|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235 |
I don't know if it is possible, but it would be great. We have the possibility of displaying the notes of realtracks now, but wouldn't it be lovely if we could input notes and play them back with the realtracks? I think it might be a hard to do job, or even a mission impossible, but well it is not my territory so I am just asking. It would really be a superb thing if it is possible! 
I'll be back...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
wouldn't it be lovely if we could input notes and play them back with the realtracks?
What you just described is a common MIDI sequencer playing back MIDI samples.
We've had that for years.
And it has limitations, which is why RealTracks make the huge difference that they make. It isn't about playing back single notes with the same samples every time, but about playing back well-chosen phrases or groups of notes over a given chord that makes the RealTracks sound "Real".
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235 |
Citaat:
Citaat:
wouldn't it be lovely if we could input notes and play them back with the realtracks?
What you just described is a common MIDI sequencer playing back MIDI samples.
We've had that for years.
And it has limitations, which is why RealTracks make the huge difference that they make. It isn't about playing back single notes with the same samples every time, but about playing back well-chosen phrases or groups of notes over a given chord that makes the RealTracks sound "Real".
--Mac
Not really, otherwise I would have mentioned a sampler. (Which should be (audio/wave) sampler by the way, since MIDI is not sound but digital 0's and 1's so there is nothing there to sample). No, that is not what I mean. Or maybe I do in a comparisson of the basics, but not the basic sampler, although a good quality sampler might be not a bad idea to add in the instrument plugin section besides the dxi midi plugin we get. And a sampler could also play phrases and the limitations are of course only made by the fact of 16 channels to send the midi data, not the amount of variations. So if it has to be called a sampler, then I would say it should be a variable intelligent musical midi to wave sampler.
In other words what I really ment, and that is the whole point here, a kind of reverse enginering to develope some way to use the realtracks by putting in midi notes. This you could extend to more possibilities of course, like playing a part of a riff based on that note untill the next input follows or whatever, or exactly doing what you explain here, acting as a simple wave sampler (single notes/chords, strumming guitar, pizzicato strings a.s.o.). So instead translating the realtracks to notes (as we now have it) translate the notes into realtracks. That way you got more control and choices then the way we use now. A track then of course should not only contain those phrases, but also single chords and stuff like that. In fact a combination of the realtracksystem and a (track)sampleplayer. Would have to be a very smart device so I doubt if it is technically (allready) possible, but hey I thought it was at least a nice dream! 
I'll be back...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
You just described -- a MIDI sampling synth.
See, each note picked would have a particualr single ADSR to it.
THAT is the problem.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235 |
Hmmm, I wonder if you really read what I write or if my English is so bad that it makes no sense, but that is not what I (try to) describe. A sampling synth is nothing more than a device, no matter if it is hard or software, that is receiving a midi note and reacts to that. Inside the sampler there are wavs stored with a certain given amount of settings, amongst which also includes the ADSR. It reacts to the keyboard's input or that of the sequencer, this is not variable and not inteligent. It does what you tell it to do on forehand. Every sound is seperatelly programmed.
What I am talking about is those realtracks which you could see as one huge sample with a lot of possible variations within. The notes refer to several possible variations that are stored within the wave by recording those in phrases. Just as we insert a chord, the realtracks react to it, so it would react in a same way to the notes that you would put in. In other words, to use a view examples of usage that may clear up this misunderstanding a bit:
1. If I like to program my sequencer with some guitar chords and some single note riffs in between, the realtracks would be read and there will be a search for a chord and the specific notes I played. Those notes are just like the chords (in the system we have now) used in a variation of possibilities. This includes not really ADSR, since it has variable information spread over the wave, which gives the program the possibility of selecting different phrases that have been recorded. That we allready can do now with putting in chords, so I guess that should also be possible to give in notes.
2. If I created a solo with the soloist using a realtrack, and I would be able to manupilate the played notes within the notationscreen, then I could change the solo to my own needs. This way the soloist would become a more a flexible tool. Now you only can wait what the program comes up with without having anything to say about what you exactly want. Phrases could contain 1 bar, 2 bars, 4 bars or whatever, even single beats. The resolution should not depend on a few choices but on the wishes of the creator.
To do all of this with a regular sampler would be a lifetime job if not impossible at all. There would simply be too many variables and settings to be made for each sample and probably then you still could not come close enough to this "live recorded feel".
Phew, maybe this clears the sky. I hope now you get my point?
I'll be back...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I don't think you are getting MY point.
Do you have any idea how much data there would have to be on a single realtrack for there to be an example that could cover every possibility of what someone could notate?
Just chopping out single notes wouldn't work either, that would eliminate the realism of the realtrack, worse than that, there would be no loop points for many of the examples. It would have no choice but to chop.
What would you suggest that someone record on a guitar real track, as an example, that would cover all of the circumstances that people could write in notation?
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235 |
I think that was not your point, since you only mentioned it was sampling, which it is not. It has links, but it is a different approach. And you mentioned envelope issues, which are not part of the idea I tried to explain.
But then to get into your new argument I would say this: first of all I did not say it was possible in practice. I am sure in theory it should be. And then, I said: wouldn't it be lovely? Implying that this is more or less a kind of dreaming idea. I never said anywhere that this would be realised the next BiaB version or what so ever.
My point is that development will not stop here. My now still unlikely dream, might be fulfilled one day, one never knows. If you would have told my grandpa that we would land on the moon or have computers he would not believe it and say it would be impossible. If we had to believe the old systembuilders from the first computers, the limits of a computer's power would allready have been reached in the 80's. So to me nothing is impossible. Yes it would be a lot of data, not so much in size necessarily, since we always got compression and that also still develops (FLAC e.g.) in quality, but more in the work that would be in it. But well, if you see the realtracks now, they are also very limited in variation and we all seem to be pretty happy with it. A note can be played in many, many variations, but you don't need to cover all possibilities at once. As I said it is a development and we all are happy when we go forward, eventhough the methods are still limited to certain boundaries. (like realtracks are also very limited in their usage compared to all possible variations in music).
I'll be back...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Don't know where future development may lead.
But I do know that sampling is sampling, whether the sounds are stored separately as notes or taken out of a pcm file makes no big diff AFAIC. But I've done sampling and perhaps have the insight from same behind me. Looping is very important, finding good loop points is maybe 90% of the work in creating a single samplebank. Grabbing the notes out of a recording would make that task extremely formidable if not impossible. And at the "end of the day" would have no gain over present-day MIDI techniques.
Whether stored in a separate databank or in a wav file such as the RealTracks offer, the end result of what you are talking about would be "sampling" in both cases. Only difference would be the method of storing said samples. Current day samplers are much faster at it, for another thing. We know where eah note is, no need to search or chop a file first.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235 |
Well I still don't agree there. I mean, it would be much easier for the user. Instead of using a sampler in which every parameter has to be set by the user, using the technique that BiaB allready uses for its realtracks (which is I am convinced) slightly different than the sampling techniques, would mean hit and run and not finding your looppoints, envelopes, or whatever. I mean we can do it also with solo's or chordtracks, which is just a bigger portion with less variations. So yeah it would be much more work for the developers and recording process, but for the users it would be a superb fast and convienient way. Oh and by the way, I have done sampling too, plenty of it and actually I pretty much dislike it. Not the results, but the many parameters to set before actually making the music or soundFX you want to get by playing ur midi keyboard messages into that sampler. It was about 10 years ago I used sampling pretty frequently and up to today I still now and then use it, the only difference with then that I changed from hardware to software sampling. Anyway, still dislike the work in it
I'll be back...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I think you must not understand the inner workings of the realtracks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826 |
Hi
May i surggest a real band with real musicians, that cuts out all the fantasies and you get just what you are talking about, but if you buy yourself a WX5 you can do exactly what you say all by yourself, i would go for a real musicians every time,
there is going to come a time when what you would like is possible when you think of the progress that has happerned but at the moment PG has made it possible at such a small outlay that everybody can make much more real music but i would still go for real musicians
regards Dave Hoskins
I always play the right notes but not always in the right order
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Hey Guys, I just saw a video that MAY be just what you need, although it will take a little work. Celemony Melodyne is a great program for taking audio note data and changing it, either by pitch, or time. The video I just saw was a demo at NAMM 2009, the CEO of Melodyne was showing the new version off. Pretty cool stuff, but then he really blew my socks off when he took an old recording of Chet Baker, played the MP3 of the solo with the Rhythm section, and then CHANGED CHETS NOTES AND TIME!!!!!!!! You actually get to see the waveform of the tracks, he clicks the mouse and then ALL the instruments get displayed in a Piano roll fashion, just like midi, where every instrument has its own waveform notes. You can then change any note. It was still Chets Trumpet sound, but different notes..........amazing! So in the end, you could take your Real Tracks Trombone solo and change the notes.....same trombone sound!. Here is the Video: http://www.celemony.com/cms/index.php?id=dnaHope that helps, Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826 |
Hi Ed
I forgot about that program,i have not had the luck to peruse it yet but you are right when i heard the chet tune i thought that it was amazing so i stand corrected
regards Dave Hoskins
I always play the right notes but not always in the right order
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,997
Posts798,790
Members40,008
| |
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