Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
Hi,
I want to use my Yamaha keyboard as a midi controller in Biab, but can't get it to connect so I can record to Biab.
I have gone through the relevant instructions, but I get no response from Biab.
I'm using Windows 10/64bit with an Alesis io2 Express midi recording interface. I have used this for many years with Cubase and it works fine.
Anyone got any ideas?
Thank you

Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
HI David

I use Biab with my Yamaha CVP 405 no probs.
However I do not use a midi interface, I send midi over the CVPs Usb midi to host cable to the pc. I have installed the Yamaha midi driver on the pc, also a win 10 64bit.
No need for any midi interface this way.

Mike


BIAB2021 UltraPlus,AsusN55S1Tbssd, W10/64,Akai EIEpro
Yamaha CVP405,SquireStrat, CoolsoftVMidSynth
Novatation Impulse61 Ctr kbd, Cwalk blab Kontakt

http://mikesmusic.byethost16.com/
Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,712
PG Music Staff
Online Content
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,712
If you open the MIDI Monitor (Windows menu) and play your keyboard, do you see any activity there?


Andrew
PG Music Inc.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
Hallo Mike,
Thanks for your suggestion. Unfortunately my PSR-500 is quite old and therefore has no usb midi to host port or cable, so that is not an option here. I use Cubase as my DAW, and this works fine using the midi in and out cable connected to my Alesis io2 Express midi interface, both with the PSR-500 and my Clavinova CLP-611. Its a bit annoying as it is preventing me add piano melody lines to the backings. Incidentally, my present set up works fine using a microphone through the Alesis to add vocals or acoustic guitar. Surely there must be a setting somewhere in Biab that I haven't found yet which would solve the problem?
David Bringloe (Hertfordshire)

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
Hallo Andrew,
Yes, I get a response from midi monitor.
David Bringloe

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
Hallo again Andrew.
I should have said that I get a response from the external program "midi-mon", but I've just noticed the midi monitor in the drop down menu for midi in Biab, and I get no response from this one. It suggests that there is a setting in Biab that I haven't found yet.
David Bringloe

Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
Hi David

Just a thought ,
Can you see your keyboard or interface in the midi and audio set up and set as a midi input.

Then if you want to just playalong set the mixer thru track to the midi patch that you want to hear.

If you want to record midi select the record midi button and choose melody. Choose your mid patch for this track.

See pic to get this screen use ctr T
Note to hear the same voice that you used for your thru playing from the melody track recording make sure you use the same midi patch for both tracks
Mike

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
biab.jpg (119.88 KB, 133 downloads)

BIAB2021 UltraPlus,AsusN55S1Tbssd, W10/64,Akai EIEpro
Yamaha CVP405,SquireStrat, CoolsoftVMidSynth
Novatation Impulse61 Ctr kbd, Cwalk blab Kontakt

http://mikesmusic.byethost16.com/
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
Hallo Mike,
Thanks for getting back to me.

The MIDI/Audio driver setup is showing my 1o2 Express as both MIDI input and output drivers; Synthesiser/soundcard is showing Yamaha PSR-500; VSTi/DXi synth is unchecked and MIDI thru is greyed out.

Being completely ignorant of the system at this point, could you please explain what a MIDI patch is? Sorry to be a nuisance!

Regards,
David

Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
hi David

Yes indeed a midi patch is another name for midi voice or instrument.
No prob pleased to help.
Mike

Last edited by Mike Head; 01/28/21 04:47 AM.

BIAB2021 UltraPlus,AsusN55S1Tbssd, W10/64,Akai EIEpro
Yamaha CVP405,SquireStrat, CoolsoftVMidSynth
Novatation Impulse61 Ctr kbd, Cwalk blab Kontakt

http://mikesmusic.byethost16.com/
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
Thanks very much Mike. They say you learn something new every day, but it beats me why IT people feel the need to obscure clarity by creating their own private dictionary!
Incidentally, it has just dawned on me that the usb/midi cable you mentioned is probably used in reverse, in that the usb end goes into the computer and the midi plugs into the keyboard. So perhaps I can buy a cable and do as you suggest after all.
Very many thanks for all your help. It,s much appreciated.

Regards,

David

Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,712
PG Music Staff
Online Content
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,712
If there is no activity in the MIDI Monitor then there is no MIDI data being received from your keyboard. To be sure, click on the Filter button in the MIDI Monitor and select 'Computer MIDI Input'. When you press keys on your Yamaha you should see the Note On events appear in realtime.

Check the Options | MIDI/Audio Driver Setup again, and make sure that you have the MIDI Input driver selected. There is only one other setting that I can think of, which is Options | Preferences | MIDI Options, make sure that Thru checkbox is selected.

You might try closing Band-in-a-Box, unplugging your MIDI Interface from your PC, plugging it back in, then try again..

Edit: I noticed you say that some other programs seem to be receiving MIDI. Are you sure it is MIDI and that you aren't recording the audio from it and thinking it's MIDI?

Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 01/28/21 08:35 AM.

Andrew
PG Music Inc.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
I am sure it must be midi as I am using VST instruments which I "play" on the Yamaha and record in Cubase

Beginners Forum
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734
There are plenty of USB midi adapters on the market, that allow you to plug in a device that does not have USB. You run midi cables in and out to the appropriate location on the adapter and plug it into the computer, after setting it up with drivers etc. whatever comes with the adapter that is.


My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
Thanks for that. Just got a cable and am about to set it up.

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 11
Thanks Andrew. I have now got a midi/usb cable, which comes as plug and play with it's own driver, so I'll try that. I'll get back top you if there are any more problems. Thanks for your help.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

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
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

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.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

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.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,957
Posts798,206
Members39,995
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Opur, Carly Bishop, copperbrazier, Zebrakeyz1, Richard A
39,994 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 167
DC Ron 122
Noel96 115
rsdean 102
rharv 67
Today's Birthdays
afabizone, Germanicus, LapSteel, Seouttam
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5