Hi, I'm trying to use this feature (PLAY -> Wizard playalong feature) with my MIDI controller (which is correctly configured, see screenshot), but it's not working when playing my MIDI keyboard. The Help file says:
"The Wizard is an intelligent play along feature that is controlled with the bottom two rows of your computer’s QWERTY keyboard or your connected MIDI keyboard. The bottom row of keys plays chord tones; the second row plays passing tones. You play any key in either row and never make a mistake! The Wizard keys are active during playback."
But when playing over any song with the MIDI keyboard, it doesn't matter if the "Wizard playalong feature" is activated or not, I just play the chromatic scale and the feature has no effect at all.
Using the computer keyboard, the feature works properly.
I always thought the Wizard Keyboard feature was for a computer keyboard only. I’m not sure it makes sense on a MIDI keyboard. Perhaps the documentation is what’s wrong.
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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Like Mat I don’t think the wizard is meant for playing a midi keyboard.
If you want to play along with any style or song use the thru track /ch in the mixer and chose your play thru voice there . Your notes will be sent to you selected midi device or if chosen in your settings your dxi .vst . synth
The play thru uses channel 5, if you decided to record this it will Autmaticaly record on the Melody track . as you play. However the melody track uses channel 4 so if you want to hear the same voice on playback make sure that your thru patch and your melody patch are the same. Hope this helps more than confuse Mike
I always thought the Wizard Keyboard feature was for a computer keyboard only. I’m not sure it makes sense on a MIDI keyboard. Perhaps the documentation is what’s wrong.
Thanks for your answer. I think it makes more sense on a MIDI keyboard than on the computer keyboard.
For example, let's say you are composing a song in BIAB but you don't play piano. You need an specific rhythmic pattern for the piano and you have a MIDI keyboard. You could then connect your MIDI keyboard to BIAB, activate the Wizard playalong, and record your piano track on your MIDI keyboard, focused on the rhythm without worrying about playing the right notes.
Of course, you could do the same with the computer keyboard, but using a proper MIDI controller is much better, even if you don't play piano.
Like Mat I don’t think the wizard is meant for playing a midi keyboard.
Thanks Mike, as I said, this is what the Help file (v. 2018) says about that:
"The Wizard is an intelligent play along feature that is controlled with the bottom two rows of your computer’s QWERTY keyboard or your connected MIDI keyboard. The bottom row of keys plays chord tones; the second row plays passing tones. You play any key in either row and never make a mistake! The Wizard keys are active during playback."
It would be nice if someone from PG music could clarify this.
OK, I see your point, but here is what I recall this QWERTY Wizard function was for when it was introduced many years ago. There were two main purposes:
One was to be able to noodle around and play along with the song, and there would be no 'wrong' notes. It was really just for fun.
Another more serious idea was to enter difficult rhythms. You could record rhythms without caring about the pitches. Then you could go back and drag the pitch of each note up or down as appropriate. There are still times when I use it to do this on my computer keyboard, and the timing is surprisingly accurate (more so than my bad playing).
---------------------------------
I just re-read the Help. In the BIAB Help, Index under Wizard, several steps are described. First, it talks about using the computer QWERTY keyboard. Then it mentions a MIDI keyboard but says there is a separate step to activate the MIDI keyboard to act as the QWERTY would (and not just be a 'regular' MIDI keyboard) with C, E, G and Bb being notes in the chord, and D,F and A being passing tones. There are checkboxes for MIDI Keyboard Wizard Enabled, and Use Wizard for Thru Part. Did you do that?
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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I just re-read the Help. In the BIAB Help, Index under Wizard, several steps are described. First, it talks about using the computer QWERTY keyboard. Then it mentions a MIDI keyboard but says there is a separate step to activate the MIDI keyboard to act as the QWERTY would (and not just be a 'regular' MIDI keyboard) with C, E, G and Bb being notes in the chord, and D,F and A being passing tones. There are checkboxes for MIDI Keyboard Wizard Enabled, and Use Wizard for Thru Part. Did you do that?
Problem solved! I just didn't see it on the help file. Thank you very much!
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XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
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XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
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