I discovered Midiculous-4 several weeks ago and it is growing on me. Thought I would share if this subject is of interest.
Midiculous comes in three versions, Free, Player and Pro. Geared to Piano teachers to visualize keyboard, chords and notation, it also includes a full midi player. However, the Free version is surprizingly useful.
Let me know if you have any specific questions. There is one competing program called ChordieApp. I have studied both programs in consideration of purchasing the $ version. It is a very difficult decision. Nevertheless, here is Mediculous:
is this a VST or a standalone? What do you see as the primary benefit? Do you load another keyboard inside of it, to play? I am sorry, the video confused me a bit!
Good questions. The free version of Midiculous is a standalone program only. The Pro Pro version provides a VST plugin version along with the standalone.
This program is typically seen alongside OBS or other screen\steaming application as a teaching aid for musicians. But you do not need any other application to use it fully. Check out my friend Simeon on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSFUjfyrVz6D3KyqQ5JUkOQ He uses this in every video to show what chords and keys he is playing.
I guess this would be applicable to a unique group of folks. But the price makes it possible for anyone to enjoy.
For me it is a learning aid. Seeing notation, along with chord names and chord voicings as I play is a big help in my understand during composing.
The free version comes with all the Midi sounds and it also permits you to insert an external VST to play via its VST manager (see picture) to get HiQ sounds.
The money ball for me is the ability to split each window out and place them anywhere on the screen. Chord window, notation window, keyboard window - and then close all the rest since I don't use it as a midi player. But that splitting is the Pro version only! Free version requires you to keep all elements visible.
Oh, did I mention besides the piano keyboard this will also display chords, notation and notes on a guitar or bass fretboard with flexible tuning. So when the guiatist asks the keyboard player how to play the C#m7(#11)(b5) in the turnaround, he can just show him on the screen.
I discovered Midiculous-4 several weeks ago and it is growing on me. Thought I would share if this subject is of interest.
Midiculous comes in three versions, Free, Player and Pro. Geared to Piano teachers to visualize keyboard, chords and notation, it also includes a full midi player. However, the Free version is surprizingly useful.
Let me know if you have any specific questions. There is one competing program called ChordieApp. I have studied both programs in consideration of purchasing the $ version. It is a very difficult decision. Nevertheless, here is Mediculous:
I just checked the ChordieApp website. It requires an internet connection to operate, not just for licensing. Did not check it out any further. Looking at MIDIculous v4 now. The last time I looked at it, it was v2, so some time ago.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra Studio Pro 8; Tonalic Studio 1; Reaper v7; Bitwig Studio 6; Melodyne Studio 5 Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
I just checked the ChordieApp website. It requires an internet connection to operate, not just for licensing. Did not check it out any further.
Exactly. It has a screen which displays "calling home" each time you run the app. Not favorable in my opinion. Copy protection taken to the extreme I am afraid. And it only costs $25 USD.
I just checked the ChordieApp website. It requires an internet connection to operate, not just for licensing. Did not check it out any further.
Exactly. It has a screen which displays "calling home" each time you run the app. Not favorable in my opinion. Copy protection taken to the extreme I am afraid. And it only costs $25 USD.
This got my attention, so I took a look. It appears the program does indeed require a consistent Internet connection during use. Not just every now and then, not even just at startup. How do they justify this extreme requirement? Like so:
Quote:
Why does ChordieApp need an internet connection?
The chord definitions are stored online so I can update them at will without needing to release an app update every time someone requests I add or modify a chord definition. The latest definitions are retrieved every time you run the app.
OK, this is absolute nonsense, and all I need to not give this product another thought. Plus this guy sounds like a control freak, and the app name is baby talk.
OK, so if you are still following this tread you must have an interest. Here is a good comparison between the two programs. Although, I agree, the calling home of Chordieapp really rules it out. So my decision now is do I need to pay for the Pro version versus the free version of Mediculous 4? I may have already answered this question based on my use of the freebee for the past month or two.
Before Mediculous, I used Pianoteq 7. I too will allow you to see the keyboard and call out the chords. But honestly, Mediculous does this much better (more flexible visibility). And Pianoteq ain't anywhere near free.
BTW - that sure don't look like a Ab6(#9)?? Cmaj min 7 (11) according to Mediculous. I think that is an artifact of my trying to hold the chord with one hand and screen capture with another.
If this device displayed correctly in both the bass and treble cleft I could see some value in reconizing chords in sight reading.
Just pressing some notes on a keyboard and having the device name the notes for you does not apear to be of any use as far as I can see.
The A flat 6 sharp 9 indication is meaningless.
Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
We had a long discussion of this at the beginning of the year. I have used the free version off and on over since then. But the full version Midiculous Pro always had a strange attraction to me so I have kept my eye on this product. Unforturnately the price did not budget - so last night I sent them a nice email suggesting they pony up with a sale - I suggested 10 - 20% would be nice and may make me pull out my wallet. This morining I got a reply. "Check the web site" was all the message said
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Just pressing some notes on a keyboard and having the device name the notes for you does not appear to be of any use as far as I can see.
... Billy
Just thought I would mention that one of my favorite BIAB features has done this for decades, and gives up to four interpretations from which to choose: Window menu, MIDI Chord Detection. Especially since I do not play piano, this feature is of tremendous importance in arranging and composing using jazz chords with complex extensions.
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.
Dan, I don't see this, so does it come up only on checkout? Or if I create an account so I can login? I did view the videos and I can see a use for this, so thank you.
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.
Save 60% On Any Expansion Login and the Discount is Automatic Sale Ends Friday September 5th
Login and download the free version, then you should see the discount offer for $40. A super sale price. No new download after that the Pro features will activate when you pay.
I admit their website is less than intuitive. Others have mentioned this fact.
OK, thanks. I did not download the free version. Perhaps the discount applies when ordering the Pro upgrade. I'll try it now.
EDIT: yes, the website is a challenge. I was finally able to download the free program from the shopping cart. Unusual approach.
EDIT #2. Yes, after downloading the free version, I found my way to the Pro Upgrade (not an easy task), and it automatically applied the discount, reducing the price from $100 to $40. All good.
Last edited by Matt Finley; 09/01/2207:08 AM.
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.
Matt, so cool welcome to the product. We are not the only ones here in the forum. You might be surprized who some of the others are, but I will let them stepup... I am not one to out people.
Hint... one of the best singer songwriters here in the forum??
Black Friday sales begin today at Gospel Musicians and will extend until December 1, 2022. As you know we don't have many sales throughout the year, so we wanted to make sure you guys got a chance to experience the wonderful products during the entire month of November.
Save up to 70% off and extra savings for crossgrades.
Have to say... the crossgrade price seems high. I got the Player version at regular price of $49.99 Had I waited, I could have gotten the Pro version for that price (I'd like to have it to be able to use a better sounding piano than what is provided). The crossgrade from Player to Pro is $35. That doesn't sit well.
What, during the last sale I got Pro with a 60% sale, for $40. Double check that price estimate the site is a bit screwy, perhaps you misread and Yes Pro is the way to go, I have it default to my NI Hammersmith.
Did you login to your account to look for discount crossgrade? It may be there.
What, during the last sale I got Pro with a 60% sale, for $40. Double check that price estimate the site is a bit screwy, perhaps you misread and Yes Pro is the way to go, I have it default to my NI Hammersmith.
Did you login to your account to look for discount crossgrade? It may be there.
Logged in is where I see the crossgrade price of $35
OK, the full price difference between the Player $49 and Pro $99 is $50. Based on the $35 crossgrade offer that is a 30% discount. Their addvertizing says: " 70% off and extra savings for crossgrades." I would contact them via email and ask them to redo the math. But that may only be me!
It can't hurt and you will really like the Pro Version.
Tread update - something new... Came upon ChordWatch. Similar to Chordie/Mediculous but a bit different. ChordWatch(tm) provides a flexible visualization of midi content either from midi file or from direct input via keyboard, and also incorporates theory elements of Chord namings and Scales similar to Scaler.
I put together a quick and dirty "demo" to give an overview.
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
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