Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Beginners Forum
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 14
M
Mike51 Offline OP
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
M
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 14
I scanned through the beginner topics but didn't see this. I'm a beginner BIAB and retired music educator/pro musician.

When I download MIDI files from the web and load them into BIAB, everything goes to one track. I'd like to have the individual tracks in different channels to edit and tweak. And yes, they are midi files, not audio.

What am I missing? Thanks ahead of time!!

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,509
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,509
Welcome to the forum.

Try the green Sequence button, in the Tools tab.


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,849
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,849
That's how Midi works within BIAB. Midi will either load into the Melodist Track or the Soloist Track. Depending on the version of BIAB you have, PC or Mac determines your options to handle Midi. PC versions have a Midi sequencer/DAW and Mac does not.

Depending on which track the Midi file imported to in PC BIAB, you have some functionality using the BIAB Sequencer - A Green circle button located in the tools bar. You can mute, delete, rechannel, merge, move to the Melodist or Soloist Channel depending on the track the file imported to. Select patches or set velocity for individual channels. Finally, you can isolate the track and move all the other channels to the other associated Midi track (Melodist or Soloist).

The other six tracks are available for you to add additional tracks of RealTracks, Midi, SuperMidi and even live audio you record or import.

This allows you to have a combination of an existing Midi track play along in sync, time and key with generated BIAB tracks.


Charlie


BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 14
M
Mike51 Offline OP
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
M
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 14
Thank you!

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,509
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,509
Anytime. Read Charlie’s good explanation too.


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Another way of doing it is to open the file in RealBand. It will seperate each track.


LyricLab – Where words become music https://www.lyriclab.net/
Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 140
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 140
JoanneCouper,
I have the same problem too; in Realband works fine ... the tracks are separate ..... also the piano leadsheet is very readable.
Now I would like to save from RealBand to BIAB format. It's possible? How can I do?

Beginners Forum
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,849
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,849
Originally Posted By: casak
JoanneCouper,
I have the same problem too; in Realband works fine ... the tracks are separate ..... also the piano leadsheet is very readable.
Now I would like to save from RealBand to BIAB format. It's possible? How can I do?


The drop down menu of the "Save As" command gives the option to save a RB project as a BIAB song. You should save your project as a RB (seq) file first to be sure your project is properly and completely saved in case it doesn't open up in BIAB as expected.

Charlie


BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2
G
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
G
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2
I must be missing something. I also am a rookie at BIAB and have the same problem, however following previous posts advice when I open a midi file in Real Band I also have only one track and have no idea how to explode the midi file into individual tracks. Thx in advance for your help.

Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Hi George
When I open my midi file in RealBand it asks me whether I want to separate the tracks.

When I answer yes to this question, the file is split into multiple tracks and includes the chords.

Send me the midi file and I will try joanne at joannecooper dot co dot za





LyricLab – Where words become music https://www.lyriclab.net/
Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,549
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,549
For what it's worth you can also let import to one track, then use Edit-MIDI-Extract channels to tracks option ..

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
ExtractChannels.jpg (124.78 KB, 109 downloads)

I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Beginners Forum
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2
G
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
G
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2
Thanks Joanne. Real Band did not ask if I wanted to separate the tracks for that particular file (strangely it works ok with other midi files) however I finally managed to do it by saving it as a 'type 0 midi file' and reopening it. Hopefully one day BIAB will be able to add this useful feature as you don't always want to have your tune rearranged.

Beginners Forum
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Originally Posted By: Mike51
I scanned through the beginner topics but didn't see this. I'm a beginner BIAB and retired music educator/pro musician.

When I download MIDI files from the web and load them into BIAB, everything goes to one track. I'd like to have the individual tracks in different channels to edit and tweak. And yes, they are midi files, not audio.

What am I missing? Thanks ahead of time!!


RealBand is the easiest way, but if you want to use Biab see here
Biab Win More Audio & Midi Tracks

Click to reveal..

Beginners Forum
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 14
M
Mike51 Offline OP
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
M
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 14
Thanks to all for your help! This really is a massive program with lots of gems in it! I'm sure I'll be back with more questions quite often! Hopefully I'll get a good grasp of BIAB and RB and be of help to others in the future.

Beginners Forum
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,849
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,849
I was reminded yesterday by Jford that MIDI channels can be selected and moved from the Melody Track to other BB tracks from the Edit Menu - Copy Special\Copy/Move Tracks...


BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
This one of those areas where it seems like Biab and RB are almost the same but they're really not.

Yes, you can do that in Biab but RB is a 48 track DAW and is specifically designed for this kind of thing while Biab is not. Many new users completely ignore RB and shouldn't. It is NOT simply another version of Biab, it is a 48 track audio/midi recording program that will do very comprehensive audio or midi editing, mixing and mastering that PG decided to add Biab functions to.

I'm not going to go into a bunch of details because that's what the RB forum is for. I'll just give one example. You have a 13 track midi file and would like to see all the tracks. In Biab you have to do some menu diving and then once it's done that file has 13 tracks while Biab has 7 instrument tracks. RB just opens it right up, the tracks are visible right in front of you and you still have 35 tracks to play with.

RB is very cool and very useful so to new users I always suggest they take the same song and spend an hour with Biab then an hour with Real Band and keep doing that until they're familiar with both. After you've opened your test Biab song in RB just to see how that works, close it and start it from scratch then you'll really see how it works. Both programs will get you there using completely different workflows. Biab is initially faster and easier while RB has more depth.

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,014
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,014
Bob,

That's the first time I've noticed your
Quote:
I always suggest they take the same song and spend an hour with Biab then an hour with Real Band and keep doing that until they're familiar with both. After you've opened your test Biab song in RB just to see how that works, close it and start it from scratch then you'll really see how it works. Both programs will get you there using completely different workflows.
comment. That's a really great suggestion. I hope you'll post the idea in the Tips & Tricks forum section. It's really too good an idea to get lost among the multitude of posts that are created each day.


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1224) RB (Build 8) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,077
Posts799,799
Members40,028
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
AurealiusB, sam31985, jyotish karan, bububz, Ramon C.
40,028 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 142
DC Ron 99
rsdean 95
WaoBand 76
DrDan 69
Today's Birthdays
CloClo, Richcloud
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5