Index
Table of Contents for Band-in-a-Box Help

     Getting Started
Basics
Setting Up Midi Or Sound Card
Matching Drums,Patches & Midi Channels

     Tutorials for Using the Band-in-a-Box Program
Tutorial #1 -Interface/Driver Setup
Tutorial #2 -Loading/Playing Songs
Tutorial #3 -Inputting New Songs
Tutorial #4 -Creating Custom Drum Kit/Patch Map

How to ...

How to ...
Troubleshooting
MAKING A SONG
Typing  in chords
List of Chords
Using Part Markers to change Substyles or insert drum fills
Copy/Paste sections of chords
Intros/Endings/Begin/End/# of choruses
Song Embellishment
Vary Middle Style of Song
Lyrics Entry
Selecting/Changing Styles
Recording Melodies
Saving Songs to Disk
Making MIDI files  ( Clipboard or Disk)
LOADING AND PLAYING SONGS
Opening Songs from disk
Playing/Pausing/Stopping Songs
Muting Instruments
Changing Tempo
Changing Key ( Transpose)
 	Watching Piano Keyboard Display
JukeBox Playback
Wizard Playalong feature
Recording  to External Hardware sequencers
CHANGING SETTINGS
Changing Patches (instruments)
Using Favorite Patches
Changing Volume
Changing Reverb/Chorus/Bank
Changing Combos/Master Volume/Reverb/Chorus
GS functions
FILES ASSOCIATED WITH BAND-IN-A-BOX
All Band-in-a-Box song/style/patch files are directly compatible between Windows/DOS/Mac And Atari systems.
This section describes these files and how to transfer between systems.
Essential Program files (BBW.EXE,*.DLL,ZZ*.STY)
Config files (MYSETUP.DK,INTRFACE.BBW)
Song files (*.?G?)
Style files (*.STY)
Transferring IBM/Mac/Atari

Troubleshooting

PG Music Info :Tech Support/Upgrades
ReadMe for Lastest information not in Manual

     Functions On Screen

Keyboard Area

 Tool Bar Area

Title...Tempo Area

Chord Entry Area

Pull Down Menu Functions

File Menu
Edit Menu
Styles Menu
Midi Menu
Play Menu
GS Menu

Dialog Boxes
Save Patches With Songs Dialog Box
Edit Current Bar settings Dialog Box
Midi Driver Setup Dialog Box
Midi Settings Dialog Box
Drum Note Assignment Dialog Box
Favorite Patches Dialog Box
Favorite Combos Dialog Box
Patch Map Dialog Box
Midi File Dialog Box
Step Edit Melody Dialog Box
GS Part Settings Dialog Box
GS Reverb Type Dialog Box

For Help on Help, Press F1


Basics

Band-in-a-Box is an automatic Musical Accompaniment program. Type in the chords to any songs, pick a style and press play. Band-in-a-Box then generates an accompaniment of bass ,drums, piano, guitar and strings to be played back through sound card or MIDI.

To use the program you require:

Windows 3.1 ,2mb memory, 286/386 (or better)

MIDI System (MIDI Interface/MIDI Synthesizer)  or PC Sound Card

Headphones or stereo speakers.

To get Band-in-a-Box working you need to :

1. Make sure that your Midi Interface or Sound Card is installed

2. Setup and install Midi Driver inside the Windows Control Panel.

3. Run Band-in-a-Box Windows program.

4. Configure the drums and Patches (instruments) to match your synth or sound card.

You may omit this step if you are using a General Midi compatible instrument ( such as Roland Sound Canvas, SCC1, SoundBlaster FM , or ASC Audio Master). This is because Band-in-a-Box defaults to General Midi drum notes and Patches.

We have made preset drum/patch files for over 30 popular synthesizers (such as MT32 , Korg M1 etc.). If you are using one of these you will just choose this file from the MIDI Driver setup screen.

If your synth is not listed you will have to make a custom setup by typing in the drum notes that your drum machine uses and (optionally) type in the patch #s corresponding to the General Midi instrument numbers.

These topics are described in detail elsewhere -
Setting Up Midi or Sound Card
Midi Driver Setup
Drum Note Assignment
Patch Map Assignment

Once you have done this, you can begin using the program.

Load and Play Songs
Type in chords to any song, choose style and press PLAY to hear arrangement.
Type in Lyrics to songs
Make Standard MIDI files as files on disk or clipboard , to be later loaded into sequencers (like CakeWalk or Musicator) for further editing.

These topics are described in the Tutorials-

1. Driver/Interface Tutorial

2. Loading/Playing Song Tutorial ,

3.Inputting New Song Tutorial

4.Customizing Drum Kit and Patch Map Tutorial


Setting up Midi or Sound Card

Band-in-a-Box uses the MultiMedia drivers for your MIDI interface or sound card that are supported by. Windows 3.1. To get Band-in-a-Box playback working properly you need to have a Driver installed for output . If you plan on recording in melodies you will need a driver for input as well. There is also a tutorial for setting up your interface/driver and drum kit .

CONNECTING BAND-IN-A-BOX TO YOUR MIDI SYSTEM

example of connection for MIDI system with Roland MPU401 & Synthesizer

   1                  2                      3                       4

1. BBW.EXE is Program run under Windows 3.1

2. The Windows Driver for your MIDI interface either comes with Windows 3.1 or is included or available from the interface manufacturer. It is installed into the Windows Control Panel outside of Band-in-a-Box. You then choose the driver inside Band-in-a-Box from the MIDI DRIVER menu. There is usually a separate driver for input (from your synth keyboard) and output (to your synthesizer).

3. The MIDI interface transmits information between the computer and your synthesizer(s).

4. The Synthesizer produces the Sounds. Band-in-a-Box tells it what notes to play.

5. Stereo Speakers or Headphones are connected to your synthesizer so that you may hear the music.

- OR -

CONNECTING BAND-IN-A-BOX TO YOUR PC SOUND CARD

example of connection of Band-in-a-Box to your FM Sounds on SoundBlaster Pro

1.....................2.......................3.......................................4

The SoundBlaster may be used in 2 ways. You may use the MIDI outputs to connect to your MIDI synthesizer (see above) or you may use the internal FM sounds of the SoundBlaster.

INSTALLING A DRIVER INTO WINDOWS 3.1

This is done outside of Band-in-a-Box. It is done in the Program Manager | Main | Control Panel | Drivers program. Boot up the Drivers program by double clicking on the drivers icon. You will then see a list of any drivers that are installed.

example #1: Installing a MPU401 driver setup

If you are using a MPU401 Midi interface you will need to install the "Roland MPU 401 MIDI driver" supplied with Windows 3.1 From the Control Panel | Drivers program , choose ADD to add a driver. Then choose Roland MPU 401 from the list of standard drivers. You will then be asked to insert your  Windows disk that contains the MPU401.DRV file . To complete installation you will be asked for the port address and interrupt # for the MPU401. The port address usually = 330 and the interrupt is usually = 2 . If you have set the interrupt incorrectly, you will find that MIDI thru won't work properly,- see "testing the Midi driver below"

example #2 : Installing SoundBlaster driver for MIDI use

SoundBlaster PRO: Use SoundBlaster 1.5 Driver or higher

SoundBlaster :Use SoundBlaster 1.0 if your SoundBlaster is an old one or 1.5 if its a newer one (July 91).

    Older SoundBlaster cards (pre July 91) are not capable of simultaneous Input and Output If you have an older SoundBlaster you will use the 1.0 driver and will be able to play Band-in-a-Box but not be able to record melodies at the same time. Install the SoundBlaster driver in a manner similar to the MPU401 driver as above. (The usual settings for the SoundBlaster  are port = 220 and Interrupt = 5).

Example #3 : Installing the SoundBlaster for use with FM sounds

The SoundBlaster has a built in FM synthesizer  (11 voices / 22 on the SB Pro ). These sounds are also Adlib compatible . If you want to use the FM sounds as your output driver then install either the Adlib driver (11 voices) or the "Creative Labs SoundBlaster PRO MIDI synthesizer driver".

SETTING UP YOUR DRIVER INSIDE BAND-IN-A-BOX

Choose Midi Driver Setup from the MIDI pull down menu. You will then see 3 lists:

1. MIDI input drivers available

2. MIDI or Sound Card  output drivers available

3. Band-in-a-Box Drum Note /Patch Map files for various synthesizers

Choose the MIDI input/output  driver that you want to use.

The Band-in-a-Box Drum note/Patch map files refer to files that have been setup for popular synthesizers. Most synthesizers use different drum notes, and different patches. These files tell Band-in-a-Box what drum notes to send out , and what patches to send out for various instruments. If you don't see your synthesizer on the list , or you need to customize the file, see the topic - Tutorial #4 - Creating a custom Drum Kit/Patch File.


Setting Up Drum Notes , Patches and Midi Channels

Drum Notes

Most synthesizers use different drum notes. For example the snare drum is = 38 on a Roland synthesizer, but might be =40 on a Yamaha. Band-in-a-Box needs to know what drum notes your synthesizer is using.

We include presets for over 30 drum machines - if your machine is on the list you should install the file. For example if you use a Proteus XR  , you can load in the ProtusXR.DK file from the MIDI pull down menu | Load alternate drum kits.

If you are using a drum machine that we don't have a preset for -you will need to make a custom drum kit. This is covered in the drum kit dialog section

Patch Numbers

In 1991 all major synthesizer Manufacturers agreed on a standard set of drum notes to use and standard set of instrument numbers (Patch numbers). For example Snare Drum is note #38 and Acoustic Bass is instrument #33. This is called the General Midi Standard.

Making a Patch Map
Band-in-a-Box will be using General Midi Numbers for instruments throughout the program -regardless of what type of synthesizer you are using.
For example: Acoustic Bass - will always be referred to as Patch 33, because it is Patch 33 in the General Midi standard. If your synth uses Patch 26 for Acoustic Bass, you will type #26 in the Patch map beside the Acoustic Bass. Then Band-in-a-Box knows to always send out Patch 26 to your synthesizer when you want Acoustic Bass. You will still refer to Acoustic Bass by the General Midi Patch Number (Acoustic Bass =33) throughout Band-in-a-Box.
See further documention for installing a Patch map in the
Make a Patch Map Dialog section .

Midi Channels

You may assign Midi Channels/Volume/Panning/Chorus settings for each of the parts (bass/drum/piano/guitar/strings/melody/thru). This is done on the MIDI | Midi Settings Dialog Box


Tutorial #1: Loading and Playing Songs
Tutorial #1: Driver/Interface/Drum Kit Setup

This tutorial will cover
Installing your Midi or Sound Card driver into the Windows Control Panel.
Choosing a Driver from Within Band-in-a-Box
Installing a Patch map from Preset Patch Map Files (*.DK)

Installing your Midi or Sound Card driver into the Windows Control Panel.

Run the Control Panel Program

The Driver is setup in the Windows Control Panel Program. This is found in the Program Manager Main Window.
Then run the Drivers program

You will see a list of all drivers currently installed.

Adlib is the Adlib driver for FM sounds. The Adlib chip has an 11 voice synthesizer (6 instruments + 5 drum sounds). An unusual feature of this driver is that it requires a Drum Channel of 16, whereas other drivers (and the General Midi Standard) use Drum Channel =10. Many sound cards that are SoundBlaster or Adlib compatible (e.g. Aztech, MediaVision) should use this driver.

Roland MPU 401 is the driver for MPU401 compatible cards (Roland, Music Quest, CMS)

Once you install this driver you will be asked for the PORT address and the IRQ #. The Port address is usually 330 and the IRQ# is usually 2. If you have set the Port incorrectly, you will get an error message. If you have set the IRQ incorrectly, you will notice a considerable delay in MIDI thru, and won't see a display of your Midi Thru on the Band-in-a-Box piano keyboard at the top of the screen.

Creative Labs Soundblaster 1.5 is the MIDI driver for the SoundBlaster Pro or newer SoundBlasters that support simultaneous OUT and IN. The usual Port address is 220 and the IRQ# =5.

Creative Labs Soundblaster 1.0 is the MIDI driver for the older SoundBlaster cards.  (DSP version less than 2.0) These cards are incapable of  simultaneous IN and OUT. If using with Band-in-a-Box, you would be unable to Record melodies or use Midi Thru, but will be able to play.

Creative SoundBlaster Pro MIDI synthesizer is the SoundBlaster Pro FM sounds driver (not involving MIDI)

MIDI mapper is a driver connecting your output to the Midi Mapper program. You must setup the MIDI driver to use your MIDI driver or Sound Card for output. The Midi Mapper allows you to remap drum notes and patches. Since Band-in-a-Box remaps these patches for you anyway, we do not suggest that you use the Midi Mapper unless you understand how to make a drum and patch map. If you do use the Midi Mapper, you will tell Band-in-a-Box that your synthesizer is a General Midi Synthesizer.

Yamaha TG100 driver is an example of a 3rd party driver that was added by choosing [image] to Add a driver.

Choosing a Driver from Within Band-in-a-Box

Band-in-a-Box displays the list of drivers that you have previously set up in the Control Panel above.

Band-in-a-Box Midi Midi Driver Settings Dialog Box

Once you have Selected the Midi Input and Output Driver that you want to use, you need to select the name of your Sound Card or Synthesizer that you will be using. Once you tell Band-in-a-Box which synth you are using, the program will be able to load in a DK file (drum and patch map). This file converts General Midi notes (used throughout Band-in-a-Box) to the Drum notes and Patch numbers that your synth uses. Hopefully you will see your synthesizer listed (and you haven't changed the factory settings of your synth! ).

If you don't see your synth listed , you will need to :
1. Tell Band-in-a-Box what drum notes to use for your synth.
    See Make a Drum Kit
2. Disable Patch changes from the Midi Settings Dialog Box  until you have made a Patch map


Tutorial #2: Inputting a new song
Tutorial #2: Loading and Playing Songs

Many of the topics referred to are covered in the "How to" Section as well :

See the related topics
Typing in chords
Using Part Markers
Copy/Paste, Intros Endings/Begin/End
Lyrics Entry
Song Embellishment
Vary Middle Style of Song
Selecting/Changing Styles
Transposing Key
Changing Tempo.

This assumes that you've already

setup your Midi Driver, Midi Channels, Drum Notes and Patch Maps.

Now Let's explore Band-in-a-Box:

The [image] cursor keys move the chord highlight cell around the chordsheet.
 click on any Bar to move around the chordsheet.
You can then type in the chords to any song.
This is covered in detail in the Tutorial #3-Inputting your own song

Let's load in a new song by [image] on the [image] button.

Note: Band-in-a-Box uses the common dialog boxes for loading and saving files. These are the same boxes that all Windows programs use. If you require extra help with use of these boxes- see Windows 3.1 manual.

Then pick a song to load in. Let's load in "La Bamba".

Type the first letter of the song ( '"'L"  in this example ) and the list will jump to songs beginning with "L".

 click on the song labamba.mgb then click on the  [image] button to load in the song..

Explanation of the Extension that Band-in-a-Box adds for you
It is not essential that you understand this
If the song has a melody the extension will begin with M (otherwise S)
The second letter of the song name is G
The third letter is the style of the song (1-9 and A-N for built in styles and U for a 	User style)
Example: Labamba.MGB The 'M' tells us that a  Melody is recorded. The 'G' is always present in song names telling us that it is a song .The 'B' indicates styles #11 (styles are #d 1-9 and A-N ) which is Light Rock.

Example: LevlFunk.SGU . The 'S' indicates that no melody is recorded. The 'U' tells us that the style is a user style.

:The song La Bamba will now load in for you.

Let's play the Song  by [image] click on the  [image] button.

There is a few second delay as the arrangement is created. The Progress Indicator Bar [image] lets you know how much is left to prepare.

The song begins with a 2 bar Click in on the drums " 1-2  1-2-3-4 "

Tip: This click in is always played on drums (rim shot). If you hear it played on a non-drum instrument, then the drum channel has been assigned incorrectly (drum channel is usually 10 but some sound cards want drum channel =16). If the click in is played on a different instrument than rim shot, your drum kit setup has not been done properly.

Then the music begins to play.

You can look at the very top of the screen - this is the instrument line

Now let's change some settings as the song is playing.(You can also change any of these settings if the song is stopped.

First select the part to work on  by clicking on the desired part.
You can see which part is selected by looking for the Blue dot beside the part name.
Any further action to change patch, volume reverb, chorus, bank will apply to the part that you have selected.

For example let's change the Piano Part settings

Select the Piano part by clicking on the [image] Piano part button

Now let's change the instrument on the piano part.

Note: Even though the parts (bass/piano/guitar etc.) have names, ANY instrument can be assigned to them. For example you could set the piano part to HARP if you wanted.

PATCH CHANGES
Favorite Patches: Every part has 10 favorite instruments assigned to it. For example the Piano part has 10 favorite instruments like Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Harpsichord etc. You can customize the favorite settings. Click on the [image] Favorites button to select an instrument for the piano part.
 General Midi Patch List: If you want to change to a specific instrument , then click on the instrument box
You can then scroll through the 128 instrument General Midi Patches.

VOLUME/PANNING /REVERB OR CHORUS CHANGES

Most synths respond to Volume changes. Only newer sound cards or General Midi Compatible synthesizers will respond to MIDI panning/reverb/chorus messages . If yours does, then click on  the  Panning setting to change the Panning (Stereo placement Right to left), Reverb, or Chorus setting

BANK CHANGES

If you have a General Midi instrument that has sounds available on higher Banks (like Roland GS instruments) you can click on the BANK  button [image] to select a higher bank. For example on the Roland Sound Canvas "Detuned Rhodes Piano" is Bank 8  of the Rhodes Piano (5).
Technical Note: A Bank Change consists of sending Control Change 0 followed by the Bank Number from 0 to 127.

PAUSE THE SONG - by pressing the [image] HOLD button .Resume by pressing it again. This is the best way to learn a piano voicing that Band-in-a-Box is playing, because the notes remain visible on screen when paused.

JUMP TO A DIFFERENT AREA OF THE SONG.  As the song is playing you can jump to any part of the song. Just press the [image] button, choose the chorus #, then click on the desired bar to jump to. Band-in-a-Box always starts any Playback or Record 2 bars prior to what you have selected (to provide you time to listen to the tempo, move to your synth etc.).If you wanted to start right away at a certain bar you could select the bar 2 bars ahead.

PLAY THE WIZARD . The Wizard is the Intelligent playalong feature from the QWERTY keyboard bottom 2 rows. It is described in the How to Use the Wizard Section . The Wizard is treated as the [image] instrument - so you can change volume/patches etc. on the Wizard.

PLAYALONG FROM  YOUR MIDI KEYBOARD. If you have installed a MIDI input driver, you can use the MIDI THRU features inside Band-in-a-Box. Band-in-a-Box treats the MIDI THRU as any other part - it is called the THRU part
. You can change patches/volume, reverb etc. for the THRU channel, just like any other part.
If you notice a long delay in the THRU getting to your keyboard, this indicates that you have installed the MIDI in driver, but have selected the incorrect IRQ#. You would need to re-install your MIDI driver (remove it then add it from the Control Panel) and then Select the correct IRQ#.

STOP THE SONG by clicking the stop button [image].

PLAY THE JUKEBOX . Use of the jukebox options are described in greater detail in the .  Lets play the JukeBox now. Click the juke button [image], then Set any of the options that you would like. The JukeBox will continue to PLAY until you Click the STOP  button, or press the ESCAPE key.
Now lets Switch to Another program while the JukeBox continues to Play. Press ALT TAB to switch to the Program Manager for example. Experiment with changing the Size of the Band-in-a-Box Window so you can continue to see the Piano display while working in another program.

Now we've ended the tutorial for loading and playing Songs. The next tutorial is
Inputting Your Own Song


Tutorial #3 : Lyrics/MidiFiles
Tutorial #3 : Inputting New Songs

Tutorial #3 -Inputting a new song.

In Tutorial #1 we setup our program. Tutorial #2 covered playing songs. This tutorial covers Inputting a Song of Your Own.

These topics are also covered in greater detail in the How to sections:
Typing in Chords
Using Part Markers/Drum Fills
Copy/Pasting Chords
Intros/Endings/Chorus Settings
Entering Lyrics
Song Embellishment
Vary Middle Style of Song
Selecting Styles
Recording Melodies
Saving Songs to Disk
Making Midi Files to Clipboard or Disk

Lets Put in the Song : La Bamba .

Click on the NEW button [image] to blank the chordsheet.

Enter the Title of the Song:
Click in the Title area .(It will currently be called Untitled Song). Once you have clicked in it you can type the Title of The Song- " La Bamba"

Choose a Tempo of 160 beats per minute

Click on the Tempo Arrow keys [image] to increase the tempo by 5 at a time. Use the Right mouse button to change by 1 at a time.

Now lets the type the chords of the song !

Press the HOME key , or click on the HOME button [image] to insure that the chordsheet is at the top (Bar 1)

This song has a 4 bar intro, and the chorus is 32 bars long. Therefore the Intro is bars 1-4, and the chorus is bars 5-36.

Look above for the chords we want to enter. These are the exact keystrokes to enter the first 8 bars of chords

(The > key refers to the Right Cursor Key- you can click to where you want to go instead.)

Type in these keys exactly, and you'll be entering the song. Use the right cursor in place of the >
f>bb>c7>>f>bb>c7>>pf>bb>c7>>f>bb>c7>>

 So you can see that:
1. the method of entering chords is like typing into a spreadsheet.
2. You type the chord name, then press a movement key like a cursor key or mouse click to enter the chord into the cell.
 3 the P key (used in bar 5) places a part marker of 'a' If we repeatedly type p  (or clicked on the | bar line ) we could change to a 'b' substyle, or no substyle change. Part markers and substyles are discussed elsewhere. In general 'a' substyles are used for the verses and 'b' substyles for the bridge of the song.

Now lets copy and paste a section of chords

1. Highlight a section of chords. Start with the mouse arrow on a chord name (not on the bar line). Holding down the left mouse button, then drag the mouse over an area to copy. The area will be Blackened.

2. With the  area still blackened, click on the COPY button [image] .
 The area that is black is now copied into the Clipboard. It can be pasted back into Band-in-a-Box at a different location.
3. Move the [image] highlight cell to the bar that you  want to paste the chords to.
4. Then click on the [image] button.
The chords will then appear at the new location
Note: If they don't , it means that you haven't first copied an area of chords into the clipboard.

The rest of the chords are on disk in the file labamba.mgb. Load in this file to see the chords for the entire song.

Now lets "Frame" the song. Framing the song refers to selecting the bar for the chorus to begin and end, and how many choruses to play before playing the 2 bar ending.

Click on each of these 3 buttons to select the bar for chorus to begin, end and the # of choruses.

The Ending will occur at the end of all the choruses. It will be a 2 bar ending based on whatever chord is placed in the bar following the last bar of the chorus.

Set Additional Song Settings by pressing the S button [image].
These include: Allow Embellishment: This embellishment  refers to adding embellished notes to the chords in Jazz styles. Usually leave it on
Vary Middle Style: If set, all the Middle choruses will be played in 'b' substyle regardless of the settings of the part markers(substyle markers).For example, in Jazz Swing this means that all of the Middle Choruses will play in Swing and the First and last choruses will play in a mix of substyle 'a' and 'b' as you have set. Usually leave this on..

IF You Would Like To Type In Lyrics, press the Lyric button [image] and (see the Lyric Entry section for further details).

Lets Save The Song To Disk, by pressing the SAVE button. Give the song a name like 'Test'. Don't add the extension. Band-in-a-Box will do that for you.

Make A Midi File by pressing the MIDI button [image].
If you have another program capable of Pasting in "Standard Midi File" information, then you can choose Clipboard destination, otherwise make a file onto disk.

