Yes, that was a special version of BiaB that was hard coded to work with the "Adlib" FM sound chip. It didn't have preset sounds, you needed to set the parameters and make the sounds yourself. It was fun to figure out how to make those sounds by tweaking numbers on the chip. This used a Yamaha 8bit FM synth chip as I recall.
Adlib was a pioneering, innovative Canadian sound card company (Quebec) around 1989-91 that made lots of sound cards, and then everyone else copied them and made "Adlib compatible" soundcards. For awhile, it was an absolute must that a soundcard be Adlib compatible. This was all pre-Internet, so all the discoveries were made in magazines (EM, Keyboard) or trade shows (NAMM,Comdex) .
When people need to actually explain the "pre-internet" world....I feel so OLD!
There's only one thing to do in crisis like this - Sleep on it! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
I remember how amazing BIAB DOS version already sounded when paired with MT-32, as well as how Lucasarts games (X-wing, Day Of The Tentacle, Indiana Jones etc) rocked with GM module. That was the time when you either had beeps, short hissing wav-noises or you were fortunate enough to own Gravis Ultrasound... well, my dad owned MT, so I got the best music of town, but couldn't hear any sound effects
I remember how amazing BIAB DOS version already sounded when paired with MT-32, as well as how Lucasarts games (X-wing, Day Of The Tentacle, Indiana Jones etc) rocked with GM module. That was the time when you either had beeps, short hissing wav-noises or you were fortunate enough to own Gravis Ultrasound... well, my dad owned MT, so I got the best music of town, but couldn't hear any sound effects
What is the MT you mentioned? I've got a feeling I'm going to go DUH! when you answer.
I meant Roland MT-32 module, but actually now that I checked this to make sure, I think he owned Roland Sound Canvas. Can't really remember the right model, but still...
))) I meant Roland MT-32 module, but actually now that I checked this to make sure, I think he owned Roland Sound Canvas.
One of my best memories of that era was receiving a test version of the Roland Sound Canvas. It was housed in a mt 32 case, and had the serial number 005 written on it. Roland was and is a great company to work with - this is over 29 years!
))) I meant Roland MT-32 module, but actually now that I checked this to make sure, I think he owned Roland Sound Canvas.
One of my best memories of that era was receiving a test version of the Roland Sound Canvas. It was housed in a mt 32 case, and had the serial number 005 written on it. Roland was and is a great company to work with - this is over 29 years!
I still have (and use with BIAB) the external module Roland SC-55 MKII. Purchased in 1992 and still compatible with BIAB today.
According to Wikipedia, the SC-55MKii sound set was also released as the SCC-1B and came bundled with Band-in-a-Box and BalladeGS software.
It might be fun to release a 2017 Biab based all midi song generated into the SC-55 MKii. Merge the old with the new...
We also have loads of different versions of BIAB and almost whole set of Norton expansions in disks. BIAB update-chain is seemingly almost unbreaken, apparently having only ~3-5 versions missing.
PG, anything worth trading for forthcoming 2018 update (customer loyalty well preserved)?
- Janne & Jouko (son & dad)
Epilogue:
Jouko is still using 2006 version of BIAB with XP as his warhorse for most live gigs. This combo has prven to be most reliable when using only MIDI-styles. You cannot even access internet with this piece of brick in order to completely isolate it from time. Heavily modified Windows boots up quickly and never gets bluescreen nor unwanted Windows updates. It's still running with Roland SC8850 -module... and that combo has earned him almost an house with ~60-100 gigs a year.
He also uses the latest version for recording new songs and performing with other singer.
Why not create a testimonial video and submit it to PG Music? PG Music will help with the editing if needed. I can't think of any better testimony than "the product paid for my home". At one time, PG Music was offering the Everything Pak in exchange for videos they publish on their testimony YouTube channel.
Well, you never know... I have recently bought professional movie camera (BMPCC), so I'm covered for shooting small professional-level documentary. I simply wonder if I would be able to persuade him to front of camera, as his likes to be quite invisible within social media & forums.
Even if this would happen it's going to take quite a while until I would be taking the next trip to his house, as I live quite far away and have work & family of my own down here. Still, it's an interesting idea - he has pretty exciting performing setup built over the years for his gigs. He is quite a "Gyro Gearloose", as he has come up even playing style of his own with guitar by using reverse-triggered sustain pedal for having control of reverb the way piano players use sustain pedal of piano
Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!
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.
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!
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!
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
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