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Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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Joined: Mar 2017
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So I wrote this as a response to a query posted in Band in a Box and now posting this here pursuant to VideoTrack's suggestion.
Basically, the OP in that post was finding that the MIDI string tracks were playing simple triads with an occasional inversion thrown in, and wanted to achieve a more dynamic and varied sound.
This was my response:
You actually have a number of options for getting movement in your string sections.
1) Use MIDI supertracks or RTs for your string sections. The "regular" MIDI styles are based on a C7 algorithm (as PG music refers to it). These are rather static mappings that simply transpose to the chords you are using. On the other hand, RTs and MIDI Supertracks are input/played by musicians, and therefore have a much wider range.
2) [Music theory alert] If you want more precise inversions, why not use slash chords? Basically, if you have a triad, which is based on the 1, 3, and 5, why not place the three or five in the bass and restate the chord-which will essentially add in an octave note-or use the chord that results from stating the third degree as the root and the fifth as the 3rd etc. Then you can shuffle/alternate between the three varioutions within the same measure, and BiaB will likely throw in some leading and/or transitional notes throughout,
3) Make sure the strings patch is placed on the melody track and utilize the "Humanize" function, which has a wealth of fantastic options.
4) Make sure the strings patch is placed on the melody track (as above) and use the harmony function. Also has a wealth of fantastic options, some of which are specifically geared toward strings, IIRC.
5) Use extensions! The more "info" you feed into BiaB the more it blossoms. I've found that generally when you use an extension--even if it's the added note of simple 7th/Maj7 chord--BiaB will generate something much more complex than what is essentially a held chord with the 1, 3, 5, and 7. Sit down with your guitar or piano or whatever your instrument of choice is, and see what might be added in over any given triad, generate and play, and watch the magic happen.
Hope this helps!
P.S. I was thinking of maybe making a demonstration video to post on YouTube if there's enough interest in the topic. If this is something a number of you folks would be interested in, let me know in the comments below, and I'll see if I can carve out some time over the weekend to record and upload a video.
All the best,
Deacon
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
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Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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Joined: Mar 2004
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Joined: Mar 2004
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Definitely Interested. I've been sticking with midi strings and editing like crazy in Piano Roll. While I will probably still use midi strings over Real Strings it certainly sounds worth a try to with either to first get BIAB to do some/most/all of the creative work for me. I don't really play keys/synth/string myself so making these creative edits don't come easy for me. Plus the time spent is often exhausting although fun. I would totally be willing to accept what musician would offer and most likely accept what BIAB gave me if a little more creative in the right sections of a song.
BTW, when you refer to "string dynamics" I assume I would apply the same techniques to pads, synths, organ and more at times.
Does the noise in your head bother me ?
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Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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Joined: Aug 2018
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Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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Joined: Oct 2018
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P.S. I was thinking of maybe making a demonstration video to post on YouTube if there's enough interest in the topic. If this is something a number of you folks would be interested in, let me know in the comments below, and I'll see if I can carve out some time over the weekend to record and upload a video.
All the best,
Deacon
Having seen your other video, Deacon, I would very much hope that you would make a video on this topic. Thanks.
"If The Beatles or the 60's had a message, it was 'Learn to swim'. And once you've learned - swim!"
John Lennon
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Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 876
Expert
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OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 876 |
P.S. I was thinking of maybe making a demonstration video to post on YouTube if there's enough interest in the topic. If this is something a number of you folks would be interested in, let me know in the comments below, and I'll see if I can carve out some time over the weekend to record and upload a video.
All the best,
Deacon
Having seen your other video, Deacon, I would very much hope that you would make a video on this topic. Thanks. Glad you find them helpful, I'll try and see if I can carve out some time over the week to post something :-)
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
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Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 876
Expert
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OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 876 |
Definitely Interested. I've been sticking with midi strings and editing like crazy in Piano Roll. While I will probably still use midi strings over Real Strings it certainly sounds worth a try to with either to first get BIAB to do some/most/all of the creative work for me. I don't really play keys/synth/string myself so making these creative edits don't come easy for me. Plus the time spent is often exhausting although fun. I would totally be willing to accept what musician would offer and most likely accept what BIAB gave me if a little more creative in the right sections of a song.
BTW, when you refer to "string dynamics" I assume I would apply the same techniques to pads, synths, organ and more at times. Hey Tobias, Sorry I missed this somehow. You could definitely apply these techniques to pads, synths, organs, and more. That said, I would not use the same techniques for, say, strings as I would for pads due to the difference in sonic and contextual functions of the respective instruments. For instance, real life string sections will have the lower register instruments playing less notes in step-wise motion while higher register instruments will be playing arpeggios. For organs, I would be more inclined to add a rotary effect and automate the oscillations such that the rate accelerates and decelerates to taste. With pads I would tweak the ADSR envelope and apply an LFO or two to the filter tp get that swelling and morphing effect. I will definitely try and make a video or two touching on these subjects in the coming weeks. :-)
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
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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 2025 Italian Version is Here!
Cari amici
È stata aggerate la versione in Italiano del programma più amato dagli appassionati di musica, il nostro Band-in-a-Box.
Questo è il link alla nuova versione 2025.
Di seguito i link per scaricare il pacchetti di lingua italiana aggiornati per Band-in-a-Box e RealBand, anche per chi avesse già comprato la nuova versione in inglese.
Band-in-a-Box 2025 - Italiano
RealBand 2025 - Italiano
Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!
Bonjour à tous,
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music
Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:
BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation
Voilà, enjoy!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!
Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!
Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
Stay up to date—get the latest update now!
Update to RealBand® 2025 Build 5 Windows Today!
Already using RealBand® 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 5 now from our Support Page to ensure you have the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
Get the latest update today!
PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 is here! This new version introduces many features, including VST3 support, the ability to load or import a .FLAC file, a reset option for track height in the Tracks window, a taller Timeline on the Notation window toolbar, new freeze buttons in the Tracks window, three toolbar modes (two rows, single row, and none), the improved Select Patch dialog with text-based search and numeric patch display, a new button in the DirectX/VST window to copy an effects group, and more!
First-time packages start at only $49. Already a PowerTracks Pro Audio user? Upgrade for as little as $29!
www.pgmusic.com/powertracks.htm
Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.
Band-in-a-Box® for iOS® :Summary video.
Check out the forum post for more information.
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