Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 551
N
nonchai Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
N
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 551
This suggestion is for BIAB to be able to record ( live ) Yamaha XF chord data as well as interpret the chords and convert to BIAB chords.

This is for YAMAHA arrangers. It would be so useful to be able to use BIAB to send data to arrangers like the GENOS and PSR series. The built in facilities in these are really for performance but recent models sound really good and I find my PSR SX 900 ver inspiring for coming up with improvised chord changes on the fly. The built in CHORD LOOPER feature though is very very basic and one cannot edit or import the chord progressions once recorded. Very much an afterthought on owner suggestions.

So to be able to record this data as well as import song and CHORD BANK data into BIAB and export as well when needed would be so helpful.

It would allow users to compose pieces on the hardware arranger OR in BIAB - and use both as tools.

A typical scenario might be to record chord ideas via the left hand in the arranger into BIAB in order to edit - then maybe export back to the PSR to play around with styles on it - and eventually maybe switch to using BIAB styles in BIAB itself or in a DAW via the BIAB plugin.

others have touched upon this

https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=487473


MacOS Sequoia, M4 Pro Mac Mini , 64GB RAM 512GB SSD ,
BIAB, Cubase, Ableton, Logic Pro, SCALER 3, GigLad, AnyTune, Synthesizer V Pro,Vienna Ensemble Pro, Audiofuse, Fractal FM3, KOMPLETE 15, StreamDeck, iReal Pro
White beard, beer belly, bald patch
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Have a look here and see if there's anything that may help:

https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=466834#Post466834

http://www.jososoft.dk/yamaha/more_software.htm

https://www.heikoplate.de/xftool-manual.html

https://www.heikoplate.de/psruti.html

What you need is for Biab to load all the data for each track in a Style then it can playback the chords inputted by the keyboard live the same way Sforzando is here:
Live Arranger Demo

The same way the BBPlugin can generate and play instantly:

Playing 4 style tracks same as in Biab, same sections.
So each track's WAV Instructions txt were converted into SFZ txt.
This is playing the source files direct, no waiting for renders.

Watch: https://www.dropbox.com/s/w91dqq7dcnaluyd/BB-Track-Data-To-SFZ-4-Tracks.mp4?dl=0

Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 551
N
nonchai Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
N
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 551
thanks for that - unfortunately ive been down that road and nothing exists like the feature I am suggesting in BIAB


and at the end of day I just want this added to BIAB and not have to rely on free user made apps. Plus the vast majority turn out to only run on windows and im a Mac guy - but ive tried many using parallels too


MacOS Sequoia, M4 Pro Mac Mini , 64GB RAM 512GB SSD ,
BIAB, Cubase, Ableton, Logic Pro, SCALER 3, GigLad, AnyTune, Synthesizer V Pro,Vienna Ensemble Pro, Audiofuse, Fractal FM3, KOMPLETE 15, StreamDeck, iReal Pro
White beard, beer belly, bald patch
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
There is JJazzLabMac that will open Biab SGU/MGU and use YAMAHA Styles.
Other than that just hope PG implements.

Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Looking back I found this asking for XF export
https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=6026

I looked at a midi file with the XF chords
PSRUTI Chord and Lyric Protocol
File: C:\Users\Band In A Box\Downloads\test.mid

[start chords+lyrics]
Chd 002:01:000 Bb
Chd 002:03:000 Fm7
Chd 003:01:000 Ab7
Chd 003:03:000 C#M7
Chd 004:01:000 Ebm
Chd 004:03:000 F7
Chd 005:01:000 Bbm
Chd 006:01:000 A#
Chd 006:03:000 A#
[end list]

If I can find these in the Midi file I can read them out or write them to.
I can read this info in Reaper and then I could record or write to midi.
This way I could send the XF chords to the keyboard while using the BBPlugin. The BBPlugin can transfer it's chords to Reaper and vice versa.
PG writes it's chords to the midi file like Yamaha, I just need to find where Yamaha writes them in the midi file.
I don't know if that's like what you want to do ?

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Yamaha-XF-Chords.png (5.42 KB, 115 downloads)
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
https://github.com/HeikoPlate/psruti
I think the Chd.cpp has the info so PG should be able to add that.

Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110

Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
Yes, good ideas and info. Thanks


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 551
N
nonchai Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
N
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 551
Originally Posted By: PeterGannon
Yes, good ideas and info. Thanks


Hi Pete!

great to see your support here- and very recent too!

It would be so cool to see synergy between modern ( ie Genos Generation say - ) Yamaha arrangers and BIAB

I have both clearly - but I really enjoy and am inspired by the immediacy of hardware arrangers such as Genos.

I bought one not at all for one-man-band live performance use ( the default use case of Course ) but as a way of getting inspiring ideas and sounds quickly from just fingering in the chords in left hand and then soloing and noodling OR actually composing a melody in the right hand.


But currently the Genos range AND even latest KORG PA 5 - actually fall short in many ways for composer use - which is where maybe BIAB could come in...

Some of the ways of adding seamless synergy would be:

1 ) introduce a Yamaha Genos family sound set - into BIAB which could then be used in conjunction with. Currently I see no plugin or sound module type app that allows sound sets ( say in sound fonts ) to be created that support fully the LSB+MSB CC data for Genos etc.. Which go even further these days ( in proprietary manner ) than XG, GS or GM2.. ( and sadly BANDSTAND IS NO MORE anyway frown )

2 ) ability to load Yamaha Styles and play them - as maybe an initial starter demo thing for an idea

and then if necessary switch to BIAB styles..

3) Be able to export GENOS/PSR SX CHORD LOOPER banks or bank from a BIAB chord progression ( currently the Genos family is very basic and limited for inputting ( recording LIVE ) chord progressions - because they cant be edited.

Daft.

4) allow import and export and playback of MIDI songs created in Yamaha XF format..

Also - currently none of the arrangers have USB AUDIO outputs for tracks - ie no output DAC over USB - unlike so many workstation arrangers these days -

BIAB could help maybe fill a gap here.

Of course the other thing would be to be able to easily move BIAB songs to Cubase -

But then even Cubase 12 doesnt have perfect of complete synergy ( "composer workstation" wise ) with Genos etc..

Its all a parsons egg.

Last edited by nonchai; 04/06/23 07:55 AM.

MacOS Sequoia, M4 Pro Mac Mini , 64GB RAM 512GB SSD ,
BIAB, Cubase, Ableton, Logic Pro, SCALER 3, GigLad, AnyTune, Synthesizer V Pro,Vienna Ensemble Pro, Audiofuse, Fractal FM3, KOMPLETE 15, StreamDeck, iReal Pro
White beard, beer belly, bald patch
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 551
N
nonchai Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
N
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 551
Originally Posted By: musocity
There is JJazzLabMac that will open Biab SGU/MGU and use YAMAHA Styles.
Other than that just hope PG implements.



Thanks for this info I'll check this out.

im also looking at GIGLAD - written in JUCE and cross platform too ( but no internal sound set - just sends MIDI )

Last edited by nonchai; 04/06/23 07:59 AM.

MacOS Sequoia, M4 Pro Mac Mini , 64GB RAM 512GB SSD ,
BIAB, Cubase, Ableton, Logic Pro, SCALER 3, GigLad, AnyTune, Synthesizer V Pro,Vienna Ensemble Pro, Audiofuse, Fractal FM3, KOMPLETE 15, StreamDeck, iReal Pro
White beard, beer belly, bald patch
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 551
N
nonchai Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
N
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 551
Originally Posted By: musocity
There is JJazzLabMac that will open Biab SGU/MGU and use YAMAHA Styles.
Other than that just hope PG implements.


Can JAZZLAB export the chord changes to - say - jazz standards - in the new Genos/PSR SX CHORD LOOPER BANK file format?

It would be a great way of getting those arrangers to play changes via the CHORD LOOPER feature - and then have fun and inspiration etc trying out the progression in different styles while soloing or noodling.


MacOS Sequoia, M4 Pro Mac Mini , 64GB RAM 512GB SSD ,
BIAB, Cubase, Ableton, Logic Pro, SCALER 3, GigLad, AnyTune, Synthesizer V Pro,Vienna Ensemble Pro, Audiofuse, Fractal FM3, KOMPLETE 15, StreamDeck, iReal Pro
White beard, beer belly, bald patch
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Originally Posted By: nonchai
im also looking at GIGLAD - written in JUCE and cross platform too ( but no internal sound set - just sends MIDI )

Thanks that looks good I will go try it out, so Biab should be able to send midi chords to that and if you want the audio in Biab it can send back via the VST3 that you would need
VST3Shell or Element

I will ask in the JazzLab forum about implementing the XF Chords.

I have been trying to get PG to create an Live Arranger the same way they are doing it, all the testing I have done it just all works so easy.
And JUCE, I have been trying to get PG to go that way also to get the same Main app and Plugin released at the same time on Win and Mac.
I think the BBPlugin and it's standalone will go this way as Adar uses JUCE for it. That's why I recommended the Plugin Standalone for the Live Arranger released at the same time on Win and Mac.

Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 551
N
nonchai Offline OP
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
N
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 551
Originally Posted By: musocity
Originally Posted By: nonchai
im also looking at GIGLAD - written in JUCE and cross platform too ( but no internal sound set - just sends MIDI )


I have been trying to get PG to create an Live Arranger the same way they are doing it, all the testing I have done it just all works so easy.
And JUCE, I have been trying to get PG to go that way also to get the same Main app and Plugin released at the same time on Win and Mac.
I think the BBPlugin and it's standalone will go this way as Adar uses JUCE for it. That's why I recommended the Plugin Standalone for the Live Arranger released at the same time on Win and Mac.


I concur about JUCE - I imagine the PG team would love to be able to go all-out on JUCE but sadly suspect the amount of legacy code might/is making that impossible or a very slow project - like how you eat an elephant - in very small bites over a long period of time..

For me the Live-arranger functionality I have in mind ( ie being able to use the typical chord fingering techniques in the left hand found in HW arrangers ) isnt for live performance though - the degree of reliability means BIAB would never reach that bar - but for me its for composition.

I find on my PSR SX 900 that just experimenting with improvised chord progressions - recording them into the Chord Looper ( found on the SX 900 and GENOS ) is such fun - and just something that one doesnt get when typing in chord progressions.

I want the best of both worlds really -

Namely the detail, edibility and realism of BIAB when creating and generating songs - coupled with the huge immediacy of hardware arrangers. where one sacrifices realism ( whether real tracks audio or the best software plugin sample libraries ) for the instant response - no waiting.

its all about workflow and mojo !

Wile talking about the benefits of hardware arrangers - sadly - currently - none of them are really any good for actual composition. Even when the top end arrangers like GENOS are advertised as "Workstations" they really aren't at all - and the sequencers and user interfaces in them are ultra basic - and mostly dont even have a piano roll GUI.

But then again even proper Workstation keyboards dont come close imo to being useful as even starter vehicle for composition- that is with the eventual destination for ones composed content being a DAW....

the one which in my mind seems to come closest is the recent FANTOM range.

But now we're off topic..

Last edited by nonchai; 09/13/23 01:27 PM.

MacOS Sequoia, M4 Pro Mac Mini , 64GB RAM 512GB SSD ,
BIAB, Cubase, Ableton, Logic Pro, SCALER 3, GigLad, AnyTune, Synthesizer V Pro,Vienna Ensemble Pro, Audiofuse, Fractal FM3, KOMPLETE 15, StreamDeck, iReal Pro
White beard, beer belly, bald patch
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Hopefully PG should add the XF support soon.
You now have as I said you would, keyboards with Real Tracks and Real Drums in audio format.
PG should not be far behind with their live arranger hopefully,
as you will also have the new Plugin that will work in a similar way soon to give instant gen/play (no creativity killing anymore):
Originally Posted By: PeterGannon
>MusoCity: If you could do the same in Biab/RealBand/Plugin as I can do in Reaper with the track sections it will further improve Biab to allow for more creativity control

Agreed, and this is something planned for BB2024 (and BiaB plug-in w/DAWS like Reaper that support these track sections). This will open up lots of additional options when customizing solos and other tracks.

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
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,983
Posts798,600
Members40,002
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
brendcrns01, Jacko192, Punam, Caminerin, Emuelis
40,002 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 175
DC Ron 117
Noel96 105
rsdean 103
DrDan 84
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5