so much for the reminder. Yes, I really like MIDI styles a lot. You are right about them, IMHO. I was so happy to see the introduction of the Super Midi Styles in Biab, as they push Midi technology forward. Very flexible. Very transportable. Etc. Thanks. -- Mark Kamoski
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100 |
...Hit the Prefs button, then hit the Overrides button... Bottom of the Overrides window, make sure that Vary Styles in Middle Choruses is checked, also make sure that the "Force to simple arrangement" below that is UNchecked... Dear Mac -- I appreciate the excellent tip. I will definitely make sure that I have those set as you suggest. I appreciate your help. Thanks. -- Mark Kamoski
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
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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
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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