|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
Trying to help my Dad out here. He was using and old Roland daughterboard that attached to an ISA Soundblaster 16 sound card. The card, or perhaps the slot stopped working. Upgraded him to a newer system.. Problem is he doesn't like the sound of the Forte, or TTS-1. I tried hooking up his Roland SD-35 via USB MIDI interface and that works, however, it often gets a bFL error message which means buffer full. The folks at Roland told me to turn off "soft thru" on the SD-35, but when I did that, then I got no sound at all. So I don't know how to fix this buffer full problem that comes up randomly. Is this common when using a hardware synth via USB MIDI interface? What other options are there? Are there any sound cards that exist that have good sounding general midi sounds built into them? It's hard to believe that the old Roland sounds from the 1990s sound better than the stuff in existence today.. What am I missing here?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463 |
Have you tried tinkering with the thru settings in BiaB? This may help with the buffer overflow. It is not a common problem to my knowledge so some setting is likely causing it.
Turning off the thru on the Roland shouldn't cause it to stop making sound, just to not send MIDI out the out port. Are you *sure* you are hearing the SD-35, and not the softsynth in BiaB (via midi coming back from SD-35)? Is reroute MIDI to softsynth turned off in BiaB?
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
Hi, I don't know much about the program, so no, I haven't tinkered with any thru settings in BiaB. The only setting I changed was the MIDI driver setup to use the USB MIDI interface. What do you suggest I change the BiaB settings to? I don't know why the sound stops when I turn the thru off on the SD-35. Apparently that's not supposed to happen if it's supposed to be the fix =(
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463 |
Check if you still have the 'reroute MIDI to DXi' box checked. If you chose the USB out, and shut off the thru on that USB device, this *may* prevent the MIDI from reaching the soundsource (which would be a softsynth)via MIDI in. This would explain the sound stopping when thru is disabled in the SD-35. Otherwise I don't understand how shutting down MIDI thru on the SD-35 would result in no sound. How are you monitoring (listening to) the SD-35? Unless you have connected the 'audio outputs' of the SD-35 to a mixer or speakers, you are not hearing it in the first place. It does not transmit audio over the MIDI connection.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
I went into the midi options and turned off any midi thru boxes that were checked. I was unable to locate any reroute MIDI to DXi checkboxes though. After unchecking the thru boxes, I turned the thru back off on the SD-35, and still no sound. So I had to change the thru on the SD back to in1 to get sound. I have the speakers connected to the left and right outs of the SD-35. Not sure yet if I'll get the buffer full message, I'll update if we do...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463 |
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
There should not ba a cable attached to the THRU port at all in this setup.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463 |
I think on some Rolands the 'soft-thru' setting he mentioned lets the Thru signal go out the MIDI Out port as well as the hardware thru port.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
I don't have a cable attached to a thru port, on the back there's only in and out. I think what rharv said sounds like what I read in the manual.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463 |
Yep! This is most often true when the physical thru port is not built in.
Everything working so far?
If the out of the SD-35 is connected to speakers, your next issue will be when he wants to render a song..
Last edited by rharv; 11/13/11 11:24 AM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
So far so good, haven't had the buffer full error come up yet after unchecking those boxes in BiaB. Rendering the song is not a problem because he uses the SD-35 to play the MIDI files. This actually brings up the main issue he has with all the new technologies: The nice thing about playing MIDI files on the gig is that you can change the tempo, key, etc. on the spot with the SD-35. If he switches to a soft synth or real tracks, these songs have to be rendered to wave audio and then you don't have any control over tempo, key.. So what is/was nice about the old roland daughterboard is that you had the same sounds while composing that you would have on your gig.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463 |
That's great for live .. but if he ever wants to record a demo it would become an issue. Glad to hear it is working as expected now.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
To clarify why I asked the question, if the SCD-15 is only a pl;ayback synth, and therefore not used as a keyboard or anything like that, he only needs ONE MIDI cable connect from Output of the computer to Input of the synth. If done like that, the Thru settings in either the synth or BiaB are a moot point.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Unlike mute points which I can't hear. (:
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463 |
Quote:
To clarify why I asked the question, if the SCD-15 is only a pl;ayback synth, and therefore not used as a keyboard or anything like that, he only needs ONE MIDI cable connect from Output of the computer to Input of the synth. If done like that, the Thru settings in either the synth or BiaB are a moot point.
--Mac
Very True. I believe it has it's own sequencer onboard (thus a use for the MIDI out jack), but for use in BiaB only one connection (MIDI In) would be preferred, especially when troubleshooting the buffer issue.
I see where you were headed with that now. 
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
The SD-35 is actually a sound module and midi file player built into one unit. It plays midi files on a 3.5" floppy disk. I have a unit where the player part of it is bad, however, it can still be used for the sound module portion. So far so good, I haven't gotten the buffer full problem. I have only the MIDI In connected with the USB interface. The SD-50 just came out last year and it's the replacement for the SD-35.. Why it took Roland so many years to come out with a replacement is beyond me. It looks to be a pretty nice unit though!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,029
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,029 |
After reading your original post, I dusted off my Roland SC-88 Pro and played a few midi files and then some BIAB files through it.
I would have to agree that it is miles ahead of Cakewalks TTS-1, Forte or any other virtual GM synth. I started out with a SB-55/SC-55 combination, moved up to a laptop/SC-55 and then to a Laptop/SC-8 Pro.
The SC-88 is now about 17 years old and is still in the same condition I bought it and is still playing strong. Still have the original box and packaging.
Cheers
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463 |
Now you guys see why I'm a Roland fan? The sounds last many years, the hardware just as long .. I have replaced the floppy drive in a couple units; that seems to be the weak point. However, that said, some of those sample/sequence units allow connecting a SCSI hard drive. Much larger, more reliable and faster.
Anyway, glad to hear others hear the same thing. The hardware Roland stuff gets the job done.
I'm sure other brands do too, but I have had such great luck with Roland units I just stick with them as a preference. The menus and such make sense from unit to unit. Can't say the same about Yammie stuff; it just gets too frustrating (and time consuming) for me at times. Nice sounds but I don't want to spend all day getting the track down (and people don't want to pay for all day either!).
For the record, mc3997 , the SD50 also does audio, which the SD35 never did. It doubles as an audio recording interface.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
rharv, my Dad would agree with you about the Roland gear. I don't even know if there are any units comparable to the SD-35, and now SD-50? I'd like to hear how the tones in the SD-50 sound actually.. Have you made any recordings with that unit in BiaB?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,463 |
I do not have an SD-50, sorry. I just know it also added an audio interface to the SD-35.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,776
Posts796,040
Members39,958
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean