|
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: 27,358
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,358 |
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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, 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: 27,358
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,358 |
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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, 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 10:50 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,387
Posts791,520
Members39,873
| |
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