Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#644272 02/27/21 03:23 PM
Off-Topic
E
eddie1261
Unregistered
eddie1261
Unregistered
E
Does anybody here perform live and play techno music? That is a pretty open ended question so I should get into a little more detail.

I suppose the answer to what I am about to ask is "Any DAW at all should do that", but I want to be able to be able to set up a system where I can play virtual instruments from a controller connected to one computer (which from here on I will call "the parts") and have a second computer playing sequenced parts (which from here on I will call "the song"). I want to route the song from MIDI out on the interface of the computer playing the song to input 1 on a MIDI through box and the MIDI out on the interface of the computer playing the parts to input 2 on the thru box.

This would allow me to send MIDI clock to a sequencer and drum machines by making the routing from input 1 (the song computer) pass to only to the outs I map on the thru box and play the parts computer manually, switching virtual instruments as needed in a DAW, all of course set up for the correct channels.

Confused yet? I am and it's my brain that this is rattling around in. I need 2 computers to do this because I would have sounds (use 10 sounds) assigned to 10 tracks on different MIDI channels ad just switch channel on the controller.

Now, to toss a little more mud into the pit, (and even though I would have no reason to do this because I could always add tracks - it's a "but is it POSSIBLE" kind of thing) if the MIDI out of the song computer was plugged into the MIDI in of the parts computer, could computer 1 control the DAW on computer 2?

I don't know of any of that makes sense, or why I'd want to do it, but I want to know if it CAN be done. It may be as simple at the core as being able to trigger a DAW from another DAW, like a virtual transport (start/stop) function. And even deeper, if I want to have a second drum machine kick on and off during a song, can I embed a MIDI instruction that says start this drum machine at (for example) bar 17 and 16 bars later turn it off. This where my lack of deep knowledge of MIDI comes into play. From a computer nerd side, everything MUST be possible. It's software and it does what it's told to do. The real pros know how to tell software what to do.

You should have seen me trying to program my Alesis keytar to where the ribbon controller would operate the rotary speaker on the Nord. I first had to find the right MIDI controller number (it's 82) and then assign that controller number to the ribbon. I eventually made it work but it was like 3 days of digging around to find out first WHAT to do and then HOW to do it. It works now where I slide my finger across the ribbon which is otherwise pitch bending and the further I slide the faster the Leslie effect spins.

MIDI is an adventure!!!

#644278 02/27/21 03:54 PM
Off-Topic
E
eddie1261
Unregistered
eddie1261
Unregistered
E
1st update. I found something called MMC, Multi Machine Control, that will make the second DAW d what the first one does, so if I start DAW 1 that will also control DAW 2 if MMC is enabled on both.

And last week rharv taught me about SPP!! Been a good MIDI week!

So for the drum machine thing I think I would have to find a way to turn the clock information on and off to start and stop it where I want it to. Or just use the mute on the mixer since it would be playing a redundant loop. I could just turn the channel on and off by muting it. Not elegant, but functional.

#644346 02/28/21 03:13 AM
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,393
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,393
Sounds like you are almost ready to start learning SysEX.
If you have access to the system exclusive messages for a device you can make that device do anything it is capable of from another machine.FWIW MMC is part of MIDI universal SysEx spec.

Last edited by rharv; 02/28/21 03:14 AM.

I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
rharv #644355 02/28/21 04:27 AM
Off-Topic
E
eddie1261
Unregistered
eddie1261
Unregistered
E
Originally Posted By: rharv
Sounds like you are almost ready to start learning SysEX.


This is where the ADD kicks in. I get interested in something for a month and do it in a way that it consumes me, and then I lose interest and never look at it again. I would also like to know about NDI and run several computers in tandem. Brian Culbertson runs his weekly Facebook stream an THREE Macs, all running in tandem through NDI.

And here I sit not even able to get a VM to install correctly. What makes me mad at myself is that what I did in my IT life I did really well, but I got locked into the box of only doing what I did and not expanding outside of it. I was email administrator on a Novell Netware system at a law firm, and that was so time consuming I didn't get to learn much else about Novell. The same thing happened at my last job where I got involved in day to day things like setting up accounts through active directory and remote access to fix nitpicking, annoying stuff that I never had time to look at other things. And maybe that's WHY I am so addictive when I decide to follow a path like NDI, or in this case SysEx.

In any rate, I would like to have computer 1 be able to tell a DAW on computer 2 when to start and stop.

#644382 02/28/21 07:29 AM
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,393
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,393
I dunno, I was controlling the sequencers/clock in other hardware 20 years ago or so.

If they sync to a common clock with SPP it seemed to just work. Even sending 'scenes' to a lighting control mixer using MIDI/DMX worked.

At one point I had PT controlling the sequencer in a W30, two different guitar FX changes, the Yamaha synth changes, and Juno 106 changes (including sysex) all while recording the FOH mix as audio back into PT .. the cameras were on their own. Had to sync those later (best we could) using SMPTE. It's all doable.
FWIW I could also do the reverse and use the W30 to trigger start/stop in PT, which of course still allowed PT to control the other stuff.

I want to learn more about connecting/communicating over the local network myself, this seems like such a huge opportunity.
I know Rosegarden did this years ago but I see very few Windows devices adding support.
It would be pretty cool if I could just connect a network cable between two computers and have it work with all our music stuff. For now we have MIDI .. but someday maybe .. maybe NDI will develop into such a standard.

Last edited by rharv; 02/28/21 07:37 AM.

I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
#648530 03/25/21 12:28 PM
Off-Topic
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 20
In my opinion the best daws for making electronic music are Ableton and Fl. Personally I just use a little ableton to add some vsti to my recording.

Ableton has quite useful hardware for creating electronic music https://www.ableton.com/en/push/ .

I think your idea is to have two synchronized PCs.

1 pc for playing virtual instruments
1 pc for sequenced parts or songs.

i I think setting "push" in two or more parts:
1 to play a vsti
1 to trigger songs
It's enough.


You can also configure the computer keyboard as an instrument or midi controller and be able to share the functions between them in the same program.
As I say I just use a little ableton, but I would advise you to read the manuals of ableton and push 3 to see if they provide the solution.

If you want to use two computers and a drum machine or other hardware, this could be useful

https://www.musicstore.com/es_ES/EUR/ESI-M4U-XT-4-x-4-USB-Interface-MIDI/art-PCM0012106-000

as far as I know and I have understood, with ableton and push surely you can.
If I have not understood your question and you could explain it to me better, I would be grateful.

Here you have some reading

https://www.ableton.com/en/manual/automation-and-editing-envelopes/

https://www.ableton.com/en/manual/routing-and-i-o/

https://help.ableton.com/hc/en-us/articles/209071249-Push-1-2-User-Mode-for-custom-MIDI-mappings

right now you can try it for 90 days

https://www.ableton.com/en/trial/

forgive my writing and understanding, but I use the translator.

regards


To the one who gets up early, nobody makes him breakfast.
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
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!

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,389
Posts791,534
Members39,873
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Erik713, Michael70, Womyner, vewc, PauliniusQ
39,872 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 267
MarioD 211
DrDan 155
DC Ron 148
Noel96 122
Today's Birthdays
Gabby, wavemusic
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5