Now we've ended the tutorial for Inputting Your Own Song.
The other tutorials are :
Setting up your Midi Driver
Loading and playing Songs
Customizing  your drums and Patches


Tutorial #4 :Customizing Drum Kit/Patch Map

Do I need to configure my own drum/patch drum kit ?
Probably not. If your synth is one if the 40 synths listed below, you don't have to configure a patch drum kit (.DK file). Instead you can just load in the preset kit from the MIDI menu (Load Alternate Drum Kit or the Midi Driver Dialog Box

Where in Band-in-a-Box do I set up these Drums/Patch settings ?
Drums are setup in the Drum Setup Dialog Box
Patch maps are made in the Make a Patch Map Dialog Box
(If you haven't made a patch map then Patches can be disabled in the Midi Settings Dialog Box )
Midi Channels,and other Midi settings are setup in the Midi Settings Dialog Box

Choosing a Preset kit from the list below is done in the Midi Driver Dialog Box

What is a Patch map/Drum kit ?
Band-in-a-Box uses General Midi Drum Note Numbers and Patch Numbers
Your synth may not use General Midi settings.
The purpose of a Patch Map is to remap (translate) the General Midi drum note numbers and Patches (Instrument numbers) to the Drum/Patch numbers that your synth uses.
We have made over 40 preset kits for you. If you synth is not on the list, you can make up a custom kit.
Synths or Sound Cards that are General Midi compatible usually do not require a patch/drum kit, but we have made them anyway (they still assign channels,volumes to use )

Below is a list of all synth/sound cards that  we have preset .DK files for.
 If you don't see your synth on the list, try a kit for a similar instrument. If that doesn't work, you'll have to customize the drum kit, and patch map. described at the end of this document.
(General Midi Compatible) beside the name indicates the sound card or synthesizer is General Midi compatible.

Synthesizer /Sound Card     Drum/Patch File Name

Adlib compatible FM synth	ADLIB.DK	(General Midi)
(* Adlib driver is GM except uses drum channel=16, not 10)
ASC/OMNI/ Audio Master	ASC_CARD.DK	(General Midi Compatible)
Casio CT470	CT470.DK	(General Midi Compatible)
Casio CT670	CT670.DK
Casio CT680	CT680.DK
Ensoniq SQ1 1 	SQ1.DK
Ensoniq SQ2 1 	SQ2.DK
General Midi Instrument Misc. GENMIDI.DK	(General Midi Compatible)
Kawaii K4	KAWAI_K4.DK
KawaiiK4R	KAWAIK4R.DK
Korg M1	KORGM1.DK
KORG M3R	KORGM3R.DK
KORG O1/W	KORG_O1W.DK
Kurzweil K1200	K1200.DK
Kurzweil K1200 Pro I	K1200PRI.DK
MidiLand PCD401	PCD401.DK
MidiLand PCD GM	PCDGM.DK
MIDI MAPPER - Windows	GENMIDI.DK	(General Midi Compatible)
( The Midi mapper itself remaps General Midi to your synths #s, so is GM compatible as far as Band-in-a-Box is concerned)
Proteus 1	PROTEUS1.DK
Proteus 1XR	PROTEUS1.DK
Roland CM32	CM32.DK
Roland CM64	CM64.DK
Roland D10	D10.DK
Roland D110	D110.DK
Roland D5	D5.DK
Roland D20	D20.DK
Roland JV80	JV80.DK
Roland JV30	JV30.DK
Roland LAPC card	LAPC.DK
Roland MT32	MT32.DK
Roland Sound Canvas 	CANVAS.DK	(General Midi Compatible)
Roland SC55	SC55.DK	(General Midi Compatible)
Roland SC155 	SC55.DK	(General Midi Compatible)
Roland SCC1 card 	SCC1.DK	(General Midi Compatible)
Roland U20 	U20.DK
Roland U220 	U220.DK
Soundblaster FM Synth	SB_FM.DK	(General Midi Compatible)
(6 voices + 5 drum sounds ,either uses drum channel =10 or 16)
Soundblaster Pro FM Synth	SBPRO_FM.DK	(General Midi Compatible)
(22 sounds, drum channel =10)
Turtle Beach MultiSound GM mode Multisnd.DK	(General Midi Compatible)
Turtle Beach MultiSound-Proteus Mode Proteus1.DK
(note: Multisound can be set to Proteus mode (non-GM) or GM mode. We
recommend the GM mode)
Yamaha PSR 400	PSR400.DK
Yamaha PSR 500	PSR500.DK
Yamaha QY10	QY10.DK
Yamaha SY22	SY22.DK
Yamaha SY55	SY55.DK
Yamaha SY77	SY77.DK
Yamaha TG33	TG33.DK
Yamaha TG55	TG55.DK
Yamaha TG100	TG100.DK	(General Midi Compatible)

 If you have found your synthesizer on this list, you can load in the file. This is done from the Midi Pull Down menu -Install Midi Driver or Load Alternate Drum Kits. Then you don't need to bother with any further setup of drum notes etc.

Otherwise you have to Create a custom setup file for
1.Drum notes: This is essential for the Drums so that the drum notes that BB sends out will match your synthesizer. The Drum Setup is described in the Drum Setup Dialog Box

2.Patch Map:
This is done in the Midi | Make a Patch Map Dialog Box
If you want to get started with Band-in-a-Box prior to making the patch map, make sure that you disable patch changes from the  Midi | Midi Settings Dialog Box .

Do Favorite Patches and Combos need to be set up ?
No. We have chosen popular favorite instruments for all the favorite instruments. Since the favorite instruments are using General Midi numbers, they will work on your synth as they will be translated by the patch map you have installed or made. If you want to customize these favorites to your favorites, then see
Favorite Settings
Combo settings


Piano Area - Top of Screen
Keyboard Area - Top of Screen

The area at the top of the screen is referred to as the Keyboard Area, because it has a piano keyboard drawn on it.

Part Settings: The Bass/Drum/Piano/Guitar/Horn/Strings/Melody and Thru are referred to as Parts.
To change a setting for one of the parts you need to :
1. Select the Part (by mouse clicking on the part name)
2. Changing the setting on the settings (displayed above the piano keyboard)

Clicking the Right Mouse button over a Part name Mutes/UnMutes the part

Changing settings like patch/volume for a part is covered in
Tutorial #1
How to Change Patches
Favorite Patches
Changing Volume
Changing Reverb/Chorus/Bank
Changing Combos/Master Volume/Reverb/Chorus
GS functions

The Keyboard: This keyboard displays the notes that are being played by all instruments (except drums). The Midi Thru is also diszplayed on the Keyboard.

See related topics:

Muting Instruments
Watching Piano Keyboard Display
Wizard Playalong feature
Changing Patches
Favorite Patches
Changing Volume
Changing Reverb/Chorus/Bank
Changing Combos/Master Volume/Reverb/Chorus
GS functions


Tool Bar Buttons

 . NEW button is for clearing the chordsheet and starting a new song. Band-in-a-Box will ask you if you want to save your work before it erases the chords.

 OPEN button is for Opening songs that are on disk.
 See Opening Songs from disk

 SAVE button is to save a song to disk.
See Saving Songs to Disk

 .MID button is for Making Standard Midi Files. You can save a Standard Midi File to disk as a file with extension .MID or to the Windows Clipboard with type "Standard Midi File" .These files are able to be read into most other music programs.
See Making MIDI files  ( Clipboard or Disk)

PLAY button plays the song (or stops it if it is playing already )
STOP button stops the song or JukeBox playing.
H (Hold) button is to Pause the Song during Playback. It also sends out all notes off
messages, so could function as a "Panic button" to stop a hung note.
FROM button is to Play a song starting anywhere in the song
GO button - combines the OPEN and PLAY buttons , will OPEN a song and PLAY it .

See Playing/Pausing/Stopping Songs

 JUKE button is to start or Stop the JukeBox.
The < and > arrow keys are to move to the next or previous song in the JukeBox.
See JukeBox Playback

 RECORD button is to Record a song from the Beginning. The 'R' key is the Keyboard equivalent. See Recording Melodies


Title/Key/Tempo Area

See the following topics:

Copy/Paste sections of chords
Lyrics Entry
Song Embellishment
Vary Middle Style of Song
Selecting/Changing Styles
Changing Tempo
Changing Key ( Transpose)
Intros/Endings/Begin/End/# of choruses


Chord Entry Area
Chord Sheet Area

Chords are typed in using standard chord symbols onto the Chord Sheet Area. The screen is pre-divided into bars. The highlight cell moves 2 notes at a time. 4 chords per bar may be entered.

See :

List Of Chords

Typing in chords  ,

Using Part Markers


File Menu

File | New is to load a New song (See tutorial #3-Inputting a new Song)
File | Open is to Open an Existing song (See Opening Songs From Disk)
File | Open with Melodies shows list of only song files that have Melodies (*.MG?)
File | Open Filtered by Style loads only song in current style
File | Save Song (As) is to Save Songs (*.?G?) (See Saving Songs to Disk)
File | Make Standard Midi File makes a Standard Midi File (see Making MIDI files)
File | Load User Style allows you to choose a User style (see Selecting Styles)


Edit Menu

Edit | Cut is not implemented yet.
Edit | Copy and Paste are to copy chords (see Copy/Paste section of chords

Edit | Reduce or Expand

The chords in row two are the same as Row 1 except there duration is half. Reducing or Expanding the chordsheet changes the durations. This is useful when changing styles.

Edit | Edit Current Bar Settings ( see Edit Current Bar Settings Dialog)
Edit | Additional Song Settings ( discussed in tutorial #3)
Enter Lyrics (see Lyrics Entry )
Erase all Lyrics erases the entire lyrics. You can also disable Lyrics from the
Midi | Midi Settings Dialog Box.


Styles Menu

This is the menu of the 24 Built in Styles. All of the other styles are User styles and may be loaded in by the File | Load User Style  F9  command. (See Selecting Styles)


Midi Menu

Midi | Midi Driver Setup ( see Midi Driver Dialog Box)
Midi | Channels, options is to setup Midi channels etc. ( see Midi Channels Dialog Box)

Midi | Save Configuration (MySetup.DK file) . This saves your setup to disk on a file called MySetup.DK . This file is saved whenever you quit Band-in-a-Box as well. If you want to restore Band-in-a-Box to defaults, then erase or rename this file.

Midi | Save alternate Drum / Patch.DK allows you to save different custom drum kits.
Midi | Load alternate Drum/ Patch.DK allows you to load in preset or custom drum kits
Midi | Make a Drum Kit (see Drum Kit Dialog Box)
Midi | Make a Patch Map (see Make a Patch Map)
Midi | Choose Favorite Instruments ( see Favorite Instruments setup)
Midi | Display General Midi Patch Numbers displays the list of 128 GM Patch Numbers

.


Play Menu

See Playing/Pausing/Stopping Songs
See JukeBox Playback


GS Menu

These GS functions only work on instruments that support the Roland GS Standard. This includes the Roland Sound Canvas,SCC1,JV-30.

Reset Roland GS Module . Resets the module to Factory settings.
Reset Roland GS Module and Send BB. Resets the module to factory settings and then sends the bootup Band-in-a-Box current patches/volumes etc.

Set Reverb or Chorus Type ( see GS Reverb Type Dialog Box)
Assign Part/Channel etc. (see GS Part Settings Dialog Box)

Tip :Roland GS instruments won't respond to any sysex commands unless the module # is set to 17 . The Sound Canvas allows you to set this # by pressing the ALL button and setting the Midi Channel to =17. Default is 17 .


Save Patches With Songs Dialog Box

.

If you would like to save certain patches with a song , then type in the # of the patch (instrument) that you would like. Leave the other instruments at =0 for No Patch change. Remember that - as with all other Band-in-a-Box functions- you use the General Midi # for the instrument, regardless of the synth you are using.

EXAMPLE : If you want to save Clarinet Polka with a Melody Patch of Clarinet, then type 72 for the Melody Patch . To look up the numbers of the various instruments, click on the "Show Patch List". Leave the rest of the instruments at Patch = 0 for no patch change, unless you want to specify a particular instrument.

TIP: This dialog box is usually used in combination with saving a song. To save a song with patches, you therefore :

        1. Choose the Save with Patches Option  (or press ALT F2)

        2. Choose the Patch(es) that you want

        3. Press SAVE to then save the song


Edit Current Bar settings Dialog Box

# BEATS THIS BAR :

The initial time signature of the song is determined by the style (e.g. Jazz =4/4, Waltz =3/4). In certain songs you will want to insert time signature changes at a certain bar. For example you might want a single bar of 2/4 , or 8 bars of 3/4 time etc.

This option allows a change of time signature during a song .The change takes place at the beginning of the bar and continues until a new time signature change is specified . You can select # beats per bar from 1 to 4 beats per bar .  A setting of 0 beats/bar is used for no change of time signature.

Examples:

       A song in 4/4 time with a single bar of 6/4 time. Since the maximum # beats per bar is =4 , we will split the 6/4 bars into 2 bars , a 4/4 bar and a 2/4 bar . Insert a # beats per bar =2 at the beginning of the 2/4 bar and then restore the time signature to 4/4 by assigning # beats per bar =4 for the next bar.

       A song in 5/4 time throughout: To do this we will alternately create a 3/4 bar + 2/4 bars . On odd numbered bars insert a # beats per bar =3 , and on even bars insert # of beats per bar =2 . This needs to be done for every bar.

TEMPO CHANGE AT THIS BAR

    Most songs will have a single tempo throughout. This tempo should be set on the main screen in the Title/Tempo area .

    If you want to change the tempo at a certain bar of the song , then use this dialog box to type in the new tempo in beats per minute. The tempo change takes effect at the beginning of the bar and remains until a new tempo change at another bar is inserted.

PATCH CHANGES AT CERTAIN BAR

To save a song with Patch Changes  at the beginning of the song you should use the Save Song with Patch Changes Dialog Box instead of this one.

This setting allows you to insert a Bass or Piano patch change at the beginning of any bar. Type the number of the patch change that you want.


Midi Driver Setup Dialog Box

MIDI INPUT DRIVER : Select the Driver that you would like to use for input from a MIDI keyboard. If you don't have a MIDI keyboard, you can select <No Midi/Sound Input>

MIDI OUTPUT DRIVER : Select a Driver For Midi Output. This also includes Sound Card output (like SoundBlaster).

SYNTHESIZER/SOUND CARD Selecting the type of Synth or Using allows Band-in-a-Box to automatically load in the appropriate Drum/Patch kit file (*.DK ). It is not essential to set this - if you don't then leave it as <synth card not listed >.

see  Tutorial #1- Setting up Driver
 & Setting up Midi Driver


Midi Settings Dialog Box
Midi Settings Dialog Box Dialog Box

This Dialog Box allows you to setup settings for each part (bass/drums/piano etc.)

MIDI CHANNELS : range 0-16 . (If set to 0 , part will be OFF ).
 Some synths (MT32,Soundblaster FM)), give higher priority to lower channel # , so if you are "running out of notes" you should assign important parts (eg. melody) a lower channel than other parts (e.g. .guitar)

OCTAVE This adjusts the octave of the part. Range (-2 to +2). Usually set to 0 .( Bass is usually set to -1 in General Midi instruments though )

PATCH: Range 0 to 128 . THESE ARE GENERAL MIDI PATCH NUMBERS. YOU DON'T TYPE IN THE PATCH NUMBERS OF YOUR SYNTHESIZER.(The patch map handles mapping of the General Midi Patch numbers to your synths Patch numbers)

VOLUME : Range 0 to 127 .Typical volume setting is =90. It Can also be set from the main screen

PANNING: Panning refers to the Stereo placement (Left to Right) - range (-63,+63).Setting of 0 is "in the middle"

Only General Midi instruments respond to reverb/chorus and Bank.

REVERB: Range 0 to 127. typical setting =40.

CHORUS: Range of 0 to 127. typical setting =0.

Bank: See GS Patches on Higher Banks for a list of Available Patches on the Roland Sound Canvas and other GS instruments. General Midi instruments have extra instruments available on higher banks. Range 0 to 128. Usually set to 0. Other settings are multiples of 8 (0,8,16 etc.).

List of settings on Midi Channels Dialog. Default setting (YES/NO) listed as well.

ALLOW ANY PATCH CHANGES : YES.
Set to NO if you want to disable All Patch changes. If you haven't made a patch map you should disable this.

SONG PATCH CHANGES : YES
Songs can be saved with patch changes . If you want to prevent these type of patch changes, set to no.

STYLE PATCH CHANGES: YES
Styles frequently come with patch changes. If you want to disable these, set to no.

ALLOW VOLUME CHANGES: YES
To prevent any changes of volume inside Band-in-a-Box , set to NO

STYLE VOLUME CHANGES: YES
Styles occasionally come with volume changes. To prevent these, set to NO.

MIDI THRU: YES
Set this to NO if you don't want the information played on your MID keyboard to be sent through Band-in-a-Box to the output driver.

Tip: If Midi Thru is not working while the program is not playing- then you have set the IRQ# incorrectly when installing your MIDI driver into Windows (remove the driver, and then add it again to reset the IRQ#)

CONTROLLERS THRU: YES
Guitar Synthesizers and Wind Controllers send huge amounts of MIDI data which can slow Windows down a lot. If you want to prevent this information from being sent thru, then set to NO.

USE THRU CHANNEL: YES
Band-in-a-Box uses the THRU as a Part just like Bass/Drums/Piano. The Thru is rechannelized to the Thru Channel you have set. if you would prefer to set the Thru channel yourself from your Midi controller, set to NO.

KB LOCAL: NO
If you are hearing the information played on your Keyboard played twice (an echo effect) then set KB LOCAL to NO. If you can't hear what you are playing at all, set KB LOCAL to Yes.

OUTPUT SYNC/START INFO: NO
If you want to SYNC Band-in-a-Box with an external sequencer, set SYNC info to Yes.
see Recording to External Hardware Sequencers
SEND EXTRA NOTE OFFS: NO
Leave this at NO unless you are having trouble with Stuck notes when you press STOP.
If you set it to YES Band-in-a-Box will send a sweep of all notes off, in addition to the selected notes off that were playing when you press stop.

ALLOW LYRIC DISPLAY: YES
If you have lots of songs with lyrics, and are doing a session that you don't want to see the lyrics set this to NO , and no lyrics will be displayed.


GS Patches on Higher Banks

Roland GS Synthesizers have Patches available on higher Banks.
 Here is a list of  them

Patch Name	Patch #	Bank #

Detuned Rhodes	5	8

Detuned Elec. Piano	6	8

Coupled Harpsichord	7	8

Church Bell	15	8

Detuned Organ 1	17	8

Detuned Organ 2	18	8

Church Organ 2  	20	8

Italian Accordion	22	8

Ukulele	25	8

12 String Guitar      	26	8

Mandolin	26	16

Hawaiian Guitar   	27	8

Chorus Guitar	28	8

Funk Guitar	29	8

Feedback Guitar	31	8

Guitar Feedback	32	8

Synth Bass 3	39	8

Synth Bass 4	40	8

Orchestra	49	8

Synth Strings 3  	51	8

Brass 2	62	8

Synth Brass 3	63	8

Synth Brass 4	64	8

Tasiho Koto	81	8

Castanets	108	8

Concert Bass Drum	116	8

Melodic Tom 2	117	8

TR-808 Tom	119	8


Drum Note Assignment Dialog Box

If you have been unable to find a preset drum map (tutorial #4) that matches your synth's drum notes, then you'll need to type in the drum notes that your machine uses.

To do this , you need to

Hook your Midi controller up to play the Drum sounds from the Keyboard.
Play up and down the keyboard to hear all the drum sounds. Locate note 36 as a starting point (see below)

Type the Midi note numbers for the various instruments as you find them on your drum machine

Then press the SAVE button to save the kit as MYSETUP.DK. If you are making a kit to save under a different name, then save the kit under Midi | Save Alternate Patch/Drum Kit..

Tip: Here's how to find out where Midi note Numbers are on your synth and drum machine.
We took this screen shot while playing Midi note 36 on a Midi controller. If you have Midi In hooked up, you can play various C notes till it matches the location below.(Below the word 'Bass')  Then you can mark that note on your controller as note 36. The notes are then numbered (chromatically) 36, 37(C#),38(D) etc. (Some people call note 36 C3 , others call it C2.)


Favorite Patches Dialog Box

For each of the 8 parts (bass/piano/drums/guitar/horns/strings/melody/thru) you can assign 10 favorite instruments. Once assigned, these instruments are easily set

 see Using Favorite Patches

THESE ARE GENERAL MIDI INSTRUMENT NUMBERS. THEY ARE NOT THE PATCH NUMBERS ON YOUR SYNTHESIZER.(unless your synth is General Midi)
For example the 33 for Bass refers definitely to Acoustic Bass, because Acoustic Bass is Instrument #33 in General Midi Patch Map. The Patch Map you have installed or made handles the conversion to your synths patch numbers.


Favorite Combos Dialog Box

A "Favorite Combo" is a group of patch changes ( 1 for each part ) that are sent out as a Batch when you send one of the combos (see below).

For example , you could setup Combo #1 to be an Acoustic Jazz Combo which would send out patches like Acoustic Bass, Acoustic Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Flute etc.

To send one of the combo group of Patch changes
1. Select the "Combo" part
2. Then click on the Favorites button

THESE ARE GENERAL MIDI INSTRUMENT NUMBERS. THEY ARE NOT THE PATCH NUMBERS ON YOUR SYNTHESIZER.(unless your synth is General Midi)
For example the 33 for Bass refers definitely to Acoustic Bass, because Acoustic Bass is Instrument #33 in General Midi Patch Map. The Patch Map you have installed or made handles the conversion to your synths patch numbers.


Patch Map Dialog Box

This dialog box allows you to "Make a Patch Map"

Type in the Patch number that your synth uses for each instrument listed below

If your synth doesn't have an exact match, use a nice sounding patch that it does have.

For example: Suppose that your Synth has Acoustic Piano at Patch 41.
On the Midi Patch Map Dialog Box screen: Move the cursor to the Acoustic Piano, and type 41.
Once you have done this (made a patch map) , whenever Band-in-a-Box encounters Acoustic Piano (which is General Midi instrument #1) , it will look up this Patch Map, and then send out Patch 41 to your synth.
After you have done this, you never refer to instruments in Band-in-a-Box by your synth's number, instead you'll use the General Midi instrument number( i.e. Acoustic Piano =1) . So if you are Saving a Song with Patches  or Assigning favorite instruments or combos you will type #1 to tell Band-in-a-Box that it is Acoustic Piano to use.
The # list of the General Midi Patch Numbers is available inside Band-in-a-Box by the Midi | Display General Midi Patch List , and is available also in most dialog boxes.

We use Roland Numbering Which is Numbering from 1-128 . Some other manufacturer's use numbering from 0 to 127 . So to get patch 0 on a Korg M1 for example, you type a 1 on the Band-in-a-Box Patch Map. The beauty of setting up the Patch Map, is that , once you have set up the patch map ,you can then forget about all these numbering issues and just use General Midi numbers. But it is important to recognize this when you are making the map.

What are the advantages of doing this :
Patch changes can be built into styles which will work on any synthesizer..
Songs can be saved with patches which can play on any synthesizer. (For example if you save Clarinet Polka with Melody instrument =72= Clarinet, and then give it to a friend with a different synth, he/she will still hear Clarinet, because the Patch map will translate Instrument 72 to the Clarinet Patch in his/her Patch map.)


Midi File Dialog Box

Band-in-a-Box  writes type 1 Standard Midi Files (multiple tracks)

File to Disk : This saves a Midi File to Disk. You can then load the Midi File into your sequencer for further editing.

Clipboard : This copies the Midi File to the Windows Clipboard . The type of the file on the Clipboard is called "Standard Midi File" (without the "" mark.). Some other Music programs will then allow you to just Edit | Paste the Midi File on Clipboard into their program. For example CakeWalk for Windows, Musicator and WinJammer allow this. Word processors are adding MultiMedia support which will allow you to paste Midi Files into a letter you're sending !


Step Edit Melody
Step Edit Melody Dialog Box

NOTE NUMBER
The note is played out through the Midi driver so you can hear it .
The note is also drawn on the Keyboard at the top of the screen so you can see it.
Input the Midi Note Number . ( Every 'C' note is a multiple of 12 (12,24,36,48). Notes are numbered as C =12, C#=13,D =14 etc. ). In the example above therefore the note =69 would be 9 semitones above the C at 60 so would be an 'A'.

