Hi All, I have a number of melodies that I have created in a Ableton Live. What I would like to do is to import a midi melody into BIAB and then to be able to use it with some of the BIAB styles. I have tried various ways to import but the results are not good.
I may not be understanding your question correctly, but here's my take...
The results are based on the chord progression used. While BIAB has some limited capability to come up with a chord progression based on your melody, the results generally are not that good doing it that way.
If you just have the melodies, you are really going to need to figure out the accompanying chord progression to go along with it.
I import MIDI melodies all the time, but it is into an existing chord progression I entered on the chord grid. Once that's done, it's just a matter of figuring out which style to use.
The problem is not with styles; it's thta the chord progression has to work with the melody.
That being said, if you are having problems with the imported MIDI not being processed correctly by BIAB (notes wrong, durations wrong, etc), then that's another problem we would have to take a look at.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Thanks jford for your prompt reply. I had entered a chord progression before importing the midi melody and it just didn't feel right. When I look at the melody track notes I notice that the time signature s different from the style signature. Some of the loaded midi plays before the Lead-in starts to run. I set a style, enter a chord progression and the go to File > Import > Import Melody from MIDI file.
Thank you Noel for your usual graphically helpful replies. I have used the offset and this does correct that early start problem. However, since the time signature of the imported midi is 6/8 I assumed that if I chose a 6/8 style I thought that the melody track would also show that same signature, but it is still 4/4 and, although the melody does sound OK I looks very odd.
Hi Mario. I tried that. I can set the signature to 3/4 before style load, but it still remains at 3/4 after the 6/8 style is imported. It doesn't seem as if the style signature has any effect on the melody track signature.
The melody midi file I have has a 1/8 note lead-in and then mainly triplet pairs in each 6/8 bar. After import there is no lead-in and the lead-in note fits in the first bar of the melody track.
BIAB does not natively support 6/8 time, and will always display either 3/4 or 4/4. 6/8 is achieved by using tripletized 4/4 time (so every half input cell is one 6/8 bar and you can only change chords every bar), or by using two 3/4 bars to simulate 6/8 time (and then you just adjust the tempo accordingly).
There is an option in import to handle pickup notes; however 6/8 import is always going to be problematic. I haven't done it in a while, so I would have to try it out and see exactly what happens. I do all my input in a notation program (Noteworthy Composer), then export to MIDI, then import the MIDI into BIAB.
If you don't have the problem resolved by the weekend, I'll see what I can find out (unfortunately, as a choir director at church, I'm swamped with Holy Week activities this week). It seems I cracked this nut before, just haven't looked at it in a while.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Hi Mario. I tried that. I can set the signature to 3/4 before style load, but it still remains at 3/4 after the 6/8 style is imported. It doesn't seem as if the style signature has any effect on the melody track signature.
The melody midi file I have has a 1/8 note lead-in and then mainly triplet pairs in each 6/8 bar. After import there is no lead-in and the lead-in note fits in the first bar of the melody track.
Jonel
Unfortunately that is how BiaB works in that it does not recognize lead ins from imported MIDI or any time signature other than 3/4 and 4/4.
I would take this MIDI track and import it into RealBand. There you can move your lead line so it will match the generated backing tracks. I don't use RB much so some RB expert, and there are many here, will help you.
Good luck
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
As John Ford and Mario have indicated, your choice of 6/8 immediately makes this challenging and explains why you are having problems. It's a pity you didn't begin with 4/4 or 3/4! I imagine it would have then been plain sailing for you.
While it's possible to set a time signature in BIAB, ultimately, it is the style that's loaded that determines the time signature of the backing.
To import your created melody into BIAB, my initial feeling is that it may need to be rewritten. If the melody is more along the lines of a Sousa 6/8 march, a 4/4 swing style can be made to work and would be the best option. (See the image below that uses Editable Notation Mode in BIAB set to a swing with a 4/4 time signature.)
With the below image in mind, if you wrote the melody using each beat of 4/4 as 1/8-note triplets, it would read into BIAB fine if a swing style was chosen. When creating such a melody, it's necessary to keep in mind that one bar of 4/4 will contain two bars of translated 6/8.
To test this, simply create a 4-bar melody; save it and import it and see what happens.
I'm getting on quite well with this particular activity, thanks to the help in this forum. One problem that does come up is in the handling of the lead-in notes. This was referred to earlier. I've tried this on a 4/4 time signature for simplicity. The imported music had a 1/4 note lead-in but BIAB simply included this note as the first note of the first bar. I thought I might get around this by telling BIAB to skip the first bar of the midi file and then I could add the lead-in within BIAB, but that screwed up the notes altogether.
I thought I might be able to cut the notation and paste it 1/4 note early in the staff but I don't see that this can be allowed.
I could go back to my original music and generate the midi without the lead-in and the add into BIAB after the import.
You could also time shift the melody using a combination of the "Time Shift" (#4) option and "Delete Beats" (#5) option shown on the image below.
Keep in mind that 120 ticks = one quarter note and that + values move the melody to the right while - values move the melody to the left (from a sheet music perspective).
Noel, your knowledge and your ability to take the time out to provide detailed help astounds me. I might try the second method and document the actual moves I need to make. I tries the easy way and removed the lead-in in Noteworthy and the import to BIAB was simple to reapply.
As you have also found, I have found that the easiest way to deal with pickup notes coming from Noteworthy is to just temporarily add back in the rest of the first measure (as rests) before the pickup note, so it's a complete measure, and them import it. Everything lines up nicely. I can then delete those rests easily (usually by just not saving the Noteworthy file changes).
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
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.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
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)
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