|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 13 |
So, I've been playing with some midi files I found/bought on the web.
It looks like RealBand is the program to use for this, since it can put midi channels in separate tracks. And then it will play these just fine, but they sound quite unnatural to me, because it is using either the Microsoft or the Coyote Wave Table Synth (if I understand correctly).
1. How do I get the midi tracks to sound good? If I pick a RealStyle and click on Generate, what I get is a bunch of extra tracks, which don't actually play what the midi instruments play, but a loose accompaniment to the chords that go with the song.
2. I suppose I could invest in better midi software synth, right?
3. Or should I go for a piece of midi hardware that has good sampled sounds?
4. What are the good and/or affordable choices? If you didn't guess yet, I'm new to midi. And to BIAB and RB... :-)
5. I did watch a couple of hours worth of midi tutorials on YouTube, but the controllers, sequencers, synths and sound modules still confuse me. Any suggestions for videos that will tell me what software and hardware there is that will allow one to do some home-studio stuff?
6. I would have imagined that RealBand could deduce the chords pretty well from a midi file, but even there it gets them wrong part of the time. Why is that?
Thanks!
Willy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,367
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,367 |
Hi Willy.
You answered your own question with number (2).
A good way forward would be to down load Coyote Forte from the pgmusic website. It's like Coyote WT on steroids - the sounds are generally better samples. It's not expensive and it works seamlessly with RB.
Once you have the chords entered, you have the choice of replacing any of the tracks with either MIDI supertracks, or generating realtracks.
Hope this helps.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,079
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,079 |
Hi Willy,
Almost any software or hardware media player such as a smartphone, WinAmp, Real Player, BiaB or RealBand will play a midi file.
As you most likely know, but I'll tell you anyhow, a midi file is simply a set of step-by-step instructions that tells something else what to do. The "something" is a media player that is essentially a session musician that plays whatever instrument that is available. If the "something" is hardware like a smartphone, the instrument is embedded in the smartphone firmware. SOME software based media players, like Real Player or Flash also embed the instruments while others, like BiaB and RealBand, let you supply the instruments.
Soft synths are software instruments that accept midi commands. The instrument can be monophonic and only produce one note at a time or polyphonic and produce multiple notes at the same time. Some synths can only create the sounds of one instrument at a time. A common example would be an electric keyboard that can sound like a piano or an organ but can't sound like both at the same time. Another keyboard maybe multitimral and capable of sounding like a bass, guitar and piano all at the same time.
As mentioned earlier, with BiaB and RealBand you have to supply the instrument sounds. You do that in your midi settings. Some of your choices include:
The general midi instrument set embedded with Windows, the Virtual Soundcanvas (VSC) instrument set included with BiaB or the Coyote WT instrument set included withBiaB. All include the 128 instrument sounds specified by the general midi (gm) standard so they are easy to use but, some would say they lack in the good sounding department. In some cases they are so old they don't work with current versions of Windows.
Another choice is to use the Hi-Q instrument sounds included with BiaB. They sound good but you have to select each one individually and there are few instruments to select from.
Outside the instrument sounds supplied above, you will need to pick, choose and supply your own instrument sounds. You can do a search for "free soft synths", "free midi sounds" and similar and will find there is a lot of sounds available. If you have a keyboard with midi, you can set it up and use its instrument sounds.
If you want to spend some money and are looking for a one stop/one answer type of solution you want either a software, or hardware, general midi compatible sound module. Popular software solutions include: the Roland TTS-1 included with all versions of Cakewalk and Sonar software packages, Ominisphere included with sampleTank 3. Hardware solutions include the SD-2 sold by PG Music, the Roland Integria or any gm compatible keyboard.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827 |
Look here: Free VSTi download Drums, keyboard, sax, guitars VSTi's etc........ Open the midi file in RB > Right click on midi track/s > Specific VSTi for MIDI track > Add VSTi Plugin...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 13 |
Thanks! Okay, so I suppose I can't get any of the midi tracks to use the samples from RealTracks. With RealTracks I can only generate additional tracks, and then I can of course mute or delete the corresponding midi track. Right?
Willy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 13 |
Thanks! I'll look into some commercial soft-synth.
Willy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 13 |
I'll look at those too, thanks!
Willy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 123
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 123 |
Actually Real Band should play the midi files you purchased EXACTLY as they should sound. I too am new to Real Band (but not to synthesizers/samplers) and experienced the same thing while fiddling around in RB- it generated a bunch of accompaniment tracks and surprised me.
You do not need to generate anything to get the sounds to play, just select your soft synth and hit play. You can select a different soft synth (once you have more loaded) and simply hit play. You can try as many different synths as you want without ever having to generate anything.
BiaB 2024
Reaper v7.15
Melodyne Essential 5.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,079
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,079 |
You are correct Willy,
RealTracks are audio files. Depending on what package you have each RealTrack is either a wma (windows media audio) or wav audio file. Many times you may see that BiaB indicates the RealTrack has midi by drawing a line underneath the instrument name. BiaB associates a midi file with the audio file so the track can be notated if you ever want to print a music score of your song.
Since the midi and audio are separate files changing the midi file will not change the audio.
In BiaB if you have an instrument track containing midi and overlay a RealTrack, the instrument track will still have the midi but the midi will be hidden by the RealTrack. Export the sgu file to RealBand and RealBand will have the midi in the instrument track and will generate the RealTrack in an audio track.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,493
Posts805,674
Members40,133
| |
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