|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131 |
I'm actually doing most of what I want to do on PT but in a State of almost total ignorance. i have been doing a bit of swatting up in MIDI etc and have not been able to find anything that clarifies the difference between ports, channels and tracks. Can anyone point me in the right direction regarding these fundamental pieces of the midi myre? perhaps a website that can explain the whole thing. I've read all on wikipedia.
cheers
Glenn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,644
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,644 |
In a nutshell-
a track is a track in PT, numbered 1-48
a channel is a midi channel (16 to choose from, 1-16)
a port is a place the midi gets sent to
The port concept is what gets most people.
You can have any midi channel(s) on any track. For instance track 1 in PT could be a track for the drums containing information on midi channel 10...or it could be a piano on channel 1... or a bass on channel 2. *Note that a channel can be assigned to any instrument; these are examples (although drums are almost always channel 10)
So a midi channel is just a way to have 16 different choices for midi information.
The track designation has no bearing on midi except to organize things, and have control over individual midi channels or groups of midi channels.
Now the port-
Every midi sound source you use can have the ability to use those 16 midi channels. So what if you want the piano sound from synth#1, but the drums from synth#2 ?
You *could * send the information to synth1 and thru that synth and on to synth2... but if you had a bunch of available soundsources this would not be practical to send all the information thru all of the synths and then tell each one which channel to obey and which ones to ignore, plus after 'X' amount of daisychaining the signal would start degrading... so in come the ports.
You can have a bunch of different midi in and midi out ports on a system.
Example- output port 1 may go to synth1, and output 2 could go to synth2, and output port three could go to whatever ... etc.
By assigning WHERE the signal on a given track gets sent we can keep things organized, PLUS we can send midi channel 1 from track number whatever out port 1, and then be able to use midi channel 1 again on a different track and send it out a different port, thus allowing us to get past the limit of 16 sounds from 16 midi channels.
So a midi track contains the midi information which can be on any given channel(s) 1-16.
Then that track gets assigned to a port so that the midi information on that track can be directed to whatever synth (or other midi controlled device) it is we want to send it to.
In PT we have 16 available midi output ports (1-16) and 16 available softsynth ports (17-32). In theory this is 16 X 32 available ways to get the midi information to the receiving device. Thats a lot of flexibility! The limit is usually in how many physical midi connections we have to use for the first 16 ports (1-16).
Example- an SBLive soundcard will have a midi port on it usually, as will a lot of the M-Audio cards, and many others... plus we could get a USB-to-MIDI device... these would be considered midi output devices available for use by the first 16 MIDI ports.
To use the other 16 sofsynth ports its simply a matter of right-clicking a track and selecting any available softsynth port (17-32) and then assigning a softsynth to it.
HTH and as I look back at it I see it really wasn't 'in a nutshell'... but hopefully you can fumble through this.
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131 |
absolutely brilliant!! Thanks for shedding the light. I have another question then I think I should be an expert!! What is the difference between a VSTi and a DLS. Can you use the latter on PT - I already am using a couple of VSTis. Are there any freeware DLS that I can play around with?
cheers
Glenn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153 |
VSTi, as you know, is a software synth. DLS stands for Downloadable Sounds. Basically, it's very similiar to a Creative Labs SoundFont. Jennifer Hruska, who is a huge player in sample sounds, wrote an article that would far better explain DLS than I ever could. http://onstagemag.com/ar/emusic_downloadable_sounds/Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131 |
Thanks Gary. I've been trying to play them live as plug ins in PT but only get a piano sound. how do I play the track with the VSTi attached?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153 |
Glenn,
A little more detail in your question, please.
As Bob pointed out, tracks, channels and ports are all involved here. Also involved is what VSTi you're using. If you're using a VSTi that is nothing but a piano, then that's the only sound you're going to get. If you're using a full General MIDI VSTi, then you can select from the Track Configure Box/Patch Select Dialog what instrument you want to sound.
Can you give me a little more information? The more *I* know about *your* setup, the better I can help you.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131 |
Hi Gary
I'm trying to use a single instrument VSTi - Hammond B3. I want to use it live. I have a small programme that allows me to use the VSTi on its own which works OK but I think it doesn't go through ASIO4ALL so I still get some lag. Thought I could accomplish the same end result by using PT and I know that I can route it through ASIO4ALL on that.
