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Joined: May 2000
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PG Music Staff
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OP
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
A number of people have posted a similar request, namely to increase the MIDI resolution of Band-in-a-Box, from 120 PPQ to something higher (like 960 PPQ).
This post is to let people know that we won't be able to implement that feature, but we also don't think it would be needed, or even detectable on listening.
So here's an explanation of why we're not implemeting that, and also why we don't think it would be needed or even detectable.
First of all, let me say that if we were starting Band-in-a-Box "from scratch", then yes of course we'd make the timing resolution a huge number, there'd be no reason not to. But with an existing application, and all kinds of file formats, then there are a lot of "reasons not to".
OK, here is the explanation:
Band-in-a-Box's current timing resolution is 120 PPQ. This is 4 milliseconds (ms) at a tempo of 120. This is great timing resolution, and in our tests, noone can hear differences below that.
Q. How good is 4ms timing per note?
A. It's great, and there are other areas of your PC, and MIDI setup that are way worse than that.
- sound travels 1 foot per ms. So if you are playing live with a person 2 feet away, you are already experiencing a 4ms latency (2ms to get to you, and 2ms getting back to you). Would you notice a latency there?
- Computer's have a timing accuracy of 1ms "SOME OF THE TIME". Music program ask for timing interrupts every 1ms, but in practice, Windows priorities things, and sometimes you don't get a timing interreupt for up to 30ms (if a video driver is updating screen for example, you are shut out). So increasing timing resolution better than 4ms would have no effect on that, you would still hear periods where timing resolution would be much less.
- MIDI standard itself takes 1 ms to transmit each note. SO if you're using a hardware MIDI module for playback, you're currently not seeing anything close to 4ms timing accuracy, you're getting only 35 ms accuracy (at times in the song). For example, at the begninning of a bar, there may be 5 note offs, 10 note ons, and that's 15ms delay before the last note is received. Then it takes a typical MIDI module up to 20ms to get those notes played - so that's a 35ms delay, which is far worse than BB's 4ms timing.
*** If you are using a MIDI Hardware module, and you are bothered by timing, you should switch to a software synth - there is no timing issue there ***
(Note: Please note that I am referring to timing accuracy as the song plays, the bad thing about hardware MIDI is that the timing CHANGES as the song is played. Software synths have a latency, but it is FIXED. By analogy, satellite radio has a fixed latency, but the latency (timing) doesn't change as the song plays, so it sounds perfect,
Q. OK, I understand the above, but, still, why don't you ignore all that, and increase resolution anyway, if only to please customers who would like it done even if they can't detect a difference.
A. There a bunch of reasons why it would make Band-in-a-Box a worse program.
- format of styles and songs would need to change. This means that any styles or songs made in the new version wouldn't play on older Band-in-a-Box's. We have carefully preserved this song and style format, so that customers get forward and backward compatibility.
- None of the existing 2,000 or so styles that we have already made would sound any different, since they'd be the old resolution. Noone would want to pay to get higher res versions of styles, because they couldn't hear any difference anyway.
- No existing songs are going to sound any different (since they are still at the old resolution)
- hundreds (possibly thousands) of routines that have worked for years in BIAB would need to be rewritten, leading to new bugs in old code that worked fine.
- it would take a huge amount of time, instead of adding other features that people would notice.
One option that we could add easily, is a setting for export of MIDI files, to export them at, for example 960 PPQ instead of 120 PPQ. That would allow people who work at that res in other DAWS to at least get the files transferred at the same PPQ. Of course BB would still be working at 120PPQ internally.
I hope that this explains our position.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Quote:
One option that we could add easily, is a setting for export of MIDI files, to export them at, for example 960 PPQ instead of 120 PPQ. That would allow people who work at that res in other DAWS to at least get the files transferred at the same PPQ. Of course BB would still be working at 120PPQ internally.
Given the above explanation, this would be great.
I suspect that the reason most want greater than 120 is not so much for the accompaniment tracks, but the melody and soloist track. Greater than 120 allows for much greater expressiveness (perhaps continuous controllers with finer granularity for pitch bends or glissandos. The higher number can allow for a more natural performance when entering the melody or solo. It also allows for finer granularity when editing accompanying audio, as well.
Just my $0.02 worth.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Quote:
Quote:
One option that we could add easily, is a setting for export of MIDI files, to export them at, for example 960 PPQ instead of 120 PPQ. That would allow people who work at that res in other DAWS to at least get the files transferred at the same PPQ. Of course BB would still be working at 120PPQ internally.
Given the above explanation, this would be great.
I suspect that the reason most want greater than 120 is not so much for the accompaniment tracks, but the melody and soloist track. Greater than 120 allows for much greater expressiveness (perhaps continuous controllers with finer granularity for pitch bends or glissandos. The higher number can allow for a more natural performance when entering the melody or solo. It also allows for finer granularity when editing accompanying audio, as well.
Just my $0.02 worth.
A BIG +1
Thanx for the explanation.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
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A Great explanation, I didn't know how much I didn't know. I think the export feature would be a great plus for those who would use it.
One question is: Does the resolution of 120 verses say 960 have any effect on the editing process?
Thanks Peter for taking the time.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Peter, i really appreciate the explanation, it helps us understand. While you do not owe us an explanation for every issue, maybe once in a while one like this might help us not hound Y'all (funny southern expression) over some stuff. Like the VSTi tempo lock, or such.
It would be interesting to understand why somethings are not addressed. I know it would keep clamoring in the masses down a notch or three.
Respectfully, Rob
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Excellent explanation, Peter, and very much appreciated. I do throw a big +1 on top of everybody else's for the higher-res MIDI export.
I am asking this only out of curiosity at this point: Does this have anything at all to do with the 256-bar limit?
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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PG Music Staff
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OP
PG Music Staff
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>> Does this have anything at all to do with the 256-bar limit?
Hi Tom,
No, those issues are unrelated.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Very informative. I'm happy with the present setup for now.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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This should be duplicated in the band in a box forum, and made sticky here. In my crumble opinion.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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That is a good idea Peter for a check-box export of MIDI at 960 PPQ ,it should satisfy those who want the resolution higher and have the time to edit it. Hope it won't detract from making more Real Tracks for those that don't have thousands of dollars just to make a midi song sound usable . For me midi died the day Real Tracks got here ,just me and my ears opinion .
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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have a good time. 
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Enthusiast
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Well, I'm glad there's an explanation to this on going issue. Yes,
I agree having an option to export or save as 960 or higher than 120
would be a great improvement. Maybe midi is not lost after all?
Especially for those of us who still use it for writing and editing.
Thanks Peter for BIAB and the reasons why....
Wrkinit
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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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
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!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
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