|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 11
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 11 |
Other than using BIAB back in the 90s on Atari ST/Falcon, I'm really new to this software. So far my OmniPAK edition has installed and it all comes across as intuitive and easy to work with. I've got it talking to all of my VST2/3 instruments and an external Fantom X (audio input monitored via armed Thru track) via an instance of Bidule as the default synth. It's all working and sounding great so far! One thing I am starting to anticipate is a need to inject some CC information into MIDI tracks. I.E. Garritan's JABB3 library interprets dynamics this way rather than via traditional 'note velocity'. Example: Insert CC1 or CC11 on the same tick of each note-on event, at the same value as note-on, or velocity. Such an automated process is desired because it would 'quickly' offer a good 'starting point' from which to later 'fine tune' the dynamics of each note 'if necessary'. Is there such an ability already built into BIAB? If not, are there compatible scripting tools that can do this sort of thing to bb's song/style files? Anyone have experiences to share as to how you manage such things? Maybe export tracks into a DAW that can do such things in a couple clicks and then move it back to a BIAB song? I do use Bidule and so far I have it snoop each key velocity and add the CC into the live MIDI stream, but it's not always as musical as I'd like; plus, it's not all that straight forward to preserve/embed the data into the song itself. Thanks, Brian
Last edited by Brian Roland; 11/27/23 10:40 AM.
Windows 11, OmniPak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
Welcome to the Forum.
My short answer is I don't know.
I wrote the guide to using Garritan JABB with BIAB but that was well over a decade ago, and I have not kept up. PG Music made my guide into a FAQ here, somewhere.
A JABB version 2 now? OK.
I encounter the need for sending expression CC info when using one of my sounds, the SWAM instruments, so I understand the question.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 11
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 11 |
Thanks much for the reply! I'll hunt down your FAQ.
It's an old library but still one of the most expressive and interesting I've yet to find for getting jazz combos and big band orchestra sounds.
So far I'm simply using bidule to inject a CC1 event equal to note-velocity in real time. It's better than nothing but not quite as polished and in balance as I like.
Unfortunately, once I do start drawing in some CC events for frozen bb tracks, they conflict with the 'bidule hack'. Eventually I can build more logic to scale and sort more dynamic issues in real time. How to get it embedded in the songs though? Hmmm
I'll keep exploring and see what I can learn.
Maybe there's a way to put those 'utility' tracks to work, and just move the stuff back and forth between Cubase.
Interested in seeing how others have tackled this.
Last edited by Brian Roland; 11/27/23 10:29 AM.
Windows 11, OmniPak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 11
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 11 |
Welcome to the Forum.
A JABB version 2 now? OK. Oops, I meant to type JABB3 (will go back and fix it). As far as I know it's at version 3.02 now, and has been for what seems like ages. I suppose I could tweak out some alternative sfz files for JABB3 and make them work via velocity instead of CC, but the prospect of getting the velocity curves right for all those sample layers makes my head swim with dread. Not a fun or easy thing to knock out in a short time.
Last edited by Brian Roland; 11/27/23 10:41 AM.
Windows 11, OmniPak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286 |
FWIW - When I have to start a song with some CCs I would add a measure or two at the start of the song. I do this in my DAW but if you are recording in BiaB I would add a measure or two at the start of the song and have only the drums playing, much like a count-in. That would give you time set up your CC 1 or CC11.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
I can't find the FAQ right now. It's not coming up in a search, but the search function seems to be limited to 15 years past. I did find a lot written in 2011, and I remember we had used it well before that, so it must have been closer to two decades ago.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110 |
You could use RapidComposerVST inside Biab or you could use ReWireVST that will load into Biab then slave Reaper to it, and Reaper will allow scripting.
You also have the BBPlugin that you can send the midi out to your DAW.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 11
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 11 |
I can't find the FAQ right now. It's not coming up in a search, but the search function seems to be limited to 15 years past. I did find a lot written in 2011, and I remember we had used it well before that, so it must have been closer to two decades ago. I couldn't find it either. I think I'll be alright as I get more experience. FWIW - When I have to start a song with some CCs I would add a measure or two at the start of the song. I do this in my DAW but if you are recording in BiaB I would add a measure or two at the start of the song and have only the drums playing, much like a count-in. That would give you time set up your CC 1 or CC11. Good tip, thanks. I do have instruments that work better if set up well before a channel makes any sound. In this case in order to get dynamic changes over phrases I need to send a cc with nearly every single note, on the same midi tick, or one before the note-on event occurs. With bidule I can 'audition and explore' songs/styles by injecting the desired CCs in real time as a song plays but this can yield a few problems with some songs. I don't get as much control without a lot of extra logic/bidules. When I do start drawing expressive CCs onto the real tracks for things like crescendos, sfz, and so forth, nasty sounding conflicts can pop up. You could use RapidComposerVST inside Biab or you could use ReWireVST that will load into Biab then slave Reaper to it, and Reaper will allow scripting.
You also have the BBPlugin that you can send the midi out to your DAW. Yeah, I'm slowly exploring such options. Drag and drop straight from BIAB seems to work really well here (both ways). Over in Cubase I can use a logical editor to inject them in a few clicks then drag it back to BIAB. I'll typically either match the expression volume controller with note-on velocity (value 2), or if I want the effect of dynamics getting 'louder' with 'higher notes' and 'softer' with 'lower notes' I might go for note number (value 1) and average it instead. This 'roughs' it in pretty well, so I only need to touch a fraction of the notes with a mouse afterward for the more subtle or precision needs. I can then ride CC7 for things like terraced dynamic changes, or gradual hair-pin changes since that moves everything playing on the channel 'together' and keeps it 'relative to the expression volume' CCs. I was hoping the styles and style maker itself might have one click options or 'rule sets' to support plugins that need to ride a CC to get dynamic changes. Other perks would be better use of patches that do different things at different 'velocities'. I.E. If key velocity is above 64 start pulling a plunger mute outward, if below 64 start pushing it in tighter. Second best would be logical editors or scripting tools that can interact directly with tracks loaded into BIAB to quickly rough this stuff in right after generating a style track. It's pretty common for wind, brass, and string instruments to either ignore key velocity, or use it for something slightly different from volume/dynamics. Have even made a few patches myself over the years in the Fantom/Zenology/HALion that need 'both' a volume CC (actual loudness) and key-velocity (variations in attack/release and/or triggering different sample/synth layers). A lot of people roll their eyes when they learn I keep reaching for Garritan libraries in 2023. Thing is, when it comes to getting expressive jazzy brass with a ton of mute options, falls, doits, kisses, etc...it's still pretty hard to beat! It's not the easiest library to just pound in notes from an AI's composition and have it sound good, but once you get to know how it all works and arrange with it mind, it can sound very good/convincing/realistic.
Windows 11, OmniPak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,749
Posts795,733
Members39,949
| |
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