|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
note:
the new vocal processors that are triggered by audio and not by MIDI provide a different challenge, which I will address in the next post
here's how I obtain a dedicated audio chord stream to trigger devices like the new vocal processors, or in my case, the Digitech HarmonyMan pedal.
1) I set any MIDI tracks to use soft synths
2) I set BIAB to send chords to the MIDI port on a channel that goes to my hardware MIDI module
3) I run one of the audio outputs from my MIDI module to the pedal that needs audio chords
works perfectly, and it gives me something to use the old MIDI module for now that soft synths are superior (to mine, anyway)
The main reason for using the hardware module is because it provides me with an audio out jack. If you have a sound card that lets you direct output to multiple audio outputs, you can do it that way even better.
But, you will get best results if you isolate a channel with only chords, first note being the root note. If you send the whole song to the device, it will get confused. Don't ask how I know this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Yes indeed.
Focusing only on the MIDI input of the device when it can also take an Audio input to derive chords, one can simply invoke whatever software synth (DXi ro VSTi) and use an audio output for the input to the voice synth.
One could also still use MIDI by downloading and installing one of the freeware/shareware MIDI routers out there, which can be used in conjunction with BB to derive separated MIDI outputs by the channel.
Where there is a will, there is a way.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
So if you want to be the MIDI program trigger man, and you're a guitar player - what's the best MIDI controller (I would guess it has to be a foot controller) that facilitates storing, saving, and visually viewing the many different patch changes you might want in each different song ?
I use a Behringer Vamp (rack unit), but it's definitely not the best, it's just what I could afford when I bought it.
If you have a MIDI guitar, the VG88 would probably be quite fun. Line6, Digitech, Boss etc all have MIDI controllable gear. You want something with a PC editor? That WOULD be cool, but I never looked into that. I just fat-finger stuff into Piano roll based on the controller page that is always in the back of the manual
What I'd LOVE to find is a tube amp that has a way to control the knobs using MIDI input. But, even if that animal exists, I'm pretty sure I can't afford it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
So if you want to be the MIDI program trigger man, and you're a guitar player - what's the best MIDI controller (I would guess it has to be a foot controller) that facilitates storing, saving, and visually viewing the many different patch changes you might want in each different song ?
Behringer sells a programmable MIDI footcontroller that is, like most other Behringer offerings, very affordable.
Check to see that they still have it in their lineup, though. Dunno. My two are long in the tooth and still working very well, despite my attempts to kill 'em, portage inclusive.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950 |
Quote:
...as I recall the main limitation to using BIAB with vocal processors is the fact that BIAB only allows one MIDI port, which, until recently, was directed to a synth.
Good for you Pat, you remembered. It is the use of the VST/Dxi soft-synth which prohibits sending midi to the Vocal processor.
Quote:
...If your songs have all realtracks and no MIDI, you can direct this port to the vocal processor.
Yes Indeed.
Quote:
...I think its also possible to set the midi instruments to use a dedicated VSTi which then frees the port to be dedicated to whatever hardware device might find it useful.
This has not been possible in the past. Have you tried it as the VSTi still requires the selection of the default VST/DXi Synth in the Midi Output Driver Selection.
"...One could also still use MIDI by downloading and installing one of the freeware/shareware MIDI routers out there" Been there, done that, no joy - may just have been beyound my abilitiies.
Quote:
...I WILL say that it is a real hoot when you get BIAB and a voiceworks hooked up at the same time! It makes me fall in love with playing music all over again!.
On that point we are in complete agreement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
?
I recall John Conley picked up a hardware vocal harmony synth awhile back, was using it with Band in a Box and posted how he accomplished same.
There are others as well, but I don't recall their usernames.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950 |
Yes, with an external hardware Synth it is very doable. But once the SoftSynth is evoked the midi no longer gets directed to the vocal processor.
Now John (Silvertones) did propose a way of redirecting channels within the tracks (or something like that - similar to your suggestion above), but that was way beyound my ability to comprehend and even he recommended two other options -1) use the audio signal not the midi or preferablly what he does, use RB. I moved to Reaper.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
Good for you Pat, you remembered
ONE IN A ROW! WOO-HOO! I'M ON A ROLL!
(I can't remember ever remembering anything before)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
Yes, with an external hardware Synth it is very doable. But once the SoftSynth is evoked the midi no longer gets directed to the vocal processor.
Now John (Silvertones) did propose a way of redirecting channels within the tracks (or something like that - similar to your suggestion above), but that was way beyound my ability to comprehend and even he recommended two other options -1) use the audio signal not the midi or preferablly what he does, use RB. I moved to Reaper.
As I recall (TWO IN A ROW!) John is doing this in Realband, which alows multiple MIDI ports. VERY easy in RB, and that's the way I like to do it.
But, back to BIAB:
I want to test a few things, then I'll get back to this topic.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I did concock a way to use it in BIAB but I only did that to help those that what to use BIAB so I don't remember the workaround. Do a search if interested. Yes I use my Harmony G XT in RB and I use an AUDIO piano trck to feed the info. I made a style that uses only piano playing chords in root position. Works well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950 |
So John, do you think the conclusions of our efforts a year ago would be any different now with BIAB and its two revision changes?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
OK, just got back from testing. IT WORKS NOW! Here's how:
<<blah blah a bunch of wrong stuff blah blah>>
update: wrong. see next message
Last edited by Pat Marr; 01/06/13 02:18 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
update:
no it doesn't work. Bummer.
I got so intent on noticing that I had a band AND MIDI to the voiceworks that I failed to notice that the MIDI instruments in the band weren't playing.
No matter how I toggle it, either the voiceworks gets the MIDI or the band, but never both.
It is SUPPOSED to allow the THRU channel to send data to the hardware port if you are using MME audio drivers with the "ROUTE MIDI THRU TO MIDI DRIVER" box checked... but that ain't happening here.
Sorry. False alarm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950 |
Ya, exactly as we left it a year ago.
Easy Options Include:
Move to RB
Move to Reaper (or other DAW)
Use BIAB but use hardware synth (no VST/Dxi)
Use BIAB with only RT's
Thanks for verifying.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
There is another easy way to use BIAB with one caveat. Your softsynths need to be VSTi.
1. DL and install Midi Yoke-Free
2. DL and install Cantabile Lite-Free
Canatabile is a VST/VSTi host. I use it in my live keyboard rig with a controller.To use it with BIAB and a harmonizer you use Midi yoke as the output driver and midi yoke as the input driver to cantabile. Insert what ever VSTi & VST effects you want in cantabile. Setup Cantabile to pass the midi data to your particular midi out that goes to the harmonizer. In BIAB do the "output Chords" thing. Set the harmonizer to receive on the same channel as the "output Chords" is sending on.
This is only for the more tech minded here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
I was wondering if it was Midi-Yoke or Midi Ox that was mentioned before, Thanks for that Silvertones! 
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,189
Posts801,737
Members40,063
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean