|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,631
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,631 |
This intrigued me as I didn't know of a method. I did find this, on th'InterWeb though. Here is some info I picked up from the Qmidi help section about how chord events are used (I hope there are no copyright issues....):
Text meta events with the "%" prefix are used to store chords using the standard notation format where the first letter is the chord name (capitals letters A-G) , the second is the alteration (#, b or blank), followed by the chord description.
Example:
FF 01 len "%D#/F"
FF 01 len "%B m7" <-- recommended blank space if no prefix (QMidi will check this!)
FF 01 len "%Gbsus4" The FF introduces metadata, the 01 is "text event", len is the number of characters payload and the rest is the text string. I imagine the " marks are not actually part of the string. At present I have absolutely no idea if this is a universal convention.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 586
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 586 |
How about abc text files? will they work?
Biab can export and import chords from abc files. However I don't know if it covers all details needed (variations of chords, time positions within the bar etc). It is very easy to test, populate biab with chords on the finest level and with the most complicated chords available then save special abc. And redo with open special abc etc, Also open and modify the text file to see if the changes loads correctly. But maybe it is very buggy, there were a lot of problems importing abc files when it was launched some years ago so I stopped using it.
BIAB 2026, Studio Pro 8, Song Master Pro, Win11 Home. i7-9700K CPU, 32GB, ESI MAYA44eX, ZOOM UAC-2, Guitar Pro 8, Transcribe, (EZKeys2, EZD3, SD3, EZBass, EZMix3)
Amateur: fiddle, guitar, vocal, beginner on bass.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,837
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,837 |
. Then how is this chord info transferred into any other program? It won't go as a MIDI file.
I'm assuming it is exported as a file type used by Reaper. Is that correct? No the chord names are not transferred to any other program. Currently in my workflow once the Chord Names have been added to the Bar Markers, to allow me to visually see the chord names in the timeline, there is nothing else they can do. They are only text and while Reaper does allow me to list in table form these text markers: by (Chord name - Bar Number) I don't see a way to print them.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,487
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,487 |
Back to the original topic, I had a project today that caused me to use and learn much more about Song Master Pro, and I can say I am far more impressed with it than before.
Song Master Pro identified the chords better than any other resource I have ever used, and I've tried a lot. This may be the first program I would trust with the task.
It's a small thing, but so valuable, to have the tempo identified with accuracy to the tenth of a BPM. The song I was studying turned out to be a steady 115.2 bpm. Why they recorded or released it like that, I have no clue, but it means that I cannot get BIAB rendered tracks to match it exactly. At least with this knowledge, I can make precise tempo adjustments in my DAW. [I really wish BIAB would support non-integer tempos; it's something I've requested for several years and if nothing else, it would make it possible to change tempos within a bar smoothly.]
The first thing I had to do was pitch shift the song, into the key I wanted to perform it on horn. I have several programs that do this, but it's nice to stay in the same tool awhile. Not only does it adjust the pitch in terms of half-steps, but also in cents. I raised the pitch 13 cents to where I wanted it. [Some out there will claim that you can't hear such small adjustments, but I can, and I've proven it to disbelieving engineers].
I then used the Mix, Extract Stems. It works very well, and I think has more power than any of the Spleeter variations. This made .WAV files for Drums, Bass, Piano, Guitar, and what they call The Rest for sounds other than those named. Each of these can be saved, muted or soloed, and adjusted by volume. This may be the most helpful tool I've ever used to decipher a song. [Then BIAB can take over.]
I had some trouble with extracting MIDI and making use of it, but it does appear it can be done once I figure out a couple of nuances. For example, I can take an audio bass, turn it into MIDI, move it to a DAW, and assign a Bass (or other) virtual instrument. I can also view that MIDI in music notation form in my DAW or in my dedicated notation program (as Mario mentioned).
We have all grown up with BIAB having to explain to new users how MIDI is not Audio, and Audio is not MIDI.
But the world is changing.
ps I love the GUI. Everything is where I would have guessed. What a pleasure.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934 |
Thanks for paving the way Matt. This sounds interesting. I am interested in getting stems. I may give it a try.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,597
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,597 |
Back to the original topic, I had a project today that caused me to use and learn much more about Song Master Pro, and I can say I am far more impressed with it than before. Sound interesting. I usually have to learn entire repertoires quickly, and I've used Transcribe! as a transcribing aid for years. I also bought Decoda, from Zplane, but it has many limitations and it looks like won't be further developed. The lack of a chord chart export feature in Songmaster pro is an important con for me, though. On the other hand, how does it manage tempo and time signature changes?
Last edited by Cerio; 02/05/24 11:56 PM.
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 586
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 586 |
Any news on the "exporting chords" feature?
BIAB 2026, Studio Pro 8, Song Master Pro, Win11 Home. i7-9700K CPU, 32GB, ESI MAYA44eX, ZOOM UAC-2, Guitar Pro 8, Transcribe, (EZKeys2, EZD3, SD3, EZBass, EZMix3)
Amateur: fiddle, guitar, vocal, beginner on bass.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,597
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,597 |
On the other hand, how does it manage tempo and time signature changes? I've just tried the demo. It handles tempo changes and time signature changes very well. Also, really intuitive and smooth, and it's REALLY good figuring out the chords. Very impressed, so far.
Last edited by Cerio; 02/06/24 05:28 AM.
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,487
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,487 |
Transcribe: yes. I use this often, but today I only had it open so I could play a note on the piano keyboard. I didn’t need any other functions.
ps the Stems in Song Master Pro include a Vocal track. I didn’t list it because my song had no vocals.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,597
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,597 |
Any news on the "exporting chords" feature? I finally decided to buy the program after trying the demo for a while, I've tried (and used) several similar programs in the past and this is, by far, the best one, so thanks for bringing it here. I contacted the developer about this and other FR, and he said me that he had just iust implemented the option to view a song as a song sheet (similar to a lead sheet format) as well as exporting it as a professional looking pdf. Both features will be in the next update He also said that he is going to start working on an additional export feature (probably MusicXML) immediately. Great.
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,487
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,487 |
That’s great news. Thanks!
And yes, the developer is very accommodating and reachable.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,837
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,837 |
Last edited by DrDan; 02/09/24 12:22 PM.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,487
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,487 |
Not surprised. They seem to be coming fast and furious now. Thanks for the tip.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,004
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,004 |
Free and runs from your computer, not the cloud. How neat is that?! Thanks for sharing the news DrDan. If I may ask, how did you find out about the Audacity AI plugins?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,597
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,597 |
The spleeter algorithm, used in most of those programs and webs has always been open source and free to use: https://github.com/deezer/spleeterThere's also a graphical implementation for windows, really easy to use and also 100% free: https://makenweb.com/SpleeterGUIBut Song Master goes much further than that, is the perfect program for working musicians who need to learn / transcribe lots of songs quickly, in the most efficient way.
Last edited by Cerio; 02/09/24 05:35 PM.
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,616
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,616 |
BIAB puts the chord (spelling in as a Marker field)
Reaper can read the markers and put them in the marker field.
Studio One has to process imported MIDI notes or Audio to recognized chord spelling and put them in the Chord track. It can then drive MIDI and/or Audio track tuning via the chord track.
IFAIK Cubase also can recognize chord spelling from MIDI data or Audio data to load into its chord track for use with MIDI tracks.
IFAIK Cakewalk and Logic currently do not have chord tracks.
Music XML can spell 33 types per chord for chord charts.
So, I would say the best options for now is:
Options 1: Output a MIDI file:
- MIDI block chords for systems that recognize the chords +
- Chord names as a marker in the MIDI file for systems that recognize the markers and put them in a marker track
Option 2: Output a Music XML file:
- Music XML if you're workflow involves notation.
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,597
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,597 |
A new version has just been released, Iv'e been using the beta version for the last weeks and the new features are really impressive: https://aurallysound.com/pages/release-notes-proSimply put, it's the perfect transcribing assistant and song learning app out there. John, the developer, is also very open minded to new suggestions and appreciates bug reports. In fact, several of the ideas on this thread (and many more) have been implemented on the new version.
Last edited by Cerio; 03/24/24 01:25 PM.
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,837
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,837 |
Hot Damn, this is really good news. I have kept my eye on this and am now even more excited to see the updates. With these revisions this app is distinquishing itseft from others which makes the cost feasible. Thanks for the follow up here.
Dan
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 586
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 586 |
Great news.
I just made a quick test for one song.
It seems that Biab imports the overall chords and structure ok I had to set the BB song bar offset to 1 in the XML import menu (default was 2).
I just made a very quick test with one single song it seems to get the "basic" chords in but missing the qualifier ie Bm comes in as B and G7 as G etc, but I have not analyzed it in detail. It looks like it is in the import function, if I open the XML with MuseScore4 the chord qualifiers are shown there.
BIAB 2026, Studio Pro 8, Song Master Pro, Win11 Home. i7-9700K CPU, 32GB, ESI MAYA44eX, ZOOM UAC-2, Guitar Pro 8, Transcribe, (EZKeys2, EZD3, SD3, EZBass, EZMix3)
Amateur: fiddle, guitar, vocal, beginner on bass.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,487
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,487 |
Looks like a powerful update. You are correct, the developer listens. I suggested exporting the tempo map, and here it is.
My browser flagged the download because not many have yet downloaded it.
I did a double-take with I saw the update is only 112 MB. That's less than one RealTrack.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,943
Posts798,007
Members39,988
| |
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