|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,655
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,655 |
Hi all,
I've not previously tried the "Key signature change" option on the F5 dialog.
For me at present the option is greyed out.
Anyone know why and how to enable it?
What I'm trying to do is play the first two choruses in one key, play the middle choruses in another key and the final two choruses in a third key, or I could make the choruses twice the length so it becomes one - middle - final. Any tips to best do that whilst allowing the number of choruses to be changed?
Thanks,
Gordon.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,628
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,628 |
Gordon, key change under F5 is working for me. Think you may need to unfold the file to change the key of the choruses after the first one. In other words, think all the choruses have to be in the same key. (The term "chorus" is not intuitive to many, as "chorus" is the term BiaB uses for each loop of the entire song)
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,543
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,543 |
Hi Gordon. Check the Chorus # dropdown menu. For example... If I set this to Chorus #2 when my song is just a single chorus, the key signature option is grayed out (see the image below). When I set this option to "all choruses", the key signature change works fine. ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=32465&filename=key signature in bar settings greyed out.jpg) --Noel
Last edited by Noel96; 04/06/26 03:04 PM.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,628
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,628 |
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,655
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,655 |
Hi Noel,
I can confirm part of that ... the option is greyed out when I select chorus #2 and not greyed out for All Choruses, however my song does have multiple choruses (5). I just tried an RTFS Most, but that didn't help.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,543
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,543 |
Hi Gordon.
It sounds like using key changes might not be working properly.
If you have a 5-chorus song, it's reasonable to expect the key change to be to be implemented on chorus #2. That said, I have never used multiple choruses and it is possible that the key signature change in Bar Settings is limited and is only available on all choruses. It's worth mentioning to the development team, though, in case there is an issue.
For what it's worth the Key Signature setting in "Edit | Transpose | Transpose from... to..." only works on a single chorus. Unfortunately, this transpose does not add the new key signature like the setting in Bar Settings does.
--Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,928
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,928 |
I am a bit confused about the function of changing a key in a BIAB Chorus? I don't believe a key change will effect any chord which you have written in the grid chart. So since you are cycling the chord chart, which is not changing, I am not sure you should expect to hear any thing different. Perhaps, you may be assuming that the generation of the tracks will be different based on the key. That I can not confirm or refute. But I have never seen that happen in BIAB.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,543
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,543 |
Dan,
The key change function in Bar Settings adds a new key signature at the location specified. As you correctly point out, it doesn't change the chord sheet. This is valuable in two ways...
1) If the lead sheet is printed, it shows those who use the lead sheet useful information.
2) To some extent, the key directs BIAB's choice of clips. For example, if you generate a solo on a C chord and you are temporarily in the key of G minor, you don't necessarily want to have a Bb or Eb notes in the solo or background tracks. So, if a song's main key is C major and there is a section that is temporarily in the key of G minor, it's usually better to set the key for that temporary section. Not doing this is like leaving the main key in BIAB set to C while you use create a song in G minor.
In relation to point 2), I've found over the years that if I use a temporary key change in the harmony, I get better generation results if I set the correct key for those few bars that are in a different key from the main key.
--Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,928
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,928 |
Ya that makes sense from a music theory perspective, however, for point 2 -I just have never seen that behavior BIAB - don't mean you aren't correct, just that I never seen that happen in BIAB - Maybe I will try a few experiments to test it out. thanks Dan
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,628
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,628 |
Having read a few posts on this topic, one THEORY is that only the BiaB-generated soloist and/or melody tracks use this info. I agree with DrDan: I've never heard a key change that made a difference. Then again, I generally don't have BiaB generate solos or melodies.
Just a thought. As I hinted, this could be wrong.
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,655
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,655 |
Hi Gordon.
It sounds like using key changes might not be working properly. I agree. It seems that it offers only to change key "to" a key and it offers in only on "All choruses", which means all it can really do is change the key during the intro, or at some time during the first chorus, because any other such "change" will always be to the same key, so will have no effect. In practice it doesn't actually seem to do anything anyway. The key signature doesn't change, there's no transposition of any kind (maybe that's reasonable, but it's what I wanted). The song in question has two "Intro" choruses in Cm, solos in Dm and two "coda" choruses in Fm, which seems probably impossible using options like the F5 or the practice modes (IIRC there's an option to change each chorus by n semitones). The conclusion has to be that I set the total number of choruses I want, unfold the song, then transpose areas to suit; the key signature will just have to stay as it is. I'll try that and see how it works out.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,543
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,543 |
In practice it doesn't actually seem to do anything anyway. This is correct. This setting is not a transposing tool (those are found under the main key setting or the Edit menu). The change only appears on the chordsheet as a red line beneath the bar number that it was applied to. Also, the main key signature remains unchanged and only shows the starting key. In Notation View and Lead Sheet View, though, the key sigs show up. ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=32472&filename=key signature F5.jpg)
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,655
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,655 |
I'd been looking for a transpose option on the F5 options, where I thought it existed, but found the key change instead and, though it's probably correct that it shouldn't transpose ... that's really, I think, a different function. It's still something of a puzzle to me that it's disallowed on the numbered choruses.  I think I shall largely ignore the key signature, do an 'unfolded' intro, an unfolded coda, and then at least I can vary the number of inner 'solos' choruses. A bit clumsy perhaps, but it should be workable. I hadn't thought to look at the notation and lead-sheet views. OK, then it does do something.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,543
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,543 |
Gordon,
If you want to change the key of a range of bars, the way that I do that is to use "Edit | Transpose | Transpose From... To...". When this is used, it does not set the key signature to the new key. That's where the Bar Settings key change is needed.
--Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,533
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,533 |
I’m following this of course for all the reasons listed, and I have one more reason.
In the Tips and Tricks Forum, I wrote a sticky article about BIAB not always playing the chords that you wrote. When you do not change from the default key of C and proceed to enter chords in a key that should have a different key signature, particularly one with several flats or sharps, you can get odd and sometimes ‘wrong’ notes, and odd enharmonic choices. I'm puzzled by this mention of seeing - not seeing - the key signature, and whether the point is for printing or whether it actually affects the algorithm for choosing what we hear.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,140
Posts800,794
Members40,043
| |
Most Online64,515
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean