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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17 |
Hi, I'm fairly new to BIAB, and am trying to set up a MIDI out to an external synth module, as I really like the sounds it produces. I've connected my USB linked MIDI interface to my Macbook Air laptop, and installed the correct driver. It shows as connected, but when I playback the song(s) from BIAB I can't get it to send out MIDI to the interface.
I realise there may be settings to change both on the Mac and on the BIAB setup screens, but I've tried various things and come up short. I know that MIDI is not getting to the USB MIDI interface - if it was, there would be flashing LED's.
I do have BIAB set up with playback to an amplifier without MIDI. I bought a jazz fakebook set of tunes from Bob 'Notes' Norton, and I understand that these are really MIDI files? Though they seem to be SGU suffix not MID.
Can anybody please offer any advice?
Thanks!
Rich
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi Rich,
In Band-in-a-Box, click on Options, then Select MIDI Driver or Apple DLS Synth, choose MacOS X CoreMIDI, and click OK.
The Select Ports/Instruments window may appear. If it doesn't, click on Options again, then CoreMIDI (Choose Ports).
In the Select Ports/Instruments window, choose your MIDI interface beside Bass, click "set all ports to this", then OK. As long as the synth is General MIDI-compatible, it should just work right away.
The Norton songs will be Band-in-a-Box song files (SGU), and will use MIDI styles, but won't be MIDI files.
Thanks
Kent
PG Music
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17 |
Hi Kent,
Thanks very much, that all makes sense!
I went through the process, and I still am not seeing any flashing lights when I play back the song(s), so MIDI info is not getting to my USB interface. Could part of the issue be that I am simply not playing back a MIDI file?
What Bob had said to me about his Fakebook BIAB files was "All the styles assigned to my fake disks are MIDI tracks. Often BiaB will suggest you substitute a particular Real Tracks style for the song."
So I'm a bit confused - I can see they are .SGU file not .MID format and so I guess he is referring to 'styles' not the songs themselves?
Cheers
Rich
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi Rich,
Right, some Band-in-a-Box styles use RealTracks, which are audio, and some styles are MIDI-based, so all the tracks will be MIDI, but this doesn't mean that the songs are MIDI files. They just use MIDI styles.
What color are the track names at the top of the screen (Bass, Piano, Drums, etc)? Green means RealTracks, yellow indicates MIDI.
What exactly do you have selected for all the tracks in that "Select Ports/Instruments" window now?
Thanks
Kent
PG Music
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17 |
Hi Kent,
The tracks seem to all be green.
All instruments are still routed to 'Port A' in the 'Select Ports/Instruments' sub-menu.
I had the impression from Norton that it would be possible to route the audio out via MIDI to trigger my hardware modules, and I'd like to try to achieve this, if possible. I've only previously come across MIDI tracks, so I'm not clear what it means if only the styles are MIDI, in terms of output of the track data via MIDI.
Ultimately my aim is just to get the best sound I can, and it may be that RealTracks / RealBand is as good or better than MIDI. So far, it hasn't sounded that great to me for some reason - even though I'm going out to a high quality speaker / amp setup.
Cheers,
Rich
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393 |
Rich,
If I may, let me try to explain. .SGU and .MGU are BIAB files. The BIAB program can play those files with output either as midi or as audio (or even as a mixture of the two). Whether the BIAB output is midi or audio is determined by whether you are using "Real" instruments or "Midi" instruments within the BIAB program. Those green instrument headers tells you that currently BIAB is outputting as audio, thus there is no midi data being sent to your external synth (or anywhere else for that matter).
To change the BIAB output to all midi, you need to select a midi style. Open the style picker, and under the "type" selector, pick "midi only". Then select one of those styles. Now all those instrument headers should be yellow.
Oh, I think the BIAB program default is to substitute "real" drums, so the drums may be green. If so, click on the "Real Drums" icon, and deselect "automatically substitute real drums for midi". Now the drums header should be yellow as well. If you now generate and play your song, all the output will be midi (BIAB will not output any audio, only midi). The sound you hear now comes from whatever midi synth is selected as Kent outlined above.
Bruce
Macbook Pro 2018
2.6 GHz 6-core Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM
OS Monterey
BIAB for Mac 2022
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17 |
Hi Bruce,
Thanks, that all makes perfect sense and I'll give it a try when I have time this weekend. It may be that the Real Tracks sound better, but for some reason they are not sounding particularly good on my system...
Cheers
Rich
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17 |
Thanks Bruce,
I tried it and it works!
I haven't yet found the correct setting for the drums. I thought I had, but it didn't actually change the drums from green (real drums) to MIDI, even though I clicked 'Generate & Play'.
Cheers
Rich
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi Rich,
If you click the RealDrums button, then RealDrums Preferences, and uncheck "Enable RealDrums", you'll get MIDI drums on every song.
Thanks
Kent
PG Music
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393 |
Cool, Rich. Glad you got it working!
Macbook Pro 2018
2.6 GHz 6-core Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM
OS Monterey
BIAB for Mac 2022
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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.
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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.
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