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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21 |
One reason I decided to upgrade to 2020 was to get those vocal styles I heard, the 2 part a 3 part ones such as _laud.sty or _Glory.
I decided to punch in some cowboy chords for what might sound good (G,A,C,G), a little "Pink Floydy", and I find that the vocals are literally singing wrong notes. It sounds kind of like a comical YouTube video of "World's worst choir) where an inexperienced choir is making a horrible racket.
Is there some way I can improve on this. I understand that these gospel-style background vocals may sound a little bit discordant at times because of the style, but they sometimes seem to be singing completely different chords than the ones I have set in the grid. Perhaps they need more complex chords assigned instead of those basic "cowboy chords"?
Any advice would be appreciated. I was hoping to use these vocals sparingly, just as a little flavor toward the end of some of my songs.
As always, thanks a million!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,486
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,486 |
My experiments using the demo song chords yielded the same results as you report. Tried forcing the vocals to a simple arrangement, which did not change my results much, if any.
Y'know, it sounds pretty cool if you don't look at the chords. But choices like singing a G# over an Em just don't fit in any of my musical contexts.
My early attempts to use the Oohs/Aahs were similarly frustrating, but these have gotten better over time with PGMusic's improvements, and are now often very useful. Hopefully these newer ones will improve as well.
Sorry I can't offer much more.
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,465
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,465 |
When I tried the progression G A C G just now using _LAUD.STY, it worked for me. What I suggest if it happens is to freeze all the tracks on the file and then send the file to PG Music so that they can hear the issue. They will then implement a fix as soon as the problem is solved. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583 |
And, how about cutting back on all that vibrato? If BIAB could only get close to the jazzy vocal voicings found in the Genos and SX 900 arranger keyboards. Such voices would layer-in behind chord changes quite well.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 266
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 266 |
One reason I decided to upgrade to 2020 was to get those vocal styles I heard, the 2 part a 3 part ones such as _laud.sty or _Glory.
I decided to punch in some cowboy chords for what might sound good (G,A,C,G), a little "Pink Floydy", and I find that the vocals are literally singing wrong notes. It sounds kind of like a comical YouTube video of "World's worst choir) where an inexperienced choir is making a horrible racket.
Is there some way I can improve on this. I understand that these gospel-style background vocals may sound a little bit discordant at times because of the style, but they sometimes seem to be singing completely different chords than the ones I have set in the grid. Perhaps they need more complex chords assigned instead of those basic "cowboy chords"?
Any advice would be appreciated. I was hoping to use these vocals sparingly, just as a little flavor toward the end of some of my songs.
As always, thanks a million! Considering your desire to use these vocals "sparingly," you may want to consider creating your own background vocals using Synthesizer V (Synth V for short) with BiaB's vocal styles as reference. Synth V is a powerful free voice synthesizer program that has gotten a lot of attention in the last year or so. You can also create midi files of the notes you want the vocals to sing and import them into Synth V where you can then add your lyrics. And if you happen to use MuseScore, another user has created a script to convert MuseScore files to Synth V formatted files. Though it only has one female English voice, you can create your own male voices from hers that span all of the vocal ranges. I've explained how to do this in the Synth V forums (search for English male vocals topics) and provided links to samples that I created because I'm planning to enhance some of my BiaB created instrumental demos with synthesized vocals due to the fact that I'm not a singer. Here's the link to Synth V's website if you're interested: https://synthesizerv.com/en/
Tom Levan (pronounced La-VAN)
BiaB 2024 Win UltraPAK Build 1109, Xtra Style PAKs 1-11, RB 2024, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, Intel Q9650 3 GHz, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD & 2 TB HDD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), Cakewalk, Audacity, MuseScore 2.1 & 3.4, Synthesizer V
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 266
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 266 |
And, how about cutting back on all that vibrato? If BIAB could only get close to the jazzy vocal voicings found in the Genos and SX 900 arranger keyboards. Such voices would layer-in behind chord changes quite well. You can completely control how much or how little vibrato you want the vocals to have in Synth V as well as how much breathiness and tension.
Tom Levan (pronounced La-VAN)
BiaB 2024 Win UltraPAK Build 1109, Xtra Style PAKs 1-11, RB 2024, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, Intel Q9650 3 GHz, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD & 2 TB HDD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), Cakewalk, Audacity, MuseScore 2.1 & 3.4, Synthesizer V
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 539
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 539 |
One reason I decided to upgrade to 2020 was to get those vocal styles I heard, the 2 part a 3 part ones such as _laud.sty or _Glory.
I decided to punch in some cowboy chords for what might sound good (G,A,C,G), a little "Pink Floydy", and I find that the vocals are literally singing wrong notes. It sounds kind of like a comical YouTube video of "World's worst choir) where an inexperienced choir is making a horrible racket.
Is there some way I can improve on this. I understand that these gospel-style background vocals may sound a little bit discordant at times because of the style, but they sometimes seem to be singing completely different chords than the ones I have set in the grid. Perhaps they need more complex chords assigned instead of those basic "cowboy chords"?
Any advice would be appreciated. I was hoping to use these vocals sparingly, just as a little flavor toward the end of some of my songs.
As always, thanks a million! Hi steambc, Thanks very much for reporting that. I wasn't able to duplicate the issue, and I made a little video showing me using that _laud style, along with the progression you put in: https://youtu.be/Dhl8REVejiIBut, there might be other issues at play in your song file that are causing the issues. Another user mentioned freezing the Band-in-a-Box file and sending that to us, and that would also be a great way for us to hear exactly what you're hearing, and maybe we can help that way as well. Thanks, Tobin
*************************
Tobin Frank (he/him)
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
well done Tobin - what a great way of dealing with a problem
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21 |
One reason I decided to upgrade to 2020 was to get those vocal styles I heard, the 2 part a 3 part ones such as _laud.sty or _Glory.
I decided to punch in some cowboy chords for what might sound good (G,A,C,G), a little "Pink Floydy", and I find that the vocals are literally singing wrong notes. It sounds kind of like a comical YouTube video of "World's worst choir) where an inexperienced choir is making a horrible racket.
Is there some way I can improve on this. I understand that these gospel-style background vocals may sound a little bit discordant at times because of the style, but they sometimes seem to be singing completely different chords than the ones I have set in the grid. Perhaps they need more complex chords assigned instead of those basic "cowboy chords"?
Any advice would be appreciated. I was hoping to use these vocals sparingly, just as a little flavor toward the end of some of my songs.
As always, thanks a million! Hi steambc, Thanks very much for reporting that. I wasn't able to duplicate the issue, and I made a little video showing me using that _laud style, along with the progression you put in: https://youtu.be/Dhl8REVejiIBut, there might be other issues at play in your song file that are causing the issues. Another user mentioned freezing the Band-in-a-Box file and sending that to us, and that would also be a great way for us to hear exactly what you're hearing, and maybe we can help that way as well. Thanks, Tobin Wow, thanks to all who responded! I have a serious flu that is making it hard for me to even sit at my desk, so I will reply to everyone shortly as my condition improves. Tobin, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your getting back to me and making the video. I'll bet dollars to donuts that I neglected to set the key. A very stupid rookie mistake. Your examples sounded just fine. My results were comical, but this was because I hadn't set the key... I'm sure of it. To anyone who is reading this and is considering buying this software or upgrading: Don't hesitate! Do it! Look at the attention they give to technical support... Absolutely outstanding. And in version 2020 it is SO MUCH EASIER to find styles and RealTracks that are appropriate for your songs. I was hedging on upgrading from V. 2014 and I am ecstatic that I upgraded. Again, I'll be back in touch with everyone shortly after the flu starts making its exit. Thanks to all. What a great community!
Last edited by steambc; 01/08/20 07:11 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21 |
"well done Tobin - what a great way of dealing with a problem"
You got that right. Where else do we see such attention to customers' concerns?
Last edited by steambc; 01/08/20 07:12 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 14
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 14 |
One reason I decided to upgrade to 2020 was to get those vocal styles I heard, the 2 part a 3 part ones such as _laud.sty or _Glory.
I decided to punch in some cowboy chords for what might sound good (G,A,C,G), a little "Pink Floydy", and I find that the vocals are literally singing wrong notes. It sounds kind of like a comical YouTube video of "World's worst choir) where an inexperienced choir is making a horrible racket.
Is there some way I can improve on this. I understand that these gospel-style background vocals may sound a little bit discordant at times because of the style, but they sometimes seem to be singing completely different chords than the ones I have set in the grid. Perhaps they need more complex chords assigned instead of those basic "cowboy chords"?
Any advice would be appreciated. I was hoping to use these vocals sparingly, just as a little flavor toward the end of some of my songs.
As always, thanks a million! An old thread, LOL. However, inasmuch as I am still using BIAB 2008 and was having a similar problem - and solved it - I'll post! I set up a backing track to practice saxophone with Keith Jarrett's tune "Country" using the C_Soft style, and kept on hearing occasional minor thirds where they didn't belong, eg. on Bb7sus chords and on Bb/D chords. Really didn't want to hear those #9's! Unchecking "Add embellishment of chords" made them go away.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 8
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 8 |
Where is that checkbox located?
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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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PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
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Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
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Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
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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!
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