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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 12
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 12 |
Hey PG fam !
This may be a weird or difficult question but i've been scratching my brain around this for hours..
Is there any way to use the "import chords from MIDI" feature without changing my entire project and removing every plugin and instrument chain I set up ?
I just want to interpret the chords from the MIDI file and nothing else. Lets say for example I have multiple VST's set with Piano, Bass and Rhodes in the Plugin section in the mixer and I have some chords already in the chart but now I want to try some different chords but keep the same instruments and play style. Is there a way to just interrupt the chords from a midi file but keep everything else the same ?
Basically I just want to grab the chords from a midi file and nothing else while keeping the same project settings, plugins and sounds.
I hope this makes sense haha I appreciate any help with this at all in advance
Thanks
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633 |
Hi Reskent,
Save your song with a new name so that you have the original to go back to, if required, and then test BIAB's ability to do that on the newly named song. You'll soon discover what's possible. This is how I approach 'finding out' what's the program can or cannot do.
I use this approach more generally, too. Every time I reach a point in a song that has taken me quite a bit of time to arrive at, I ALWAYS save it (first) and then save it with a new name. This means that, in the worst case scenario when I lose a chunk of work, I can always load in the previous version and get a head start on what I might have lost. I usually just name the different versions MySong 1.sgu", MySong 2.sgu", etc.
By the time I finish composing a song, I've usually got around 15 different versions that I've created along the way. Because BIAB files are small, the impact on my computer's storage is minimal.
Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 12
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 12 |
Thanks for the response Noel96 !
I actually do that as well haha glad to see i'm not the only one.
But yeah I've actually already tried doing what i'm asking. Which is why I wanted to see if it's even possible. It might not even be a feature since BIAB has to interrupt and guess the chords from a midi file. I wanted to know if it's possible to do that and keep the same plugins in the project without having to rebuild the chain again. For instance i'll load up Keyscape (Piano), Trilian (Bass) and Kontakt (Guitar) and have every instrument routed and working but everytime I import chords from a midi file it removes all of my plugins from the mixer and turns it back into default sounds.
I've been at this for hours because I feel like the solution is very simple but i'm stomped atm.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888 |
Hey PG fam !
This may be a weird or difficult question but i've been scratching my brain around this for hours..
Is there any way to use the "import chords from MIDI" feature without changing my entire project and removing every plugin and instrument chain I set up ?
I just want to interpret the chords from the MIDI file and nothing else. Lets say for example I have multiple VST's set with Piano, Bass and Rhodes in the Plugin section in the mixer and I have some chords already in the chart but now I want to try some different chords but keep the same instruments and play style. Is there a way to just interrupt the chords from a midi file but keep everything else the same ?
Basically I just want to grab the chords from a midi file and nothing else while keeping the same project settings, plugins and sounds.
I hope this makes sense haha I appreciate any help with this at all in advance
Thanks Yes and No. You're asking two questions and they prompt different answers. 1. Is there any way to use the "import chords from MIDI" feature without changing my entire project and removing every plugin and instrument chain I set up ? No I'm not completely sure No is correct. I tested importing chords from a midi file for a few minutes and everything I tried reset the Mixer and Style to their default settings. More thorough testing may show there is a method to do so. I haven't found it. It may be true because there is another method that works when using audio. 2. Is there a way to just interrupt the chords from a midi file but keep everything else the same ? Yes The way to interpret the chords from a midi file without a reset to default setting is not difficult but is a work around. Convert the midi file to audio (Render) and import that audio into your project and analyze the midi file chords using the Audio Chord Wizard. This works because there are two different methods to bring audio into a BiAB song. If you 'open' an audio file, it reacts the same as the "import chords from MIDI" feature and resets the Chart and Mixer and all Mixer settings return to default settings. If you 'import' audio, BIAB recognizes it's working within an existing project and brings in the Audio file but does not reset the Chord Chart or Mixer. That's accomplished by the Audio Chord Wizard and most of your settings remain the same. The ACW will change the Chord Progression, Key Signature and tempo. Of course you want the Chord progression but even if you have to change the key and tempo, changing those parameters, you don't lose the Chords or Mixer settings.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 03/17/20 06:48 AM.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 12
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 12 |
Omg ! You are a angel ! Thank you.
Obviously that isn't the direct answer to my problem but it is a more than amazing workaround.
I really appreciate you taking the time Charlie.
Thank you !!!!!
Hopefully you'll be able to the same with midi in the near future.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888 |
BIAB is originally a midi based software and it's been around for decades, I would not be surprised to find there's a method to import midi without losing all the mixer settings. I'm curious and will continue to experiment.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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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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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
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-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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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- 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
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