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 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, 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 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, 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 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
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.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
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.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
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
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
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