Hi Folks. This should not be considered as tutorial, just an example of my workflow. Instead of going back and forth from BIAB to DAW when laying out arrangement, I do a rough sketch in BIAB to hear how particular set of RT's sound together with NI or other synths.
There probably is a way to program keyswitches for NI... I didn't look closely yet, as I am still finalizing everything in DAW, but for rough sketching this works for me. If you have any questions, please ask here, as I do not monitor youtube comments.
If you are changing chords and need to re-generate the midi chord track instead of having the keyswitches on the same track you can put the keyswitches on another track and re-route that track to Kontakt track. If you set Kontakt to Omni midi input it will work with whatever channel the keyswitch track is on.
"If you set Kontakt to Omni" Good workaround if you don't have any other midi going on, otherwise Kontakt will pickup all the midi in the project.
Another workaround would be creating a Chord Track on any other track, not specified in Preferences>Chord output and use piano roll to add key switches. The downside of course it will not pickup new changes in chord sheet.
On Omni it will only pick up all other midi on other tracks if it is Default Synth or you Re-route the other tracks to it. If you load VstSynthFont into a track it will only play that midi from that track no mater what channel the midi is on as it is Omni.
Musocity, That could work, in some cases, if you don't have multiple plugins set up. But then again, it would be tricky to transplant it to DAW together with chord track and make it work inside DAW, not conflicting with other MIDI items.
What would be nice if there was a simple mechanism to do Key Switches as they seem to dominate workflows of VSTis. I think the "easiest" way from a user perspective would be to set a custom range for key switches in options when generating new Chord Track. So generations or chord changes do not overwrite that range. That way, when you export a Chord track to DAW, it will have all the info Session guitars, or any other instruments that use key switches need in a single midi track. I think it is a good candidate for 2024 wishlist. Should not be too difficult to program.
P.S. Ray, I am sorry, I can only offer virtual ibuprofen
That's what I had in the snap midi to chords script, you can set the ignore range for keyswitches. You could have an empty track as the midi chord track and Re-route that to the Kontakt track that has the keyswitches. I tried putting the keyswitches on another channel on the chord track but as you generate a new chord track it deletes them. So you just need to copy the switch notes from another track to the chord tracks before export, or solo both chord and keyswitch tracks then drag Master to MID and you will get one midi file with chords and switches.
... What would be nice if there was a simple mechanism to do Key Switches as they seem to dominate workflows of VSTis. ...
A few DAWs such as Cakewalk by Bandlab and Cubase offer Articulation lanes or tracks where the VSTi keyswitch midi data is separate from the midi note data.
The DAW understands the difference between a VSTi midi note and VSTi articulation note by reading an Articulation map.
The problem is every VSTi using articulations requires an articulation map to properly work in a DAW that can follow an Articulation map. The good news is since Cubase seems to have originally come up with the Articulation map idea Cakewalk is following Cubase's lead. Between the two DAWs a fair number of VSTi Articulation maps are available. +++ HERE +++ is a link to Articulation maps in the Cakewalk forum. If there is not a map for your favorite VSTi they are pretty easy to create.
Jim, Articulations are another animal. I am strictly talking about key switches for pattern based VSTi's for programming pattern changes and shots/holds
When you create a Chord Track through Preferences>Output Chords, you are given a choice of range. The easiest way, I think it can be done is to have a "second" range reserved for key switches, that will remain in place, no matter what you do with re-generation or chord changes, to be only edited manually through piano roll, while the "active" range will rewrite block chords when chord or bar changes are introduced.
There are couple of workarounds, mainly what Musocity mentioned, but that would require extra steps and re-routings. What I proposed will be a single track that includes both, a chord changes and key switches. Universal file for BIAB or any DAW. I have to think about this for some time before heading to wishlist.
In the Output Chords dialog there should be an option to automatically change/update the block midi chords when changed in the chord sheet and an option to ignore/leave all notes outside (above/below) the note range set for chords.
Do you mind providing one or more VSTi example of a pattern based VSTi that can program pattern changes and shots/holds. I'm wondering if we are on the same page but maybe saying the same thing two different ways. If not I may better understand your request after looking at VSTis that work as you describe.
In the Output Chords dialog there should be an option to automatically change/update the block midi chords when changed in the chord sheet and an option to ignore/leave all notes outside (above/below) the note range set for chords.
Musocity, I hope you'll post this suggestion in the Band-in-a-Box wishlist as it may get overlooked here.
Jim, Ujam, Sonokinetic and I am sure many others that use key switches for pattern changes.
Seems Musocity is on the right path: "automatically change/update the block midi chords when changed in the chord sheet and an option to ignore/leave all notes outside (above/below) the note range set for chords."
The issue is Band-in-a-Box does not have a way to address the use of VSTi articulation maps. Musocity's suggestion is one way Band-in-a-Box can address your suggestion. I hope he will post the suggestion in the Band-in-a-Box wishlist.
Misha, thanks for providing the development company names. It was interesting to look at their products.
As far as a DAW is concerned there is no difference in applying an Articulation map to trigger VSTi generated phrases than using an Articulation map to select sustain or legato.
I took a quick look at the reference guide for the Ujam virtual guitarist, Silk and virtual guitarist Amber. It looks as though Articulation maps can be used to select common phrases and style phrases for both virtual instruments.
I also looked at the manual for Sonokinetic's Toccata Epic Pipe Organ. Articulation maps can be used to select any of the 20 pipe organ registers through upper manual, lower manual and pedal articulations.
MusicLab guitars have articulations and comes with a pattern library and you can create custom patterns. I will let Rusty post in the wishlist.
In RapidComposer I can create keyswitch map for all the articulations any instruments, below I'm using Ample Bass Guitar then you just right click on the note and it will set it to any articulation, so you can save the midi phrases with the articulations and they will fit any chord section any octave but still retain the keyswitches.
Musocity, Thanks for honors, I will post that wish that you formulated well. But... there is more to that. Chord Track was a good move by PGmusic, which btw was initiated by justanoldmuso, however it is missing couple of important pieces in my view. If I am thinking it right it needs 3 items:
#1 What we discussed here on ignoring all "other" notes. #2 Ability to create more chord tracks that will accept changes, without going into "generating a chord track" each time change is introduced. #3 Possibility to create tracks with different specified ranges that will also accept changes automatically / simultaneously with tracks with other set ranges.
In Reaper I would have the one chord track then use a send to another VSTi track and transpose the midi input to another octave for different VSTi's. I think there was a transpose input just added to BB23 ? But you could have one on each track at a different octave, you would just need Biab to keep track of what tracks they are on and the octave so they can be updated with chord sheet changes. But to have options to do it whatever way suites the user is good.
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Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40% on XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac!
We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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