|
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: 6,517
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,517 |
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: 12,853
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853 |
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 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/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: 6,517
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,517 |
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: 6,517
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,517 |
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: 6,517
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,517 |
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 05:29 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,637
Posts807,805
Members40,179
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean