Probably but you'll need to set up two things and know some additional piece of information.
First what hardware will you use to get the midi commands from Band-in-a-Box, out of your computer and into the pedal? Many audio interfaces include MIDI ports but there are also many that do not. You may want to use a USB to MIDI interface like +++ THIS ONE +++ on eBay for $6.99 US.
Second is what MIDI channel does the pedal respond to? By default Band-in-a-Box uses channel 5 however that can be changed by pressing Ctrl + E and then selecting the "Channels" button to open the MIDI Settings window.
Third is knowing what cc commands the pedal responds to. The pedal user manual should provide that information. +++ HERE +++ is some useful information about MIDI commands.
Finally, you'll need to go to "Windows" > "Notation" > "Event List Editor" and use the event editor to insert the patch change commands where you want them to occur during the song.
Jim, thanks so much for your reply... hopefully this little direction will get me going. I had hoped I could communicate directly via usb, but a usb to midi converter is easy peasy. Yes, I have the complete midi implementation for the synth pedal, so maybe just the converter and your screen shots will get me going. I'll get the converter ordered right away, and then try to get it all going.
I'm glad you found my answer useful. Should you need more detailed information, don't forget to include the brand name and model of the pedal you're using.
Band-in-a-Box has been able to use MIDI to automate control of external hardware for a fairly long time so I'm sure that forum users will be able to answer your questions.
I used to run my VoiceLive 2 from BIAB using midi. I'd need to check, but from memory, I put the midi commands on the melody line in BIAB. It worked a treat. Of course you can't use the melody track for a melody. If you do, you could use the soloist track. You do it in the midi cc channel (again from memory) screen. Programme changes and cc changes eg reverb levels, volume levels, harmonies on and off etc. It's slow going of course. If I can find an example BIAB song, I'll put it up here.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487 BIAB 2021 (Build 818) Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi) VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
Ok. On my system now and my memory was pretty wretched. What I did (after much stuffing around) was to have my voicelive2 being driven by midi commands on the Melody Track and my Nova Guitar effects being driven on the Soloist track. I used a Yamaha midi switcher that has 2 in and 8 out and is about 30 years old. You can probably do everything on one or other of these tracks.
For example in BIAB go to Melody Menu, select edit melody track, then select Step edit Melody option. See the JPGs below. (I used both Melody Step edit and Soloist Step edit as I had two different effects units I was running.) Then you manually add in your commands. There's a bit of trial and error as midi patches often start on Zero and their are specific CC patches for different controls. If you look at the soloist step edit picture, it's telling the guitar effects to switch from an overdriven patch to a clean patch and back at verses and choruses etc. The Muted Trumpet and Trombone is meaningless, the only important thing is the number. The first number is the bar number that the effect kicks in at.
On the Melody Step edit picture it's using cc commands to tell the vocal harmoniser to use eg reverb, harmonies, delay etc. I can also control the attributes of each eg type of harmony and level of backing harmonies. Again, the only thing that matters are the #cc numbers etc as they come straight out of the Voicelive 2's instruction manual. The first number is again the bar number, the next number eg 117 is the effect and the 127 or 0 is on or off. If I put 80 is would be only partially on (eg amount of reverb). Your pedal should hava a sheet or two of commands in the back of the manual.
The final screen shows how to edit or enter values. I've just put in 127 the maximum amount but it could be any number between 0 (off) and 127 if for example it was referring to a type of delay/harmony. The last picture gives an example of some specific value I've entered rather than 127 on or 0 off.
Last edited by lambada; 03/14/1903:54 AM.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487 BIAB 2021 (Build 818) Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi) VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
Your wish is my command Charlie. I hope it makes sense. I don't need to do this now as the Voicelive 3 Extreme allows you to download wavefiles and add the built in effects for both guitar and vocals directly onto your backing tracks using a built in menu. I guess it does it in a similar way. :-) It's great as all I need is a PA, my guitar and mic and my voicelive 3 Extreme. No other effects necessary.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487 BIAB 2021 (Build 818) Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi) VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
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.
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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.
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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!
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