|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 76 |
Hello All,
Currently BIAB 2015 doesn't replace Mididrums with RealDrums despite I made the settings for that. Btw, information about optional settings for the Midi Drumtrack under Sequencer is explained in a video at PGMusic titled 'Using the Melody Sequencer'.
In BIAB 2015 under RealDrums Preferences I have checked the setting to 'Always Substitute RealDrums for MidiDrums'.
When I then load a Midifile (type Multi/16 channel) I can see the track button label of Drums at the top left of the screen change to green. Though direclty when loading the file I can also see the drumtrack in the mixer change to yellow and showing the Mididrum track instead. Manually rechoosing a RealDrum track doesnt change this. As soon as I start to play the song the label at the radio button changes to yellow as well and I can hear the midi play over my keyboard and no RealDrums through my Audio speakers. Also when I click on the Sequencer button, choose 'Sequencer on Melody track', and remove the checks from both 'Play' and 'Show' at channel 10, the Midi drum track, there is no difference.
Does anyone know a workaround for this?
Thanks in advance for your reply
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486 |
Hi Valentino,
I'm not sure that I have interpreted your post correctly. My take on it is that you have loaded a midi file into BIAB. This MIDI file contains its own drums and BIAB is not substituting Realdrums for those drums contained in the midi file.
If my interpretation is correct, please read on ...
The "Substitute Realdrums for MIDI drums" option only works for PG Music created styles that contain midi drums. This is normal behaviour. BIAB will not substitute Realdrums for drums contained in midi files.
What I interpret as happening is this ...
1. The style that is already loaded in BIAB when you import/open the midi file has correctly substituted the Realdrums (if the style originally had midi drums). This is why the track is initially green.
2. When the midi file begins to play, because the midi has embedded instrumental instructions, the midi file takes control of BIAB (as expected) and the midi drums contained in the external midi file will now play.
If you want to have Realdrums play along with the midi file, you will need to only import those tracks of the midi file that contain the music information you want. Do not import midi channel 10 data. I suspect that if you selectively import what tracks you need, all will be well (provided the midi file as correct tempo instructions contained within it).
Hope this helps,
Noel
P.S. If you want to work with midi files, Realband is much much better suited to the task than BIAB.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 76 |
Hello Noel,
Thank you very much for your reply and explanation and yes, you are correct, its about loading Midi-files into BIAB 2015. Sorry if I didn't make that clear enough.
Now I first played the PGMusic video under the section 'Intermediate' titled 'Using the melody Sequencer'.
Here the speaker starts with loading a Midifile and then he suggests to replace the Midi Drumtrack by a Realdrum track. Also he explains how the Sequencer option can be used to decide afterwards(!) which tracks inside the Midifile to keep including the Midi-Drumtrack. So based on this instructional video I assumed it was possible to do this. What do you think of the given information in this instructional video? Or did I possibly overlook something?
Thanks again for your detailed explanation!
greetings,
Valentino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840 |
The "Substitute Realdrums for MIDI drums" option only works for PG Music created styles that contain midi drums. This is normal behaviour. BIAB will not substitute Realdrums for drums contained in midi files. To add on to what Noel said, the above is true and BIAB will not substitute for MIDI files; however, if you have a style that is NOT a PGMusic provided style (for example, Norton Music styles), you can still get substitutions. The current substitutions are controlled by a file in the BIAB folder called "a_pgmusic.ds". If you look at this file with a text editor/viewer, you will see a list of styles and the preferred substitution. That's where BIAB gets it's substitutions from. You can also create your own substitutions by creating a file called "MySubs.ds" in the same format as "a_pgmusic.ds" and get non-PGMusic styles to have appropriate substitutions. For example, for the Norton Music styles which do not substitute RealDrums, if you created a "MySubs.ds" file listing the Norton Music styles, followed by an appropriate (or inappropriate, depending upon what you're looking for, your choice) RealDrum name, those styles will then honor substitutions. I suppose you could try also just editing the "a_pgmusic.ds" file (I haven't tried this), but I suspect it would get overwritten with the next program update. Hence the "MySubs.ds" file. This information is found on the "RealDrums Settings" page of the BIAB help file.
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463 |
Hello Valentino,
I use the SEQ quite often.
When opened, go to the EDIT button of track 10 and delete.
The midi drums disappear. RTs cannot be invoked while in SEQ mode. So invoke the desired BB style and save.
All midis are of course on melody track, so delete/move, etc, accordingly.
Then invoke desired RDs.
HTH.
Percy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 76 |
Thanks both John and Percy for your contributions. Much appreceated!
Interresting information. I will check out the suggestions given.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 76 |
In the meantime I tested some things in BIAB 2015, and RB as well.
To Percy,
I have followed your suggestions. So I loaded the Midi File and then with SEQ I removed track 10. Then I chose a new style. Btw, I presume that by choosing a new style BIAB comes out of what you called the SEQ mode, right? Then I saved the file in BIAB. And yes, you are correct, now I could add a RD to the song, so for that part it worked! Thanks for the help with that! But then when I played the song I noticed that several chords in the melody really didn’t match with the style instruments sound and sounded semi false.
My tuning settings are on default. Do you have any idea how this can happen?
To Noel,
You suggested to use RB instead of BIAB for Midi files, so I tried this in RB as well. I know this is the BIAB forum so I will keep it short here. I loaded the Midi file into RB and then erased track 10, then I could successfully load a RD into that track and RB reported the track as Audio track. On itself it played well, though because I wanted to test with another RD I wanted to delete the RD from the track again. Then I got an access violation error in Realband.exe which I already reported to PGMusic.
greetings,
Valentino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463 |
Valentino,
You bring up a very good point.
When BB opens a 3rd party midi file, it has to interpret all of the chords using all of the existing parts. Many times, BB has to 'guess' and interprets incorrectly.
I would suggest reviewing the chords and making any necessary changes.
HTH.
Percy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 76 |
That explains a lot. Thanks Percy!
Greetings,
Valentino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,048
Posts799,302
Members40,015
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean