OK, so the latest build resolved my previous issues quite nicely—we had gotten it sort of working, but it seemed to need a lot of fiddling every time I brought it up, and now I don't. So, cool, and well done PG people.
Now, it seems the MIDI thru is too quiet. I've searched and seen that it's not an uncommon problem, and a solution that involve boosting the MIDI in the Windows mixer. Great, I'm familiar with the Windows mixer and I've seen the MIDI thing many times (though never used it).
However, I don't SEE any MIDI option in the mixer.
I can turn all the other volumes down in the mixer but that seems like an odd thing to (have to) do.
So, I guess my question is: Does the MIDI volume in BIAB really derive from the Windows setting? And, if so, how to set?
I also saw something about normalizing MIDI velocities, but that didn't seem to have any effect. I turned on the MIDI monitor and saw that the velocities seemed to be in reasonable ranges from about 20 for a soft press and 110 if I really bang the keyboard.
OK, so the latest build resolved my previous issues quite nicely—we had gotten it sort of working, but it seemed to need a lot of fiddling every time I brought it up, and now I don't. So, cool, and well done PG people.
Now, it seems the MIDI thru is too quiet. I've searched and seen that it's not an uncommon problem, and a solution that involve boosting the MIDI in the Windows mixer. Great, I'm familiar with the Windows mixer and I've seen the MIDI thing many times (though never used it).
However, I don't SEE any MIDI option in the mixer.
I can turn all the other volumes down in the mixer but that seems like an odd thing to (have to) do.
So, I guess my question is: Does the MIDI volume in BIAB really derive from the Windows setting? And, if so, how to set?
I also saw something about normalizing MIDI velocities, but that didn't seem to have any effect. I turned on the MIDI monitor and saw that the velocities seemed to be in reasonable ranges from about 20 for a soft press and 110 if I really bang the keyboard.
Under "MIDI options" in preferences you have the ability to change the midi thru velocity. Is this what you are looking for? Funnily enough I have this set at minus 60 because I want a midi signal from my keyboard to trigger a Play command in BIAB but I want it as quiet as possible.
Boosting the velocity does produce a small change in volume, but the MIDI thru is still completely inaudible when any other tracks are playing. (When all are set to 90, I mean: If I turn down every other track, I can hear the MIDI thru.)
What's available depends on the soundcard being used. I have an Audigy one and the below image shows some of my options.
Try recording some midi using the external keyboard and then post the track so that we can download it and study the recorded midi information. That would help get a better feel for what is happening.
Also, under "Prefs | Midi driver" can you please take a screenshot of the settings Window that pops up so that we can have a look at it. That too will help.
Yeah, see, under "Levels" you have all kinds of things, and I just have the one. I've got an Audigy Z series, not sure about the other deets on that. Running Win10. *sigh*
I've attached a picture of the MIDI driver window. If I switch the MIDI Input Driver from Keystation 88 to MIDIN2 [Keystation 88], I get no sound at all. I presume because I'm not plugged in to the traditional MIDI port but the USB port. (I can switch the ASIO driver from the ASIO4All to the Creative SBZ Series ASIO device and get better responsivenss, FWIW.)
I saved a MID file but I can't upload it. (I don't have a way at my fingertips to turn it into text and it appears to be a binary format.) I notice now that I'm not getting in volume changes at all when I play it, though. :-/
But I'm not averse to installing something that will help.
(a) Sound stops completely. What's weird is it screws up the latency big time, too, when I turn it back on. When I turn it back on I can press keys on the keyboard and they'll sound out 15 seconds later.
I have noticed generally that the latency is quick to get slow (heh). Like, every day I go in to BiaB there's a latency and when I fiddle with the ASIO settings, it seems to come back okay. I thought it was due to this setting or that setting but it seems to just go away after a while and come back a while later.
Not really helpful diagnostically, probably, but I haven't figured out the pattern yet.
(b) This maaaay fix it. It definitely seems a lot better. BUT now the latency seems irreparably bad.
If this doesn't work try using the drivers that came with the unit. Note that if you are not seeing MIDI volume controls then possibly there is a problem with the MIDI portion of your card and/or your drivers.
Also in the BiaB MIDI edit mode check for CC7, CC2 or CC11 as these effect volume. CC7 is the main volume controller and maybe your keyboard is sending a low number, i.e. low numbers mean low volume. This only has to to with volume and not your latency problem.
Note that in virtually all cases ASIO drivers are needed to eliminate latency when recording.
One thing to understand is that Creative cards are for playing games and watching movies but they are not the best for recording music. If you want the least amount of latency you should invest in an USB Audio Interface. Even the least expensive Audio Interface such as a Focusrite Scarlett Solo:
Boosting the velocity does produce a small change in volume, but the MIDI thru is still completely inaudible when any other tracks are playing. (When all are set to 90, I mean: If I turn down every other track, I can hear the MIDI thru.)
Just so you know and understand:
1. The MIDI volume (CC07): One can think of it as the distance to the instrument, which is typically constant. A MIDI track should start with setting the instrument(s) to a volume that will not create distortions when I play a note as loud as I can.
2. The MIDI Expression (CC11). This is really how the instrument is being played, meaning how hard the trumpeter blows, or how intense the violinist plays. This can affects mid-note volume. (It seems that for many drum-sounds, especially the short shorts, velocity is better to alter the dynamic volume.)
3. The velocity. This affects how hard the note is started, but does not change mid-note volume. For some instruments, it will actually not mean that much to volume, but will rather change to a completely different sound (for example some of the drum sounds in SD2).
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Are you running the latest Sound blaster drivers? If not get them here:
Looks like they haven't changed since 2014. (I updated anyway, to no avail.)
Originally Posted By: MarioD
If this doesn't work try using the drivers that came with the unit. Note that if you are not seeing MIDI volume controls then possibly there is a problem with the MIDI portion of your card and/or your drivers.
That seems unlikely to me—I mean, for there to be a defect. I suspect this is WAD, the option hidden or suppressed somehow.
Quote:
Also in the BiaB MIDI edit mode check for CC7, CC2 or CC11 as these effect volume. CC7 is the main volume controller and maybe your keyboard is sending a low number, i.e. low numbers mean low volume. This only has to to with volume and not your latency problem.
How do I get to MIDI edit mode? (The edit modes I saw would not allow me to select the "thru".)
Quote:
Note that in virtually all cases ASIO drivers are needed to eliminate latency when recording.
Huh.
Quote:
One thing to understand is that Creative cards are for playing games and watching movies but they are not the best for recording music. If you want the least amount of latency you should invest in an USB Audio Interface. Even the least expensive Audio Interface such as a Focusrite Scarlett Solo:
Not to be dense, but how would adding a device between the keyboard and computer reduce latency?
The site doesn't seem to offer too much by way of explanation. I'm still a bit in the dark.
Could you please create a short BIAB file that has a recorded melody (on either the Melody track or Soloist track). It doesn't have to be anything great musically. Save the file as MGU and then upload it in Dropbox (or equivalent). If you could then post the Dropbox share link here in the thread, we'll be able to download the file and test it with our systems.
Originally Posted By: dsbw
(a) Sound stops completely.
I suspect that this explains why you don't have a separate midi volume slider. When the VSTi/DXi option is disengaged, assuming that your soundcard has midi capability, the soundcard should play the midi rather than the Coyote WT softsynth.
A couple of questions spring to mind...
1. What is your sound card?
2. Have you downloaded a midi file from the internet and does it play ok?
Originally Posted By: dsbw
What's weird is it screws up the latency big time, too, when I turn it back on. When I turn it back on I can press keys on the keyboard and they'll sound out 15 seconds later.
Something strange is definitely happening.
1. Is your \bb directory excluded from your antivirus checking?
2. Have you tried right-clicking on the BIAB shortcut and selecting "Run as administrator" to see if that makes a difference?
Originally Posted By: dsbw
(b) This maaaay fix it. It definitely seems a lot better. BUT now the latency seems irreparably bad.
BIAB usually runs confidently with MME although it will add latency.
When trying to solve problems, it is always advisable to use MME to track down the issue and then engage ASIO when the issue has been solved (that's my experience, at least).
In the meantime, and as already mentioned, in an effort to try and solve this problem, it would be great if you can post a songfile that has a midi recorded melody for us all to try.
Could you please create a short BIAB file that has a recorded melody (on either the Melody track or Soloist track). It doesn't have to be anything great musically. Save the file as MGU and then upload it in Dropbox (or equivalent). If you could then post the Dropbox share link here in the thread, we'll be able to download the file and test it with our systems.
I will do my best.
Quote:
1. What is your sound card?
Sound Blaster ZX.
Quote:
2. Have you downloaded a midi file from the internet and does it play ok?
This startled me for a moment because when I tried it (and I was sure I've played MIDI successfully before) no sound was played. But then I shut down BiaB and, yes, MIDI plays just fine.
Quote:
1. Is your \bb directory excluded from your antivirus checking?
I do not use anti-virus. (For precisely this reason. Well, this among many.)
Quote:
2. Have you tried right-clicking on the BIAB shortcut and selecting "Run as administrator" to see if that makes a difference?
It does not appear to.
Quote:
When trying to solve problems, it is always advisable to use MME to track down the issue and then engage ASIO when the issue has been solved (that's my experience, at least).
OK.
Quote:
In the meantime, and as already mentioned, in an effort to try and solve this problem, it would be great if you can post a songfile that has a midi recorded melody for us all to try.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
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.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
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)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean