Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Beginners Forum
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 22
S
StevieB Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
S
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 22
Just a bit confused as to why C4 as labelled in the Piano Roll actually shows as C3 (concert pitch) on the app on my mobile phone and on a virtual online keyboard? It seems that BIAB labels concert pitch C3 as C4 in the Piano Roll - likewise D3 as D4. Almost like it's following guitar notation?

Beginners Forum
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,153
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,153
depending on your specific DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or synthesizer, this exact note number might be labeled as either C4 (the standard Scientific Pitch Notation) or C3 (a common offset convention used by companies like Yamaha).

does that help?

Beginners Forum
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 22
S
StevieB Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
S
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 22
Sorry, I've given the wrong information. It's actually the Big Piano where the issue is. When I play C4 in BIAB Big Piano the note indication (label) above says I'm playing C4, but the sound coming out is actually C3 concert pitch. So, BIAB is saying it's playing C4 when it's actually playing C3.

Beginners Forum
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,728
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,728
While C4 is the generally accepted international standard for middle C, it varies between instrument makers. For example, for middle C: Roland uses C4, Yamaha uses C3, Fruity Loops uses C5 (if I recall correctly). The standalone version of BIAB also denotes middle C as C5 in both notation and Piano Roll. Are you saying that depending on how your view BIAB on the PG Music app, that middle C is denoted differently?


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,181
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,181
Originally Posted by StevieB
Sorry, I've given the wrong information. It's actually the Big Piano where the issue is. When I play C4 in BIAB Big Piano the note indication (label) above says I'm playing C4, but the sound coming out is actually C3 concert pitch. So, BIAB is saying it's playing C4 when it's actually playing C3.

Hi StevieB, look for the note number. Those whom standardized MIDI called MIDI note 60 as middle C, and every other note also has a designated MIDI note number. What they didn't standardize was what to call MIDI note 60, thus the confusion as depending on the software or hardware it can be called C3. C4, or C5.

So if your MIDI note is 60 it is just a nomenclature problem. If not then you have a transposing problem so let us know the MIDI note number you are getting.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Beginners Forum
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 22
S
StevieB Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
S
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 22
I guess I arrived at this questions when trying to see what range, and key would best suit a session singer. For example, if they say their peak note is E4, then what actually does that mean in relation to the notes I can play on the Big Piano window? I understood E4 means E4 concert pitch, and that is universal. But apparently, E4 concert pitch is called E5 in BIAB?

Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,174
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,174
What? I am finding the same thing here? Not sure I ever noticed this before in BIAB, but my middle C (aka C4) on my SL88 keyboard is named C5 in BIAB. I didn't expect to see this. Mario, I can't see where to verify the Note Number (60) in BIAB?

Maybe I need to get my coffee....


Retired to Make Music - No Plan B
My SoundCloud
View Current Projects
Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,181
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,181
Originally Posted by DrDan
What? I am finding the same thing here? Not sure I ever noticed this before in BIAB, but my middle C (aka C4) on my SL88 keyboard is named C5 in BIAB. I didn't expect to see this. Mario, I can't see where to verify the Note Number (60) in BIAB?

Maybe I need to get my coffee....

Hi Dan, as I stated MIDI note numbers are universal and written in stone. If BiaB was not MIDI note compliant it could not be GM; that is if MIDI note 60 was not middle C then could play or output songs in GM.

Here is the universal MIDI note chart: https://audiodev.blog/midi-note-chart/


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Beginners Forum
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,728
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,728
Hi Dan,

The chord output window is one of a few places where PG Music indicate that middle C is note 60.

[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

--Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Beginners Forum
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,728
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,728
Originally Posted by StevieB
I guess I arrived at this questions when trying to see what range, and key would best suit a session singer. For example, if they say their peak note is E4, then what actually does that mean in relation to the notes I can play on the Big Piano window? I understood E4 means E4 concert pitch, and that is universal. But apparently, E4 concert pitch is called E5 in BIAB?

That's correct. Like Fruity Loops and Guitar Pro, BIAB uses C5 as middle C. As Mario points out, for anything MIDI, concert-pitch middle C is always note 60 with a frequency of 261.63 Hz. These numbers are constant. It is only how various manufactures choose to number keys using octave notation that varies.


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,174
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,174
thanks Noel. OK, Mario, I understand this midi note is "defined as Middle C! And best I can tell when I play middle C on my keyboard I hear Middle C in BIAB. But why then when I play a middle C (which is Studiologic C4), does BIAB's Midi Monitor says it is a C5? Now before you answer. I know about the differing conventions with some keyboards and some DAWs and Music Software, however I have never noticed this discrepancy with BIAB? Is this new? or has BIAB always been like this and I just never noticed? Or do I just need another cup of coffee. crazy

[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]


Retired to Make Music - No Plan B
My SoundCloud
View Current Projects
Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,181
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,181
Originally Posted by DrDan
thanks Noel. OK, Mario, I understand this midi note is "defined as Middle C! And best I can tell when I play middle C on my keyboard I hear Middle C in BIAB. But why then when I play a middle C (which is Studiologic C4), does BIAB's Midi Monitor says it is a C5? Now before you answer. I know about the differing conventions with some keyboards and some DAWs and Music Software, however I have never noticed this discrepancy with BIAB? Is this new? or has BIAB always been like this and I just never noticed? Or do I just need another cup of coffee. crazy

[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

Dan, if you keep drinking coffee you will be a nervous wreck before this is over grin

No this is not new. BiaB has always called middle C C5. I do know that it can drive me nuts with BiaB MIDI drums. It is in C5 while most of my MIDI drum software is in C4. This is one area where MIDI standards completely missed the boat. Along with middle C being MIDI note 60 it should have said it will be called C4. Actually middle C is called C4 because it is in the middle of the piano so where in hell did C3 and C5 come from? It is not like the MIDI 0-127 and 1-128 controversy, C3 and C5 could be called an octave apart from C4! This is where all of the confusion comes.

I hope this helps.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,174
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,174
thanks Mario, you confirmed the crazyness. Bottom line for me is that this is just how BIAB does things - I will relax.

Now we just have to hope the OP can find peace with this situration.


Retired to Make Music - No Plan B
My SoundCloud
View Current Projects
Beginners Forum
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 22
S
StevieB Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
S
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 22
This is enough to make me take up drinking coffee! So, I bring up the Big Piano screen and play C4 and it says it is C5. What's the point of labelling the notes then? I'm not a piano player, but I would have thought C4 on a piano, has been C4 on a piano, since Beethoven was a boy!

Beginners Forum
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,153
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,153
to make things even worse, if i remember correctly some standards go from 0 -127 and others 1-128. I remember having to change the number of the bass drum on my roland from that BIAB suggested. has this stopped now? middle c can't always be 60 if the staring number - 0 or 1 is different.

Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,181
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,181
Originally Posted by Bob Calver
to make things even worse, if i remember correctly some standards go from 0 -127 and others 1-128. I remember having to change the number of the bass drum on my roland from that BIAB suggested. has this stopped now? middle c can't always be 60 if the staring number - 0 or 1 is different.

Hi Bob, as I previously mentioned there still is the 0-127 and 1-128 numbering systems but that has nothing to do with MIDI note standings. Middle C is always MIDI note 60. The 128 steps in 0-127 or 1-128 refer to the steps in a MIDI Continuous Controller. MIDI note numbers and MIDI CC numbers are two completely different things.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,718
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,718
Originally Posted by Bob Calver
to make things even worse, if i remember correctly some standards go from 0 -127 and others 1-128. I remember having to change the number of the bass drum on my roland from that BIAB suggested. has this stopped now? middle c can't always be 60 if the staring number - 0 or 1 is different.
FWIW, and confusing as it is, they're actually different ways of presenting the same thing.

The values in the MIDI data itself are 0...127.

Unfortunately, some people are uncomfortable with zero being a number, so they add 1 to all the numbers where they show the to you and subtract 1 from all the numbers you type for them to restore them to the 0...127 range.

The reason for the 0...127 is related to 8-bit binary numbers where those are the values of the seven bits of the payload.


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40 Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows!

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 Windows or for Mac 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 Windows or for Mac 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!

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!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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 Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane

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.

Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,771
Posts809,496
Members40,217
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Scotman, Mesadeco, oldman901, Pactoine17, SwPgNotSinger
40,217 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 93
DrDan 74
rsdean 63
WaoBand 53
Today's Birthdays
zportmann
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5