Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,623
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,623
I'm not sure where best to post this, but this seems a good place to start.

I've tried importing a musicXML file into BiaB 2022(905) and RealBand 2020(5) and RealBandx64 2022(2) with differing outcomes. The file was generated from MuseScore and renders OK in Finale Notepad. I downloaded the latter to try to identify whether the issue(s) were with MuseScore, BiaB or RealBand.

Importing into BiaB I get the second half of each bar greyed out. Using F5, I can see that that is because BiaB has "number of beats in this bar" set to 2, whilst all other programs show the normal 4/4 throughout.

Importing into RealBand 2020 I get four beats per bar as expected, though it's showing only two chords per bar, not the four I sometimes have (maybe that's normal for RB2020).

Importing into RealBand 2022, I see nothing. I get some playback, but only part of what I get from 2020. The Drums are missing, the melody is missing (perhaps that's normal?). Ah ... on Generate, it reports that the drums file is missing and gives a C:/bb/Drums path for them.

Options->Return_To_Default_Settings restarts and reruns the paths setup and fixes some stuff. It appears to have not imported the melody from the .mxl. Perhaps that too is normal ... I'm pretty unfamiliar with RealBand.

I must mention here that I have the BiaB folder in F: so paths are F:/Drums and F:/RealTracks and so on. RealBand is in C:/RealBand as usual. On installation, the 2020 RealBand icon disapperaed from the desktop, but RealBand64 did not replace it. I was asked from both RealBands to confirm the BiaB folders as F: etc.

The style I used was _GJBALFS (which does not go at all well with the melody).

mxl file added with the usual obfuscation.

If I can offer more information, do please ask.

(Oh yes, the song has repeats that the various imports don't handle).

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Lullaby_Of_The_Leaves.mxl.mp4 (4.44 KB, 7 downloads)
Last edited by Gordon Scott; 12/06/21 05:31 AM.

Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,443
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,443
Gordon, I've done a little work with Music XML and BIAB, and I suggest a better way to get attention for this would be to email support@pgmusic.com and include 'Music XML' in the subject line.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,443
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,443
Gordon, I've done a little work with Music XML and BIAB, and I suggest a better way to get attention for this would be to email support@pgmusic.com and include 'Music XML' in the subject line. Let me know if that doesn't work, and I can put it in an area for the developers.




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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,623
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,623
As there's been no acknowledgement of this from PG, I think I'll do as you suggest.


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577
Originally Posted By: Gordon Scott
I'm not sure where best to post this, but this seems a good place to start.

{snip}

(Oh yes, the song has repeats that the various imports don't handle).


Hi Gordon,

I've not used MusicXML with BIAB before so was interested to try out your file.

I tried it with style _CABNJAM style which sounded pretty good.

After importing, I only had the first bar second half greyed out as it was set to 2/4. So I tried changing that bar back to 4/4 and it now seems to play fine (chords and melody) although the repeats probably aren't right but I imagine that they could be updated.

Would it be helpful for me to post a screenshot or maybe something else?

Cheers,
Rec

Last edited by receder; 12/07/21 02:42 AM.

BIAB 2022 UltraPAK, CbB, Studio One 5 Pro, Fender USA Tele, Harley Benton Fusion & others.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,623
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,623
Hi Receder,

Interesting. On my import, all bars showed the second half greyed out, but changing the first bar's "number of beats this bar" to 4 corrected them all.

Yes it played OK, subject to the melody and the style being somewhat at odds with each other.

I use XML because usually it does a better job of importing the chord symbols than if I import MIDI. It looks like I can probably easily enough work around the 2-beat bars, so I'll probably continue with this.

Mostly I flagged it here as I suspect PGM would like to be aware of the oddities, as if there are bugs they should likely fix them sometime. The fact that all three programs behaved differently was curious, and that RB2022 failed to show anything at all seems decidedly remiss. Probably one could import to BiaB, fix, save, and then import the SGU/MGU into RB. Clumsy, though.

I doubt I'd have a use for an image. I didn't bother to attach any as I think the problem should probably look similar for others. I'm just flagging it as an apparent issue.

Gordon.


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577
Hi Gordon,

Interestingly (to me anyway), when I double clicked on the MXL file to start with it opened in Guitar Pro which I didn't even realise supported MusicXML.

Your findings on the use of XML are also of interest.

Like you say, it's probably a good idea to flag the problems to PGM so that they can make BIAB better support it in future.

Receder


BIAB 2022 UltraPAK, CbB, Studio One 5 Pro, Fender USA Tele, Harley Benton Fusion & others.
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 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!

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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,706
Posts795,116
Members39,937
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
lowihat223, Jwb2k, KJG, Peter_zzzz, johnmw
39,936 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 187
Noel96 111
DC Ron 100
DrDan 96
rsdean 95
dcuny 82
Today's Birthdays
Ivan Maldonado
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5