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gaelyn Offline OP
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Whenever I notate a new melody and play it back, it plays a MIDI instrument (i.e. banjo 106). Am I able to designate a RealTrack instrument to play my melody back? If so, can I change from one instrument to another to hear how they each sound with the same melody. I realize that BIAB is designed to provide backup instruments, but I had hoped it could give realistic melodies also? When I change the melody instrument to a RealTrack one, I get a real instrument that plays an improvised version of my melody, not the original melody. Any help you can give a BIAB 2016 novice will be appreciated.

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No, you cannot get exact MIDI playback using RealTracks at this time.

RealTracks = prerecorded audio (not samples).
Notation means MIDI (which is sent to a Synth).


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gaelyn Offline OP
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Thanks for the clarification!

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gaelyn Offline OP
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I just recognized that I can change the MIDI instrument by selecting a new patch. This will work for me to at least give me some variety and not sound too synthetic. Thanks

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Gaelyn, yes, you can change the MIDI sounds. You can also spend almost any amount of money on either a hardware or software MIDI synth. The better ones are much more realistic sounding. If you would like some recommendations, let us know what you are using now and what your budget is.


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I am simply using my laptop and wanting to share some music with friends so we can play together weekly. I have no other equipment. I am a good amateur musician on a very limited social security budget. Now that I have seen how to give me a little variety in my instruments, it will have to do. Thanks everyone for your advice. I am really enjoying learning how to better use my BIAB 2016.

Larry
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Larry, that's fine. It's likely you are using the built-in Realtek soundcard and Microsoft sounds, but you can do much better than that, even for free. I will leave it to others who know more, but I'm sure you will get some recommendations for a free General MIDI VSTi. I encourage you to try that or other solutions and you should like what you hear a lot better.



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Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
Larry, that's fine. It's likely you are using the built-in Realtek soundcard and Microsoft sounds, but you can do much better than that, even for free. I will leave it to others who know more, but I'm sure you will get some recommendations for a free General MIDI VSTi. I encourage you to try that or other solutions and you should like what you hear a lot better.



Matt is correct. Investigate free soundfont players and soundfonts (SF2). There are many very good SF2s that are free and as good as or better than some purchased GM sets and they are a lot better than the Realtek sound card. Plus with the free SF2 editor you can replace any SF2 with another, thus I you don't like the trumpet sound in a GM set you can replace it. When I was using SF2s I used to have different sound sets, for instance I had all of my trumpet sounds together. This was in addition to my SF2 GM set. Plus with BiaB and RB you can load as many SF2 sets as your memory will allow.

Although SF2 is old technology it is still better than the installed computer sound cards IMHO.

I hope this helps.


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gaelyn Offline OP
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That will be a totally new venture for me. I'll check in to it! Thanks for the idea and advice!

Happy Solstice

Larry
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  • Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
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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.

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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!

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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.

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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