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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 22 |
Hi,
I'm a retired computer tech, but I'm a MIDI / Music Software non-power user (sorry).
I have BIAB 10 and RealBand, and Pro Audio which I have been using for a few years to play songs that I have entered.
Is there any way I can use one or all of the programs that I've listed to drive an Alesis HR-16 to play the drums from the HR-16 through an amp?
In other words, have the computer control the HR-16 which is plugged into an amp.
The purpose would be for drums to play an instrument along with for practice. I know I can use BIAB etc. through an amp, but the HR-16 has different sounds.
If it can be done, what equipment would I need to procure (interface, etc.) and how would I tell the program to control the HR-16?
Thanks in advance.
Bob - The-Watosh
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,012
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,012 |
Does your Alesis HR-16 have a MIDI IN port? A MIDI IN port is needed to accept incoming MIDI data.
Also, your computer must have a MIDI OUT port. Most newer computers do not have MIDI ports. However, inexpensive generic, or a little bit higher cost name brand, USB to MIDI convertors are available online and many music stores.
Assuming your Alesis HR-16 has a MIDI IN port and your computer has a MIDI OUT port the Band-in-a-Box program DOES have the capability to send MIDI data to hardware outside your computer.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
You'd have to disable RealDrums so that MIDI drums are generated, disable the DXi synthesizer, and select a MIDI Interface as your MIDI Output Driver, which would need to be connected to the HR-16. You'll also want to make sure you're using RealTracks for every instrument except drums. You may also need to change some settings to the HR-16 so it plays from a MIDI input instead of using its built-in patterns. I doubt it'll end up sounding as good as the RealDrums, but it should work.  Thanks Kent PG Music
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,012
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,012 |
I looked at the Alesis HR-16 user manual and verified it does have a MIDI IN port. Pages 18, 19 & 20 detail how to set it up. I suggest you program the Alesis HR-16 for OMNI mode so it will accept the midi data it receives from any channel. The pages also has information about what midi notes "tell" each sound to play.
As Kent stated, when you use the Alesis HR-16 with Band-in-a-Box you will want to go into settings and disable the option to substitute RealDrums for MIDI drums. Many of the MIDI only styles have some excellent drum patterns.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 22 |
You'd have to disable RealDrums so that MIDI drums are generated, disable the DXi synthesizer, and select a MIDI Interface as your MIDI Output Driver, which would need to be connected to the HR-16. You'll also want to make sure you're using RealTracks for every instrument except drums. You may also need to change some settings to the HR-16 so it plays from a MIDI input instead of using its built-in patterns. I doubt it'll end up sounding as good as the RealDrums, but it should work. Thanks Kent PG Music I looked at the Alesis HR-16 user manual and verified it does have a MIDI IN port. Pages 18, 19 & 20 detail how to set it up. I suggest you program the Alesis HR-16 for OMNI mode so it will accept the midi data it receives from any channel. The pages also has information about what midi notes "tell" each sound to play.
As Kent stated, when you use the Alesis HR-16 with Band-in-a-Box you will want to go into settings and disable the option to substitute RealDrums for MIDI drums. Many of the MIDI only styles have some excellent drum patterns. Thanks so much for your quick and very helpful replies! I very much appreciate the thought and time spent on them. I think I'll just stick with playing the computer with PG softwares through the amp. The drums in the PG programs sound just perfectly fine for what I'm doing, and it's definitely a lot easier for me. Thanks again, All the very best, Bob The-Watosh
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
any tips for transferring midi patterns from BIAB or RB or PT into the alesis? the drum grid editor is much easier to use than the step by step input to the alesis.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
thanks Kent - not being a drummer makes the alesis less than intuitive - especially fills - but is suppose i have to bite the bullet and learn
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi Bob,
OK. Just to make sure I'm being clear, I'm referring to playing the MIDI file in a program like PowerTracks or RealBand, and recording the MIDI output into the HR-16, not finger-drumming the patterns on the pads. It'll still be tricky to get the timing right, but won't require drumming skills.
Thanks
Kent
PG Music
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,807
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I'd use BB to generate a midi drum track.... trying to make a track that isn't boring is the hardest part.
Then it's just a matter of directing the midi out to the drum machine and doing what you want with the audio.
Use a good DAW to minimize the problems and confusion. Sonar or another good DAW can handle multiple midi tracks.
Years ago when it was Cakewalk Sequencing software, I saw a live band using CW Sequencer to run everything except the guitar and the bass. The two guys had programmed everything else including the lights, vocal processing, harmonizer and switching the guitar channels into Midi all running to different modules on stage and into the PA. I thought they were using backing tracks but they assured me it was all midi.
Midi is a highly capable protocol.
All that said.... Seriously, I find the drum RT's to be totally awesome sounding. For practicing, it's all you would need. EQ it and crank it up.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
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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.
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Happy New Year!
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Season's Greetings!
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The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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