I've been using BiaB for Mac since 2014 and have noted consistently, after writing songs, saving them and reloading them in the program, that the real tracks are different from my original song, being randomized from the original.
I've read on this forum that the tracks are regenerated randomly, and if one has Real Band (which the Mac version does not), that the files could be saved to Real Band and sorted out to find the version of the song that one had generated previously. Unfortunately, with the Mac version, I don't have that option.
Any suggestions as to how I can reload the same song version that I had written, or am I stuck with the randomization of the tracks? Do I have other options, such as saving the initial generated song to a DAW (I have Logic). Problem here is that I can't go back into BiaB and do more work later with the song loaded from Logic.
As you indicate, it's normal behaviour for RTs to be regenerated whenever a song is reopened in BIAB.
If you wish to stop this, simply freeze the tracks you want to keep. On the image below, I've highlighted the 'Freeze' icon present on the mixer in BIAB (Windows). I anticipate that BIAB (Mac) will have something similar.
While the track still needs generating after freezing, when the file is reopened, it will always generate the same as it was at the point of freezng.
However, if you change the chord progression any (even just one chord), everything will have to be regenerated to accommodate that one chord and you'll get a new rendition of the song.
But that's just the way it works.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Thanks, Noel. I briefly looked at BiaB after your suggestion and it looks like that should work. One question: once the track is frozen and saved in the song, upon reopening, should I use "play" or "generate" to re-listen? Also, should I unfreeze the track after re-loading before making additional alterations to the song? And finally (I guess this is a three part question, LOL), after all changes are made, should I again freeze the track before re-saving? Appreciate your help in this. I'm currently writing a lot of music in BiaB, and this should help keep those original song generations from changing after every save and re-boot.
One question: once the track is frozen and saved in the song, upon reopening, should I use "play" or "generate" to re-listen?
Either should work after first reopening the song. Out of habit, I always use "Generate".
Originally Posted By: Rockdoc326
Also, should I unfreeze the track after re-loading before making additional alterations to the song?
This will depend on what changes are made.
As a general principle, anything that alters the chordsheet (i.e. if chords are changed, bar settings are added, time signature is changed, bars are inserted/deleted, etc.) will require the song to be regenerated. When that's the case, then it's necessary to unfreeze any tracks first.
Originally Posted By: Rockdoc326
And finally (I guess this is a three part question, LOL), after all changes are made, should I again freeze the track before re-saving?
Yes. If you want to keep anything, freezing tracks before saving is a the best way to do it.
Hey Noel, I also just listened to some of your tunes on Soundcloud. Beautiful music! You are talented, Sir.
When you get a chance, check out some of my originals on Soundcloud under Rockdoc1. I'll be adding more in the near future. See what you think.
Enjoy!
Thanks for listening! You took me by surprise I appreciate your encouraging comments.
I had a listen to the four tracks you presently have on Soundcloud (at least, I only found four). I like what you've done. Good chord progressions with all the instruments mixed very tastefully. You certainly seem to be getting the hang of BIAB.
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