Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#538757 05/29/19 06:20 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 60
T
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
T
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 60
I have BIAB 2019.

I have a song. It has an organ. I want a piano.

I put the mixer on mixer (?) The organ slot says organ. I hit the arrow on the right which brings up a menu that changes the patch. No matter what I select, the patch doesn't change, i.e. I still hear organ. I hit F4, generate, the patch doesn't change.

I do the same with the "Patches" tab on the Mixer. Same menu. Same result.

I do the same with the Organ tab along the top. Same menu. Same result.

1. Why are there 3 ways to

a. reach the same menu to change the patch
b. that don't change the patch?

2. How do I change the patch?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633
Hi Tom,

It sounds like the track involved might have a Realtrack instrument on it. Patches are for changing the sound of MIDI instruments. Since Realtracks are audio, their sound cannot be altered.

To confirm my thoughts, could you please post an image of your open BIAB desktop? If you are not sure how to do that, follow the instructions in the link below.

https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=472139#Post472139

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Also, if it's MIDI and it came from an imported MIDI file, it's possible the organ patch is hard coded into the MIDI stream, which will prevent you from changing it. You can open the MIDI event viewer (see the "#" icon in the notation editor screen), look for the patch change, and delete it. That will then allow you to assign a different instrument to the melody or soloist track. As Noel said, if it's a RealTrack, then you would just have to change from an organ to a piano RealTrack, which would then be playing much different notes than an organ RealTrack.

If it is MIDI on one of the other tracks (the accompaniment tracks), then you should be able to change the instrument (which is initialy determined by the style); however, there is an setting (I can't remember where it is right now) where a MIDI style always reverts to the instrument defined by the style file that you have to override to change the instrument to one of your choosing. Maybe someone else can chime in on that.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA

BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 60
T
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
T
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 60
Thanks for the replies.

This is strictly stock BIAB MIDI instruments, no Real Tracks, imported files, nada.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 60
T
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
T
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 60
Originally Posted By: jford
. . . however, there is an setting (I can't remember where it is right now) where a MIDI style always reverts to the instrument defined by the style file that you have to override to change the instrument to one of your choosing. Maybe someone else can chime in on that.


That would seem a good thing to point out in the documentation re: the mixer. "This doesn't work unless you do something else first."

I notice that when you use the mixer to change the patch, it does indeed change the displayed name of the patch, in the mixer. It just doesn't change the patch. Cute.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Try this. It will work or it won't.

Go to the MIDI Options on the preferences page. Uncheck the box marked "Style Patch Changes".

I believe this will let you override whatever patch was set in the style.

You will probably have to reload your song for it to take effect.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA

BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 60
T
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
T
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 60
Alas, it doesn't work.

I notice the pop-up help says

"Styles have default patches for each track. If you do not want BIAB to send these patch changes, you can disable this. Note: this is different from the patch changes that you save with your song."

If a song has a default patch, why does BIAB send a patch change? I'm the one who wants to "send" a patch change.

Assuming I succeed, why wouldn't I save it with my song? *What* is "different" from "the patch changes that you save with your song?"

What is the point of overlaying something so simple with this convoluted structure of switching? It's like you went to switch on the light, the light doesn't switch on, and they tell you, oh, didn't you know, you have to uninstall a different switch and reinstall it, because we designed it that way to make things easier for you.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Could you maybe post a copy of the file you are working on (on DropBox or Google Drive or similar)? I would be happy to try it out on my computer this weekend to see if I can replicate or solve the problem.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA

BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,075
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,075
Hi Tom Dentist,

Sometimes a user will want specific patches to be embedded in a song file, other times not. If I'm creating a song file and I'm using patches specific to a Roland SC-55 Sound Canvas module then I would want the patches to be in the song file. If I'm creating a song file and don't care what the specific patches are then I would not put the patch data in the song file. There are legitimate reasons for both choices.


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1237) RB (Build 10) - 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
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633
Originally Posted By: jford
Could you maybe post a copy of the file you are working on (on DropBox or Google Drive or similar)?


I agree with John. Our having access to a copy of the file that you're working on would be very useful. What you're experiencing seems to be unusual.

In the meantime, what style is the song based on?

Also, is this a supermidi track you have loaded? (The track name will be be light blue in colour.)

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 60
T
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
T
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 60
Sorry, I was gone over the weekend. Very generous of you, thanks.

These posting things you mention, I don't know what they are, and at the moment I have no further time to waste on this.

All I want to do is change a plain midi patch to a different plain midi patch. I hadn't done it for a long time, on account of this problem. Then it worked; then it didn't.

I'll go back to my former practice of having BIAB generate some parts, save them as midi, and get out of BIAB into some other program just as soon as I'm able.


Last edited by Tom Dentist; 06/05/19 10:39 AM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Tom, if you post a file (say, on Dropbox), we can see exactly what is happening and then at best, have an answer or a possible workaround, or at worst have to report a bug. This would also help other people who may have the same problem, but just haven't asked about it yet. That's all we're trying to do.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA

BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 60
T
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
T
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 60
Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle
Hi Tom Dentist,

Sometimes a user will want specific patches to be embedded in a song file, other times not. If I'm creating a song file and I'm using patches specific to a Roland SC-55 Sound Canvas module then I would want the patches to be in the song file. If I'm creating a song file and don't care what the specific patches are then I would not put the patch data in the song file. There are legitimate reasons for both choices.


The documentation says change the patch in the mixer. If it worked, and I didn't like it, I'd change it. If I did, I'd save the file.

Change, or not; save, or not. Are you talking about something else?

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

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, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!

Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.

Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.

If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!

202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!

Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.

Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.

The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
  • iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,436
Posts805,090
Members40,121
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Jerry Gerber, Fjane, vieumotar, dpckeys, Bloc
40,121 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 130
DC Ron 99
rsdean 97
WaoBand 82
vicarn 67
Today's Birthdays
Saxfred
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5