Okay, first of all, Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! I hope you and yours are doing well and having a great time and all that.
Now, on to the topic at hand. I know this isn't the case with all RealTracks, but it is with many of them. You know how, when you click on the Notation icon, then a RealTrack track, often the notation information will be displayed? Well, just how hard would it be for BiaB to go ahead and create a MIDI track from this info, if the user so desired? Seems like BiaB's already done it, in order to display the notation information, right?
Or maybe this is possible, and I just haven't found a way yet how to do it?
Why would I want to replace a RealTrack with a (possibly inferior) MIDI track? Simple. I can edit the MIDI track, and with a decent synth and other controls, you can get MIDI track sounding very nice. But mostly, I can EDIT it. I can move it around, rearrange it, and place elements of it where I want in a piece of music. Can't easily do that with a RealTrack. Well, I suppose you can chop up a RealTrack, but it isn't so easy changing what's being played.
Currently, if I wanted to copy a RealTrack, I'd have to print it to a .pdf file, then load that file into a character recognition program like SmartScore X Pro or PhotoScore & NotateMe to produce a MIDI file. Both of these packages tend to be problematic, but they work, more or less. Or, I could just do it the manual way and notate the chart into a notation package, like MuseScore. But it would sure be nice if I could just save the track(s) as a MIDI file, which it appears I'm not able to do.
So I guess that would be a big wish list item of mine for a future version of BiaB.
If the Realtrack has MIDI notation associated with it, it's very easy to create a MIDI file of that track.
Simply click on the track on the top display of tracks (not the tracks in the mixer), hold the mouse button down, and drag the track to the MID quadrant of the dropbox.
The MIDI is created in a click of the fingers and you'll find it in \bb\DragDrop (which can be accessed by right-clicking on the dropbox).
I do this regularly -- especially with piano, drums and bass. As you've already pointed out, editing is really powerful with MIDI and a good softsynth can achieve excellent results.
The image below shows how I do it with notated Realdrums.
If the RealTrack does not have MIDI notation attached to it, one can pull the track into Melodyne then export it as MIDI. However for this Melodyne is required. If the part is polyphonic (eg piano, guitar) you will require at least the Editor version of Melodyne.
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
Thanks Dan, I figured out the answer to my question, and then deleted my post... I realize now I should not have done that... No stupid questions, right?
If the RealTrack does not have MIDI notation attached to it, one can pull the track into Melodyne then export it as MIDI. However for this Melodyne is required. If the part is polyphonic (eg piano, guitar) you will require at least the Editor version of Melodyne.
Thanks Dan, I figured out the answer to my question, and then deleted my post... I realize now I should not have done that... No stupid questions, right?
I was always taught that it is easy to recover from a stupid question but often difficult to recover from a stupid mistake. Also, a common saying is “there are no stupid questions just stupid answers”.
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
If the Realtrack has MIDI notation associated with it, it's very easy to create a MIDI file of that track.
Simply click on the track on the top display of tracks (not the tracks in the mixer), hold the mouse button down, and drag the track to the MID quadrant of the dropbox.
The MIDI is created in a click of the fingers and you'll find it in \bb\DragDrop (which can be accessed by right-clicking on the dropbox).
I do this regularly -- especially with piano, drums and bass. As you've already pointed out, editing is really powerful with MIDI and a good softsynth can achieve excellent results.
The image below shows how I do it with notated Realdrums.
Regards, Noel
Wow! Thanks, Noel! Something told me there had to be a way to do this within BiaB. Glad I was right and I'm really glad I asked the question because I would have never figured that one out.
Cool, so I just now converted a half dozen tracks to MIDI. Looks like I'm gonna have some editing fun in the next few hours.
I had one more question, but I think I answered it. I was wondering if I could do this conversion for tracks that did not display any musical notation data, and apparently the answer is "no." I've just tried a few different RealTracks where notation data is not displayed and, instead of that little MID box in the DragDrop turning green it turns red and there's a note that pops up in the bottom right corner of the screen, saying basically that there's nothing to be displayed. Too bad.
I don't know if I have a copy of Melodyne Editor -- probably don't. I just discovered earlier today that apparently I have a Melodyne VSTi -- it came up in Cakewalk, as I was having it scan for VSTi's.
So if the track is of an ensemble, such as a horn section, Melodyne won't work as well? Seems to me it could be treated about the same way a piano score would.
The freebie versions given with daws are usually Melodyne Essential. Melodyne Essential won’t do polyphonic. It is ok for vocal, bass or a single horn and that sort of thing. Right now (29th Nov 2019) the upgrade from Essential to the Editor version is US$149 at Pluginboutique. With the editor you can do polyphonic tracks so converting piano tracks or guitar tracks is possible.
I don’t often convert to MIDI but this discussion had my interest up. I dropped a guitar RealTrack to MIDI then used Addictive Keys to play it back. It gave me a really nice addition to the song. Thanks for sparking a thought.
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 11/28/1908:53 PM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
It would seem that Assistant or upwards is required for Audio to MIDI. The base version that came with Cakewalk (Essential) doesn't seem to have that support feature.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
It would seem that Assistant or upwards is required for Audio to MIDI. The base version that came with Cakewalk (Essential) doesn't seem to have that support feature.
Thanks for that I never even considered the Essential version does not do Audio to MIDI. Whilst the Assistant version does I don’t think it can do Polyphonic note editing or MIDI conversion. (It’s been a long time for me as I’ve owned the Editor version for years).
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
Band-in-a-Box can transcribe audio to MIDI, as long as it is a monophonic instrument. In the Audio Edit window, click on the [Edit] button and choose Transcribe. This will transcribe the entire track, or the selected region, into MIDI on the Melody or Soloist track.
This feature is available in version 2018 or higher.
To first get a RealTrack copied to the Audio track, one way is to right-click on the Master radio button (top-left), and choose Render Song to Audio Track.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean