|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
I've just upgraded to 2012-5, and am impressed with the new MIDI Superstyles.
Playing with other musicians in several combinations, I share BIAB songs I've put together, but not all of my colleagues have the most recent version of BIAB.
Obviously, if they don't have the necessary RealTracks etc., they won't be able to hear the output as I hear it, but I would like to be sure that they can at least create leadsheets (transposed as necessary for their instruments).
Do earlier versions of BIAB deal elegantly with new features that weren't invented when they were released? How far back is it possible to go?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Quote:
I've just upgraded to 2012-5, and am impressed with the new MIDI Superstyles.
Playing with other musicians in several combinations, I share BIAB songs I've put together, but not all of my colleagues have the most recent version of BIAB.
Obviously, if they don't have the necessary RealTracks etc., they won't be able to hear the output as I hear it, but I would like to be sure that they can at least create leadsheets (transposed as necessary for their instruments).
Do earlier versions of BIAB deal elegantly with new features that weren't invented when they were released? How far back is it possible to go?
It seems to me that you have answered your own question. They can't use the real tracks if they don't have them and I think the same is true for the midi superstyles and tracks. If you are sharing styles, you might have to substitute midi for real tracks if their versions do not have real tracks. Maybe others will chime in on this one with other/better suggestions. FWIW
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Leads sheets and notation shouldn't be a problem but different styles might. If someone doesn't have a style Biab will ask to use the default one, usually zzjazz. If you use the older midi styles you should be fine.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
Let's say I'm acting as a librarian for several bands, and one of my trumpet-playing colleagues has a 4 year old version of BIAB, which he uses for practice and for the production of leadsheets in Bb, and which has no RealTracks etc.
If I send him an MGU file that I've created, which includes the chords and melody of a song I've written along with the latest MIDI SuperTracks and RealTracks, will his version of BIAB be able to cope with the leadsheet part of it without his having to change anything?
Obviously he'll have to find a suitable style and choose MIDI instruments to replace the RealTracks (if BIAB doesn't offer to do it for him), what I want to be sure about before I create a brilliant library of thousands is that an older version of BIAB won't just keel over like older versions of Microsoft Word do when they are asked to open documents from the current version.
I get the feeling I'll just have to suck it and see...
[That's a British saying, I hope it gets safely and inoffensively across the Atlantic!]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
I've never tried that so I can't give you a definite answer but I don't think there would be any problem. The one exception would be the time sig if the reciepient doesn't have your style. Say it's a jazz waltz, or any other non 4/4 time sig, s/he doesn't have the style and lets Biab use the default zzjazz style. Well, that style is in 4 so the chart would be wrong. I would simply change the songs to one of the old original all midi styles, don't let biab do the auto replacement of the drum track with an RD, do a 'save as' and store them in a separate directory. Then you know there's no problems because everybody should have those old styles. If you also want them to hear a good arrangement of the song you can always create a WMA from within Biab of your new hot version with all the latest stuff and send that along with the old style for the leadsheet. Or, you can do the leadsheet yourself, save as a pdf and just send that with the WMA file. There's free programs that act as a printer but it's not, it saves as a pdf. Lots of ways to accomplish this. Oh, as to your funny old English expression, we can discuss that over cocktails if you'd like...  Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
'suck it and see'
To try something that you have not done before to discover what it is like or whether it will be successful
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
Quote:
I've never tried that so I can't give you a definite answer but I don't think there would be any problem. The one exception would be the time sig if the reciepient doesn't have your style. Say it's a jazz waltz, or any other non 4/4 time sig, s/he doesn't have the style and lets Biab use the default zzjazz style. Well, that style is in 4 so the chart would be wrong. I would simply change the songs to one of the old original all midi styles, don't let biab do the auto replacement of the drum track with an RD, do a 'save as' and store them in a separate directory. Then you know there's no problems because everybody should have those old styles.
What I've done so far is to create a shared folder for one particular band on Dropbox, and fill it with the MGU files of the repertoire, along with MP3 versions of the same files, with the melody suppressed in all. I can send any member of the band a link to this folder, and once he's set up the Dropbox link, that folder becomes a part of his computer which is automatically kept in step with my master copies. He can open an MGU file in BIAB and use this directly as a backing track (if he has the same RealTracks etc as I have) or else use the MP3 file. I hadn't realised that the time signature could be overruled by a default style, but presumably there's a waltz style somewhere that could keep the leadsheet in 3/4 even if it wouldn't sound right.
Quote:
If you also want them to hear a good arrangement of the song you can always create a WMA from within Biab of your new hot version with all the latest stuff and send that along with the old style for the leadsheet. Or, you can do the leadsheet yourself, save as a pdf and just send that with the WMA file. There's free programs that act as a printer but it's not, it saves as a pdf. Lots of ways to accomplish this.
I'm not at all keen on maintaining multiple copies of the same song, with variations to suit everybody - there's so much scope for failure to keep everything in step - especially where Bb and Eb versions are also needed. I use PDF995 as a virtual printer when I need a PDF file of a lead-sheet.
Quote:
Oh, as to your funny old English expression, we can discuss that over cocktails if you'd like...
Bob
Your place or mine?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
You're place of course if I can ever get over there. I do have a friend who lives on the Isle of Bute who's offered to put me up if I decide to make the trip.
It sounds like you're doing a lot of these for more than one band. I think I would do the MP3's with a pdf of the leadsheet and don't bother with sending Biab files.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
For the avoidance of misunderstanding, I should state that my username (which implies female gender) is the title of a Jimi Hendrix number, and that I am, in fact, male.
(Just in case you should turn up on my doorstep...).
For the moment, I'm going to stick with the paired combination of a concert copy of the MGU file with a four-chorus MP3. I don't really want to get into production of leadsheets for C, Bb and Eb instruments, unless there's a way of automating the process.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
OAAwwwhhhhhh! Klang... Klang...
Reminds me of that time in this bar where there was a tall striking chick who turns out was not quite as female as "she" looked. Luckily I was warned by the bartender as I was about to walk over on a break...Turns out she/he was a regular and we had great fun watching different guys hitting on her, er him er, whatever.
Why would you have a username like that? Well, actually none of my business really...
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
>> Obviously, if they don't have the necessary RealTracks etc., they won't be able to hear the output as I hear it, but I would like to be sure that they can at least create leadsheets (transposed as necessary for their instruments).
Do earlier versions of BIAB deal elegantly with new features that weren't invented when they were released? How far back is it possible to go?
==========
Yes, the files are backwards compatible, so they will load into an older version of BB. As you mentioned, they won't have RealTracks (of course), but they would just need to change the style to one that they do have ( a MIDI one), and the files will play fine.
The chords/ leadsheets display and print out without needing to change the style - those would just load and display/print.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,511
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,511 |
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
Thanks, Peter and Matt.
My primary concern is to have a way of exchanging transposible worksheets, so that's fine - but I'm not sure what an older version of BIAB will do with "New chord types add2, madd2, and dim triad" (see Matt's link) for the initial presentation and for transposition. I haven't come across any of them in a jazz chart so far, so it may not be an issue for me.
As to Jazzmammal's comment on my choice of username - his choice of username might also cause a shrink to raise an eyebrow! He's still welcome to a drink if he turns up here!
When I was a tall and skinny schoolboy I was nick-named foxy-face, or just foxy, and I used it as a username on a couple of forums, but on a couple of sites, foxy was taken, and I added the "lady" part to get a unique username.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Quote:
For the avoidance of misunderstanding, I should state that my username (which implies female gender) is the title of a Jimi Hendrix number, and that I am, in fact, male.
You could have gone with Purple Haze.... just sayin'.... 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,361
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,361 |
Quote:
You could have gone with Purple Haze.... just sayin'....
Surely "Hey Joe!" would have been appropriate?
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
That group was rehearsing at the bass players place about 15 years ago when the whole area had a big power failure and it was summer. A truck knocked over a pole with the transformer on it. It soon got blistering hot in there so we all went outside and starting throwing around possible names for the band and somehow Jazzmammals happened. The bassist/leader has a coonskin hat with the tail hanging from the neck of his upright and we all joke "yeah we're the 'Mammals but don't worry we don't eat much."
Foxy, how about signing your posts with a real name like most of us do, then who cares what your forum username is?
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
And here I always thought it was a reference to the best Sinclairs episode evah...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
Quote:
Foxy, how about signing your posts with a real name like most of us do, then who cares what your forum username is?
Bob
Makes sense!
Michael
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 15
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 15 |
Lots of my group share MGU / SGU files across lots of different versions of biab all of the time
Forward & backward compatibility is DEFINITELY not a problem - the only thing that you do get is the warning nmessage that the style is not available & offering you a different one.
It sometimes takes a bit of fiddling to get something suitable - but as the purpose of the exercise it to be able to rehearse separately (using biab) - so that we have a chance of playing it properly when we are together - this is just fine.
... thanks for explanation of the name Michael - I was beginning to think it was some Gaelic thing.
& Bob - it probably takes as long to get from the 'Isle of Bute' to Fife as it takes from California (but the view is much better).
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
Real Band seq files contain the music files, so if they have RB I would use that. That way there would be no need to have the same styles, and your own tracks would be sent also.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,084
Posts799,892
Members40,030
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean