|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52
Enthusiast
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52 |
Sorry, John! How old is too old, that is the question! Ha  I have never tired to play the midi files in my performance list through BIAB. I have only used PT Pro, an old Calkwalk Play List platform, Real Band, or the new laptop. I have only had problems when playing them through the TTS out of Real Band in the new laptop. They play fine in the new laptop when I run them through my SD-20 sound module because I have to use the midi mapper to send them. I only use BIAB when making up a file from scratch myself. I really appreciate your attempts to help! I hope I can return the favor one day - if I don't get too old too fast!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 507
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 507 |
Hi Scott, Silvertones may have momentarily forgotten your issue is with RB because this is the BB forum. But understood the issue may be related to this subject, and I do commiserate. Several of us have had HB issues in both programs. I just opened RB for the first time since the 2010 upgrade, for some troubleshooting, and son-of-a-gun the upgrade overwrote my custom patches.ini file! Someone here wanna insist it's safe to install over a prior directory? (Luckily I have a backup.) But you don't need a custom patches.ini file for TTS-1. It is GM2 compliant, and GM2 is in the factory ini file. So you just wanna make sure you've chosen that in the Patch Select dialog. Also in Options=>patch names. If you're going to use the TTS-1 a lot, might help to be familiar with it's higher bank architecture. Not sure why that MSB=121 was chosen for the GM2 higher bank spec, or even if that's an official spec, but the TTS-1 does appear compliant with it. (Creates havoc with my external synth when I forget to switch back from GM2 to the synth patch map  ) You may want to start a thread in the RB forum. Some points to consider: 1. Your midi files have patch changes in them, correct? Do they also have the bank controller events? You can check the Event list for each track and make sure the expected data are there. You can also use the midi monitor to confirm that they are being generated in real time. Note that you can have the midi monitor and the DXi interface both displayed while the song plays, so if you have a reproducible anomaly, you may be able to correlate the offending event(s) with the change in the track patch assignment in real time. When you have patch data in the sequence and also a track patch setting, be sure to understand which prevails. (I forget which at the moment, and the test midi file I'm using doesn't have patch changes in it.) 2. You are using RB as a straight sequencer for the midi, right? No BB track generation. Because if the latter, then a style is being invoked, and the style could be sending patch changes (depending on your pref settings). 3. In the midi monitor, you can filter for program change, CC0 and CC32, then right click on any given track and use the patch select dialog to understand if and when bank changes are sent as you make choices from the dialog. Notice that the bank controller changes are not sent until you make a selection from the "variations" box on the right side of that window. (This is flaky design IMHO. Given the complexity of these programs, and the variety of parameters that determine the patch change command structure, I believe bank controllers should always be sent with a patch change. I've mentioned this to support before, but so far, we seem to have only partial implementation.) None of this may relate directly to your problem, but it may help with a more focused diagnosis. Good luck, Ron EDIT After reading the next couple posts. I should have said I'm still on XP SP3, so no 64 bit experience with the TTS-1. It does work for me in Sonar 7. Am waiting for new Win7 machine before installing Sonar 8.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52 |
Ron, thank you for all the excellent information! Andrew has gotten involved with the problem and he seems to confirm much of what I have been thinking about the nature of the problem and the probability that it is just not unique to my computer. I have also gotten input from several very helpful people, like yourself, on the forums for PG Music and Cakewalk. I am using RB as a straight sequencer. All the files I am having trouble with either have actual bank changes or some entry in the MSB and/or LSB columns displayed in the Classic Tracks view, even if there are no actual bank changes in the file. Removing those apparently superfluous entries in the MSB and/or LSB columns seems to allow TTS to play files that have a GS reset in the SysEx msg correctly. Files that have a GM reset appear to be a unique problem that I have not been able to work around yet - however, those files do play correctly using the midi mapper rather than TTS. I have noted too that the TTS works fine in the few files I have produced with castanet sounds using MSB 121. So that makes me think that the people on the Cakewalk forum are correct when they say that they believe the TTS is fully capable of correctly handling all properly entered bank changes. I speculate that improperly entered or partially entered bank change information may be involved in the problems I am finding. Ron, I am going to print your msg and go over all the helpful information more carefully. I know it is going to help me. And I thank you so much for taking you time to provide it to me. Scott 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I'll make one more comment. MidiMapper should not be used. It's a left over from Win98 and causes problems. Your SD20 has drivers to install but might not be compatible with Win7. The VSCi is not compatible with 64 bit. And maybe the TTS is quirky with Win7 x 64 http://www.pgmusic.com/ubbthreads/showfl...rt=all&vc=1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52 |
Thank you for the advice, John. I will try to follow it. Andrew just told me last night that he is aware of no use for the midi mapper since Win 98 and suggests that when midi mapper is selected as the output driver you are probably just getting the GS Wavetable. And he says the GS Wavetable probably uses the same midi implementation as the midi mapper. So I have to assume the GS Wavetable selection will cause the same problems you refer to that the midi mapper causes. In my Windows 7 64-bit laptop, aside from the midi mapper and the GS Wavetable, my only options are the TTS and the ForteDXi. I have used the SD-20 on the job for over two years. I just got a driver for it for the 64-bit Windows 7 system and it works well. So it seems that if I can't get a file to play through the TTS or Forte I will have to set up my laptop with the SD-20 and play the files through my stage speaker system to edit those files. That is what I usually do as a final check of a new file anyway since things always sound different through the big speakers. Given the circumstances, I don't know of any other alternative, do you? Thank you very much for your continued advice. I really appreciate receiving it! I am learning. Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Well you know what they say about opinions but I'll give you mine.
Of your 3 choices the Forte DXi is the best and works well with Win7 x 64. I just set my friends up.
Ps I'm pushing 60 so don't worry about the old guy jokes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52 |
John, I'll be 69 in April. I try to keep laughing! Do you really like the Forte sound better than the TTS? On my system it doesn't seem to sound as well as the TTS - maybe I don't have it set up right. I didn't do anything but install it. Is there anything else to do to get the best sound out of it? Scott 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52 |
I want to thank everyone here who has reviewed and made such helpful comments about the TTS problems I have discussed in earlier posts. But I think Andrew has found the solution and the cause. Let me try to explain it simply - as I am not knowledgeable enough to explain it in the proper technical terms. Please forgive any slight errors. Essentially the TTS does not change automatically from GM2 to GS mode when a SysEx msg is sent (my external SD-20 does). Roland says soft synths do not recognize any SysEx msgs. When Real Band opens a midi file it usually strips the bank change controllers from the event list and puts the information in the patch dialog area (altho sometimes some MSB or LSB contollers are not stripped and remain in the event list). TTS is by default in the GM2 mode (although you can manually change it to GS, etc), so any GS bank change msg can cause problems. So, improper or incomplete bank change settings in the midi files can cause the TTS to go to its default settings with certain MSB contoller numbers (other than 120 for drums and 121 for all other instruments). The default settings in TTS in this situation are PC 1 (piano) -unless you have manually changed it to something else on a channel by channel basis. So your instrument can be automatically changed to a piano or, ocassionally, something else, by the TTS when it gets an improper bank change controller. So I need to go back into all the files and make sure I am getting the right bank change msgs to the TTS. I have a list of all the GS and GM2 bank change possiblities. I suppose that is all as clear as mud! Sorry. As to the possibility of pitch changes distorting sounds, the TTS help file says if you have sound troubles with the TTS turn down the volume. I initially had my lappy sound set to 100%, but I have turned it down. Andrew says about the only problem people have with pitch bend is failing to enter a zero at the end of the pitch bend strings. I found many such situations in the midi files I have. I think it can lead to the bleeding of sound into the next file played if the proper resets are not entered. And it seems like many programers no longer bother with resets. Of course, if there is an improper bank change msg on a channel with pitch bend I assume you can get unusual results. I know I will have more problems of various kinds, but now, thanks to all of you, I feel like I have many new friends who will probably be able to help me find a solution to any problem! Thank you all very much! Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
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!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
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!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,050
Posts799,391
Members40,018
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean