I was trying to export a SGU song with lots of part markers to a MIDI file in BIAB 2016 for Mac. As I used Logic Pro X to open, the part markers did not show up even I checked the option to write part markers to meta. Can anyone help?
There's no place in the Standard MIDI File format for chords or part markers. When that box is checked, it includes chords and part markers as manufacturer-specific metadata that will be recognized by PG Music programs, but there's no way Logic would recognize that data, sorry.
Thanks Kent, But, the MIDI file generated by my friend's PC version has al the part markers included and can be read by Logic X Pro though. That's why I was trying. I would have posted the screen capture but didn't know how.
Would it be some settings in PC version that I overlooked in the Mac version?
I see what you mean, and can explain. These are different features.
In the Mac version, the checkbox is worded "Write Chords, Part Markers Meta Event", and like I mentioned, these meta events only read by PG Music programs. This is explained on page 347 of the PDF manual. If I check that box and save a MIDI file in BIAB to Mac, I'll see the part markers and chords in the chord sheet if I open that MIDI file in PowerTracks or RealBand, but not a third-party program like Logic.
In the Windows version, the checkbox is worded differently: "Include Part Marker text markers". These text markers are part of the General MIDI specification, so would be read by other programs. They won't show up like the Part Markers you're seeing in Band-in-a-Box, it's a note that reads like "3 A Chorus1", or "35 A Chorus2".
I couldn't believe that the Mac version wouldn't write the part markers to the midi file as markers, so I tried it and yea it don't ! I use that all the time on the Win version.
I import Biab chords into Reaper via musicxml export from Biab. Then get the part markers via midi export. I know it's easy to insert markers in Reaper press M at the cursor, you can even create action to place a part marker A or B every so many bars. Not sure if this would help: https://www.soundsinsync.com/products/edimarker
EDIT: Also you can upload any SGU MGU and I or someone else with BBWin will save it to midi with part markers. If you want chords in the midi file I can do that also or you can get Reaper and it's free to try n try n try.. and it will write your BB chords to midi markers.
Thanks Pipeline, It is kind of frustrating to see Mac version does not have this cross-platform feature. It is not difficult to make markers in Logic Pro X, either, but it won't be as streamlined as working in Windows environment.
Guess that reaper won't read the part markers info from the MIDI file's meta data? If there is something that can extract the meta data and convert them in to MIDI standard marker text, that would do, too.
Guess that reaper won't read the part markers info from the MIDI file's meta data? If there is something that can extract the meta data and convert them in to MIDI standard marker text, that would do, too.
Yea went through all that trying to find some way to read it, no luck.
Yes, a PG programmer to sit down and just do it already !!
I asked RapidComposer and MusicLab to Export Chord names as MIDI Markers and they said "That's a good idea" and they both put it in the next update.
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
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.