|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21 |
Hi All
Here's one more challenge for me, as I migrate from Windows to Mac...
I hooked up my new MIDI controller (31 bucks for a Korg micro37 at GC today..to use with my macbook air on the go), routed it in, set it to channel 5 to use MIDI thru...
Verified channel 5 signals going out after opening ST3.
In BIAB, set MIDI in to KEYBOARD, and got sounds..not sure what the sound is though....sounds like a guitar, maybe
I can not seem to get the MIDI thru sound to change...I have tried changing patches to no avail...in just about every window...
The select ports/instruments is set DLS synth (thanks to y'all for helping me in my post about plugins...)
BTW, setting the MIDI channel to 4 for melody doesn't show any activity in the mixer, but then I did not check to see if that happens in my 2015 windows version...
I would appreciate any pointers! Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21 |
BTW..I can change the volume in the mixer window, thru channel , so I believe it is travelling through channel 5 in BIAB...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,361
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,361 |
Well, the short version (sorry it's late here) is to click in the black space (where instrument name normally is) underneath the volume slider in the mixer window.
This will pop up a menu, and from that menu you go to "Select MIDI Patch", you should have a submenu and you should see 8 or 10 default patches (these can be set as your favorite patches somewhere in BIAB) you will also see menu item "Select General MIDI Patch".
Picking the "Select General MIDI Patch" menu item will bring up a list of the 128 GM patches, that are used in the internal DLS Synth. You can change your instrument patch here.
As I said this is the short version, because there is a place in BIAB to set favorite instruments, and also to set which MIDI channel goes to which track in BIAB.
Also there is a setting in BIAB somewhere to save program changes, when your song is saved, that way you won't have to re-select the instruments next time you open the song.
The manual is a good place to start as far as setting up default MIDI channel per Track settings, favorite patches, and also the "save patches with song" settings.
But if you need more info. I can try to get a couple of screen shots tomorrow.
Hopefully this helps.
- Jay
MacPro 5,1/12 core@3.46GHz -- OS X 12.7.6 -- ATI 7970 -- 32 Gig RAM -- Crucial 500GB OS SSD -- Samsung EVO 1TB Audio/Sample SSD -- BIAB 2025 -- Logic Pro X -- Cubase Elements 14 -- Too many plugins
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21 |
Thanks, but as a long time user of biab windows, that was the first thing i tried. The second thing i tried was changing the patch in the mixer window accessed from the menu (besides the new mixer view). Sttill, no change in sound...even tried playing to see if it was a loading issue.
Other thoughts?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21 |
Actually, it seems a bit more odd...
When I open up a new song, all non realtracks play with the same instrument.. (I didn't notice this because I have been working with realtracks over the past two weeks...
I can change the sounds correctly by using the plug-in to select Sfz or ST on the thru track
If I choose Apple:DLSMusicDevice or Apple: MIDISynth I still can't change the songs...
It is as if my choosing DLS in the ports window routes it to a synth that I can't see or change...
As I am new to BIAB Mac, maybe there isn't even an internal synth on my IMAc...one doesn't show up on spotlight...I wil go and see if there is something I need to get from the apps store...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21 |
well, I made sure garage band and the sounds were installed, and I can select sounds there in GB
Still, no ability to change sounds using the mixer and selecting midi patches...
tried changing outputs on the thru port (BIAB virtual versus appleDLS)..didn't fix (but of course lost the thru sound)
Tried changing MIDI driver from CoreMIDI to DLS synth...was able to change sounds in other banks (bass, piano), but lost the thru...
I am at a loss...
Still, I can just add my sounds as plugins and move forward, but I am still trying to understand why the midi from BIAB doesn't seem to go through the synth that GB uses....
Thanks all!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,361
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,361 |
Sorry, I wasn't sure how well versed you were in BIAB (and it was late) so I just had to put that other suggestion out first. You are right that the Mac's handling of MIDI is kind of different that how Windows does things (some would say strange). Plus (IMHO) BIAB has it's own little quirks from years of change, while trying to maintain backward compatibility. Having said that here is what I have set up that works for me : These first 2 settings may seem a little redundant, but as I said BIAB is the way it is because of the way it was in the past, having a lot to do with the transition from the classic MacOS to OSX.  First check your MIDI Driver, and set it up to Core MIDI  Then set Apple DLS Synth in your "Select MIDI Ports" window (don't set it in the MIDI driver window, set it here). This is also where you would select if you want the Thru channel to go somewhere else, other than the DLS Synth.  Then take a look in this window in the Options menu "MIDI Settings" and make sure you have the channels for each track are what you think they should be, also make sure there is a default patch # selected for each track. If it's blank you get either silence or piano GM patch #1 (can't remember).  And finally another place where you can make sure that the default patches for each track are what you want them to be. These are the patches that show up in the MIDI patch selection menu. This is under Options> Patch Maps> Favorites.  I know the first 2 screenshots I posted seem a little redundant and strange, but having it set up like this has worked well for me. I do vaguely remember having issues with selecting patches with a setting of "Built-in DLS Synth" in the MIDI driver dialog window, but that was a long time ago.  Hopefully this helps you sort it out, otherwise there may be something else happening on your system and an email to PG support may be in order. Good luck ! - Jay
Last edited by JayO; 01/05/17 01:02 PM.
MacPro 5,1/12 core@3.46GHz -- OS X 12.7.6 -- ATI 7970 -- 32 Gig RAM -- Crucial 500GB OS SSD -- Samsung EVO 1TB Audio/Sample SSD -- BIAB 2025 -- Logic Pro X -- Cubase Elements 14 -- Too many plugins
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21 |
Thanks, Jay...I have done all the above...I am still mystified. I did shoot a message off to tech support...
I keep thinking there is something I am missing...it is as if the output for all of the MIDI channels are going into a synth set to one voice.
As I said, though, I can just use plugins and be fine...I just am curious as to what is going on!
Steve
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 21 |
I want to wrap this up by saying that I, in a moment of desperation, I installed BIAB on my macbook air..it worked correctly...
I uninstalled, and reinstalled BIAB on my IMac...
It now works correctly...
I hope this helps someone else!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
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!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,080
Posts799,848
Members40,029
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean