I just got the software. I played a melody line on my keyboard and exported the midi file to Synth V. I then discovered that the notes could not overlap.
So I spaced them apart. OK, that worked. Now the phrasing needs to be adjusted.
My question becomes, "is it better to start out writing the melody/lyrics first and then deal with the harmonic structure separately"? To simplify, I would keep the notes in key. In other words, get the vocal down before using BIAB or live playing.
I find the software pretty intuitive and easy to use. It does appear that it is very time-consuming to get the sounds I want. Speed may come with use.
The very first attempt at using the software was only to produce the vocal.
There's been lots of discussion over the years on whether you want melodies/lyrics first or the instrumentation. From what I've seen, people do it both ways. I tend to be more of a music/instrumentation first guy because it's easier to generate a melody off the chord progression you may already have in BIAB/Realband.
As you know, Billy, I'm just getting into Synth V too and I'm working a track now that has most of the music bed set up. Synth V does look like it has a record feature. What I may do as I'm setting up my melody is to sing into a mic right into Synth V. That should capture the rhythm/annunciations of my voice I want in the melody.
Before I do any of this however, I need to visit ChatGPT and other lyric bots and get those lyrics down and finalized.
For me, the answer is backing and then melody, because that's the order that I think of it in.
It's super-easy to create a simple backing track in BiaB to import into SynthV.
So even if you know the melody, I think it's always better to hear the melody against a backing track, because it helps you make all sorts of decisions.
You can play the melody track into SynthV via a MIDI keyboard in the stand-alone version. You can slow down the tempo if you're not a good keyboard player, but the backing track won't follow when you do that. But you can still mute the backing track play to the click of the metronome if you need to do that.
Or - if you're really lazy - play the rhythm only, and drag the notes to where they need to be.
I work on the song in BiaB then import it to Logic as separate tracks and also a combined track. I then open Synth V plugin, add the combined track and then work out the melody, usually I play it in via midid and then tidy it up after. Once happy I bounce just the Synth V part back to Logic, delete the combined part from Logic and then add any extra phrases etc to Logic. It seem we all have a different way of doing things, but if it gets the results that you want then its the right way.
One problem with Synth V is there is no downloadable manual, and the one online is based on the older version and not the Studio Pro version. There is an unofficial manual on the Synth V forum created by a very knowledgeable user. https://manual.synthv.info
I am still getting to grips with the software but am so impressed so far I have purchased three of the voice packs. Eleanor Forte AI, Natalie and Solaria. Each one of these leave me stunned that it is possible to create such a realistic vocal track.
Before Synth V I purchased Emvoice One, far simpler to use but nowhere near as realistic sounding as Synth V.
I guess because Synthesizer V is not a mature software there will be some issues in learning how to operate it.
Just the first few minutes of use and many issues were apparent. I am beginning to think that AI is in some ways similar to a human vocalist. One quickly reaches the limits of the vocal range and that requires adjusting the key signature.
Perhaps as I get more acquainted with the software I will find a way around the currently perceived limits.
Even if one can sing well or have access to another vocalist, the AI vocalist provides another dimension to vocals.
I think having an "on-demand" vocalist makes BIAB even more useful. Musical ideas can quickly be developed.
Learning this technology has caused me to consider the development of melodic structure in a way that is closer to classical theory or a least I am forcing myself to "hear" the melody in my head.
One problem with Synth V is there is no downloadable manual, and the one online is based on the older version and not the Studio Pro version. There is an unofficial manual on the Synth V forum created by a very knowledgeable user. https://manual.synthv.info
Thanks Tryuk!!! This is awesome!
Originally Posted By: Planobilly
I am beginning to think that AI is in some ways similar to a human vocalist. One quickly reaches the limits of the vocal range and that requires adjusting the key signature.
This exactly! When I set up my first verse phrasing with Kevin, it sounded low and boring. I just had to transpose the whole section up a fifth and it sounded more bright and perfect. With the female vocalists I'm noticing I need to typically transpose an octave higher than Kevin so that they sound good.
So I spend a few hours last night playing and I had a blast learning it.
Originally Posted By: sslechta
I need to visit ChatGPT get those lyrics down and finalized.
Check, the ChatGPT was the winning AI and it was literally minutes to do this. I told it the musical style this was for, the name/chorus of the song, number of verses and choruses and how many lines in each. Then I told it I wanted 5 to 10 syallables per line. Boom! Instant decent lyrics. I did some tweaking to fit my song but I would say ChatGPT was 75% of the final lyrics.
Originally Posted By: sslechta
Synth V does look like it has a record feature. What I may do as I'm setting up my melody is to sing into a mic right into Synth V. That should capture the rhythm/annunciations of my voice I want in the melody.
Not quite. I found that it only accepts MIDI input, not audio. I reached out to my friend Melodyne and sang out the rough melody to it. Of course I had to drag pitches up and down to get the notes back in key (Yes, I sing that bad). I exported it as MIDI to BIAB. I opened up the piano roll and locked in the timing and length of the notes. I exported that MIDI and brought it into Synth V. I put Kevin on the first phrase and it sounded good. Only issue was that the first word, "started", didn't break into two notes. I Googled a tip that said to put the word in both notes and break the phonemes. I put (s t aa r) into the first note and (t ax d) into the second note. Another cool thing I found is you can change the duration and strength of each letter in the phoneme with a slider control. So the tool does allow you to tweak to your heart's content to get it to sound more real. Lots of learning to go but I'm loving Synth V so far...
I reached out to my friend Melodyne and sang out the rough melody to it. Of course I had to drag pitches up and down to get the notes back in key (Yes, I sing that bad). I exported it as MIDI to BIAB. I opened up the piano roll and locked in the timing and length of the notes. I exported that MIDI and brought it into Synth V.
That’s a way I’ve done it, just using Logic instead of Melodyne and BIAB. Provide some kind of pitch information with my voice then clone it to a bot to make it sound like music.
[ a bit late, but I completely missed this thread ]
Originally Posted By: Planobilly
I am beginning to think that AI is in some ways similar to a human vocalist. One quickly reaches the limits of the vocal range and that requires adjusting the key signature.
This!!!
I've posted this somewhere before, but anyway: treat synthetic singers just like a real singer! This means :
find her (assuming female vocals) usable vocal range
find her best sounding vocal range. If needed, transpose your song
find a singing rhythm that suits both their singing and the song
don't request things she can't deliver.
The question of how to start a song is as old as music itself, and everyone does it differently. What works best for me:
I noodle around on my acoustic or my keyboard until I find an interesting chord progression
Enter the chords into BIAB and play with some styles and instruments until it sounds good (or is discarded).
Decide on the structure of the song
Make a raw mix in my DAW
Just sing along until the lyrics come. Really. Unlike most, I can't start with a 'lalala' melody because I ALWAYS change the melody with the final lyrics. I don't know why I'm wired this way. I use the VST plugin of SynthV in my DAW and enter the lyrics and notes directly there.
I have absolutely no idea where my harmonies come from. I sing along and they are just there. Must be inherited from my mother who is a harmony monster
Mix until it sounds like a song, post it here, rinse and repeat
Like I said, this works for me, but not necessarily for you. My nephew does it the other way around, he starts with the vocals and the melody and builds everything around that. So, even in my own family, there's no agreement on how to write a song.
After a bit of experimentation, I am finding that I am not constrained to a particular method of "how to start a song." In fact, this software has influenced me to try to hear the melody in my head and write that as notes.
Without having a competent live drummer to collaborate with, I struggle with the rhythmic aspect of music generation in general.
I think Dave mentioned inserting and working to an audio track in the software. After I discovered how actually to do that, the process changed again.
My original thinking was to use a set of original lyrics and try to find a drum line/style that would work, then create a harmonic/chord structure. Then play the top line (vocal melody) on the piano. That was a temporary failure, as the lyrics were inappropriate for the structure. I then started entering new lyrics directly into the Synth V software and changing the position of notes which produced plausible results.
A "Hotel California" quality song is a bit further down the road...lol
Fun stuff in any event. I am well satisfied with the software purchase.
I think this software will provide me with a way to have instant access to a vocalist. That has been a missing component forever. Even if I hire a professional session vocalist, the time and lengthy process required negatively affect the creative process. The cost of hiring an excellent vocalist is getting pretty pricy to add to the issue.
There are some new features coming in Synthesizer V Studio 1.8.1 which look promising.
Thanks for sharing that and the online user manual. I'm looking forward to the English Rock/Metal Voice coming soon. I will buy that one the first day it's for sale.....
There is a free version you can download. This only plays the Lite voices. To get the really good ones you need the paid version plus the paid voice sets. The free version gives you a taste but it's nowhere near as good as the paid version.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
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