Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#30065 07/30/09 10:37 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
Hi, I need something to enter melody and chords using the RealTracks and Midi Patches. I'm new to Midi, and BIAB, and I was wondering if any of you are useing the M-Audio Axiom 25, and if so, what's your opinion of it. I have a Rolands KR-500, but it's too big for my workspace; my main instrument is guitar, and the amp takes up a good chunk of space. I'd appreciate any advice on Midi controllers or keyboards that you might have. I'm trying to keep the cost down, but I don't want to be frustrated with lack of quality either. I suppose the first question I should have asked is; will it work with BIAB?

Thanks,
Dennis1945

Last edited by dennis1945; 07/30/09 10:39 PM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,033
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,033
I think any MIDI controller will be fine with BIAB; just specify it as the input MIDI device in Opt, Pref, MIDI Drivers.

I have an E-Mu Xboard 25 on a test system I use. It measures just under 18" wide, and 9.5 inches deep, so it fits right in front of the screen with no problem. It is two octaves, C to C, but you can easily shift octaves with the Octave Transpose + and - buttons. It also works on Windows 7 using the Vista drivers. It is powered just by USB, has a power supply input jack if you prefer, and has a MIDI Out port. You can send MIDI either by USB or MIDI Out.

I don't play keyboard so I don't benefit from the fact it also has a feature called weighted keys, but a real player would want that feature.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Make sure it's also velocity sensitive.


John
ESI Gigaport HD+
Lenovo Turion II /4 Gig Ram/ Win7x64 be
15.6" Monitor
"The only Band is a Real Band"
www.wintertexaninfo.com/BANDS/JohnnyD.php
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
K
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
K
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
A good buddy of mine has the Axiom, it has a really nice feel to it... I have the Korg MicroKontrol, which cost twice as much, and prefer his Axiom... M-Audio gear rules.

Nice and sturdy, too... Can't go wrong, considering how affordable they are.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
Thankyou very much folks, that is a tremendous help, I at least feel I'm on the right track, no pun intended. The only negative point I've seen mentioned in reviews is that the instructions are a nightmare. This happens with some manuals that are translated straight into English with no regard to grammar.

Thanks again,
Dennis

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,033
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,033
Re: pg kent's comment, watch out for M-Audio that they have drivers for your OS before you buy.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
Thanks Matt, appreciate the input. I'll ask about that before buying.

Dennis

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 32
L
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
L
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 32

Dennis, I have an Axiom 49, and it works perfectly with BIAB, Real Band, and PT. It has "semi-weighted" keys, the feel is DEFINITELY not "hammer graded" like a real piano (although the keys are molded to look like an acoustic keybed), but it is usable and I prefer it for modern music. About 9 lb. for the 49-key model. All the controller knobs and dials one could want. I use it in XP, so I cannot vouch for a Vista/BIAB/Axiom combi. M-Audio support is fair. There is a considerable amount of Axiom info on the net.

You might take a very good look at another board I use now -- the newer Yamaha KX series. I have the 49-key version. These are also MIDI controllers. I prefer the KX-49 to the Axiom in almost every way. Lighter (5 lb.? I think) but well made, looks nice, has ample controller knobs, etc. and although this is another "semi-weighted" keybed, it is quite pleasant to use.

Both boards have velocity settings, the Axiom also has aftertouch, which might be important for you. The Yamaha does not. It does, however, have an arppeggiator function built in.

In the $200-$300 MIDI controller price/feature range, I think these two boards are at the top of the pile.

Lloyd #30073 08/03/09 07:56 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
Thanks Lloyd, I have had Yamaha keyboards in yhe past, and had no complaints. I only want enough keys to do some right hand melody and fills mostly, and I don't have a lot of space to play with. I don't mind semi-weighted keys; our Rolands KR500 has weighted keys, and even when I use earphones, my wife can still hear the keys from upstairs, they're noisy. I'll take a look at the model you mentioned though, in fact I was looking the other night to see if they make a 25 key model.

Thanks,
Dennis

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
Lloyd, what is aftertouch, I've never used it as far as I know.

Dennis

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 32
L
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
L
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 32

"Aftertouch" is pressure sensitivity, built into the keybed itself. Permits different responses depending on keystroke pressure. Some players swear by it and use it extensively. I do not. But it is respected and many KB players will not use a board that has only velocity settings. More on this and other terms used with controllers, synths, etc. HERE ...

http://www.musiciansnews.com/piano/encyclopedia/92/aftertouch.shtml

PS: the Yamaha KX controller line does include a 25-key model.

Lloyd #30076 08/05/09 01:17 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 24
Thanks Lloyd. I now have an idea of how it works, and thanks for the link. Years ago I had a Yamaha console organ with two normal keyboards, a portamento strip, and a "floating keyboard," that you could create your own vibrato on like you do on a violin or guitar, and it was realistic; probably the forunner of aftertouch. It also had Leslie rotating speakers, should have kept it.

Dennis

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.

Reference this forum post for One-Stop Shopping of our Band-in-a-Box® 2025 Mac Videos — we’ll be adding more videos as they’re released!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.

If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 Italian Version is Here!

Cari amici
È stata aggerate la versione in Italiano del programma più amato dagli appassionati di musica, il nostro Band-in-a-Box.
Questo è il link alla nuova versione 2025.

Di seguito i link per scaricare il pacchetti di lingua italiana aggiornati per Band-in-a-Box e RealBand, anche per chi avesse già comprato la nuova versione in inglese.

Band-in-a-Box 2025 - Italiano
RealBand 2025 - Italiano

Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!

Bonjour à tous,

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music

Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:

BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation

Voilà, enjoy!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Die deutsche Version Band-in-a-Box® 2025 für Windows ist ab sofort verfügbar!

Alle die bereits die englische Version von Band-in-a-Box und RealBand 2024 installiert haben, finden hier die Installationsdateien für das Sprachenupdate:

https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025.exe
https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025RB.exe

Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!

Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Stay up to date—get the latest update now!

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,301
Posts777,485
Members39,612
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
honeyvip, weedindubai, Claudio Paolini, bjornen71, CATBELLOU
39,614 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 149
zedd 120
DC Ron 105
nonchai 104
WaoBand 102
rsdean 87
Today's Birthdays
timbalera, WineRider
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5