|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 260 |
Hi,
just wondering if a user " midi " track style created on BIAB 10.5 work on an earlier version of BIAB.
Unfortunately I can't test it, I threw my early versions of BIAB out.
best wishes
rikki
BIAB 2025
Korg PA5X
Yamaha sx900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I can see no reason why it shouldn't work.. have you just tried it or is there a reason you need to know before trying it?
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Of course unless the style you've selected does not exist on the previous version. If so convert to midi and import it...depending on how old a version you are using it may not have the ability to make a style based on the midi file.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446 |
I've been writing aftermarket styles since version 4 (when they were first introduced back in the early 1990s) and if my memory serves me well:
Depends if you used "live drums" or not. The drum grid is backwards compatible, but the full MIDI set with resolution of 120ppq is not. The "live drums" feature came out in version 7.
I can't think of anything else in V10 that isn't backwards compatible at least to version 5. V4 had only 3 instruments.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772 |
And when we talk about versions, please be careful to be specific. BIAB 10 is not the same as BIAB 2010. PGMusic started using the year two-thousand naming convention starting with 2004.
I started using BIAB with version 8, and then progressed through 9, 10, 11, 12, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007(.5), 2008(.5), 2009(.5), and 2010(.5)
So version 8 is different from 2008, version 9 is different from 2009, etc.
For those of us who have been around awhile, saying version 10 in the subject line when you mean 2010 can get confusing, because we've used both.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 260 |
Hi Guys,
thank you all.
I do mean BIAB 2010.5.
I'd forgotten how the numbering system worked, even though I've been an on & off user since it first came out for the Atari.
Only reason I'm asking is, I'm planning on converting the odd keyboard style across to BIAB, instead of vice versa.
Don't know how succesfull I'd be, but I'm always happy to share.
Mainly checking to see if they'd work with an earlier version of BIAB as most keyboards aren't backward compatible.
best wishes
rikki
BIAB 2025
Korg PA5X
Yamaha sx900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446 |
2010 should be backwards compatible for quite a few versions as long as you don't do multi-styles.
If you end up with something great, and feel like you want to make a few bucks, let me know and I'll sell them for you and split the money fairly.
I sell BiaB products by Roy Hawkesford, David Bailey and Sherry Mayrent and I'm always looking for more people to "join the club".
Contact me off-list if interested.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 260 |
Hi Bob,
thank you for the offer.
I'm more familiar with various brand keyboard styles than I am with Biab & how they're created. Thought it might be interesting to see if they could be adapted to BIAB.
Unfortunately I'm 2 instrument tracks short in BIAB ( 3 if I include the percussion track ) It may make them a bit bland. The Intro's & Endings that give the keyboards they're pizzaz, can't be used either.
I only fiddle round with keyboard styles as a hobby, some are conversions, some are made up of bits & pieces of various styles, hence I give them away.
Just want to try something different. I've worked my way thru most of the keyboards, yamaha, technics , roland , ketron , korg. BIAB is about the only style creation process I haven't tried.
It may just be a bit too different. Haven't given up yet though haahaa.
best wishes
rikki
BIAB 2025
Korg PA5X
Yamaha sx900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446 |
I've successfully converted Korg and Technics styles to BiaB. According to the feedback from my customers, I have done a good job at it (and since they come back for more, I think they are sincere in their comments). Of course they aren't carbon copies of the keyboard styles. BiaB and arranger keyboards don't "think" about the process in the same way. BiaB has the advantage of entering the chords before you hit the play button, so it can use some "artificial intelligence" to create a more musical background. It takes a lot of forethought, some creativity, and a bit of compromise to reduce a 7 instrument style to 5 instruments. But by using BiaB's advantage, there are things you can do to make up for the instrument deficiency by adding more original patterns (being careful to make them compatible) and by using the masks assign them to specific context situations. This results in less repetition and IMHO a more musical, band-like accompaniment background. For examples, check out the mp3 demo files on these disks: I also modify the intro/ending files to be compatible with the BiaB styles but leave them as MIDI files so people can either use them in Real Band or export BiaB as a MIDI file and use them in the sequencer of their choice. This of course is one of the great advantages of using MIDI styles, you can edit the output to your heart's content, turning the very good output of BiaB into something truly excellent. Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 260 |
Thanks Bob,
for all the info.
Maybe next time I should do a bit more research first before I open my mouth & put my foot in it. haahaa
I hadn't considered doing Intro's & Endings as midifiles & adding them in a sequencer.
I suppose the main thing when cutting down the number of tracks is to keep the main rhythm going and leave out the ones that are there to just tizzy the style up.
I'll go through the demo's & check out your site.
Do you use a particular DXI to base your styles on? I've ended up with Coyote Forte, CoyoteWT & Cakewalk TTS-1 & a soundfont player. Decided against using my Korg & Yamaha keyboards as a soundsource for BIAB, I want to use a soundsource more users are likely to own, plus have the portability of just using my laptop instead of having to be midied up to my keyboards.
Sort of got used to the simple Yamaha format, 1 pattern per variation. My Korg has up to 6 patterns per variation, but not many of the styles make use of the ability.
Just have to study how BIAB picks it's patterns & how these masks work. Something to keep me busy.
If I ever work it out, and come up with something worthwhile, I'll get in touch.
Thank you so much for your input.
best wishes
rikki
BIAB 2025
Korg PA5X
Yamaha sx900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446 |
When converting the 7 instrument styles to the 5 instrument BiaB limitation, I sometimes combine two parts, sometimes leave out one that seems to duplicate or be irrelevant, sometimes use one part for the A substyle and another for the B (or C&D), and make other "artistic" decisions. Also, I try to take advantage of the BiaB's "engine" to make the styles more musical than the keyboard counterparts, using the BiaB StyleMaker masks, macros and other tools. I also add more drum rolls and sometimes ignore the ones that came with the keyboard style, if they don't work well with BiaB. Like the 1940s Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer song, I accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. So in the end, my styles are definitely not carbon copies of the keyboard style (that would be impossible anyway) but instead styles that have been inspired by the keyboard styles. When writing styles I use the VSC that comes with BiaB. True, it's not the best sounding synth, but that's the beauty of working with it. If I can get my styles to sound decent with the VSC, they will sound even better on a good synth. I've also done the demo files on either the VSC or a SoundBlaster card (I used the SB on the older styles - before the VSC was available). I could use a better synth, but the way I figure it is that many people are probably using the VSC. If I made the styles sound better by using a better synth, those people will be disappointed with their purchase. On the other hand, if the user has a better synth, he/she will be delighted with the purchase. I also do my demos with the first pass through BiaB. Sure I could run it through a dozen or so times and pick the take where BiaB chose the best patterns, but I just don't feel good doing that. Now when I play for my own enjoyment, or when I make backing tracks for my duo, I don't use soft synths at all. I have an array of hardware synths and samplers, and I choose the most appropriate sound of each for every individual track. I have nothing against soft synths, but I prefer hardware. The synth that I bought when I was using the Atari computer is still working, and hasn't needed an upgrade or anything else. It still has a couple of stellar sounds on it. I don't know of any software device that worked on the computers of the 1980s that still work today. Plus there is only about 5ms latency (for all practical purposes no latency) and I can mix and match that unit with all my newer modules and synths with no noticeable latency at all. I think the Akai sampler has the greatest latency at 6ms. So when mixed together, they sound together with for all practical purposes equal latency. One more thing. They are all plug-and-play. I can move them to another computer simply by moving the MIDI or USB cable, no installation disks to worry about, no stress on the computer's CPU, and no problems. Of course there is more than one right way to make music. To read how I use BiaB to make my band's backing tracks, go to: http://www.nortonmusic.com/backing_tracks.htmlInsights and incites by Notes ♫
Last edited by Notes Norton; 10/07/10 04:29 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 260 |
Thanks again Bob,
the Roland vsc unfortunately won't run on my Win 7. I'll have to use Coyote.
Just to get used to how it all works, I'm fiddling round with mix n matching style parts from some of the BIAB styles, before trying it with keyboard styles, I'm hoping it's a good way of working out how the masks etc work.
The guitar macro's sound interesting. I've got a similar sort of function on my Korg PA800, in that a single note produces a strum, If I've read correctly, that's also what a macro note does.
Keyboard midifile Intro's/Endings sound like they are going to be the least of my problems, haa haa, fortunately I've been manually converting those for years in midifile format.
best wishes
rikki
BIAB 2025
Korg PA5X
Yamaha sx900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,307
Posts790,789
Members39,855
| |
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