|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
I KNOW I should know, but I can't remember the fix for this.
When I use the Chord Builder icon to "test" out a chord it is Silent.
If I accept the chord anyway into my SGU, it plays fine but thats not the point - how do I get Chord Builder to make some noise please!
Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587 |
Hi Ian, I know of two locations where BIAB allows a user to hear the sound of a chord (there could be more). These are (a) the "Play" button in Chord Builder and (b) "Play Current Chord" from the 'right-click on chordsheet' menu. Both these choices use the Bass and Piano track (using the static names) for the chord voices. These tracks are the top two in the mixer and may be called something different if you have variable track names active. (The image below shows the tracks using the static names. This identifies the tracks I mean.)  With the above in mind, make sure that the Bass and Piano tracks have the volume turned up and are not muted. Hopefully this will help, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Hi Noel
BOTH of these options are Silent!
I have used the "Play" on Chord Builder before and it has worked. And now it doesnt!
I didnt know about the alternative, thank you Noel, but it also is silent.
Baffled!
Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587 |
Ian,
Are you Bass and Piano tracks active? That is, are they not coloured grey and are the volumes turned up?
To test this, try loading the demo for a different style and see what happens. If the option still does not work, it would be worth trying "Return to factory settings" under the Opt menu (Use the upper of the two options as it won't affect your sound driver settings).
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Hi Noel
Bass and Piano tracks active for either midi styles or RT styles and volumes at 90. In neither case is there any sound.
I returned to factory settings, excluding drivers and still the same.
Regards
ian
Last edited by sixchannel; 03/14/16 01:01 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587 |
Ian,
Sometimes songs get saved with something that corrupts the normal set up. It's rare, but I've had this happen.
To double-check whether or not this is the case, can you try the following...
1. Select "New" from the file menu to create a new, blank chord sheet. (This will also load all default values associated with the chord sheet.)
2. Select any style from within stylemaker.
Do either of the chord previews work now?
Another thought...
Are the Bass and Piano tracks muted with bar settings anywhere in the song?
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,039
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,039 |
Look at your midi options as they may have changed. BiaB and RB can use audio, a midi soft synth or hardware driven synth. When you're playing a file you're hearing audio or (typically) a soft synth. When you're using Play A Chord or Chordbuilder you're using the hardware driven synth.
In midi options there is a checkbox for use DXi soft synth. In your case it is checked but there is nothing selected to play if it is not checked. You need to take the unchecked setting to midi mapper or another operating system midi sound source.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Hi Jim Thanks for the info. I'm not "aware" I changed anything but it has been a while since I tried Chord Builder. I'm pretty clueless when it comes to the computer tech of all this but these are the settings I have in midi options so that I can use my Forte fonts when using midi styles. I do not want to lose that capability. Please could you look and see if this is where the issue might lie? -  Regards Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753 |
Last edited by Tobias; 03/14/16 06:05 PM.
Does the noise in your head bother me ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587 |
Thanks for reminding me about that thread, Tobias. It had slipped my mind. This is what Jim Fogle was referring to in his above post.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,096
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,096 |
Ah-haaa, yes, just maybe yes this is the culprit. Ian, let us know eh?
Trev
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Hi guys
Sadly none of the three options of Midi output driver (see pic above) makes any difference - still silence.
cheers
ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 265
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 265 |
Hi, Ian,
Did you click on the link in Tobias's message? That thread explains that the chord builder won't work (at least not normally) IF you are using a DXi Synth. His message in that thread does go on to offer a workaround. Here is what he said:
Spoke with Joe at PG tech support. He informed me that the Chord Builder does not/ will not/ can not play through the DXi Synth. So, even though my song set up is playing through the DXi Synth properly here's how the get sound from the Chord Builder.
Chose a different "Midi Output Driver". But leave the VSTi/DXi setting so they are working with the song. Ignore the warning that you wont get sound output due to the "Use DXi..." being selected.
Both my Microsoft GS Wave Table Synth and my hardware synths (SD-20 or Juno) produce sound for the Chord Builder while the song plays through the DXi Synth with out the need to switch back and forth.
This works fine for the. The only downside is I don't hear the chord with the actual/exact tone as what my song will be playing. ex: Cotote Forte 90 Pad Warm Slow sound quite different from the Microsoft Wave Table Synth. Non-the-less I do get a close rendition of what the chord will sound like before I enter the chord into the song.
Hope that helps.
Jim
Psalm 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.
BIAB 2018 build 519; Dell Inspiron N4110, Windows 10 64 bit, Intel Core i3-2350m running at 2.29 GHz, Memory: 6 GB DDR3, SDRAM 1MHz
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753 |
Oh but, I also remember that If I have an external Audio Interface [Focusrite 2i4] connected there is no way to get the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth to output sound through the audio side of the interface. Metronome and Chord Builder only generate sound through a hardware synth or the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth (which will only play through the computers built in sound card.) So, if all your audio (and DXi audio) is coming out the computers sound card then the method in that thread works. Otherwise, if your real tracks are playing through an outboard audio interface and your only midi synth is a DXi playing through the outboard audio interface also you will need a separate set of speakers or headphones connected to the sound card jack on your computer to hear the metronome or chord builder. It will give you an idea of what the chord will sound like but it won't be your DXi. It will be the sound of Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth. Aaargh! That is, unless your outboard audio driver is also a midi driver set up and connected to a hardware synth. Perhaps a wishlist item would be to allow metronome and chord builder to output through DXi Synth.
BTW, I can't find anything in the Help files that explains this limitation.
Last edited by Tobias; 03/16/16 06:43 PM.
Does the noise in your head bother me ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Well, as you can see from my screen grab in earlier post, I have only three options in midi output driver. NONE of them make any difference.
Ian
PS - I have no external input or output devices.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,039
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,039 |
Sixchannel,
Man your computer just doesn't want you to make music, does it?
I'm out of suggestions but do have some thoughts/observations.
Let's look at the possible midi output driver choices one by one and see if we're all on the same page about what should happen. That way we know everyone is thinking the same.
None. There shouldn't be any sound output when a midi track is played. Normally no reason to select this choice.
Midi mapper. Midi commands go through this choice and can be changed depending how the mapper is programmed. Typically not the best choice unless you have multiple midi devices and need to divide tracks between devices. Not a good choice in this instance.
Creative synth. Your computer has a Creative Labs (Soundblaster) sound card installed inside the computer or plugged into a usb port. This hardware choice CAN supply midi sound patches but has not been selected.
GS wavetable. Midi sound patches embedded in your computer's operating system. Can provide midi sound patches when selected and is the highlighted selection.
external midi. Computer's usb or five pin midi out port. No sound unless a midi sound module is connected, turned on and amplified.
Forte DXi plug-in. When selected the software sound module BiaB should use to play midi tracks.
The chordbuilder doesn't use the Forte DXi, instead it uses the computer's default midi sound module which could be either the Creative synth or GS wavetable.
Now, the question in my mind, do you have any program like a game or media player that can play a midi file using either the Creative synth or GS wavetable as the sound module?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587 |
Ian,
Did you try my suggestion a few posts back about creating a new blank file using the "New" option under the File menu?
This is worth trying as it will ascertain whether the problem is BIAB or simply some form of file corruption that has saved with a song file.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Ian,
Did you try my suggestion a few posts back about creating a new blank file using the "New" option under the File menu?
This is worth trying as it will ascertain whether the problem is BIAB or simply some form of file corruption that has saved with a song file.
Regards,
Noel Hi Noel Sorry, i should have said, but forgot!  All tests have been done by clicking New and using a midi style (just in case). Any midi files i play (very seldom) run through WMP. HTH cos I'm baffled. I guess in the scheme of things is not massive issue - i can always try a chord in situ and re-gen - but thats slow compared to "whats Am7b5 sound like here? Click." If it had NEVER worked i could understand that it was some kind of mess up with my settings. Ian PS - the Creative Audigy Soundblaster soundcard is NOT listed in the right hand column.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,096
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,096 |
Hi Ian
Is there an opportunity that you could call Support and get them to remotely log in to your computer (Teamviewer or similar) to diagnose and (hopefully) resolve. I hear they're pretty good.
Trev
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Hi Ian
Is there an opportunity that you could call Support and get them to remotely log in to your computer (Teamviewer or similar) to diagnose and (hopefully) resolve. I hear they're pretty good.
Trev Hi Trev I'll certainly drop a line to Support first. We are 7 hrs ahead of them so will try and fix a time when we both have our eyes open.  Never tried remote access before. Hope it works with Win XP Pro. Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,216
Posts802,016
Members40,070
| |
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