|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
I think I understand how midi volume control works with CC7 and CC11 and using them with the events list. I don't seem to know how the volume settings work in the BIAB window though. I see that the mixer sliders are tied to instrument settings in the upper left hand screen. I also know about the volume adjustment in the Melody drop down window. Those controls all work to reduce the volume while the song is playing as do the adjustments in the Bar settings window. However, when I hit the play button again, the volume goes back to where it was before regrardless of what shows on the mixer window or instruments. I realize that the style regenerates, but from what I read in Help, the melody volume is supposed to be independent. I finally just go to the events list and insert a cc7 or cc11 to get the melody volume adjusted. I'm wondering if this is the only way you can make volume adjustments if you are using a hardware synth such as my SD2? I appreciate any comments. Thanks.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46 |
I only use software synths, but I was thinking about your problem and I remembered that BIAB has a MIDI Monitor that you can use to analyze the MIDI codes being generated. I tried various volume settings in BIAB and looked at the resulting MIDI codes. Changes to the volume in BIAB had no effect on the MIDI codes being generated. There were also no codes being sent for tone, pan or reverb--Those are the other controls next to the volume control in BIAB. Therefore, I believe that controls are applied to the tone after it is returned to BIAB from the synth. If your hardware is setup so that the external sythn is output to an amplifier (I don't know if there is another way) then BIAB cannot process the sound afterward, and so you would have to create CC events, instead, to control these aspects of the sound.
Now, maybe someone who uses hardware synths may be able to tell you if there is a different way to setup the hardware, or if there is a way to force BIAB to send CC events for volume when you play a song.
Jim
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Thanks Jim. I do have a sound module and all midi in and out goes through it. In fact my hardware synth has to be turned on when I use Sibelius also. When I render a song to a .wav file, that is both midi and real tracks, the hardware snyth will just play the midi and the audio tracks will be silent as the render takes place. The .wav works fine though. When using a hardware synth, you have to use the re render button in the render window and there are specific references to hardware synths in HELP also. I did see that BIAB inserts an all channel cc7 data = 100 at the beginning of the chorus for the midi melody track. I've been going to the Events List and lowering that number which seems to work. I think your analysis is correct, Jim. As you can see, I have quite a ways to go to grasp some of these basic concepts. Thanks again.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 507
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 507 |
Quote:
........ BIAB has a MIDI Monitor that you can use to analyze the MIDI codes being generated. I tried various volume settings in BIAB and looked at the resulting MIDI codes. Changes to the volume in BIAB had no effect on the MIDI codes being generated. There were also no codes being sent for tone, pan or reverb--Those are the other controls next to the volume control in BIAB. ...........
That's never been the case here, going back many versions of BB. Make sure the midi monitor is not filtering out the data you want to see. Volume is cc7, pan is cc10, and midi reverb is cc91, and of course the appropriate channels need to be enabled in the monitor. Changes to these controllers will be registered whether triggered from the main screen or from the mixer. They will also be sent out the midi port if it is properly configured. Note: "A.Reverb" and "Tone" are for audio tracks and do not trigger midi events AFAIK.
OP: The melody track can be set to honor controller messages just as the other tracks can. There are switches for this in both the style itself and in the song settings. So if a particular controller is enabled and fixed to a value in either of those "places" (and not disabled by an override) any change made by the user will be reset to the value stored in the style or song on hitting play.
Nutshell: with the program properly configured, adjustments to BB midi controllers from within BB should stick and should be sent to an external synth (just as they are to a VSTi). (Whether the synth is configured to process them is another issue.)
Hope this helps. -Ron
EDIT - Stan, from your second post, I see you've confirmed some of this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,729
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,729 |
Hello Stan,
Some older styles might have volume changes in the style, maybe that's what is happening. Press Ctrl+shift+f9 to open the stylemaker. Press the Misc button and uncheck 'allow volume changes with style' if checked.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
It's not the volume in the styles that I'm concerned with for what I'm doing right now. It's just the melody volume. I'm not sure where the cc7 data = 100 comes from, but it's at the beginning of the melody. There must be a default built in to put it there because I didn't. However, I just go to the event list and edit it to a lower value so I acoomplish what I need. If it were up to me, I wouldn't even have a melody in there except maybe for the intro and ending. However, my wife wants it there in case she gets lost so.......... I try to lower the melody volume down to where it can just be heard.
Thanks for the help. I'll check the settings in the style and song settings.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,729
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,729 |
Did you record the melody from a MIDI keyboard?
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Hi Andrew. No, I input everything into Sibelius and export to a Midi file and then load the midi file into BIAB after I do the chords. Seems like the Events List route is all that works with my setup, but that's okay as long as I can get the job done.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,729
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,729 |
Hello Stan,
My guess is that the volume controllers are being saved in the MIDI file by Sibelius. When you import a MIDI file into BB via 'Melody | Edit | Import melody from MIDI file', there is an option to not import continuous controllers (such as volume).
But maybe there are some controllers that you DO want... There could be options in Sibelius having to do with excluding data in saved MIDI files.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
There's probably no telling what Sibelius does and I have a very old version 4.2. Still, it's easier for me to use it than the notation feature on BIAB since I do a lot of copying and pasting. I guess I've used it for so long that it's just easier for me. Don't know what happened today but each time I render to .wav, biab locks up and I get a fatal error message. I reset to factory settings and rebooted, but it did it again. I can get out using task manager though even with the fatal error message. Not a big deal.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Same thing again today with a different file and even the event list CC inserts don't work on the melody track now. Guess I'll just have to do the stuff in Real Band.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 348
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 348 |
I use the short cut keys control shift q to reduce volume and control shift w to increase volume for each part during play back.
You also must first set the midi channel to the part you are adjusting by pressing control 2 through control 9.
Example
1 Press control 9 to set the channel to the melody part.
2 Press and hold Control shift q or w to move the volume up or down.
3 You must press the alt f2 function key if you want to save the new volume setting with your song.
Using this method even if I stop and restart the play back the volume stays the same.
I'm sure their are buttons you can click to accomplish the same task, but I only know the keyboard short cuts.
Tim
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Thanks Tim. I have never used any keyboard shortcuts, but nothing to lose by trying them. I'm also going to start a new file and re-enter a melody to see if that makes any difference. I have been using melodies done by others.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,106
Posts800,277
Members40,037
| |
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