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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: 10,918
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918 |
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: 10,918
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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: 2,137
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,137 |
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: 2,137
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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: 10,664
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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