How do I change the instrument on a realtrack without changing the notes being played on the track ?
I can change the instrument in the mixer by right-clicking on the patch, so far so good. However, when I press the PLAY button the old instrument is played (despite that the new one is shown in the mixer). If I re-generate the track the new, correct instrument is played, but also the notes which I want to keep.
If I freeze the track neither the notes nor the instrument is changed, an expected behaviour.
What is the correct procedure to change the instrument and keep the notes (melody) ?
This isn't possible. That's not how RealTracks work.
When PG Music hires someone to create RealTracks for them, they provide that artist with a chord sheet and tell them to play "something" in a given style that matches against those chords.
What that artist decides to play is entirely their decision.
So one artist might see a D major chord, and decide to play a flurry of F# notes. A different artist might see a D major chord, and decide to play a single D note.
So you can't just swap out RealTracks and expect to get the same notes.
what is midi and how it works (i.e. you need a synth of some form) what are midi supertracks? what are RealTracks? how do editable RealTracks work?
we keep seeing new users who haven't grown up with BIAB since the midi only days who would find things a lot easier to understand if there was a basic primer
and i'm sure if they knew the basics they would be able to solve a lot of their own problems
Bob Calver, this is a great idea. I really want to understand the limitations of realtracks. Is there any possibility to edit them at all? According to the answer from dcuny I guess the answer is NO.
At least I have now learned from the post "How to: Replace a RealTrack with a MIDI Track in Band-in-a-Box®" (May 12 2022) that I can make a midi from a realtrack which I then can import to my DAW for editing. That's always something
Bob Calver, this is a great idea. I really want to understand the limitations of realtracks. Is there any possibility to edit them at all? According to the answer from dcuny I guess the answer is NO.
At least I have now learned from the post "How to: Replace a RealTrack with a MIDI Track in Band-in-a-Box®" (May 12 2022) that I can make a midi from a realtrack which I then can import to my DAW for editing. That's always something
With those steps it is replacing what the RealTrack plays with a new track that is MIDI. You can find a MIDI track that is the same type of instrument and genre, but the exact notes and rhythms would still be different from what was previously generated for the RealTrack.
How do I change the instrument on a realtrack without changing the notes being played on the track ?
I can change the instrument in the mixer by right-clicking on the patch, so far so good. However, when I press the PLAY button the old instrument is played (despite that the new one is shown in the mixer). If I re-generate the track the new, correct instrument is played, but also the notes which I want to keep.
If I freeze the track neither the notes nor the instrument is changed, an expected behaviour.
What is the correct procedure to change the instrument and keep the notes (melody) ?
I'm using Version 2020, 734
If the RealTrack has RealChart midi you can copy that midi to another track and add a VSTi like Sforzando and choose the instrument you want from the PG Library, this way it will play the same notes but on another instrument.
Well.... there might be a way... but it's not looking like its a direct path, but it does seem doable.
Use a DAW. Export the audio track into the DAW as a WAV. Some DAWs have built in audio to midi conversion tools and others do not.
HOWEVER..... MELODYNE. Found this about Melodyne.
Melodyne allows you to export audio notes as MIDI notes, in order, for example, to double your vocals with a sound from a software synthesizer. The MIDI notes are an exact representation of the audio notes in Melodyne. For each audio note, a MIDI note is created with the same position, length and pitch.
Once you have a midi track that's accurate compared to the audio, you can easily use any synth and get a different instrument.
As far as trying to get a different Real Track to play it.... I don't think that is doable yet. It might be coming in a future version. But for now.... you can convert audio to midi and use a synth with nice samples.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
Just my opinion, you shouldn't mention Melodyne without also mentioning the cost. The full polyphonic ie chords, program was around $500 depending on special sales, time of year etc. The slimmed down version for single note lines was about $150 or so.
what is midi and how it works (i.e. you need a synth of some form) what are midi supertracks? what are RealTracks? how do editable RealTracks work?
We do have this info in various places around the site, such as on the add-ons page, FAQs, and video page, but I've gathered what I think will be the relevant pieces and popped them in below for anyone who finds this thread and reads over it looking for help:
What is MIDI track? A "MIDI" track contains no actual recording of sound, but consists of events defined in the MIDI language, such as note on, pitch bend, etc. These events are stored in the track and, when sent to your synth, or internal sound card’s synth, the events will get played back and heard as music.
What Are MIDI Supertracks? Instead of MIDI styles based on C7 chord patterns that get repeated over every chord, the MIDI SuperTracks are based on actual playing by studio musicians. When you play the SuperTracks with your favorite MIDI synth or VST plug-ins, you'll hear great sounds using MIDI. MIDI SuperTracks are an excellent option for those looking for the editing and control capabilities of regular MIDI tracks but a more authentic sound similar to RealTracks.
What are RealTracks? RealTracks replace the MIDI language for an instrument in an audio format on any track, which can be controlled in similar ways to MIDI instrument (such as programming in volume changes, muting etc.). They follow the chord progression that you have entered, so you hear an authentic audio accompaniment or solo.
RealTracks are not "samples". They are full recordings that play in perfect sync with the other tracks you have loaded in the program. You can choose them from pre-made Band-in-a-Box® Styles, or combine RealTracks instruments to make your own band.
How do I know if RealTracks have notation? Some RealTracks have notation available and some do not. To know if a RealTrack has notation or not, first go to the RealTracks Picker. Then look under the Chart column. The "N" means it has notation. Also, "Gt" means that the guitar will display a guitar tab, or if it is a bass then the bass track will display a bass tab.
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!
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
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.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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!
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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)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
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