When I drag a generated RealTrack to MID and then drag it to my DAW I get a nice MIDI version of the track that I can assign my own virtual instrument to. Fantastic!
But I am curious if the "humanness" of the RealTrack is preserved in the MIDI? Things like volume changes, timing, etc. The things that make RealTracks sound like a human playing rather than a perfect robot playing.
Dunno if I'm describing this correctly but when I work strictly in MIDI it can sound robotic. And the humanize feature often makes a track sound more like a malfunctioning robot than a human!
I am hoping the nuances of a RealTrack that make it sound so natural are retained in the MIDI!
It depends on several things. Does the RealTrack even have MIDI? Not all do. All the keyboards do, now, and as of BIAB 2021, so do all the RealDrums.
Other instruments may have MIDI for educational purposes but it won’t have the nuances of a real performer. In the early days of ReslTracks, I was paid to transcribe some of the sax and guitar parts. I believe this is fully automated now. The parts I made looked correct for educational purposes but sounded like a robot, with no dynamics or varying articulation, scooping etc.
Piano tracks should work well, as they are recorded on a digital piano so the MIDI should be as good as MIDI can be.
Does that help?
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.
Good question. I can only answer from my experience. I have found that a BIAB midi file which has been transcribed from a RT will NOT sound all that well. It will be missing the expression AND velocity which is only coded when a Real Instrument is being recorded by a midi recorder. MST Pianos sound excellent, as they are recorded with a midi instrument, but the midi from a Transcribed Rt audio file piano will not. Their value for this is limited to creating sheet music.
I only recently checked out the midi from a RD track. I found the midi associated with the RD track to be pretty good. It did have velocity data on all the hits. I can only suspect that it was captured on a midi drum kit which records the midi concurrently with the audio recorded by mics. I don't know if all RD midi is done this way.
This has been talked about a lot in the forum over the years but is always good to keep in mind. Matt has the same take as I do, however I would answer your question not with a "maybe", but with a "sometimes".
#3 is easy. All the PG Music piano RealTracks are supposed to be this way.
#1, look in the Notation column of the RealTracks picker window.
If you know #1 and #3, then anything else that has MIDI may be recorded with 'humanity', or may be only transcribed, and I don't know except by listening to the MIDI how to tell the difference.
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.
I think another though on this is that many of the earlier chart were added to the RTs to drive the notation window so they did not need human feeling. I think this is right?!?
Seems to be a year to year growth thing.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Zoom Livetrack L-8
One way is to open the midi file in Reaper and look to see if velocity data exists? It is either there or it is not. Otherwise, not sure...
BTW, Matt either has all these answers queued up in a database or he is a very fast typer.
Good idea but velocity data does not tell the entire picture. If there is a MIDI note then there will be a velocity. One problem is if all of the note velocities are the same then the initial volume and timbre could be the same. Another is if the actual volume is different in the original recording and the users MIDI volume setting.
But velocity is only one factor for reading and/or setting nuances. Things like pitch bend, vibrato (usually via the mod wheel - CC1), slurs, trills, hammer ons and offs, etc, play a very important roll in making a MIDI track sound more realistic. If you are going to work in MIDI then you must learn some MIDI basics. It is a learning curve but not a very steep one.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Good point Mario. When I indicated I was seeing velocity data for the BIAB drum midi, I did mean it was varied as though getting its values from a live player. It is possible in Reaper to examine all meta data associated with the file. So I will give this a closer look in the days to come to see if I can arrive at some conclusion. Certainly the MST Pianos should be the best candidate to see what is exactly being delivered under best conditions. I'll compare these to the regular midi charts with RTs and RDs.
In fact I just tried to start this process and the BIAB VST locked up on me. I am afraid BIAB is not quick to give up its secrets.
Here is a simple midi BIAB midi drums (not RD's). There is no meta data content besides midi note and velocity value. The velocity data looks to be automated.
All the PG Music piano RealTracks are supposed to be this way.
Thanks Matt. So, would that mean ALL RealTrack pianos? All the way back to the very first RealTracks? Or maybe just all of those after a certain time period?
Here is a typical BIAB MST Piano and a BIAB Piano RT chart. I will let you be the judge as to what to make of this or as to what may be hidden under the hood.
Here is a typical BIAB MST Piano and a BIAB Piano RT chart. I will let you be the judge as to what to make of this or as to what may be hidden under the hood.
So, first, MST means MIDI Super Track?
Then, although I am not very familiar with what you are showing me I guess the first image has very limited and likely generated variances while the second one is much richer and fuller and likely the one played by a human and recorded on a digital piano. Is that correct?
One way is to open the midi file in Reaper and look to see if velocity data exists? It is either there or it is not. Otherwise, not sure...
BTW, Matt either has all these answers queued up in a database or he is a very fast typer.
Good idea but velocity data does not tell the entire picture. If there is a MIDI note then there will be a velocity. One problem is if all of the note velocities are the same then the initial volume and timbre could be the same. Another is if the actual volume is different in the original recording and the users MIDI volume setting.
But velocity is only one factor for reading and/or setting nuances. Things like pitch bend, vibrato (usually via the mod wheel - CC1), slurs, trills, hammer ons and offs, etc, play a very important roll in making a MIDI track sound more realistic. If you are going to work in MIDI then you must learn some MIDI basics. It is a learning curve but not a very steep one.
Thanks Mario! Is there a basic guide online you would recommend?
As Mario clarified for us, all midi will have some element of Velocity. I think this can, at minimum, represent tuning the note on and off and the resultant volume. The MST velocity is all over the place indicating a touch sensitive keyboard in the hands of a pianist who plays with soft and aggressive feeling. Also the MST (or SMT, whatever), records the player using the piano pedals to sustain and release. That is essentially the only meta data I see with the exception of some on and off elements.
The RT shows only velocity. I can't tell if it is programmed or played but I have a suspicion of the former. Again no other meta data on the track.
What does it all mean? Well it may explain why I long ago decided on only MSTs for my selections from BIAB when I need good midi piano. I suspect you may need to gather you own conclusions by listening.
As you can see some CCs are dedicated while others are open so each software program can use them as they see fit. Thus there are no basic guide lines other than the CC list.
Mapping an instrument's nuance can be challenging. For example a quick pitch bend up can be very effective on a sax or trumpet but not so much on an analog synth; it may want a slow long pitch bend. Also it may sound terrible using a pitch bend on a piano or organ!
Fortunately most newer softsynths have the nuances programmed in them via key switches; that is a MIDI note that is not in the range of the instrument. For example a violin patch could have key switches for various trills, legato, and such. Usually the more expensive the software the more key switches there are available.
I hope this isn't confusing.
{edit} PS there are a number of MIDI books available. I have these two:
Also, velocity is not volume, many confuse this. It is partly volume but what it actually does is change the timbre of an instrument depending on how hard the key, or string or drum is hit. Listen to a snare tapped lightly vs slamming it. That's velocity. Yes, it's also louder but the whole character of the snare is different. Same with piano. hit the key with full force you get an entirely different sound than you get by hitting the same key lightly. Expression is also commonly used instead of simple volume depending on the instrument.
Also, velocity is not volume, many confuse this. It is partly volume but what it actually does is change the timbre of an instrument depending on how hard the key, or string or drum is hit. Listen to a snare tapped lightly vs slamming it. That's velocity. Yes, it's also louder but the whole character of the snare is different. Same with piano. hit the key with full force you get an entirely different sound than you get by hitting the same key lightly. Expression is also commonly used instead of simple volume depending on the instrument.
Bob
That is definitely true for good more expensive MIDI sound sources. But with the GM sound source that comes with BiaB as well as many other sound sources, like other GMs and SF2s, the timbre will stay the same regardless of velocity. You would need layers of sounds/timbres per note and that is missing in inexpensive MIDI sounds. Unfortunately that is why many mistake velocity for volume.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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.
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.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
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