|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892 |
I would like to continue to make progress using midi Tracks and Styles with BIAB.
I feel like I'm spending a lot of time and not getting a lot out of it.
Perhaps understanding the workflow of more experienced users using midi in BIAB and ultimately their DAW could help.
My objective is to use BIAB Midi(styles tracks) for making backing tracks that will allow me greater control of the tracks than just mixing in RealTracks.
I understand midi melody tracks. Don't need any help there
So, my beginners Styles and Tracks questions and thoughts are:
Can you briefly describe your workflow from BIAB to DAW?
Do you use only/mostly Midi styles in BIAB?
Do you use Midi instruments with Real Styles?
Do you use real instruments with Midi Styles?
If you mix and match midi and real tracks in BIAB, what is a typical example of what you do.
How do you normally transfer your midi files/tracks to your DAW.
Do you typically save Midi Drums from BIAB or do you use 3rd party drum products, or real Tracks?
Do you typically save Midi keyboard from BIAB or do you use 3rd party keyboard products, or real Tracks?
Do you typically save Midi bass from BIAB or do you use 3rd party bass products,, or real Tracks?
Once you have midi track(s) from biab in your DAW how do you used 3rd party tools like Toontrack ez line or JamStix, etc to modify the midi performance of a particular instrument
Any insight would be appreciated. I'm making some progress with midi on my own. It is an uphill climb and the urge to revert to Real Tracks is sucking my will to midi. Real Tracks and Real Styles provided a very high quality product for my needs
Thanks,
Geeze
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,894
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,894 |
So, my beginners Styles and Tracks questions and thoughts are:
Can you briefly describe your workflow from BIAB to DAW?
I figure out the chords and style in BiaB, open my DAW, click on the BiaB VSTi, then move the tracks to the DAW.
Do you use only/mostly Midi styles in BIAB?
I use mostly MIDI styles in BiaB.
Do you use Midi instruments with Real Styles?
I rarely use Real Styles but when I do then yes I have used MIDI instruments in them.
Do you use real instruments with Midi Styles?
On occasion yes.
If you mix and match midi and real tracks in BIAB, what is a typical example of what you do.
I generally move my MIDI tracks to my DAW, Studio One Pro 5, then come back to BiaB and select my realtracks. But with the new utility tracks I should be able to do all of that in BiaB prior to moving them to my DAW, I haven't had the time to play around much with 2021 BiaB.
How do you normally transfer your midi files/tracks to your DAW.
I save my BiaB file, open my DAW, add the VSTi, them move the tracks to my DAW. I do most of my work in my DAW and not in BiaB.
Do you typically save Midi Drums from BIAB or do you use 3rd party drum products, or real Tracks?
Its about 50/50. If the BiaB drum track fits I use it. But if not then I use mostly GrooveMonkee's MIDI drum loops. BUT in most cases I do modify the drum tracks to get exactly what I want, that is why I work mostly in MIDI.
Do you typically save Midi keyboard from BIAB or do you use 3rd party keyboard products, or real Tracks?
I mostly save it. Sometimes I will play the keyboard part or have a friend play the part. Again I do modify the part to get exactly what I want.
Do you typically save Midi bass from BIAB or do you use 3rd party bass products,, or real Tracks?
I either use the BiaB bass track or play the bass part myself. Again I do modify the MIDI bass parts.
Once you have midi track(s) from biab in your DAW how do you used 3rd party tools like Toontrack ez line or JamStix, etc to modify the midi performance of a particular instrument
Yes. In 99.99% of my songs have third party sounds in them and not GM sounds. And yes sometimes I use a third party program to modify a track and/or a section/measure of a track.
I work in MIDI because of the freedom it gives me. I have changed a piano to a harp, a guitar into a synth, changed notes, changed octaves, rewritten sections of a song, etc. I enjoy this freedom over cutting and pasting audio parts together to get what I want. BUT this is only my preference. YMMV
On a side note if someone wants me to record either their child or themselves I use RTs. I can quickly put together the song and have them sing along, much like karaoke. Sometimes it sounds great. Other times, well, not so much :-} And it isn't the RTs fault!
Edit - add color to my responses.
Last edited by MarioD; 12/09/20 10:39 AM.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 140
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 140 |
Everything Mario said...
I work in Logic. Put the midi tracks in and then use my own instruments. Be aware that when you move the midi files into your daw there is 'hidden' info in the midi that makes using some instruments tricky. For instance, there is some info in the midi that makes it impossible for me to use my Korg Triton plug-in. The midi info overides whatever instrument I select and switches it back to whatever instrument the midi wanst... Sometimes you can get around this by opening the daw midi editor, selecting all the notes and then copy and paste all the notes into a new track.
Before dragging midi files into your daw, open the BIAB mixer window and set all panning to zero and all volume levels the same. This will make it easier to mix in your daw.
Once you have the midi in your daw you can edit notes, cut and paste, move parts about etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,894
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,894 |
Chris, if I read you correctly all you have to do is to open the MIDI file in your DAW's MIDI editor and delete the program change, i.e. PG. Program changes are what determine what preset it will use and if your are using a non GM, like I use, then sometimes you have to do this. I think there is a flag in BiaB that will eliminate PGs but I'm not at my music computer right now.
Good luck.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892 |
Mario,
Thanks a million for the detailed response.
Significant help to me.
Not the first time you have helped. I do appreciate it.
I have worked a little with changing the "voice" on the track from whatever comes over from biab midi.
Usually it imports as some sampler instrument to my DAW. I have Kontakt and a bunch of libraries so I'm working with that now.
I've edited a few high octave piano passages or too splashy cymbals with the midi editor.
For my guitar I'm pretty old school analog. I use a telecaster, a vibrolux, a little reverb, a shure sm57 and as many takes as it requires. So thankful for track stacks and quick swipe comping.
I have not done any work to vary an entire biab midi performance with something like ezdrummer or ezkeys yet.
Baby steps at this point
Chris,
Thanks also. I too work in Logic on my Mac for my DAW but currently run BIAB win 2021. I resolve the disconnect through icloud. It works well enough. I may crossgrade to the Mac version if the DAW plugin reviews get a little more positive.
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888 |
Can you briefly describe your workflow from BIAB to DAW?
I rarely, if ever transfer files to a DAW anymore but complete my projects within the BIAB program.
Do you use only/mostly Midi styles in BIAB?
I start nearly every project with a MIDI style to establish the groove or feel of my project song.
Do you use Midi instruments with Real Styles?
Yes, on practically every project.
Do you use real instruments with Midi Styles?
Yes, on practically every project.
If you mix and match midi and real tracks in BIAB, what is a typical example of what you do.
I use realistic sounding midi tracks and song specific riffs and I use RealTracks for foundation/rhythm instruments and soloists.
How do you normally transfer your midi files/tracks to your DAW.
Normally don't.
Do you typically save Midi Drums from BIAB or do you use 3rd party drum products, or real Tracks?
Almost always RealDrums unless I'm doing a MIDI cover that has specific, unique and identifiable drums. Then I find a high end midi file that has duplicated the drums of the original song if possible.
Do you typically save Midi keyboard from BIAB or do you use 3rd party keyboard products, or real Tracks?
I have access to a high end keyboardist to create unique or hard to find MIDI files for songs.
Do you typically save Midi bass from BIAB or do you use 3rd party bass products,, or real Tracks?
I have access to a high end keyboardist to create unique or hard to find MIDI files for songs.
Once you have midi track(s) from biab in your DAW how do you used 3rd party tools like Toontrack ez line or JamStix, etc to modify the midi performance of a particular instrument ?
No.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,510
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,510 |
Thanks for posting this info Mario. I'm trying to transition from BIAB into Cakewalk using my MIDI system using the BIAB VSTi. Your workflow steps help a lot.
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,894
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,894 |
I'm glad that I could help. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,976
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,976 |
My workflow is simple.
1. I used BB as my writing tool. Key, tempo, style, structure.
2. I open the BB file in Real band and add additional tracks that I want but were not in the BB style.
3. I import all the tracks into Sonar X1 and add my live tracks for guitar, keys, mandolin, and whatever else I need plus vocals.
4. All mixing and sweetening and polishing is done in Sonar and exported as a wave.
5. I use Wavepad Music Editor to normalize, trim and and convert the wave file to MP3.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892 |
GuitarHacker,
Do you use any midi tracks ?
Do you find the expanded utility tracks on biab 2021 obviates the need for RB in your workflow?
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
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.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,433
Posts805,048
Members40,121
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean