|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 105
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 105 |
Hi, everyone. I bought a book of pop sheet music and I want to convert it to leadsheets so I don't have to worry about turning pages. What's the best workflow for this? I was thinking:
Enter chords in Biab.
Play single line melody in Biab in real time (and try not to screw it up).
Export everything to Sibelius to clean up the mistakes.
Enter lyrics.
Does that sound efficient? I've tried using my trial version of Sibelius to enter music as I play but I think their software/step time recording for this isn't nearly as good as Biab because there were mistakes everywhere.
Does anyone have suggestions?
Cheers,
Doug
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,058
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,058 |
I enter single line melodies into BIAB using a mouse even if BIAB will not be used further, because I also love the input method. Sometimes I use the keyboard, and for really difficult rhythm patterns, I'll use the BIAB qwerty keyboard entry on one pitch and adjust pitches later.
Couple of things to consider when using the keyboard as you describe:
You can quantize the melody after entering, which can adjust and 'tighten' the timings. Or, there is even the reverse, a function called humanize in some software including BIAB.
You can always slow down the tempo when entering, to increase the odds of playing it correctly. I do this. If you heard me try to play keyboard, you would know why.
Are you using a click track when recording in Sibelius?
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; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 105
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 105 |
Thanks for the quick reply. The suggestion about doing a single pitch and then adjusting them with a mouse later is brilliant, I hadn't thought of that.
To be honest, I've never done this before and I'm considering my options. I have BB, but I don't have a midi controller by my laptop so I'd have to get one. I don't have Sibelius either, so I'm looking at like $200 before I input my first note.
Are there video tutorials on how to input notes with a laptop? This might be the easiest way, to be honest.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,058
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,058 |
I'll bet you could get a very inexpensive MIDI controller for under $50. I picked up an Akai Mini for $20 just recently.
As for videos, I am not a good source of info. I learned all this stuff decades ago, before there even were any videos. Someone who has come aboard more recently should be able to help identify a good choice.
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; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 824 |
I'm with Matt and the use of the mouse for entering the melody line. Band-in-a-Box is by far the fastest method of entering notation and producing lead sheets, mainly because you do not have to select the correct length note from a menu.
All the Band-in-a-Box users I know are in the business of producing lead sheets. I do it for all the musicians in my jazz group because it is so easy to change the key and clef for each instrument. Our whole book of arrangements is produced with Band-in-a-Box.
Just one small note of criticism is that the emphasis of programming for new versions has changed in recent times. We now have concentration on chord sheets with lyrics for strummers, which has actually caused problems with my normal production of lead sheets. Also those great improvements to the subtleties of notation such as tag endings, section letters and section text etc., which were started, now seem to have lost their importance.
As just one illustration of areas that need improvement, I would mention that some notation features do not transfer with reasonable workflow from a treble clef to bass clef. Slurs for instance.
Band-in-a-Box IS the quickest entry method for the chords and notes using a keyboard and mouse, but the rest of the notation still needs some work to match the other superb features.
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
"I bought a book of pop sheet music" Search for Music OCR here's a free Jave one https://audiveris.kenai.com/index.htmlYou can download the pop music midi files and import into Biab, RealBand or MuseScore. MuseScore will import midi, BIAB files etc. https://musescore.org/en/downloadMuseScore File formats MuseScore native format MuseScore format (*.mscz) Uncompressed MuseScore format (*.mscx) MuseScore backup file (.*.mscz,) or (.*.mscx,) Graphics—view and print (export only) PDF (*.pdf) PNG (*.png) SVG (*.svg) Audio—listen (export only) WAV audio (*.wav) FLAC audio (*.flac) Ogg Vorbis (*.ogg) MP3 (*.mp3) Share with other music software MusicXML (*.xml) Compressed MusicXML (*.mxl) MIDI (*.mid, *.midi, *.kar) MuseData (*.md) (import only) Capella (*.cap, *.capx) (import only) Bagpipe Music Writer (*.bww) (import only) BB (*.mgu, *.MGU, *.sgu, *.SGU) (import only) Overture (*.ove) (import only) Guitar Pro (*.GTP, *.GP3, *.GP4, *.GP5, *.GPX) (import only)
Last edited by Pipeline; 10/23/16 11:50 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693 |
Export everything to Sibelius to clean up the mistakes. Most of the time you don't need this step. Using your mouse to input the melody notes works great and like Matt said, slow it down enough so you can be accurate. You can always go in and edit anything because it's midi but if you get right the first time it saves a step. I've done this sort of thing lots of times. Since you have the music already, just copy the chords into Biab. The exact style isn't that important just grab one that has the correct time sig and tempo. Even though I say that I get so enthralled by how the different styles sound I'll wind up spending a half hour trying out different ones anyway. As for vids, all the PG vids plus tons of user ones are on YouTube. Just type in the search box what you're trying to do. For example for leadsheets look for 1st/2nd endings. All you do is type in Band in a Box 1st and 2nd endings and it will pop right up along with a whole list of other Biab vids on the right side. Same with all the Codas, Tag endings, all that stuff. Then type in Band in a Box Notation and you'll learn all about that including what we're talking about here. I know there's one about the keyboard wizard. That's about using your QWERTY keyboard to input notation. There are lots of workarounds for stuff depending on how picky you are. Sometimes I don't like the way the chords crowd the coda sign or the first ending number. What you can do in input the chords only as to how you want them to LOOK, not play but look. Print that out and handwrite in the repeats, the coda sign and the rest of it. That can save a lot of wasted time trying to get the fakebook print function to make everything look right. Oh, one last thing. Do a google search for a specific song as a Biab file or post a list here. Many times you get lucky and someone has already created some of those songs you want. They may or may not be accurate but at least you have something to work with. Many times I've found an existing Biab file with a decent melody but the chords are off. Just having the basic song structure and melody is well worth it, editing the chords is no big deal. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows 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!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
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!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 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
Join the conversation on our forum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,393
Posts778,633
Members39,645
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean