OK, this is more a question out of curiosity, since I don't think there's much I can do to influence the way the Audio Chord Wizard interprets an audio file. But then again, if there is a way I can, I'd like to learn more.
The question arose after I decided to let the Audio Chord Wizard do its thing with some backing tracks I've been working with. The first one I chose did not have a complex harmonic arrangement -- the piece was in a major key, so there were some IV's and V's and a vi here and there. But after I ran it through the chord wizard, there was this blizzard of changes it had spewn out and the interpreted chord progression didn't sound like the new one much at all. So I tried it on a simpler backing track. This one had only two chords, a I and a V chord. But again, the result was a blizzard of changes.
The first backing track was 72 measures long and the second was 56 measures long. Neither of the interpretations showed any repeats anywhere, whereas the original tunes had lots.
So, is the ACW keying off an active bass line, perhaps? Because the bass lines in both BTs, while not complex, they do move around a bit. There are keyboards and guitars in both BTs, but they're pretty much banging out a steady rhythm, so I don't see how they would contribute to the interpretations' complexity.
The most important influence on Audio Chord Wizard, or ACW for short, operation is the bar 1, beat 1 setting. Particularly when an audio file has a lead in prior to bar 1 beat 1 the analysis can be compromised.
Extreme tempo changes, multiple time signatures and modulations can also affect accuracy.
One way to increase accuracy is to break an audio file into small chunks and feed the ACW one chunk at a time.
I agree with Jim. Beat 1 of Bar 1 is highly important. It's also very important to check that the bars of the music align with the bars that were determined by the ACW.
Okay, well this helps explain some things. Yesterday, when I was doing this, I just accepted the default suggestion as to where the audio should begin -- you know that window that pops up telling you which beat it should begin at. Turns out, it was truncating off upwards of a measure and a half of the start of the audio file.
Today, I got to playing around with this window and discovered if I put a "1" where the "-1" was, it came through fine. But then I noticed there was a 2-beat drum fill that was causing the audio track to be two beats off. So I went back to the original backing track and truncated the 2-beat drum fill, then loaded it back into BiaB. Then I ran the ACW. And you know what? The chords it came back with are actually much closer -- still not exactly there, but at least I can edit the BiaB file to get it to where it needs to be without tearing out what few hairs I have left.
At least I was arriving at an accurate tempo for the audio tracks, which was pretty much a PITA, but I saw where it really did matter with the ACW, so I figured it had to be.
But I dunno if I ever would have put together what you guys have just described based on the results I'm seeing. So, this is good to know. And, of course, this means I get to go back and redo the three tunes I attempted to retrieve halfway meaningful chord progressions from.
Yep, got it. Bar 1, beat 1. Which is why I got rid of the two-beat drum intros. These backing tracks, being backing tracks and all, are meant to be relatively easy to follow along for, you know, just general woodshedding work. So there are no fancy variances in tempo or odd key changes. The backing tracks I've translated so far have "only" a maximum of two bars per measure, so I'm ok there.
The only problem I had with one BT was it has a push on beat three, every other bar. I've used the carat, eg, ^Am to add a 1/8 beat push, which works ok. But then I ran into a situation where the MIDI drums were being way too clunky with that push, so I had to find a decent RT drum track, with the hopes it might exaggerate it less. And I was successful there.
The only annoying thing about this is just having to go through 80-some-odd measures and replace the existing chord with a chord with the carat. You know, I thought there was a way to edit a chord without having to replace it, say correct Cm7b5 to a Cm7, for example, without having to retype the chord. But I haven't found anything in the Help files or any combination of keystrokes -- so far -- that lets me do this. As I dimly recall, I was able to do this in earlier versions of BiaB. Am I just imagining this, or have I, in my forgetfulness, not yet uncovered how this is done?
Hey Jim, well for me, it isn't so much filling out the chord sheet as it is preparing the audio file so that it will be interpreted properly -- or at least closely. To get close with the ACW, I had to first establish the correct tempo, and then I had to prepare the audio file so that the audio file's chord progression began at Bar 1, beat 1. Then I had to make sure that the tempo matched in BiaB, and just for good measure, I also set the key to the correct key in BiaB. It was then, and only then, that I imported the file and then ran ACW.
Only after I'd run ACW did I dismiss it (the way I found to do this, which may not be the most elegant, was to click on Audio>Audio Edit Window twice), and then hit F5 to get rid of the red underlines. I also had to click on the little rectangle in the gray "Drop" box to restore the look of BiaB. It was only at this point that I was even prepared to select a style to try out the progression that had been loaded. So for me, the chord sheet is way in the back of the to-do list.
But, I dunno, maybe it's all in the way you look at it. Maybe what I just described was filling out the chord sheet?
Adding to the pointers already given, if you know the key signature and chord progression prior to running the ACW, use the ACW chord analysis custom menu as shown below.
Also, as you become more familiar with the ACW you'll notice it misinterprets certain chords predictablely. On my system, nearly every time I see an Asus, the correct chord is a D. I use the Search and Replace function to change them all at once.
Thanks y'all. I'll give these tips a try as needed.
Noel, I was hoping to find a way to edit chords on a chord-by-chord basis on the chord sheet, if you will, rather than doing a global or limited search and replace. I just finished editing an 80 bar piece, and had to change almost every chord -- majors to major 7ths, minors to minor 7ths, etc. And it went quickly enough, so I guess it wouldn't be much of a time saver anyway, even if there were a way to edit individual chords on the chord sheet.
Today I tried something new, since almost all of the backing tracks I've had the ACW translate only dimly resemble the originals. Instead, I play the audio file and watch the chords the ACW has chosen as the file plays. These backing tracks are not complex, so it has become an easy process for me to correct the chords as I listen to the audio. Doing this provides me with an almost exact copy -- in terms of harmonies, at least. After I've done this, I search through my styles inventory, hoping to find one that comes close to the way the audio is being played. That's been a hit-and-miss process so far.
So anyway, it's become an involved process, but I think it will be ultimately worth it. Reason for all this trouble? Because I like the lead sheets that BiaB puts together. Of course, the sheets won't have any melodies -- unless I use the melodist to throw something together just for the sake of the printout. But they'll have the chords, at least, which is what I was after from the beginning.
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
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These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
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This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
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You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
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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
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
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Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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