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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11 |
Hi,
Just looking for some advice on the Piano Channel in BIAB 2009 please.
In most cases when using BIAB, I have to mute this channel, as the output from it presently is not usable. This is most likely a user error, which is where I require some assistance.
As is, the Piano Channel tends to play very random music and is totally off-putting. It seems to play notes within the given chord, but almost randomly, which creates some very odd results. Ideally, I would have the Piano Channel set to an EP of some description playing block chords (with a few embelishments) while I play over the whole lot with a Grand. Presently though, the Piano Channel just plays stuff at random and very rarely fits the pattern or style of music, hence I end up more often than not muting it. It does not play the same notes every time either, which leaves me thinking is this something I have inadvertently asked BIAB to do.
Is there a tick box hidden in some folder that needs un-ticking to bring the Piano Channel in line?
Thanks,
Wes B.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
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You'll have to try different styles to get the piano style you want. The styles that sound "random" are probably jazz styles. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2007
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What the piano part plays is determined by the style. I don't know what style you are talking about but the ones I use do an OK job when I use them. If you are changing instruments from the one in the style, be sure to File|Save with patches & harmony the patch you desire. If not, the style will override what you are hoping for.
Tell us what style(s) you are using.
Rachael
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
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*Make sure that the Output Chords function in Prefs is not turned on. This can result in some pretty bizarre sounding stuff on the piano patch.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I play piano and mute the piano part. There are styles with no piano and I use those too. The jazz styles use comping and it's pretty accurate. I often print out the piano part and put it on the piano alongside the leadsheet and use it at times as fill in between verses with the melody. So I mute both the melody and piano part. Sometimes, since the inception of realinstruments I put in a guitar or other comping part.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Yes. When I'm using BIAB in live performance with my piano, I MUTE the BIAB piano parts and do the comping with my own left hand, too.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
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Posts: 11 |
Thanks everyone for your replies. This example is one I am working on just now and illustrates the point: http://www.brookcontrolsolutions.com/For%20Once%20In%20My%20Life.MGUMute the piano part, all is well: enable it, and the result is a random EP. I checked the Output Chords options also, which is not ticked.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
Aside from your patch changes, the piano for that style sounds like it always has. Try a different style. You can show only matching feel and tempo styles by selecting in the 'Show Styles by 'Feel' and 'Tempo' dropdown. And about your patches, you may want to zero out everything when auditioning styles.
What synth are you using?
R
Last edited by Rachael; 06/13/09 07:37 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11 |
So it's the style rather than a BIAB setting. I've had this with other songs, which is most likely coincidence and has got me thinking a setting had been adjusted, thus producing these results.
As others do here, think I'll just mute the piano part and be done with it :-)
I'm using a Roland RD-700GX to make the noises.
Thanks,
Wes B.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
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Quote:
Ideally, I would have the Piano Channel set to an EP of some description playing block chords ...
Try Pnosimp4.sty and see if it fits your needs.
Martin
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11
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OP
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Thanks, for that :-)
Yes, that style does the job. You know my next question.... (can BIAB play two styles at the same time?!).
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
I don't know if the Roland synth you use is GM compatible, but you probably should always start off using the default instruments found in the style. I very rarely change the patches for job they did with the instrumentation in the BIAB styles are very good. Occasionally, I'll substitute Acoustic Bass for Electric Bass but most of the time, I leave the patches alone. Changing a patch can lead to some 'interesting' sounds like substituting piano for jazz organ, etc.
To answer your multi-style question, the answer is yes. You can mix and match parts from styles using the Hybrid style maker. It's pretty easy. Just make sure your feel and tempo of the styles you are merging match.
Good luck,
Rachael
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11
Newbie
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OP
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Yes, the Hybrid style thing was easy and created a result nearer to that I was after :-)
Many thanks!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,275
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Quote:
can BIAB play two styles at the same time?!
You could "Edit->Copy/Move Tracks..." specific tracks to the Soloist track and keep them there. Then you might choose a different style and be ready for some potential cacophony ...
The Hybrid Style approach is likely much more musical. 
Martin
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11
Newbie
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OP
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Thanks for all the advice. Evidently, I'm very much still learning BIAB!
Cheers.
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