I also have a Roland XV3080 synth that I would like to route some tracks to. I think I know how to assign them as I have the bank numbers for the patches I want. No doubt if I can't get that to work I'll be back on line. You'll have a chuckle at this - I've owned the Roland for about 2 years and read the manual when i got it - couldn't understand a thing - I have just discovered the >500 preset patches that whoever owned it before me had set up and there are some amazing sounds which I'd like to use. I'd bought it originally as a GM sound module and didn't realise it's true potential.
cheers
Glenn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153 |
Glenn,
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. Unfortunately, it's late at the moment. Can you give me until about Wednesday to come up with an answer for you?
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131 |
Absolutely no problem. getting late here too now. I've hooked PT up to the XV 3080 and I can get it playing back on GM ihtout any problem but can't see where to select the pre-programmed Roland patches. On each track I can see a place to select MSB and LSB but not the final patch No. Patch I want is MSB 87 LSB 64 and item (??) No 112 which should be a 12 string guitar with some effects. Can't get it so going to bed!
Good night
Glenn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161 |
Look at the Classic Tracks Window and enter trhe 12 String Patch number in column "Prg", MSB in Column "Bank" and the LSB in Column "LSB".
Lyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131 |
Thanks Lyn. I see that and figured that there would be a way of doing it. Don't know whether you are still on line but I guess the next step is to use some VSTi,s on some tracks running through the DXi and some running through the Roland. I'd run them through my mixer. Is this possible? To run the DXi I have to set it as the default in the Options menu and if I do that how do I select the Roland?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161 |
To use multiple synths, uncheck "Re-route Midi Playback to Default DXi" in the Miidi Driver Setup". Look again at the Classic Tracks Window and then click on the column PT (Port) for Track 1. You will see a Panel listing all the output ports available 1 to 16 being reserved for NON VSTi or DXi synths and 17 to 32 for VSTi or DXi synths . The selection for ports 1 to 16 depends on the order in which the synth drivers are listed in Options > Midi Devices. To select a specific synth enter the number (numbered 1 down successively from the top of the list) for the required synth driver in the column PT for a specific track.
For DXis or VSti select the track, then the DXI Icon, click on the first Plugin Box and select from the Listing. The Plugin is then associated with that track.
I hope this helps
Lyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131 |
Thanks Lyn. I think I understand.
I've had a look at the Classic track dialogue box and I know how to get a track working with the DXi and plugins etc. I am using a Yamaha USB midi interface which is listed in Options>Mididevices when its connected(I'm not at home at the moment so can't check). I presume it'll show up on ports 1 through to 16 on the Classic track dialogue if I have it selected in Options > Mididevices. I'll give it a go. I'll be an expert soon!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153 |
Glenn,
I'm sorry, I spent most of yesterday sleeping. I think I'm sick, so I didn't get to your solution. I am so sorry. I'll try to get to it this weekend.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 131 |
No need to apologise. Another quick question. When I have my keyboard hooked up to PT and am using the Roland how do I select which patch number the keyboard should be playing?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro Audio
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,153 |
Glenn, I now feel like a cad. Band In A Box and Real Band will not recognize DXi and VSTis in Vista 64 bit. I have Sonar Studio installed on my computer, and have DXis in it, but neither BiAB or RB will see them, so I can't help with the original question. My deepest apologies. As to the second question, you must know the 'address' of the sounds in the synth, i.e., the program change, bank and bank lsb. These links are for older versions, but may help you understand the concept somewhat. http://www.catsmeowcafe.com/patchesini.htmhttp://www.catsmeowcafe.com/basicintro.htm(some of the information here is wrong, but I haven't taken the time to update it and correct it. Again, it refers to an older version) http://www.catsmeowcafe.com/midibasics.htmThis information may help you somewhat. Finally, there are already created patch maps on this PG Music page, including one for the XV3080. http://www.pgmusic.com/support_miscellaneous.htmGary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!
Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!
Paket | Was ist Neu
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,686
Posts735,974
Members38,539
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean