|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6 |
I've successfully imported my MZ-X500 Instrument INS file to a PAT file. I've also successfully imported my MZ-X500 Drums INS file to a PAT file. If I use any high bank instruments I am unable to also select high bank drums and vice versa. The program appears to only be able to use one PAT file definition at a time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,097
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,097 |
Hello William Sterling!
Welcome to Band-in-a-Box (BiaB) and to the forum. Is the MZ-X500 you mention the Casio 61 key arranger workstation keyboard?
Silly question but have you checked the BiaB program midi settings (Options > Preferences > Channels or Ctrl + E > Channels) to make sure the track midi channel settings match the workstation channel settings?
Silly question number 2 have you looked on pages 523 & 524 in the manual where it discusses using a patch map? While it doesn't specifically state you can use only one patch map for instrument and one for drums it seems to imply that.
Unfortunately I don't use patch maps so my help is limited.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6 |
Thank you for the welcome Jim. Fixed it. Apparently BiaB 2019 Build 626 Does not parse the DRUMSET INS file properly. It appears to ignore the 'BankSelMethod' setting and always assumes a param of '0'. My synth requires '1' I have it all working now, just had to manually program the drum kits, all 77 of them ;-) Yes, the MZ-X500 is a Casio. I use it with my Kronos 2. They make a good pair. 
Last edited by William Sterling; 07/20/19 02:29 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,097
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,097 |
I'm glad you got the PAT or INI file straightened out. Are you going to share a copy of the corrected file with PG Music so they can add it to their patch map depository?
That is a glamorous instrument photograph! I'm sure it sounds just as good as it looks. Both your Casio and Korg are outstanding instruments. Between the two I'd say you have external midi sound modules covered.
Curious side question if I may. Of the two workstations, which keyboard bed do you prefer to play and why. I'm not a keyboard player but I've read many times that each keyboard bed has it's own feel and every manufacturer has their own interpretation of "natural feel".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,683
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,683 |
Yes, welcome, and do send that patch map to support@pgmusic.com
Reference this thread. Thanks!
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6 |
I'm glad you got the PAT or INI file straightened out. Are you going to share a copy of the corrected file with PG Music so they can add it to their patch map depository?
That is a glamorous instrument photograph! I'm sure it sounds just as good as it looks. Both your Casio and Korg are outstanding instruments. Between the two I'd say you have external midi sound modules covered.
Curious side question if I may. Of the two workstations, which keyboard bed do you prefer to play and why. I'm not a keyboard player but I've read many times that each keyboard bed has it's own feel and every manufacturer has their own interpretation of "natural feel". The correction involved changing this ... 0.0.120=STANDARD SET 1 1.0.120=STANDARD SET 2 2.0.120=STANDARD SET 3 3.0.120=STANDARD SET 4 4.0.120=STANDARD SET 5 ... to this ... 0.120.0=STANDARD SET 1 1.120.0=STANDARD SET 2 2.120.0=STANDARD SET 3 3.120.0=STANDARD SET 4 4.120.0=STANDARD SET 5 ... I made the change by editing the PAT file in Notepad. The Drums INS file I created back in 2016 is correct and works properly with my DAWs. The instrument INS file I also created in 2016 works fine as is. I'll send the PAT files to support. Re: Keyboard beds there is no contest, my 61 key Kronos wins hands down. It's a "Natural Touch Semi Weighted" keybed where the Casio is a pretty cheap 'organ' type keybed. I use the Kronos to control the Casio. A fair number of folks have complained about the Casio keyboard getting noisy with age. Silicone grease seems to work well to fix the issue. The Kronos 2 (identified by the solid wood end caps) has 'Hammond' type keys. The Kronos 2 survives aggressive palm glissandos easily. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6 |
Yes, welcome, and do send that patch map to support@pgmusic.com
Reference this thread. Thanks! Thank you Matt. I have sent the Casio MZ-X500 PAT files to support and referenced this thread. cheers, Rick
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,683
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,683 |
Yamaha and Roland have different standards for what is called displacement. It’s very annoying. If I ask you to count to 10, you’ll probably start at one and end at ten. Often programmers start at zero, however. Your familiar numbering system is Decimal, or Base 10, otherwise known as the digits zero through nine, for ten possible digits. I could go on...
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6 |
Yamaha and Roland have different standards for what is called displacement. It’s very annoying. If I ask you to count to 10, you’ll probably start at one and end at ten. Often programmers start at zero, however. Your familiar numbering system is Decimal, or Base 10, otherwise known as the digits zero through nine, for ten possible digits. I could go on... Yes, that was my first thought, but the issue at hand was different. See my post above re ordering of parameters. BiaB was sending the correct parameters, just in the wrong order. Its the old MSB or LSB first issue and how LSB, MSB are functionally defined. The crucial parameter that is being ignored is ... BankSelMethod=1 There are apparently 4 possible values for BankSelMethod, 0,1,2 & 3 0 Normal - bank select MSB and LSB matter 1 Only the MSB is used and defined 2 Only the LSB is used and defined 3 Only program changes are used and defined As you can see, if this parameter is ignored and defaults to mode zero when it requires mode 1 things can get messy. 
Last edited by William Sterling; 07/22/19 12:57 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,683
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,683 |
Ah, I understand. Thanks for clarifying. And thanks for sending the patch map to PG Music.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6 |
For those who have the Casio MZ-X500 or X300 and need to define the instruments in Sonar or any DAW that can use INS files here is a link to my posting of those files on the Casio forum. MZ-X500/300 INS Files post
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac 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!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
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!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
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!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
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!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,636
Posts807,801
Members40,179
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean