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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
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On the timing issue:
Notation is a limited way of transcribing music there are many things it simply does not describe - the volume of individual notes for example, its a limited system, developed ad hoc from a variety of choral and orchestral needs - over centuries and for the limitations of scratchy quills on bits of parchment.
I once saw a chart for a sax solo (pick up the pieces) which was a mess of hemi-demi- quavers (64ths US i think. What was really going on was the player was playing a little early thats all. If you wrote it out without the 'earliness' it became legible and simple to play. Similarly a live performance scored by a machine will capture nuances in a unwanted pedantic and over scrupulous fashion.
There are two forms of quantise (in my mind at least) with variants of each. In 'ordinary' quantize the length of the MIDI notes are adjusted and so the nuances of the performace are lost (you can keep two copies of course).
In the second type "Display quantise" the length of the MIDI note remains the same (and the performance left untouched) but the notation is adjusted to 'make sense' or simplify it for others to read. Cubase uses this tech but I am not sure about FInale or Sibelius. I think not, but dont know.
Capturing melodic ideas from a performance has two aspects. Firstly capturing the actual sound. Secondly, making some form of non-acccurate notational representation - a simplification - that is easy for a reader to intepret, particularly if sight reading. These are two different tasks. Notation should be simple as possible (IMO) and the musician should add the nuances.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I am still confused as to why you put BIAB and Finale in the same sentence. The two are apples and kumquats. Finale is notation software. BIAB/RB is composition software.
A lawn mower (Finale) cuts grass. A tractor (BIAB) cuts grass, tills, plows, grades.... They both WILL cut the grass, but the tractor does so much more. And in this case, the tractor only costs a slight bit more than the lawn mower.
And to be honest, charting note for note is WAY overrated. You REALLY need to see someone else's solo? Are you going to "xerox" it or play what YOUR heart feels when you get your 16 bars of fame?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2012
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Over a year ago I asked questions of Finale on a private forum. Peter replied with the answers. It seems that BIAB can do all the key things I am looking for. I extracted a few items below but I think they both do these. Yes, I think everyone knows Finale can modify notation faster and better but If I need it better I will Try MuseScore. If wondering about the delay, I was going to sell a guitar to buy Finale (not sold yet which is good for the BIAB people). When asking about Finale Peter said: Quote:
Finale's quantization settings can compensate for unprecise rhythm playing by adjusting the timing to the nearest integer note value of your specification (e. g. to the nearest 8th note).
For my purposes that would be perfect. If BIAB/RB does this when I record a midi improvised solo against its playback chord tracks that is just great!
When asking about Finale Peter said:
Quote:
Finale's hyperscribe can record MIDI playing.
With hyperscribe the pitch (= what MIDI key) is recorded precisely.
Therefore hyperscribe can record chord playing.
Yes I remember this. In Finale they have a form you fill out where you enter the guitar string and it figured out the note from that so I guess this is how it can figure out guitar chord notes and stack them immediately on the staff as you play them. I am curious how BIAB does it since I did see it in the video above(and at the very bottom of this post).
http://www.finalemusic.com/UserManuals/F...nstruments6.htm
When asking about Finale Peter said:
Quote:
Finale works with MIDI code.
You can play an audio file while Finale simultaneously plays MIDI code, but Finale can't edit an audio file.
I gather BIAB does both. You can cut/paste etc audio wave data and do the same with Midi.
When asking about Finale Peter said:
Quote:
You can edit your Midi input notes and chords with mouse, with computer keyboard, and with MIDI keyboard.
I assume BIAB can do it with a mouse or rerecord a segment of a prior recorded Midi track.
Quote:
Notation should be simple as possible (IMO) and the musician should add the nuances.
I agree.
In my case I am not using BIAB to compose. The type of composing I will be doing is improvising solos against Chords of a song (normally an existing song such as SummerTime) then if I like something I improvised against these chords played back in BIAB then I will capture it and use it to assemble a new song. I may use the same or different chords but BIAB will not chose them, I will. On the other hand, if I play a solo against chords of Summertime as played back by BIAB and I do not think there is anything special melodically I will just record over the track next time until I finally like something (no point in looking at the notation if it has nothing special to offer). If I am jamming with others I will drag the notebook computer around with me and always be recording a Midi version of my playing always trying to Mine those special melodies that may crop up spur of the moment. This leads to a very interesting question. Can BIAB record chords coming in from a Microphone on one track and onto another track at the same time record my Midi input. If it can do this that would be just great! I am going to guess that it can not.
So based upon this Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VxCPlfV1lA
I have to assume that BIAB does some sort of quantization if the midi input this guitarist was playing. It was not hard to read. Because the notes are already on the staff, I figure he must have recorded the Midi then came back and played along with it to make the video so you could see him playing at the same time. Either that or he had some way of syncing up a play back of the notes to the original video of his playing.
Last edited by bowlesj; 07/07/12 04:04 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Quote:
I am still confused as to why you put BIAB and Finale in the same sentence. The two are apples and kumquats. Finale is notation software. BIAB/RB is composition software.
I can't find the scroll feature in this forum to find your name so "Hi (maybe Eddie)" will have to do for now.
I see you mean after searching Google with the search string "editing notation in band in the box" and finding this link.
http://www.drdobbs.com/web-development/band-in-a-box-finale-amp-musicxml/184405808
If you search this web page with "Mildly" you be taken down to where he describes the shortcomings of the BIAB editor as well as some of the problems with how the program creates notation from the Midi files as it records it. But he then goes on to explain how he gets the files to Finale and back. Isn't Google amazing when you start to design improved search strings.
Below is a small extract of (how he works around the export/import problems), which will get some interested in clicking the link above to study it more thoroughlly as I am doing right now.
Quote:
Exporting with Style
To get an SMF file with the melody and sufficient harmonic information to represent the current chord symbol at the proper place, I developed a Band-In-A-Box export style by using Band-In-A-Box's Stylemaker process. Building the style took less than five minutes because the export style plays only one bass note, the root, in the bass part and only one chord in the piano accompaniment part for each chord change. The style plays a very simple version of the tune. Kind of like when you learned "Heart and Soul" on the piano when you were a kid.
So when I sell my mint condition 1981 Mark Beneteau guitar (and apply the savings from buying the lowest cost Midi setup for the ES345) I just buy both BIAB & Finale (or use MuseScore instead of Finale).
Here is an important question.
I am wondering if it is possible to run BIAB on the computer and Finale at the same time and send the Midi solos I am playing against the BIAB tracks to Finale rather than having to do a lot of editing after recording them in BIAB and getting the file to Finale. I have 4 computers at my disposal so maybe I can use a dual computer setup for this if it can not be done on my main machine which is the more powerful one. I remember now. If I buy Finale I definitely have to upgrade my most powerful machine.
Last edited by bowlesj; 07/08/12 03:24 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Hi John, I'm very impressed with all the homework you've been doing. I just wanted to clarify a couple of things. After reading through the "Band In A Box" section in the link you gave, I note that Dr Dobbs says ... Quote:
The latest version, Band-In-A-Box 2004. [I see that the page was written on 1 Sept. 2004.]
I just want to point out that there have been many changes to the program since 2004. If one considers half-yearly updates, there have been 16 of them since his webpage was written.
Also, where he says ...
Quote:
Almost everybody uses the digital piano because the Band-In-A-Box notation editor is lacking, to put it mildly.
I TOTALLY disagree with this statement. Although I have a keyboard connected to my computer, I rarely use it to enter music. I do all my notation entry with the mouse because I find the present BIAB notation editor is the fastest and easiest way to enter notation. It's a different process from usual score writing programs but it is very efficient! I love it.
Below is an image of a part of one of my song that I've transcribed using BIAB. After notating the song in BIAB, I printed it to a pdf file for a hard copy. For 99.5% of my notation requirements, BIAB (Windows version) does the job just fine.
From a notation perspective, BIAB limits the display to 1/16th notes as the smallest note size. To be honest, I've never found that a problem. BIAB MIDI playback and MIDI recording, on the other hand, can record much smaller value notes. It's just that they will not display correctly in notation.
Hope this information helps.
Regards,
Noel
Last edited by Noel96; 07/08/12 05:25 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
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To augment what Noel has said, I can use my keyboard controller, midi guitar controller, wind controller, drum pad controller or I can write notes using my mouse in BiaB.
Like Noel BiaB is fine for my notational needs.
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 for Windows
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Hi Noel (and Mario), Thanks for your reply. Yes it does help. It will change the sequence of this todo list. Quote:
Determine the computer requirements for (Finale / BIAB / MultiCharts), create a spread sheet of costs, sell my Marc Beneteau guitar, [BUY: a new computer. Midi setup, BIAB], then later determine if I need to use MuseScore and if need be even Finale).
It also makes me aware I should first search for "20" in the page to see if I can find the date.
Excellent:
BIAB is looking better all the time. I just found out that if I am out jamming with others, using a notebook I can set up a mike to record an audio of the session so I hear the chords etc of the other players while at the same time feeding the Midi into a 2nd track and feeding my guitar to the amp so I do not hear any tracking errors. That way on playback one can hear their playing and everyone's playing as well as get a very clear editable recording of only their guitar playing to use for closer study, practicing a new riff, storing that riff or capturing melodic gems for writing songs.
Thanks again,
John
Last edited by bowlesj; 07/08/12 03:12 PM.
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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.
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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:
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-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!
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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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows 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 Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 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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