..........Just now I had a song playing. I tried to stop it but no methods worked: the stop icon, right clicking on the icon on the task bar & selecting close window, opening a new song, nothing worked. All menus and toolbars were locked. The tune just kept playing and playing.
Finally I had to run Windows Task Manager to force BIAB to close. All other programs worked fine.Have any of you experienced this issue?
It happened again!
This time was unique, in that it is a fresh installation, from a new BIAB hard drive.
The program is running in administrator mode. The audio drivers are set to MME, per Noel's detailed instructions.
The song playing was created and saved long ago. I had said yes to upgrading from MIDI to Real Tracks, as prompted by BIAB.
A conflict with another driver or program on my PC seems likely. I know I was running Google Chrome and possibly Microsoft Outlook at that time. The first time I might have had Spotify running at the same time, but am not certain. Spotify has had trouble sharing the volume with Ableton Live 10 Intro, before BIAB was installed. Ableton was not open this time though.
Any thoughts as to possible conflicts, on my Windows 10 PC?
Joel, sorry that you are experiencing this. It must be frustrating. However, I think it's reasonable to rule out Band In A Box as the prime cause, and as you say, there could be another conflict.
PGM staff can remotely monitor your computer (with your permission only) and possibly diagnose any potential causes.
My current recommendation would be to take that path. They are very expert in this area.
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
Joel, sorry that you are experiencing this. It must be frustrating. However, I think it's reasonable to rule out Band In A Box as the prime cause, and as you say, there could be another conflict.
PGM staff can remotely monitor your computer (with your permission only) and possibly diagnose any potential causes.
My current recommendation would be to take that path. They are very expert in this area.
Hi Videotrack,
I agree, there must be a primary culprit other than BIAB.
Frustrating indeed. I'll consider your advice about PGM tracking my PC, but I'm always careful about protecting my privacy. I'll have to think about that.
They can only access with your consent, and you can see everything they do, including immediately halting the access at any time.
Only you can decide, but there has never been a known documented issue with PGM assisting by remote access. Alternatively, there are scores of people who had had their problems resolved through this method.
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
When I asked, earlier in the thread, if the songs were MIDI-based or Realtracks, you replied with the following:-
Quote:
The songs I'm playing are almost all from Internet downloads. The downloads are older files, and are all MIDI. I previously played (or downloaded and not played previously) the songs through BIAB version 2010.
When I open these files in my 2018 version, BIAB suggests substituting RealTracks for MIDI, for better sound quality. I've been clicking on those messages to accept the upgrade from MIDI to RealTracks, and saving the changed files when I'm done with them.
I have a handful of songs that I created with 2018, and a couple with BIAB 2010. Most are downloads though.
Was it a downloaded file that caused the issue?
Downloading and running internet MIDI files in BIAB can sometimes cause freezes or even a sound that plays and drones on non-stop. This is why BIAB has a "PANIC!" button (see the image below -- if you need to switch screen views to access this option use CTRL+T; the shortcut is F12). This sometimes fixes the problems, sometimes not.
Also, when you mention that...
"BIAB suggests substituting RealTracks for MIDI, for better sound quality. I've been clicking on those messages to accept the upgrade from MIDI to RealTracks, and saving the changed files when I'm done with them."
...it is possible that you are not hearing those Realtrack generations. When one loads a MIDI into BIAB, all the tracks are loaded onto either the Melody track or the Soloist track as a mulitrack MIDI file. The other tracks in BIAB are reserved by BIAB for creating backings; they have nothing to do with loading MIDI files. When an external MIDI is loaded, though, by default, BIAB automatically disables styles. So unless you have enabled Styles after loading the MIDI file, you will not hear BIAB's accompaniment play.
I learnt along time ago that MIDI files on the 'net are hit and miss because I have no idea if the person who assembled the file was a MIDI expert or a MIDI novice. While these files can provide excellent starting places for songs, some MIDI files are definitely problematic and seem to be created by people who have no understanding of the ins and outs of MIDI.
Thanks for writing. Well I'm still learning about program features, and nuances of song files. I am only starting to understand some of the file attributes. I have very little experience with MIDI files. In the past I've relied on song downloads for my BIAB music.
A lot of those files have BIAB file extensions, but they are older songs. When I open these older song files in BIAB 2018, I get this type of message (copied from the LogText file in BIAB, under help / utilities):
"_PBALADM.STY is a RealTracks style that is available to sub for this MIDI style, with better sounds. Click here to load the style (or Press RealTracks button- Find Replacement to load it in or change options)."
I've been interpreting the message as saying the song is a MIDI file. Reading the log in BIAB I now see that the message refers to the style. However after I say yes to the Real Track, and I finish with the song, I am then asked if I want to save the change. I've been saying yes, to save the files.
I have some .MID songs but most of them have BIAB file extensions, and apparently MIDI styles. Here is a very small sample from my song picker list. Be gentle, I'm still learning
Just to be clear here on top of what Noel has told you. If you downloads are in fact old BIAB mgu and sgu files they are indeed BIAB file types , but because of their age probably used BIAB midi styles. This is why you get the notice. Quote: “I've been interpreting the message as saying the song is a MIDI file.”
This it is not! it as above a Biab file.
A midi file will have a .mid file type and behave as Noel says. Mike
Just to be clear here on top of what Noel has told you. If you downloads are in fact old BIAB mgu and sgu files they are indeed BIAB file types , but because of their age probably used BIAB midi styles. This is why you get the notice. Quote: “I've been interpreting the message as saying the song is a MIDI file.”
This it is not! it as above a Biab file.
A midi file will have a .mid file type and behave as Noel says. Mike
Hi Mike and Noel,
Thank you both for posting. I'm slowly getting over my knowledge gap, and am grateful for your help.
Joel: yes. BIAB is very memory-intensive. It might cause a problem other programs would not, and it could seem repeatable or random. You can rule that out.
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
Nicely clear article. Do it in order. The first test is quick.
If you then run Memtest, let it run overnight. It runs until you stop it.
I hope your RAM tests fine. But when people report unexplainable odd behavior, it’s good to check. Now just go do it. It’s already taken longer to ask questions than to run the test.
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
I hope your RAM tests fine. But when people report unexplainable odd behavior, it’s good to check. Now just go do it. It’s already taken longer to ask questions than to run the test.
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.
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