|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
I am currently using Win 7 x64. I purchased Coyote Forte DXI since Roland VSC isn’t supported by Win 7 x64. The midi drums, bass and piano sound pretty good on Coyote Forte, but the acoustic steel string guitar and mandolin sound like crap. The Roland VSC sounds much better on these two instruments, but it isn’t supported on Win 7 x64. The Real Styles and Real Tracks aren’t an option since almost all of them are programmed in 16th note styles, (for acoustic, “aka bluegrass” music), when they are actually written in 8th notes. Does anyone out there have an idea about how to get a decent sound out of the acoustic steel string guitar and mandolin, short of going to the Ketron SD2, while using midi and Coyote Forte? I'm hoping that PG will implement a "fix" or a "patch" to the Real Tracks and Real Styles concerning 16th notes, when they should be 8th notes, but this hasn't happened yet. Peter said in a previous post that he would address it in the future, but I'm looking for something that will work now. Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. Bob P.S. When you see the word or "style" of bluegrass, all that means is acoustic instruments. It does include drums, (aka, a beat), and it doesn't have to be "hillbilly". It's how music was played before amplification or effects. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,217 |
Hi Bob, Have you tried using a soundfont player? I'm not sure if you know about these but soundfonts are live recordings that, through a soundfont player are used to interpret MIDI data. I use SFZ (it's free): here's the link. There are some really good, free soundfonts around on the internet although sometimes you've got to sift through a few bad ones to find those good ones. BIAB is an amazing MIDI generator, when you couple this with soundfonts, my experience is that the results can be excellent. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Mac,
The only problem is, I'm running BIAB 2009 Ultra Pak, patched to 2009.5, (without the new styles).
I should have included that in my description of my OS. As the kids are are now saying, "my bad".
The update says it's for BIAB 2010.
I'll try to give a better description of what I'm using in future posts. I know the more information I give, the easier it is to give advice.
Thanks,
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,198
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,198 |
Bob,
I like Noel's suggestion, with the caveat that you use Real Band. In that regard, you can use the Coyote Forte on some tracks, and use the SoundFont player on other tracks. Since BIAB doesn't offer multiple synth support, you really need to go outside.
Now, the other thing is that there is the thread with the Dimension synth and Garritan Pocket Orchestra. There are a number of sound banks available for the Dimension which you can purchase, although I don't see any for bluegrass.
Also, check out Sonivox's DVIs. Not DXis', but something slightly different. I'll let you know if they work out.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,198
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,198 |
Bob,
Skip the Sonivox DVI, it's only a single instrument device, and not multitimbral.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Assuming you're doing mostly BG music you don't even use most of the instruments in a GM set. I now use RTs exclusively however when I was using MIDI I used a soundfont player. You can search the net for free single instruments and then using Soundfont librarian put together a custom bank AND if you download the free Vienna Soundfont Studio you can make your own fonts just the way you like them to sound. You obviously have a guitar and I'm sure you have acess to a mandolin. You don't even have to know how to play as you're just going to record single notes and do some tweaking. I did this many moons ago for bass & the famous DX7 sound and some other instruments. Well worth doing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
John,
I've never used soundfonts so I'm really not familiar with them. I did go to the site for Vienna Soundfont Studio and saw where they had tutorials.
I'm just curious about who in the PG community is using soundfonts instead of GM.
I may start a seperate thread to get some feedback before I spend a lot of time researching it.
Thanks for the tip.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
bobcflatpicker--
i recommend that you contact PGMusic directly and ask them if they can point you to a download of the Coyote Wavetable synth.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,198
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,198 |
Bob, I've always had hardware synths, but even then, when I had my Audigy 2 card in my computer, I downloaded and bought a whole bunch of SoundFonts, and many of them were wonderful. Then, some of them were crap. One of the things that many here have forgotten, and I've never done it, so I don't know how, is that the Forte synth supports Giga files, so if you could find a set of Giga files, you should be able to import them. Here's one place where you can buy a membership and download some Giga files. http://www.nikkoid.com/gigfiles/visit.phpThere are others, you can look around. Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 603
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 603 |
Quote:
I'm just curious about who in the PG community is using soundfonts instead of GM.
I still use mostly soundfonts, and I know there are a few others here. Ten years back, it was sensationally common practice, but people now seem mostly to have lost the art. Soundfonts are old sampling technology, more than good enough for unexposed accompaniment. But often, they're not detailed enough to make satisfying solo instruments. You'll have something to learn if you decide to use them, but it has advantages.
You're going to stay confused, though, unless you correct that one bit oif terminology in your mind: General Midi is a way of organizing 128 sounds in a multitimbral bank intended to cover basic needs. It's not any particular type of sound-producer, and it is not a class of sound, good or bad. It's a just a filing scheme.
The VSC was a General MIDI device, and so is the Ketron SD 2. You can easily find a nice-quality General MIDI Soundfont, then use it as is; it contains all the commonly needed instruments. Vienna -- among other things -- enables you to replace individual instruments later with ones you like better. Heavy editing of each sound is possible. In these respects, a Soundfont bank is flexible, unlike a Hardware module, whose sounds must generally stay as they came from the factory.
Another approach: If you did really like the VSC, you can cheaply upgrade for your new OS with a much-improved Edirol version that has gone under two names, each with the same soundset:
Edirol Hyper Canvas (discontinued but upgradeable to 64 bit if you already have an old copy around)
Cakewalk TTS-1 (64 bit, provided as a freeby add-in to Cakewalk products like the $40 Music Creator 5 sold by PG Music)
Last edited by allis; 04/24/10 02:58 PM.
Larry
______
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,392
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,392 |
Quote:
Heavy editing of each sound is possible. In these respects, a Soundfont bank is flexible, unlike a Hardware module, whose sounds must generally stay as they came from the factory.
I disagree with that assumption. Many new hardware modules allow changing and adding samples. The Juno-G is one of the most expandable synths I have owned.
I still have soundfonts in systems here. I have a couple I actually still like to this day. It can get involved, especially creating your own. I used to really enjoy doing that and made a few fonts, but these days time is too pressing. It was a very cool and powerful format, just a little involved.
I still have a custom GM font on one system here that is still holding an SBLive card in a second or third slot... man I'm going to miss PCI slots, I had quite a bit of time and money into those... I should have learned from the old ISA slots.
I recently found an odd system with an ISA slot that runs XP. I have yet to dig out the old Roland Audio Production card to see if it works in there. That was a fun card and software. I think the samples on it were better versions of the VSC samples Roland used for so many products. Wonder if the drivers are still available.. I doubt the original floppies are still good (but I have 'em, all 6 of them!)
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 603
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 603 |
Quote:
Many new hardware modules allow changing and adding samples. The Juno-G is one of the most expandable synths I have owned.
That's nice to hear, and a step in the right direction for synth development. You'll agree it's fairly advanced behavior, though.
Quote:
I still have a custom GM font on one system here that is still holding an SBLive card in a second or third slot... man I'm going to miss PCI slots...
The funeral has to be postponed for PCI slots, year after year. I recently upgraded a motherboard and found that boards with 3 PCI slots were considerably more easily available that they were three years ago! Lots of them now. There was a truly huge choice of mini boards with 2 such slots, and a bunch of super-cheap junkers with one slot. Virtually nothing except a few expensive, futuristic boards lacked PCI slots entirely. I'm convinced PCI slots are going to be available for years longer.
I was also interested to see that virtually every board still has PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports, too. That's another thing they keep telling us is obsolete. But it isn't.
Larry
______
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
I'm just curious about who in the PG community is using soundfonts instead of GM.
Hello...
Um, so a GM Soundfont Bank doesn't count?
Look, GM, "General MIDI" is simply a definition of the first bank of 129 patches, what their names should be and which number corresponds to that instrument.
Don't fall for the notion that "GM" means something other than that.
You can have a very fine sounding GM bank, or you could have a very cheezy sounding GM bank, the fact that the instruments are assigned to the GM standard has nothing whatsoever to do with that.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,198
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,198 |
Allis,
BOth of my Korg Professional Arrangers allow significant sound alteration. Admittedly, you're not going to create a new sound from oscillators, filters and modulation as you would in the 'good old days' of analog synth, but, within the confines of PCM sampling, I can do an amazing amount of tweaking on the sounds I have on board.
However, for me, since I play primarily standards, jazz, latin, and 'lounge music', I look for authenticity in acoustic sounds, not the ability to turn a new sound. But, that's just me.
My latest PA, the PA800, will allow me to import my own sample data, and create my own sounds completely, and that's an ARRANGER keyboard.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 603
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 603 |
Nice.
I have heard some tunes from your website, Gary, and that Korg sounds great, too! I hadn't realized what a sampler it is. Over time, I drifted into playing mostly software instruments, so I have lost track of where proper synths have got to.
Larry
______
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Mac, My experience with midi is limited to what little I've been exposed to it in BIAB. I realize that midi itself doesn't have sounds, it simply sends commands. From Wikipedia: Quote:
SoundFont banks are tightly integrated with MIDI devices and can be seamlessly used in place of General MIDI (GM) patches in many computer music sequencers. The sound quality of SoundFont banks is generally regarded as superior to standard GM banks, and many SoundFont banks have been created specifically to replace GM banks with samples of each corresponding musical instrument.
Based on this, I figured that soundfonts were more likely to be based on real instruments, (aka acoustic), and that GM patches were more likely to be based on samples of electronic instruments. Especially in light of how bad acoustic instruments like steel string guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo sound using the GM patches.
Whenever I can afford to, I'll fork over for a Ketron SD2 so I can get some decent sounds.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Be advised that one can sample an acousic guitar out the wazoo, get perfect loops, etc. -- yet when played back in a MIDI file, they can still sound quite unrealistic.
This is because there are simply far more parameters to the playing of a guitar than the MIDI standard addresses.
Still, you can usually find something that doesn't rub you totally the wrong way.
We all tend to be more critical about the MIDI instrument(s) that we actually play and love than the other sounds. That's typical. A pianist hates the MIDI piano, most guitar players find the piano to be authentic to their ears, etc.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Mac, Quote:
i recommend that you contact PGMusic directly and ask them if they can point you to a download of the Coyote Wavetable synth.
I talked to PG today and they said the Coyote Wavetable synth was only for BIAB 2010, not the BIAB 2009 that I'm running. He also said that it was far inferior to Coyote Forte DXi, which I already have.
He reccomended the (Cakewalk) Roland TTS-1.
Has anyone used this one? It would cost $40 to buy Music Creator in order to get it.
Bob
Last edited by bobcflatpicker; 04/25/10 10:47 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
TTS-1 is pretty much like the VSC.
I have all 3 I like the Forte DXi but only certain instruments.
I still say soundfont.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,377
Posts791,424
Members39,867
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean