Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1
S
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
S
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1
I have a lot of cover songs in midi. I've loaded a few and have messed around on changing some of the tracks to real tracks. Does anyone know of a tutorial on this process?

Last edited by shawn metts; 06/23/15 02:09 PM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,350
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,350
Welcome to the forum.

RealTracks cannot be used to play exact MIDI parts, if that's what you are asking.

RealTracks are pre-recorded snippets of audio performed by actual accomplished players. They follow the chords you enter into BIAB and can be made to obey certain rhythms, but will not play an imported MIDI part.

You can use your MIDI on the Melody and Soloist tracks. The other tracks can have either MIDI or RealTracks (or loops) but will be regenerated (the arrangement changed) each time you press Gen/Play.

If you want to use MIDI on tracks other than Melody and Soloist, you CAN alter those tracks but remember to freeze them.

Or - are you asking how to select a RealTrack to play on what is now a MIDI track (knowing it will make up its own part)?

This is probably way too much information at this point; write back when you need help. Just remember the nature of audio (RealTracks) is quite different from MIDI. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.


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: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827
S
Expert
Offline
Expert
S
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827
If you open the midi file in Realband you can add a VST Instrument to each track.
You can use SampleTank, Kontakt or any other virtual instrument.
There are plenty of free VST Instruments if you google.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 207
M
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 207
Try using the Hi-Q midi synth patches. (Right click on each instrument for a drop-down menu to find them).
They will be nearly as good as the real tracks in most instances.


Mike Laatz
Cape Town
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446
MIDI is not audio, and audio is not MIDI.

MIDI is a set of instructions to play a MIDI enabled instrument (like a hardware or software synthesizer or sampler).

MIDI can be entered either manually with a computer keyboard and/or mouse or played into a sequencer or DAW in real time. I prefer the latter method.

When you play back a MIDI file on your computer it plays using the MIDI synth you select. It could be the software synth provided by your computer, a soft synth plug-in, or an external synth. In any case it will reproduce the original performance, but using your MIDI instrument.

I have plenty of synths, and the same voice (patch) does not sound the same on any of the two synths. Why? MIDI contains no sound data, it just tells the synth what to play. The synth is the instrument.

It's like playing something on an acoustic guitar, and playing the exact same thing on an electric. The music is the same, but the tone is different.

So the MIDI information on two different synths can be like that.

If you want to record the output of your chosen synth, and turn the MIDI information into an audio track, you can, there are plenty of tutorials on this. You could use most DAWs to perform this trick.

If you want to turn a MIDI track into a Real Track, that's a different subject all together, and as far as I know, it cannot be done.

Insights and incites by Notes


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Actually it can be done, it's called using a sampler. A sampler will use samples played by a real player in a studio same as the Real Track musicians with one huge difference.

Here's where noobs get confused. That musician who's recording for a sampler is only playing one note at a time. The Real Tracks musicians are playing phrases not just single notes. That means the RT's sound much more realistic because there's no midi involved, you're hearing recorded phrases done by the best in the business. The downside to that is you cannot tell a RT what to play, what they laid down in the studio is what you get.

That means even if you use the best midi synth or sampler in the world it still will not sound as good as a Real Track. Individual notes could sound the same but you're still simply triggering single notes. If you created a midi track to play the same notes as a Real Track you're still missing all the "live player in a studio" nuances coming from the RT recording because it's full phrases not single notes.

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446
Bob is correct, to a point.

Depending on your synth and synth controller you can play phrases, chords, and plenty of nuances like pitch bend, volume changes, distortion, flutter tongue, legato, slurs, trills, mordents, sforzando, and so on. A good synth will change the tone of the instrument with the force played (most instruments getting brighter as they play louder). I have a sax patch that will actually allow the synth to change the vowel sound from ooh to aah the way a sax player does by changing the shape of his/her mouth.

A MIDI synth can get every bit as expressive as a live performer, but it will still be a synth creating the voice.

That's neither a plus or a minus. Some synths have great voices, others cheesy voices.

Some synths can respond to all 128 continuous controllers (those are the ones that allow the player to express nuances) and some only a limited number.

The question that comes to mind is why do you want to change a MIDI track into a Real Track anyway? It will sound the same using the synth as a real track as it did as a MIDI track.

MIDI and Audio are both useful tools, they both have their strong points and both have their weaknesses.

Insights and incites by Notes


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
You're correct Notes, I just didn't want to get into that much detail because this is a Biab forum and presumably the OP is looking for a Biab generated part.

The good synths that can be very expressive do NOT work with Biab because Biab doesn't use those very specific CC's that can change the sound. You can use the sound library of the best synth/sampler in the world as a Biab plugin but the generated part will still sound static because all those different levels of expression that the synth is capable of producing are missing.

This is a whole complex subject that we could spend days writing about.

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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 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®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,335
Posts791,051
Members39,858
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Max Gain, BEAN223, Brazilboyz, doccawudi, StratMan1965
39,858 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 357
MarioD 226
DrDan 217
Noel96 157
DC Ron 152
Rob Helms 130
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5