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One reason I decided to upgrade to 2020 was to get those vocal styles I heard, the 2 part a 3 part ones such as _laud.sty or _Glory.

I decided to punch in some cowboy chords for what might sound good (G,A,C,G), a little "Pink Floydy", and I find that the vocals are literally singing wrong notes. It sounds kind of like a comical YouTube video of "World's worst choir) where an inexperienced choir is making a horrible racket.

Is there some way I can improve on this. I understand that these gospel-style background vocals may sound a little bit discordant at times because of the style, but they sometimes seem to be singing completely different chords than the ones I have set in the grid. Perhaps they need more complex chords assigned instead of those basic "cowboy chords"?

Any advice would be appreciated. I was hoping to use these vocals sparingly, just as a little flavor toward the end of some of my songs.

As always, thanks a million!

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My experiments using the demo song chords yielded the same results as you report. Tried forcing the vocals to a simple arrangement, which did not change my results much, if any.

Y'know, it sounds pretty cool if you don't look at the chords. But choices like singing a G# over an Em just don't fit in any of my musical contexts.

My early attempts to use the Oohs/Aahs were similarly frustrating, but these have gotten better over time with PGMusic's improvements, and are now often very useful. Hopefully these newer ones will improve as well.

Sorry I can't offer much more.


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When I tried the progression G A C G just now using _LAUD.STY, it worked for me.

What I suggest if it happens is to freeze all the tracks on the file and then send the file to PG Music so that they can hear the issue. They will then implement a fix as soon as the problem is solved.

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Noel




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And, how about cutting back on all that vibrato? If BIAB could only get close to the jazzy vocal voicings found in the Genos and SX 900 arranger keyboards. Such voices would layer-in behind chord changes quite well.

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Originally Posted By: steambc
One reason I decided to upgrade to 2020 was to get those vocal styles I heard, the 2 part a 3 part ones such as _laud.sty or _Glory.

I decided to punch in some cowboy chords for what might sound good (G,A,C,G), a little "Pink Floydy", and I find that the vocals are literally singing wrong notes. It sounds kind of like a comical YouTube video of "World's worst choir) where an inexperienced choir is making a horrible racket.

Is there some way I can improve on this. I understand that these gospel-style background vocals may sound a little bit discordant at times because of the style, but they sometimes seem to be singing completely different chords than the ones I have set in the grid. Perhaps they need more complex chords assigned instead of those basic "cowboy chords"?

Any advice would be appreciated. I was hoping to use these vocals sparingly, just as a little flavor toward the end of some of my songs.

As always, thanks a million!

Considering your desire to use these vocals "sparingly," you may want to consider creating your own background vocals using Synthesizer V (Synth V for short) with BiaB's vocal styles as reference. Synth V is a powerful free voice synthesizer program that has gotten a lot of attention in the last year or so. You can also create midi files of the notes you want the vocals to sing and import them into Synth V where you can then add your lyrics. And if you happen to use MuseScore, another user has created a script to convert MuseScore files to Synth V formatted files. Though it only has one female English voice, you can create your own male voices from hers that span all of the vocal ranges. I've explained how to do this in the Synth V forums (search for English male vocals topics) and provided links to samples that I created because I'm planning to enhance some of my BiaB created instrumental demos with synthesized vocals due to the fact that I'm not a singer. Here's the link to Synth V's website if you're interested:

https://synthesizerv.com/en/


Tom Levan (pronounced La-VAN)
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Originally Posted By: J. Larry
And, how about cutting back on all that vibrato? If BIAB could only get close to the jazzy vocal voicings found in the Genos and SX 900 arranger keyboards. Such voices would layer-in behind chord changes quite well.

You can completely control how much or how little vibrato you want the vocals to have in Synth V as well as how much breathiness and tension.


Tom Levan (pronounced La-VAN)
BiaB 2024 Win UltraPAK Build 1109, Xtra Style PAKs 1-11, RB 2024, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, Intel Q9650 3 GHz, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD & 2 TB HDD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), Cakewalk, Audacity, MuseScore 2.1 & 3.4, Synthesizer V
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Originally Posted By: steambc
One reason I decided to upgrade to 2020 was to get those vocal styles I heard, the 2 part a 3 part ones such as _laud.sty or _Glory.

I decided to punch in some cowboy chords for what might sound good (G,A,C,G), a little "Pink Floydy", and I find that the vocals are literally singing wrong notes. It sounds kind of like a comical YouTube video of "World's worst choir) where an inexperienced choir is making a horrible racket.

Is there some way I can improve on this. I understand that these gospel-style background vocals may sound a little bit discordant at times because of the style, but they sometimes seem to be singing completely different chords than the ones I have set in the grid. Perhaps they need more complex chords assigned instead of those basic "cowboy chords"?

Any advice would be appreciated. I was hoping to use these vocals sparingly, just as a little flavor toward the end of some of my songs.

As always, thanks a million!


Hi steambc,

Thanks very much for reporting that. I wasn't able to duplicate the issue, and I made a little video showing me using that _laud style, along with the progression you put in:

https://youtu.be/Dhl8REVejiI

But, there might be other issues at play in your song file that are causing the issues. Another user mentioned freezing the Band-in-a-Box file and sending that to us, and that would also be a great way for us to hear exactly what you're hearing, and maybe we can help that way as well.

Thanks,
Tobin


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well done Tobin - what a great way of dealing with a problem

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steambc Offline OP
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Originally Posted By: Tobin - PG Music Inc.
Originally Posted By: steambc
One reason I decided to upgrade to 2020 was to get those vocal styles I heard, the 2 part a 3 part ones such as _laud.sty or _Glory.

I decided to punch in some cowboy chords for what might sound good (G,A,C,G), a little "Pink Floydy", and I find that the vocals are literally singing wrong notes. It sounds kind of like a comical YouTube video of "World's worst choir) where an inexperienced choir is making a horrible racket.

Is there some way I can improve on this. I understand that these gospel-style background vocals may sound a little bit discordant at times because of the style, but they sometimes seem to be singing completely different chords than the ones I have set in the grid. Perhaps they need more complex chords assigned instead of those basic "cowboy chords"?

Any advice would be appreciated. I was hoping to use these vocals sparingly, just as a little flavor toward the end of some of my songs.

As always, thanks a million!


Hi steambc,

Thanks very much for reporting that. I wasn't able to duplicate the issue, and I made a little video showing me using that _laud style, along with the progression you put in:

https://youtu.be/Dhl8REVejiI

But, there might be other issues at play in your song file that are causing the issues. Another user mentioned freezing the Band-in-a-Box file and sending that to us, and that would also be a great way for us to hear exactly what you're hearing, and maybe we can help that way as well.

Thanks,
Tobin





Wow, thanks to all who responded! I have a serious flu that is making it hard for me to even sit at my desk, so I will reply to everyone shortly as my condition improves.

Tobin, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your getting back to me and making the video. I'll bet dollars to donuts that I neglected to set the key. A very stupid rookie mistake. Your examples sounded just fine. My results were comical, but this was because I hadn't set the key... I'm sure of it.

To anyone who is reading this and is considering buying this software or upgrading: Don't hesitate! Do it!

Look at the attention they give to technical support... Absolutely outstanding. And in version 2020 it is SO MUCH EASIER to find styles and RealTracks that are appropriate for your songs. I was hedging on upgrading from V. 2014 and I am ecstatic that I upgraded.

Again, I'll be back in touch with everyone shortly after the flu starts making its exit. Thanks to all. What a great community!

Last edited by steambc; 01/08/20 07:11 AM.
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steambc Offline OP
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"well done Tobin - what a great way of dealing with a problem"




You got that right. Where else do we see such attention to customers' concerns?

Last edited by steambc; 01/08/20 07:12 AM.
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Originally Posted By: steambc
One reason I decided to upgrade to 2020 was to get those vocal styles I heard, the 2 part a 3 part ones such as _laud.sty or _Glory.

I decided to punch in some cowboy chords for what might sound good (G,A,C,G), a little "Pink Floydy", and I find that the vocals are literally singing wrong notes. It sounds kind of like a comical YouTube video of "World's worst choir) where an inexperienced choir is making a horrible racket.

Is there some way I can improve on this. I understand that these gospel-style background vocals may sound a little bit discordant at times because of the style, but they sometimes seem to be singing completely different chords than the ones I have set in the grid. Perhaps they need more complex chords assigned instead of those basic "cowboy chords"?

Any advice would be appreciated. I was hoping to use these vocals sparingly, just as a little flavor toward the end of some of my songs.

As always, thanks a million!


An old thread, LOL. However, inasmuch as I am still using BIAB 2008 and was having a similar problem - and solved it - I'll post!
I set up a backing track to practice saxophone with Keith Jarrett's tune "Country" using the C_Soft style, and kept on hearing occasional minor thirds where they didn't belong, eg. on Bb7sus chords and on Bb/D chords. Really didn't want to hear those #9's! Unchecking "Add embellishment of chords" made them go away.

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Where is that checkbox located?

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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.

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Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

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  • 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
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  • MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
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  • Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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  • RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
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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!

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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!

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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)!

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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!

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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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