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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1 |
Okay I used BIAB in early versions to write 2 school musicals. Worked for me. As a classicist I entered notation for the midi parts, assigned instruments and then mixed the results. I was able to add chords and dynamics.
Move on to the 2020 version - and I'm out to lunch here. I downloaded the manual [even made cheat sheets]
1. When I called up previous midi sequence files I found that sometimes they didn't include all the instruments, were without dynamics and even changed tempo. Worse still the instruments weren't on their own staves. No matter what instrument I called up the music was all clumped together.
2. Tried to write melody and lyrics. No way could I get the bar lines out of the lyrics. No info about how to do it.
3. Setting key signature does nothing. It reverts to C no matter how many times saved.
I think this program has advanced too far for me. I use Musescore for notation needs and perhaps should move to its mixer section [although I don't feel it's as good as PGM.
I'm spending way too long trying to relearn this program and not writing music.
Is there a comprehensible manual? The video tutorials don't do the trick for me.
Contacting PGM receives no reply.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723 |
BIAB has lots and lots of videos to learn how to use it, they are listed on the home page of BIAB, maybe under support. Also a very nice lady Joanne Cooper who lives in South Africa has an ebook on learning BIAB. I started off with Joanne and have just learned the basics enough to do some songs and will build on that as I go along. There are several musicians here that know the program well as far as midi and all that and if you post a question they should answer it. Noel, Herb Hartley, Matt Finley, etc. I wouldn't give up, it's really worth learning.
Last edited by Belladonna; 04/07/20 04:58 AM.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,289
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,289 |
Welcome to the forum, aneighth.
I’m disappointed you are having this much trouble. I’ll start with your #1.
The single thing in BIAB that has changed the LEAST in decades is MIDI. Whatever your earlier version was, the MIDI files you created then should load and play correctly now. I would need some specific details to proceed further. Perhaps you could upload a file to Dropbox (get a free account) and post a link to it here, along with a description of what it is supposed to be.
About #3, the key signature makes a great difference when entering a melody, and it affects the program’s choices during playback. It should of course preserve any change you make. The only thing I can guess here is that you are working with an imported MIDI file and somehow the key signature is included. There is a way to edit that out.
Finally, it’s good you like MuseScore. This is still the only non-PG Music program that reads BIAB song files directly. In other words, you can open a BIAB MGU or SGU file.
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.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,552
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,552 |
Hi,
#1. If you are opening MIDI files (*.mid) into Band-in-a-Box, then the entire MIDI file will be imported to the Melody track, and so like you say all the instruments/channels will be clumped together onto the one track. There are two tracks in Band-in-a-Box that are user editable. These are the Melody and Soloist track, so technically you could import some channels to the Melody track and some to the Soloist track (e.g. Melody menu | Edit melody | Import melody from MIDI file). If you do want to have multiple channels on the Melody and/or Soloist track, make sure that the track types are set to Multi-channel, otherwise you'll be hearing everything played as a single instrument. The point is that Band-in-a-Box isn't intended to be a multitrack MIDI file editor. The remaining Band-in-a-Box tracks - Bass, Piano, etc. are used by Band-in-a-Box to generate parts based on the Style that you selected. This may be MIDI tracks, or RealTracks (audio) in the case of RealStyles.
My question would be, the previous MIDI files that you are opening into Band-in-a-Box - what are you wanting to accomplish with these files, and where did they come from? Typically if you had used Band-in-a-Box in the past you would have saved Band-in-a-Box song files - these have files extensions like .mgu and .sgu. Perhaps you exported your songs as MIDI files, but even so you should still have the .MGU's kicking around.
#2 I'm not sure what you mean when you say you couldn't get the barlines out. Use the Notation window and switch to the Melody track. Start by entering your melody using editable notation mode, assuming you are entering it manually rather than recording it. My favorite way to enter notation is to use the keyboard (no mouse), left and right cursor keys, then press N to enter the note, and cursor up/down to adjust the pitch. Once you've entering the melody, go back to the start, press the L button to toggle into Lyrics mode. This is how to enter "Note-based lyrics", since the words you type are positioned according to the currently highlighted note. You can press enter to advance to the next note, and you can use Tab and Shift-Tab to go back and forth.
#3 I don't know why setting the key signature wouldn't have any effect. Perhaps you are going to File | Save, and expecting this to affect your original MIDI file. It won't, it will be saving your song as a Band-in-a-Box song file. If you want to export your song as a MIDI file you can do that as well, but you won't be editing your original MIDI file directly.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 87
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 87 |
Hi there!
Welcome to the forums!
Just a tip from an insider on getting a hold of support these days:
Support emails are taking us a lot longer than normal to respond to and our tech support phone line was down for a while because of measures in our office being taken for COVID-19. The tech support phone lines are back up now, so you can try calling again if you did before and got no answer. Emailing support@pgmusic.com will get you in touch with the most knowledgeable folks, but often if what you need help with is simple, chat will be quicker. The staff working the live chat can usually help sort out whatever issue you have, and right on the spot.
I hope this helps, don't give up!
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,130
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,130 |
from the way you describe how you worked originally are you sure you used BIAB for your original tracks? i first got BIAB on floppies and with it got PowerTracks (PT) free so i created a rough song in BIAB, exported to a midi file then did the editing of midi in PowerTracks - changing notes, time values etc.
these days you get RealBand (RB) free with BIAB which will open midi files on separate tracks, allow you to edit midi easily. it's the descendant of PowerTracks and is much easier to use working with midi.
you already have RB so why not open your old midi files in RB and see if you can do what you want.
the phenomenal power of BIAB comes at a cost - you have to work in a BIAB way. RB is so much easier although it still has some of the power of BIAB.
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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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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!
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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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows 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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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