|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 457
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 457 |
I've started to arrange and compose songs using BIAB as my main tool for such. Despite its many great features, I for one am not overly fond of the resulting printed charts. Although I have used them and given them to my band members, the charts just don't cut it (IMHO). That said, I'm looking for all possible ways to take what I've created in BIAB and get a great looking printed chart. Sibelius seems to be the software of choice when I asked other members of my band, but they don't use BIAB.
I've tried Musescore and find it a bit tough to work with. With these thoughts in mind, how do you get your BIAB work printed neatly for performance?
Thank you for taking the time to read and reply.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867 |
Bob, I've tried many notation programs over the years. I still use Encore, which I learned about 1993. I cannot recommend it now because of questions about their support, but I've been a beta tester for decades and it works for me. I even did symphony orchestra parts with it last year. Sibelius is a fine choice for serious work and far more powerful but it is quite difficult to master. The company also got rid of programmers so its future is in question. Finale seems to be a stable company. The product also is difficult to master but extremely powerful and much used. If I'm not mistaken, a starter version is offered on the PG Music website. *MuseScore is free and promising but buggy. I know some here use Noteworthy Composer. I haven't tried that, nor a new one, Forte. I've been meaning to look at Notion, which looks promising. Many of these you can try by downloading demos that often do everything but Save a file. The trick is to find one where the user interface makes sense to you. In this way, it is similar to choosing a DAW. I still hope all these programs (including BIAB) adopt a full implementation of Music XML for seamless file transfer. That's the future. * EDIT: check these links on the PG Music site for Finale and Finale PrintMusic:http://www.pgmusic.com/finale.win.htmhttp://www.pgmusic.com/finaleprintmusic.win.htm[/color]
Last edited by Matt Finley; 10/27/14 05:00 PM.
BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 174
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 174 |
Matt: Wow, "I still use Encore", I remember and used Encore for a long time (way way back), I dropped it because of a lack of support.
Unfortunately I can't remember much of Noteworthy Composer except I used it for about 1 year (long ago). If memory serves me, it worked well and easy as pie to use but I always thought of it as a beginner's intro into the music notation sw.
And so I went for the big ones, I have/had Finale and Sibelius but I didn't like either one; difficult and frustrating to use. I just wanted something simple to use.
You're right about checking out the demos. I bought some because of their "name".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
Not in same league as you folks, but about 25 years ago I purchased Personal Composer. Spent hundreds and hundreds of hours scoring. Bought it for about $400 before first 1.0 came out. It is still around and has a free trial. http://www.pcomposer.com/downloads.htmlTake note, depending on your scoring needs varying prices. Good luck!
Last edited by seeker; 10/27/14 06:37 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583 |
I have generally used Noteworthy Composer (and still do a lot), but I'm also finding I'm really liking Notion. PreSonus recently purchased Notion, and have incorporated some of their plugins into the new version of Notion 5.0. Once you get used to how you enter notes, it's pretty elegant in its design. It also costs a lot less than Finale or Sibelius (of course, Finale just released PrintMusic 2014, which may fill all your needs at a lower price point than the main Finale program).
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 457
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 457 |
Thank you for your great suggestions. At present, I'm a little put-off by both Sibelius and Finale, from both a pricing and learning curve perspective. On the other hand, Finale's PrintMusic 2014 and Notion both are in the price range I can afford. I plan to download the trial software and will check it out.
I might as well ask now: How do you guys get your BIAB work into Finale, Sibelius, Notion, whatever? If anyone has the time, I'd really like to hear about your work flow to the final printed score.
Again, I greatly appreciate your replies. Thank you.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867 |
You can just export MIDI. Unfortunately the chord info does not transfer and you have to re-enter those.
MuseScore will read BIAB files directly, including chord info.
If BIAB could export Music XML, you could import that into most software. We are close; this already works for the voice synth.
My experiments exporting MuseScore as Music XML have not worked well enough.
Last edited by Matt Finley; 10/28/14 07:43 AM.
BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583 |
There is a new version 2 beta of MuseScore available. I wonder if they have improved MusicXML export. If it does work, then even if you don't use it for notation, it's an option to get it into XML, which can then be read by one of the other notation programs.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867 |
Ah, yes, worth trying. Thanks John.
I don't know where the current problem is: reading a BIAB file into MuseScore, or exporting it as XML. It works, but not accurately.
Wherever the problem is, it is not a fault of BIAB, as MuseScore reads the BIAB source file and BIAB never claimed that this would work. It would be nice, though, if the two companies got together. If this new version of MuseScore works, then PG Music would not have to devote any effort to supporting Music XML export.
EDIT: the writeup says the changes include this:
MusicXML import/export improvements - greater compatibility with other applications, ability to control degree of layout preserved
But alas, some strange things happened. The chords imported but in the wrong measure, and all the melody notes play but the notation is wrong - everything is the one pitch. ?
Last edited by Matt Finley; 10/28/14 10:37 AM.
BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583 |
Johnny One-Note? 
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867 |
Funny! Why don't you try it also, John?
We may have to wait though; it is a beta after all. I noticed that the File, Open menu said that BIAB file types were "experimental". I don't remember that being in version 1, and indeed I got better results in version 1 than this new beta. However, the list of new features says there are now more options for Music XML and maybe I haven't yet found the right choice.
BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583 |
In going to try it; just couldn't at the time I posted.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583 |
So I tried it. I opened an MGU file with MuseScore 2.0 Beta 1 and it created the staff, but as Matt experienced, it was all the same note. However, when I played it, I heard the melody play. It also picked up the chord progression above the staff.
I exported to MusicXML and then imported that into Notion 4.0 (I haven't upgraded to 5.0 yet). Notion displayed the chord progression (with some formatting errors) above the staff, but no notes came through from the melody line.
Hopefully later MuseScore betas will provide better support, but it was nice to see the chord progression come over from BIAB into a notation program. Now just need the notes.
As was said, it would be cool if PGMusic could somehow get together with the MuseScore folks to better handle SGU and MGU files, but there might be conflict since BIAB/RB are for profit programs, whereas MuseScore is open source.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,323
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,323 |
We do get the right melody notes from a BIAB file in MuseScore v2.0 Beta1.
Here is how to proceed :
- Load your *.mgu file into Musescore
- Go to Style Menu/General/Score/tick Display in Concert Pitch/OK.
It's done.
Last edited by John-Luke; 10/29/14 01:17 AM.
Reach for excellence
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583 |
Thanks, John-Luke. I'll give it a try.
I don't use MuseScore as my main notation program, so there is still lots for to learn as far as options are concerned. But it looks like there is hope for using it either directly, or as an intermediary, to notate BIAB scores, both with notes and chords.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,323
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,323 |
One simpler way to do : Just click on 'Concert Pitch', at the extreme right of the second line of the menu, just near the metronome icon.
Reach for excellence
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,884
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,884 |
I'm a MuseScore fan and have used it a number of times. Once you get the hang of how it works, its workflow is smooth.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867 |
Thanks for this tip, John-Luke. I'll try it at home later.
Assuming it works, I wonder why this extra step is required in version 2 beta when it was not in version 1? Oh, well.
Is anyone here actively doing beta testing for MuseScore?
BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 457
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 457 |
I installed a trial version of Finale PrintMusic 2014 last night. I didn't have the time to 'play' with it, but I did manage to get a midi file created from BIAB loaded and displayed in PrintMusic 2014. The particular file was "Unit 7". I was a bit disappointed in not seeing chords displayed and in the 'swing' eighth notes displayed incorrectly. (From memory, PrintMusic produced dotted eighth-16th notes from two eighth notes, I recall.) Also, the melody (tenor sax) ended up on the bass clef for reasons I don't understand.
I'll give it a more thorough evaluation and trial over the weekend.
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673 |
Thanks for this tip, John-Luke. I'll try it at home later.
Assuming it works, I wonder why this extra step is required in version 2 beta when it was not in version 1? Oh, well.
Is anyone here actively doing beta testing for MuseScore?
I'm another supporter of MuseScore. I discovered the program earlier this year and used it on a few scores already. I'm not a beta tester, however I have made several suggestions on their support forum and they are definitely responsive. I actually discovered the program when I kept beating my head against the wall with BIAB's ahem... limited scoring abilities. Since I don't use melodies, just straight chords, being able to import them into MuseScore is extremely helpful. Like all scoring apps, Musescore has its own learning curve, but it's not that bad overall.
BIABguy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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® 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."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,628
Posts735,232
Members38,522
| |
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