I created a backing track and want to save it as a MIDI so I can import it into Pro Tools and run those MIDI tracks through the soft synth sounds in PT.
However, when I go to save as MIDI, all I'm getting is a drum track. There ought to be a Format 1 MIDI file with all the instruments, bass, drums, keyboard, guitar, organ, strings, etc.
How do I do this? I am going nuts trying to find it via the Help menu, and couldn't find it by searching this forum, so I'll just ask.
My apologies if somebody else has already covered this and I just don't know the correct search terms to find it.
Are all the tracks MIDI? Are you sure some aren't Realtracks (audio)?
I started up BIAB 2017, selected a style, entered a chord progression, and now wish to have it create a MIDI file. Until yesterday, I had been using BIAB 2005 and that was so easy to do and fit my needs perfectly. Now I would like to use all these different feels (styles) and create some backing tracks to use for my recordings. I don't know the difference between RealTracks and what I'm used to. Thanks again (in advance) for pointing me to the solution to this query.
Since 2005, BiaB has added a technique called RealTracks (which are audio recordings of real musicians). These are audio (not MIDI). So when trying to save as MIDI they may not be available. However the same Audio can be imported to ProTools, but not as MIDI.
You may want to save each track to a separate file or use the Drag/Drop method so ProTools recognizes what is MIDI and what is Audio.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
You can Drag the track to Drop MID then into Pro Tools if it has an underscore, but you will need to add any articulations to the midi file as they are only a RealChart note representation of the RealTrack.
I appreciate all the help so far, but still don't have the answer. What do you mean, drag the track to drop MID? Remember, I have been in 2005 until now, and don't understand a lot of this because I'm still in a 2005 paradigm. Thanks!
You can Drag the track to Drop MID then into Pro Tools if it has an underscore, but you will need to add any articulations to the midi file as they are only a RealChart note representation of the RealTrack.
I might need a nap. This is way over my head. I'm not sure at this point that all the money I spent on 2017 was worth it.
Very frustrated. All I want is MIDI files to import into ProTools (and Finale).
This is how I write music: I create a backing track (MIDI) with the right chords and the right feel, import it into Finale, write the music (horn parts, etc.). Create a MIDI file from that, then put that into ProTools. This is starting to look like a massive fustercluck.
with most real audio tracks they have a notation midi file to show what notes are being played (RealCharts) this is the track that you can drag out to a folder or into a DAW (Protools). If you want to use just midi files like in 2005 just pick a style that is only midi or load MidiSuperTracks in to the instruments then save as midi.
If you use RealBand you will be able to see the RealChart midi tracks.
It looks like there are no guitar SuperMidiTracks. Bummer!
But I did a work-around on the guitar part. I made a MIDI track in BIAB 2005 and plopped it into my Finale file. A little extra work, but I am able to use all these new styles (feels) that prompted me to get BIAB 2017.
Here is what I've been doing recently, my latest 20 compositions using BIAB 2005 with Finale and ProTools 10:
...One question: I don't see any guitar choices in the MidiSuperTracks. Where might I find that?
..It looks like there are no guitar SuperMidiTracks. Bummer!
My thoughts exactly ! they need SuperMidiGuitarTracks.
Also follow the red line.
ps, got your soundcloud playing now, great !
Thank you so much for showing me this solution! I'm also extremely grateful for your computer skills to be able to picture it the way you did with the red line for me to follow!
Thanks again, and thanks for listening to some of my stuff.
1. What version of Biab 2017? The Ultrapak, Propak?
2. Have you watched the 2016/2017 Biab vids?
3. Do you have any idea what Real Tracks are?
I listened to some of your stuff too. You are obviously a midi guy, it sounds very robotic to me like you've quantized everything but that's ok, if that's the sound you're after, no problem. However if you want more life to these recordings adding some contemporary jazz RT's could be good. I'm thinking of the Jeff Lorber EP RT's or the Eric Marianthal sax solos or the Miles Black and Mike Ledonne AP stuff. Personally I don't see a need for more midi guitar tracks, there's already more guitar RT's than any other instrument and there's gazillions of guitar acid loops out there.
Still, you're good with midi and you're basic question is all about midi. If that's the direction you're going and you have no interest in the RT's then you could be right, the new Biab may not be for you.
Hey, Bob, I just noticed you had posted above . . . a week ago. Thank you, and my humblest apologies for not getting back any sooner.
I have the complete 2017, and I believe it is the UltraPak although I got everything possible in that upgrade. Obviously I was initially overwhelmed at all that I needed to learn and all that I didn't know.
And yes, you're right, I have been living in MIDI land for 17 years or so now, and felt I was making some progress in that area.
But if you listen to the last two or three tunes I've done (click link below), you'll see that I have now embraced the Real Tracks and really do see the value in them.
I have not watched all of the tutorials, and will likely not have the time to sit down and absorb them until this coming weekend (no New Year's gig this year, hooray!).
I had rotator cuff surgery on 9/28 and was unable to play my horn for a good two months, which is when I pretty much went berserk writing tunes and "recording" them with midi tracks in ProTools.
You may notice that the last tune I did now has trumpet in there, as I am finally able to play again, although not yet at 100%, whatever that is.
So, the past two days I have been going back through those tunes and trying to make Real Tracks backings for all of them so I can re-record them and put the trumpet in there.
One problem I'm having with that is that many of those were done using BIAB 2005, and I made "hybrid" rhythm tracks with the bass from one feel, the drums from another, piano or guitar from yet another, and so forth. I'm having trouble figuring out how to achieve the same feel since I didn't write down any of those combinations. So I'll just opt for something a little different and hope they come out sounding good.
But again, thank you for your reply, and for all the great help I've gotten around here. You guys are amazing!!!
I just finished listening to "For The Grace Of God". What a wonderful instrumental with EXCELLENT musical production. Enjoyed it from start to finish.
This may be silly questions but what is a bass trumpet and what does one sound like? I've never heard of the instrument so I don't know if I've heard it before or not.
I wish you would describe your production methods in the song description section on SoundCloud.
Also, I hope you will post links to some of your songs in the ++ User Showcase ++ forum section so more forum members will take the opportunity to listen to your music.
There's always a good reason for everything, isn't there? Not being able to play your instrument is certainly one of them, I have a good friend who's a very good sax player who has had a bunch of different medical issues so I know exactly what you're talking about. We've been doing gigs for about 25 years and it's very sad to see his playing affected by all this.
Just keep on trying out different RT's starting with all the new Real Styles. It's great fun to create one of the Book 1 songs in Biab and just play it using several completely different styles in different genres. For fun I used Coming Home and did about a dozen styles with it from the standard 60's jazz rock feel to different latin feels, heavy metal, several different funk styles, classic swing, hip hop, urban grunge etc. You will be surprised how that can give you an idea to move forward with. You hear all that using a standard song you've done for years and think, hey, that can work with whatever.
It's also good that you understand midi because you'll find that as good as the RT's are you can't create song specific licks or hooks with them. Those you either record yourself or create midi tracks for. Mixing 2 or 3 midi parts with RT's really fools your ear into thinking the midi tracks are live too. It's amazing how that works sometimes.
I do want to add one thing about the forums since you're new here. Please pay attention to the FAQ's at the top of each forum. This Tech S.O.S forum is for questions about anything tech related OTHER THAN music or PG products. My thread here about cutting the cord with cable TV is an example of that. This thread should be in the Biab forum and we really should not be responding here because it just confuses people and all these different forums become a mashup of everything other than what they're supposed to be.
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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!
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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.
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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
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SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
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FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
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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)
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