That is definitely true for good more expensive MIDI sound sources.
Velocity is an attribute of each note event which BIAB midi provides. Many of the midi playback sounds in my DAW have multiple layers which respond differently to different midi velocity input. So when BIAB is providing quality velocity values recorded by a midi instrument (as in the case of MSTs) all is good. But when transcribed or computer generated to a pattern then, not so good.
Both midi volume (CC 07) and expression (CC 11) both do the exact same thing but these are CC events. I have seen no CC output from any BIAB midi.
No, not agreed. Expression can be different from simple volume. On a Hammond organ for example it's specifically called an expression pedal because it increases volume non linearly. This is by specific design. It's weighted towards the higher levels. If you're playing at quieter levels and increase your pedal by say 10% you get a certain level of increased volume but if you're already pretty loud that same 10% of pedal movement at the higher end of the range is more than a 10% change in volume.
In addition to that, an expression pedal also increases the overdrive of of the tube preamp and the Leslie amp so it also changes the character of the sound. That's where the growl comes from on many recordings of organs. A good software Hammond includes using expression to control the amp sims of different models of Leslies. I'm sure organs are not the only example of the difference between expression and simple volume changes. A software instrument that includes that will be looking for CC11 expression in a midi file, not CC7.
Piano is one exception because it's all velocity, piano doesn't use pitch bend, modulation or volume controls but like Mario said you need a synth with enough velocity layers on the piano patch to matter. A basic freebie or cheap GM synth usually has none or maybe two at the most but you load up Ivory or Pianoteq that has unlimited velocity because it's modeled not sampled, and that will bring the MST's to life. Of course, those cost real money like $300-$500 just for one instrument.
This goes to Mario's point about using a basic GM synth vs the higher end expensive ones. Biab is GM based and the GM spec does not include a lot of the nuanced midi controls. This is why over the years I've said don't get too excited about loading up Biab midi charts in a DAW and expecting them to sound close to the original Real Track or Drums. Especially the drums. Biab is not capable of embedding the proper midi controls to give that human feel we all love and is the reason the Real Tracks/Drums were invented in the first place.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
Lets stay on Piano for a minute. Lots of those other instruments open up a can of worms.
I want to distinguish between capturing/recording or generating the midi AND the software instrument which plays the midi. I don't use GM sound synths to play midi. I have many midi-instruments in my DAW, including Pioanoteq ($149) and many others. I am sure these have the capability of creating midi which can contain all the whistles and bells - if I know how to play them.
But I have to get my midi tracks generally from other pre-made sources. Like BIAB. So I am trying to understand the quality of the BIAB midi data (and forgive if I am beating a dead horse - I really am trying to comprehend here)
In my study of the BIAB MST-midi and RT-midi within Reaper I can see that there is a considerable about of metadata including CC's and velocity data in both. Here is a picture which shows what is provided in a BIAB midi file to my DAW for use in high end sound synths. This confirms to me that I am getting good piano midi from BIAB. I assume not all the BIAB midi is this detailed but the few I have now looked at, look just like this picture. Perhaps I am over analyzing - I tend to do that (a carry over from the day job) . I am going to look closer at some of my other sources of midi data to see how they compare to BIAB in terms of metadata.
Or maybe the bottom line is just, how does it sound? To me, a lot of the BIAB midi sounds I use are very good.
A basic freebie or cheap GM synth usually has none or maybe two at the most but you load up Ivory or Pianoteq that has unlimited velocity because it's modeled not sampled, and that will bring the MST's to life. Of course, those cost real money like $300-$500 just for one instrument.
Here is midi content coming out of EZKeys. And yes, this sounds very good also. In my opinoin can not be distinguished from the BIAB RT pianos or MSTs when listening.
Here is the midi content associated with Scaler 2. Remember this is entirely programming so I am not surprised to see the more minimal content in the metadata. Velocity is all editable in either Scaler 2 or Reaper. But, based on my listening to it, I generally have not use Scaler2 as a sole midi source for a piano track.
The MIDI data from the BiaB track is all dedicated MIDI CCs and Program change. They include MIDI effects (CC91 and CC93) and Bank Select (00/32) which if one is using a DAW and a good sound source do not need as their DAW will have better effects, either in native mode or through third parties.
They EZKeys do not include a lot of CCs as they expect you to do that type of thing in your DAW. The advantage of an EZKey MIDI file is that you can have more then 4 chord changes and the placement of said chords.
The Scaler 2 is the same as EZKey in that they expect you to work in a DAW.
BiaB MIDI files are basic files much like EZKey and Scaler 2. Take a typical BiaB MIDI track and have it play the most expensive piano software and it will sound just slightly better than a GM piano. But in your DAW you add CC11 and the dedicated CCs for that expensive piano then it will come to life. GM sounds lack those special CCs and they start with a much better sounding piano.
Maybe this will help, it is much like buying a car. You can buy the basic model (like a BiaB MIDI track) and add all of the options that you want (like adding CCs) to get to the final car (track) that you like.
GM sounds are very basic and with little if any layers where as more expensive sounds can have many layers and dedicated CCs. I have not even mentioned key switches!
Got to run but I hope this helps.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I am now more confused. I think we are mixing different things here, 1) creating midi data and 2) playing back midi data. Although, it may turn out these are one in the same! But lets stick to piano midi only because I am aware of differences with other instruments and I want this point to be clear.
I (we) don't have any control over how the BIAB midi data was made. It is what it is. The BIAB MSTs midi data includes both note and velocity [Same as a RT midi file I used]. It also has CC64 (Hold Petal) data. It has a assortment of other CC data (shown above) but these appear to be static with no change during playback. When I put this midi data on a track in Reaper and insert Pianoteq 7 (demo:) VST, it sounds wonderful to my ear. So what is BIAB midi data missing that could make things any better? My answer, remember only speaking about Piano midi, is little to nothing. Can we agree on that?
Hold it, maybe I see a bit of light now. Are you suggesting I could add CC data to the BIAB midi data in my daw? Like draw in CCxx for this or CCxx for that or record the Mod Wheel onto the track as it plays. Pianoteq would likely know what to do with that data when it is suppled with the midi data. Those are things I have done with non-piano midi where it may be essential to the sound. That I can understand.
................... Are you suggesting I could add CC data to the BIAB midi data in my daw? Like draw in CCxx for this or CCxx for that or record the Mod Wheel onto the track as it plays. Pianoteq would likely know what to do with that data when it is suppled with the midi data. Those are things I have done with non-piano midi where it may be essential to the sound. That I can understand.
EXACTLY. If your sound source can use those CCs then you can change things like the timbre via filters, add key clicks, use pedals, etc. These will make your bland BiaB piano MIDI track come to life.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
OK, thank you. My job is now done here. I now know what I know and have a good idea of what has been done and what can be done and what needs to be done. All of this is now starting to sound familiar to me.
Much appreciated guys.
So regarding the topic question "MIDI Question: Does a MIDI Track Created From a RealTrack Retain Its Humanity?" The answer remains sometimes, but your odds are much better predicting those times based on what we have covered here.
Thanks Mario! Is there a basic guide online you would recommend?
JohnJohnJohn,
There is a really good video series on YouTube explaining midi. +++ HERE +++ is a link to another post that has links to eight videos. Truthfully, the first video will likely answer many of you questions about midi, the other seven just go into more detail.
Thanks Mario! Is there a basic guide online you would recommend?
JohnJohnJohn,
There is a really good video series on YouTube explaining midi. +++ HERE +++ is a link to another post that has links to eight videos. Truthfully, the first video will likely answer many of you questions about midi, the other seven just go into more detail.
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!
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!
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)!
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!
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!
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!
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows 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 60 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 Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. 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 Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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.
I now know what I know and have a good idea of what has been done and what can be done and what needs to be done. All of this is now starting to sound familiar to me.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean