Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 12
R
Reskent Offline OP
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
R
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 12
Hey PG fam !

This may be a weird or difficult question but i've been scratching my brain around this for hours..

Is there any way to use the "import chords from MIDI" feature without changing my entire project and removing every plugin and instrument chain I set up ?

I just want to interpret the chords from the MIDI file and nothing else. Lets say for example I have multiple VST's set with Piano, Bass and Rhodes in the Plugin section in the mixer and I have some chords already in the chart but now I want to try some different chords but keep the same instruments and play style. Is there a way to just interrupt the chords from a midi file but keep everything else the same ?

Basically I just want to grab the chords from a midi file and nothing else while keeping the same project settings, plugins and sounds.

I hope this makes sense haha I appreciate any help with this at all in advance

Thanks

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Hi Reskent,

Save your song with a new name so that you have the original to go back to, if required, and then test BIAB's ability to do that on the newly named song. You'll soon discover what's possible. This is how I approach 'finding out' what's the program can or cannot do.

I use this approach more generally, too. Every time I reach a point in a song that has taken me quite a bit of time to arrive at, I ALWAYS save it (first) and then save it with a new name. This means that, in the worst case scenario when I lose a chunk of work, I can always load in the previous version and get a head start on what I might have lost. I usually just name the different versions MySong 1.sgu", MySong 2.sgu", etc.

By the time I finish composing a song, I've usually got around 15 different versions that I've created along the way. Because BIAB files are small, the impact on my computer's storage is minimal.

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 12
R
Reskent Offline OP
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
R
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 12
Thanks for the response Noel96 !

I actually do that as well haha glad to see i'm not the only one.

But yeah I've actually already tried doing what i'm asking. Which is why I wanted to see if it's even possible. It might not even be a feature since BIAB has to interrupt and guess the chords from a midi file. I wanted to know if it's possible to do that and keep the same plugins in the project without having to rebuild the chain again. For instance i'll load up Keyscape (Piano), Trilian (Bass) and Kontakt (Guitar) and have every instrument routed and working but everytime I import chords from a midi file it removes all of my plugins from the mixer and turns it back into default sounds.

I've been at this for hours because I feel like the solution is very simple but i'm stomped atm.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,867
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,867
Originally Posted By: Reskent
Hey PG fam !

This may be a weird or difficult question but i've been scratching my brain around this for hours..

Is there any way to use the "import chords from MIDI" feature without changing my entire project and removing every plugin and instrument chain I set up ?

I just want to interpret the chords from the MIDI file and nothing else. Lets say for example I have multiple VST's set with Piano, Bass and Rhodes in the Plugin section in the mixer and I have some chords already in the chart but now I want to try some different chords but keep the same instruments and play style. Is there a way to just interrupt the chords from a midi file but keep everything else the same ?

Basically I just want to grab the chords from a midi file and nothing else while keeping the same project settings, plugins and sounds.

I hope this makes sense haha I appreciate any help with this at all in advance

Thanks


Yes and No. You're asking two questions and they prompt different answers.

1. Is there any way to use the "import chords from MIDI" feature without changing my entire project and removing every plugin and instrument chain I set up ? No

I'm not completely sure No is correct. I tested importing chords from a midi file for a few minutes and everything I tried reset the Mixer and Style to their default settings. More thorough testing may show there is a method to do so. I haven't found it. It may be true because there is another method that works when using audio.

2. Is there a way to just interrupt the chords from a midi file but keep everything else the same ? Yes

The way to interpret the chords from a midi file without a reset to default setting is not difficult but is a work around. Convert the midi file to audio (Render) and import that audio into your project and analyze the midi file chords using the Audio Chord Wizard.

This works because there are two different methods to bring audio into a BiAB song.

If you 'open' an audio file, it reacts the same as the "import chords from MIDI" feature and resets the Chart and Mixer and all Mixer settings return to default settings.

If you 'import' audio, BIAB recognizes it's working within an existing project and brings in the Audio file but does not reset the Chord Chart or Mixer. That's accomplished by the Audio Chord Wizard and most of your settings remain the same. The ACW will change the Chord Progression, Key Signature and tempo. Of course you want the Chord progression but even if you have to change the key and tempo, changing those parameters, you don't lose the Chords or Mixer settings.

Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 03/17/20 06:48 AM.

BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 12
R
Reskent Offline OP
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
R
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 12
Omg ! You are a angel ! Thank you.

Obviously that isn't the direct answer to my problem but it is a more than amazing workaround.

I really appreciate you taking the time Charlie.

Thank you !!!!!

Hopefully you'll be able to the same with midi in the near future.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,867
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,867
BIAB is originally a midi based software and it's been around for decades, I would not be surprised to find there's a method to import midi without losing all the mixer settings. I'm curious and will continue to experiment.


BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!

All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!

It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!

The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.

The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

Note: 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.

The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.

Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.

Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.

Holiday Weekend Hours

As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:

April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours

Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!

— Team PG

Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

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.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,220
Posts802,032
Members40,070
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Orchestr8, dimtass, Quamido Pirendo, Allan63, isledge
40,070 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 127
zedd 110
DC Ron 94
rsdean 86
Noel96 76
Today's Birthdays
flashlarue, gary133, kirbonite
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5