|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211 |
I've been grasping at straws for days now trying to figure this out and I figured by now I'd know what I was doing wrong.
Occasionally I would like to use BIAB to generate some solos for the solo-sections of the play-along CD's that I own. Most of these play-along's are from the Hal Leonard group -- Each of my books contain sheet music for a dozen or so jazz tunes and each book also contains a play-along CD with the backing tunes in MP3 format.
In a nutshell, I would like to be able to pull the MP3 in as an audio file (I've been using Audio Chord Wizard to do this), then pass this to BIAB where I could then instruct the soloist to create various instrument solos (one at a time) at a certain bar, for so many bars. I figured this would be great because I could listen to the solos one after another (picking a different instrument each time) and then finally choose the best solo arrangement (or combine different notation from one or more of these solos). I then just print the sheet music for my soloist instrument (i.e. trumpet, guitar, piano) and away I go! This is ideal because it lets me hear the solos against my backing track -- I could just type in my chords, set the style and let the program go, but then I don't get to hear the solo against my backing track. Also, I don't improvise well with piano and guitar and so, I actually do need more than the basic chord progressions to work from (the improved solo chords in my sheet music).
So, I thought that this would be pretty straight forward, but here's what is going on as best as I can explain it:
1. I'll pick a play-along tune.
2. The tune is in the key of: C and I want to solo for trumpet (B-flat instrument).
3. I use Audio Chord Wizard to pull in my MP3. Everything goes as planned and I send it to BIAB.
4. I test play it back in BIAB and sounds / looks good. BIAB notation shows I'm in the key of C.
5. Let's say that my solo needs to start off with the note - Middle C.
(at this point, when I play from my Hal Leonard book the MP3 is playing back fine and I'm in tune -- no problem). However ...
6. If I go into editable notation and insert a Middle C and play the note back, although it sounds okay (between my horn and the backing track), and it looks okay (my notation), when I have BIAB play the note however, it appears to be consistently off somehow -- I want a to hear my PC playing the note - C against the audio track (my backing track), but it seems like it's tone is a B-flat.
I can't change the key -- throws everything off. Can't transcribe -- throws everything off. The only thing left I thought to do was to try to set the Audio Chord Wizard to adapt by setting the 'out of tune' feature before sending it to BIAB but all that does is change the key!
I'm lost! Thank you in advance. I'm not thinking straight about this.
Ike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
You are aware that a trumpet play in Bflat. Thus to get a C you need to play a D. Or to get an F you play a G. There are rare C trumpets.
Other horns play in E, and I have a 3 valve G bugle. All require various transpositions.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493 |
"I could just type in my chords, set the style and let the program go, but then I don't get to hear the solo against my backing track."
You could make a copy of the original .mp3 and rename it to the same as your song in BIAB (if it is different) and have BIAB play the .mp3 as an audio file. Then if you have typed in the chords in BIAB for the song correctly - and since you have the book with them it should be correct - you can generate the solo(s) in BIAB and mute all of the other instruments so only your soloist and the .mp3 play. That might work.
Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Sounds like he might have set BiaB to Transpose for the Trumpet...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211 |
Let me see if I can do a better job at explaining my problem ...
The program's Notation Preferences for the Transpose field is set to Trumpet (+2).
My sheet music is written for Trumpet (a B-flat instrument). At least that's what it says at the top of my sheet (the text reads Trumpet). For this given song that I'm using as an example, the paper sheet music shows me the song is in the key of-C. Outside of BIAB when I play along, my sheet music follows the MP3 playback intonation just fine (if I play a middle-C off from the original sheet music with my trumpet, the MP3's middle-C sounds the same).
Okay, I pull the MP3 into Audio Chord Wizard and it automatically sets the key to-C (I didn't have to do anything). When I move it to BIAB it shows me it's in the key of-C (the field to set the song's key shows this), however although the chords appear to be correct, the notation shows that I'm playing the key of-D.
The problem is that my sheet music (outside of BIAB) shows the key of-C (there, I would have no sharps or flats). The notation inside BIAB shows the key of-D (there, I would have F# and C#).
And yes, when I listen to a MIDI note-C on the staff played back by BIAB it's tone matches my trumpet's C. I'm not having a problem understanding that issue. What I'm having a problem with is that when I print my solo sheet out of BIAB, it doesn't match the key of the play along sheet music (which shows the key of-C). I'm in a different key depending on which one I use to play with (the original paper music in key-C, or the BIAB-produced solo in key-D, although the solo played over the MP3 sounds like the right key).
I don't feel like I'm getting what's happening although I'm trying hard to understand. I desperately need to understand before I can go any further and I appreciate all who can help me understand.
Thanks again.
Ike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I think you have to first turn off the BiaB Trumpet transpose feature, so that BiaB is "thinking" in Concert keys before doing the ACW.
AFTER doing the ACW and sending it to BiaB, then you can turn on the transpose feature again.
The song is really in Concert Bb...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
When I started learning horn at the young age of 50, I had a terrible time with it. My wife, who has 7 years of University and 15 years of piano and theory all in music just sailed along helping me. Now I get it. Took several years. Makes it tricky if I want to sing and play along at times, due to the fact I often like, say the key of A, so I end up playing in 5 sharps. At the outset that was out of the question, but I'm almost there, no key shakes me too badly. I don't like it much to be handed bass clef and told to add 3 flats, I just pass the music to my wife over 2 chairs and she writes the treble clef equivalents for the piece which for her takes like 2 minutes a page. Pees me off to no end that I can't do that...but now that the next birthday is the 60th I'm thinking about learning the sexaphone just fer fun.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
You could make a copy of the original .mp3 and rename it to the same as your song in BIAB (if it is different) and have BIAB play the .mp3 as an audio file. Then if you have typed in the chords in BIAB for the song correctly - and since you have the book with them it should be correct - you can generate the solo(s) in BIAB and mute all of the other instruments so only your soloist and the .mp3 play. That might work.
Good luck.
Barry has it right. Import the audio track, no need for the ACW and just enter the chords from your book.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211 |
My daughter and son-in-law have an apartment building and people moved out (one of those "thief in the night" moves). Evidently they moved just a bit too quick and left behind a nice flute and case.
Several years ago I had an accident which involved spine and head injuries. I've been on permanent, total disability since. Now I have trouble remembering things. Sometimes climbing back into music is so frustrating but my family and doc say it's all good. Things like this are especially troubling since I tutored piano and trumpet years ago and sometimes it's like I pick up the trumpet and feels totally foreign to me ... other times it's like there's never been a problem. So, I'm very thankful to all of you for answering (and re-answering) my questions -- some of them I'm ashamed to ask, but thankfully the non-contact, Internet environment is the perfect forum for me, otherwise I'd probably hang the music up permanently.
Anyhow, my daughter wants to know if I want to take up flute! OMG! Could I possibly confuse myself any further!
I'm already combining piano, guitar, trumpet. I'm now a comeback trumpet and a bit more serious on the guitar these days but my old jazz friends encourage me with my trumpet playing.
The Flute? I'm on the fence for now.
Ike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211 |
Quote:
Quote:
You could make a copy of the original .mp3 and rename it to the same as your song in BIAB (if it is different) and have BIAB play the .mp3 as an audio file. Then if you have typed in the chords in BIAB for the song correctly - and since you have the book with them it should be correct - you can generate the solo(s) in BIAB and mute all of the other instruments so only your soloist and the .mp3 play. That might work.
Good luck.
Barry has it right. Import the audio track, no need for the ACW and just enter the chords from your book.
Bob
Bob,
My sheet music doesn't have any chords printed.
Ike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211 |
Quote:
I think you have to first turn off the BiaB Trumpet transpose feature, so that BiaB is "thinking" in Concert keys before doing the ACW.
AFTER doing the ACW and sending it to BiaB, then you can turn on the transpose feature again.
The song is really in Concert Bb...
--Mac
Mac,
I did this and as soon as I go back in and turn on the transpose feature (to trumpet), the notation switches to the key of-F (although when I use the soloist to generate a solo it sounds correct).
If I printed this out and handed it to a B-flat trumpet player, he'd still be off.
Ike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
I'm also a comeback trumpet player and I use a lot of playalong cds. My wife plays flute so we have a lot of the same cd playalongs with books. While the sheet music is obviously in different keys for the trumpet and flute, the cds are in the same key. All of the cd playalongs that I have are written for a C instrument. The same is true for fakebooks unless you buy one for a Bb instrument (these are not common).
You might want to check the video for the Real Band features. In it they show you how to put the chords in for an audio (mp3) file. They use the ACW to do that. However, I confess that I have not done what you are trying in BIAB. I have done a lot of arrangements for songs in BIAB for my wife and I. I always do it for a C instrument first. Then I save the file. Next, I transpose the melody up an octave for the flute and print out the notation. Then, I undo that transpose via the Edit menu. Next, I transpose for the trumpet by changing the key signature as needed. I then print out the notation. Finally I undo the transpose. The end result is that we now have the BIAB song, and notation printouts for both the flute and trumpet. If you play without charts, you don't need to bother with any printouts.
If I'm just starting from scratch before any chords are entered, etc., I use BIAB. If I'm working with existing tunes, tracks, or whatever, it's easier for me to use Real Band. If you have an existing BIAB song and all you want to do is change the style, then BIAB is the way to go. YMMV.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,744
Posts795,661
Members39,946
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean