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.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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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.
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.
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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
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)
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