VELOCITY
Type in a velocity to control the volume that the note is played at. Change the velocity to zero to stop a note from being played. Note that you can globally change the volume of a melody track, from the melody pull down menu

BAR # , BEAT NUMBER  ,TICK
The Bar, Beat and Tick is the time that the note is played.
Ticks are the smallest unit 120 ticks per note.

DURATION is the length of time that the note is played. 120 ticks of duration = 1 beat.

NEXT, PREVIOUS
This allows step editing of a modly that has been recorded already.Use the NEXT AND PREVIOUS button to move through the Melody one note at a time.


GS Part Settings
GS Part Settings Dialog Box

The GS Part settings are for Roland GS compatible synthesizers only.
These include the Sound Canvas,SCC1 card,JV-30 and others.
These synthesizers have 16 parts. The default is for part 1 to be channel 1, part 2 channel 2 etc.
But you can change a part to another channel .
This allows you to use the same channel for 2 parts , so that you hear a layer of 2 instruments playing the same part.

For example, let's say you want the piano part in Band-in-a-Box to have strings doubling it, with the strings part up an octave .
You can use this dialog box to do this . Here's how to do this
- use an unused part - PART 11
- set Channel = 3  ( The same as the Piano Channel)
- set Patch = 49 ( The General Midi Number for Strings)
The other settings are optional :

BANK NUMBER=0
VOLUME = 60  ( Quieter than the piano part )
KEY SHIFT = 12 ( So it will play an octave higher )
Allow Patch Changes NO
Allow Volume Changes NO
( Setting Patch Changes/Volume Changes prevents any future patch/volume changes on the Piano channel from changing patches on the strings (Channel 11). You can use this dialog Box to change patches on the Channel 11 Strings channel )

Other examples of  instrument doublings:
Double (or triple) Melody instrument (Trumpet + Sax + Trombone Octave below) etc.
Double Fretless Bass with Fretless Bass One octave below + Lots of Chorus

To stop the instrument doubling you can either restore the Channel number of the Part to the previous setting, or Reset the GS instrument (From the GS Menu )


GS Reverb Type Dialog Box
GS Reverb and Chorus Type Dialog Box

GS Reverb Type or Chorus Type

Roland GS instruments (Sound Canvas , SCC1 et al ) allow different type of reverb and chorus settings. This dialog box allows you to select them.


Song Settings Dialog Box

These settings are accessed by pressing the [image]. Settings button (on the main screeen under the song title.)

These are additional song settings that are saved with the song

VARY MIDDLE STYLE 	Default =YES
If set to Yes, the song will play in substyle B throughout the Middle Choruses. The Middle Choruses include all choruses except the first and last.
For example in Jazz Swing, since the B substyle is Swing, all of the middle choruses will have swing bass. ( The A substyle is playing half notes on the bass )
If set to no the middle choruses will play a and b substyles as you have set in the song using part markers

ALLOW EMBELLISHMENT  	DEFAULT = YES

The Jazz styles include embellishment of chords. This means that if you type a C7 chord, the piano player may play a C13 or a C7b9 . This makes the arrangement sound more authentic.

Tip:If you are hearing b9 and b13 embellishments on a C7 chord that is clashing with the melody , you should rename the chord C9 or C13 , which will insure natural 9 and 13 embellishments.

If you want to disable the embellishment for a certain song, set this to no.
There are very few situations that you wouldn't want it on , especially if you name some chords as C9 instead of C7 (in situations where the melody clashes with the embellishment  as discussed in the tip above.)
You would need to set it to no for any song that you don't want it on.


Patches

A "Patch " is an instrument name. Examples of patches are Acoustic Bass, Electric Piano or Violin.


How To (Index of topics)

How to ...

How to ...
Troubleshooting
MAKING A SONG
Typing  in chords
List of Chords
Using Part Markers to change Substyles or insert drum fills
Copy/Paste sections of chords
Intros/Endings/Begin/End/# of choruses
Lyrics Entry
Song Embellishment
Vary Middle Style of Song
Selecting/Changing Styles
Recording Melodies
Saving Songs to Disk
Making MIDI files  ( Clipboard or Disk)
LOADING AND PLAYING SONGS
Opening Songs from disk
Playing/Pausing/Stopping Songs
Muting Instruments
Changing Tempo
Changing Key ( Transpose)
 	Watching Piano Keyboard Display
JukeBox Playback
Wizard Playalong feature
Recording  to External Hardware sequencers
CHANGING SETTINGS
Changing Patches (instruments)
Using Favorite Patches
Changing Volume
Changing Reverb/Chorus/Bank
Changing Combos/Master Volume/Reverb/Chorus
GS functions
FILES ASSOCIATED WITH BAND-IN-A-BOX
All Band-in-a-Box song/style/patch files are directly compatible between Windows/DOS/Mac And Atari systems.
This section describes these files and how to transfer between systems.
Essential Program files (BBW.EXE,*.DLL,ZZ*.STY)
Config files (MYSETUP.DK,INTRFACE.BBW)
Song files (*.?G?)
Style files (*.STY)
Transferring IBM/Mac/Atari

.


Typing in Chords

The basic way of entering a song in Band-in-a-Box is by typing in the Chords to the song.

This is done from the QWERTY keyboard [image].

Chords are typed in using standard chord symbols (Like C or Fm7 or Bb7 or Bb13#9/E)

To start typing in chords:

Go to the top (Bar 1 ) of the chord sheet. The HOME key will get you there as will the  small button at the top of the chords sheet.

Blank the Chordsheet by [image] click  on the [image] button

 This is the Chord Highlight cell. Chords will be entered wherever this is placed.

You may move this around by Cursor Keys, Enter Key, Or Mouse Pointer Click [image].

The chord highlight bar moves 2 beats at a time.

. When you have the [image] (chord highlight cell) over the area that you want to enter a chord, you then type the name of the chord you would like.

For example type c6 to get the C6 chord. Note that you should never have to use the SHIFT key, as Band-in-a-Box will sort this out for you.

Use b for  'flat '  e.g. Bb7

Use # or 3  for Sharp  eg. F#7 .  ( # is the uppercase symbol of  3, so you can actually type F37 to get F#7 - Band-in-a-Box will sort out the case, saving you the effort of using <SHIFT>3 to type the # symbol.

Use / for Slash Chords with alternate Roots such as C7/E  ( C7 with E bass)

Use a comma to enter 2 chords in a [image] cell. In the example below, we would type Ab9,G9 to get the 2 chords in the cell (on beat 3 and 4 of bar 2)

The sequence of keystrokes  to enter all these chords above would be

HOME c6>am7>dm7>ab9,g9>c6/e>>a739

(the > indicates cursor key to the right)

( we're able to type A7#9 as a739 because BB knows to use the uppercase of the 3 which is # )

Hint: The fastest way to type in chords is to use your left hand to type in the chords. Your right hand stays on the cursor keys (or mouse [image]) to advance the [image] highlight cell

to the next bar/beat after you've typed in the chords


Chord List

( Commonly used chords are displayed here in bold type )

(major chords)

  C,CMAJ,C6, CMAJ7, CMAJ9,CMAJ13,C69,CMAJ7#5,

  C5b, Caug,C+,

  CMAJ9#11, CMAJ13#11,

(minor chords)

   Cm,Cm6,Cm7,Cm9,Cm11,Cm13,

   Cmaug,Cm#5,

   CmMAJ7,

(half diminished)

   Cm7b5,

(diminished)

   Cdim,

( dominant 7th chords )

   C7,7+, C9+, C13+,  C13, C7b13, C7#11, C13#11, C7#11b13, C9,

   C9b13, C9#11, C13#11, C9#11b13, C7b9, C13b9, C7b9b13, C7b9#11,

   C13b9#11, C7b9#11b13, C7#9, C13#9, C7#9b13, C9#11, C13#9#11, C7#9#11b13,

   C7b5, C13b5, C7b5b13, C9b5, C9b5b13, C7b5b9, C13b5b9, C7b5b9b13,

   C7b5#9, C13b5#9, C7b5#9b13, C7#5, C13#5, C7#5#11, C13#5#11, C9#5,

   C9#5#11, C7#5b9, C13#5b9, C7#5b9#11, C13#5b9#11, C7#5#9, C13#5#9#11,

   C7#5#9#11, C13#5#9#11

( sustained 4 chords )

   Csus ,C7sus,C9sus,

   C13sus, C7susb13, C7sus#11, C13sus#11, C7sus#11b13,

   C9susb13, C9sus#11, C13sus#11, C9sus#11b13, C7susb9, C13susb9,

   C7susb9b13, C7susb9#11,

   C13susb9#11, C7susb9#11b13, C7sus#9, C13sus#9, C7sus#9b13, C9sus#11,

   C13sus#9#11, C7sus#9#11b13,

   C7susb5, C13susb5, C7susb5b13, C9susb5, C9susb5b13, C7susb5b9,

   C13susb5b9, C7susb5b9b13,   C7susb5#9, C13susb5#9, C7susb5#9b13,

   C7sus#5, C13sus#5,

   C7sus#5#11, C13sus#5#11, C9sus#5,

   C9sus#5#11, C7sus#5b9, C13sus#5b9,

   C7sus#5b9#11, C13sus#5b9#11, C7sus#5#9, C13sus#5#9#11, C7sus#5#9#11,

   C13sus#5#9#11,

Note 1: it is not necessary to type upper or lower case.
       the program will sort this out for you.
Note 2: Any chord may be entered with an alternate root ("Slash Chord")
       e.g.: C7/E    = C7 with E bass
Note 3: Separate chords with commas to enter 2 chords in a 2 beat cell
       e.g.: Dm7,G7

new chords added
C5b   : This is C flat 5. It is spelled this way to avoid confusion
C2 C5 C4 C69 C7alt Cm7#5

You can now type C-7 for Cm7  (i.e. use the minus sign)
or C7-9 for C7b9

Shortcut Chords
If you enter a lot of songs, you'll appreciate these shortcut keys
J = Maj7
H=m7b5	(H stands for Half diminished)
D=dim
S=Sus
Example: To type CMaj7 , just type CJ (it will be entered as CMaj7)


Using Part Markers to Change Substyles or Intert Drum Fills
Using Part Markers to Change Substyles or Insert Drum Fills

These are Part Markers -->

Part Markers are placed on the chordsheet  to indicate a new part of the song. They typically occur every 8 bars or so, but may be placed at the beginning of any bar.

HOW TO PLACE A PART MARKER

by  [image] :	 Move the  [image] cell to the bar that you want the part marker at. Then press the P key. Repeatedly pressing the P key will toggle between Part markers [image] [image] or NO PART MARKER .

by [image] Position the Mouse Arrow directly over the [image] Bar line (or existing Part Marker). Then Click the left mouse button. Repeatedly click to toggle between A,B and NO PART MARKER.

SUBSTYLES

Each style has 2 available substyles [image] and [image]. The song continues to play in one substyle until it encounters a new part marker. There will always be a part marker at bar 1 so that Band-in-a-Box knows what substyle to begin with.

Substyle [image] is usually used for the used for the verses of the song.

Substyle [image] is usually used for the Bridge of the song, and for soloing in the Middle Choruses. The entire Middle choruses of the song will be automatically played in [image] substyle. This is great for Jazz Songs that you want to play swing throughout the middle (soloing) choruses and revert to the A substyle for the first and last.

( If you want to retain the [image] parts in the Middle Choruses you would need to set  the Vary Substyle in Middle Choruses to no )

DRUM FILLS

A one bar drum fill will occur in the bar preceding a part marker.

Example: If you want a drum fill at bar 7 of a song, you insert a [image] or [image] part marker  at the bar after the bar with the drum fill.(Bar 8). You can either retain the current substyle or change the substyle (A or B) when you place the part marker .


Copy and Pasting Section of Chords

Copying a section of chords is done in a manner similar to copying text in a Windows word processor. This method is different than the DOS version of Band-in-a-Box, but is easier.

COPYING CHORDS TO THE CLIPBOARD

Select the region to copy

Place the mouse [image] cursor at the bar to begin the selection. Then, holding down the left mouse button, drag the mouse over the region . As you do this you will see the region will be inverted (Look mainly Black). When you have selected the proper region of chords to copy , then  :

Copy the selected (blackened) region to the clipboard

click  on the  [image] Copy button or Choose Copy from the Edit Menu

PASTING CHORDS TO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE CHORDSHEET

Assuming you have already copied some chords to the Clipboard (described above) you then paste into you chordsheet by :

 	Move the [image] highlight cell to the bar to begin the paste of chords.

click  on the [image] Paste button or Choose Paste from the Edit Menu

Tip: Remember that the Copied section remains in the Clipboard and can be repeatedly used. Example: If you're inputting a song with verse, verse, bridge, verse , you can just copy the first verse to the Clipboard, and then repeatedly paste in the other verses. The clipboard remains even if you load in a new song, so you can copy and paste between songs .


Intros/Endings/Begin/End of Choruses/#choruses
Intros/Endings/Begin/End of Choruses/# of choruses

A typical song has the following elements:

Intro ( if present is typically 4 bars long)

Chorus(es) (typically 3 or 4 choruses in a 3 minute song )

    Note:(we use the term "chorus" as it is used in jazz music. A chorus therefore means once through the entire form of the song. A typical length of a chorus is 32 bars. A song may have the form AABA where the A sections are verses and the B section is the Bridge. This entire form AABA is considered one chorus.

Ending  (Band-Box always plays a 2 bar ending following all of the choruses)

Putting in an INTRO

You select the beginning and end bars of the chorus. (see below). If you select a bar greater than 1 for the first bar of the chorus, then Band-in-a-Box knows that you want the previous bars for an INTRO

Example:  4 bar intro to a song. Type in the 4 bars of intro chords, starting at bar 1 of the chordsheet. Then at bar 5 you will begin typing in the chords of the chorus. Set the beginning of the chorus to bar 5 , by clicking on the chorus begin button (see below)

SELECTING BARS TO BEGIN AND END THE CHORUS

CHORUS BEGIN BUTTON :Bar for chorus to begin

click on the Chorus Begin Button. Then [image] click on the Bar that you want to select as the first bar of the chorus. The Bar number that you select will then be displayed.

CHORUS END BUTTON :Bar for chorus to End

click on the Chorus End Button. Then [image] click on the Bar that you want to select as the last bar of the chorus. The Bar number that you select will then be displayed.

# CHORUSES BUTTON # choruses to play

click on the # Choruses Button. Then  choose the number of choruses that you want. Typical 3 minute song has about 3 choruses.

LOOPING CHECK BOX. I

If checked, the song will play endlessly (until stopped by the Escape Key or STOP button). It loops at the end of the ending , back to the beginning of the song. If you're practicing a song, you probably want to have the looping ON. Otherwise the song will stop at the end.

Tip: Looping can be changed as the song is playing. This is not available in the DOS version.

 Additional Settings button


Lyrics Entry

You may enter lyrics (words) into the Band-in-a-Box program.

To begin or end entry of the lyrics

click on the [image] button.

or Choose Enter Lyrics at Current Bar from the EDIT Pull Down Menu .

Type in the lyrics to the song. The lyrics consist of 64 lines of text. There is one line (78 characters) for each set of 4 bars( 1 row of chords).  Type in the lyrics using typical editing keys. The Up/Down cursor keys will get you to the previous/next line of lyrics.

COORDINATING THE LYRICS WITH THE CHORDS

The [image] highlight cell controls what section of lyrics you are entering. When you have finished a line of lyrics, you should [image] click  on the chordsheet on to the bar of lyrics that you want to edit. You may quickly read all of the lyrics by clicking on every row of chords when the lyric window is open.


Selecting /Changing Styles

.

There are 2 types of styles in Band-in-a-Box.

CHOOSING A BUILT IN STYLE

The first 24 styles that we made were made our BUILT IN to the program, and are thus referred to as "Built in Styles. "The Built in Styles may be selected from the Styles Pull Down Menu as well as [image] click on the choose built in style button

CHOOSING A USER STYLE

The other styles that we make are called USER STYLES. They are on disk as files ending in .STY. To choose a user style , [image] click on the Choose a USER Style button. Then select a file name ending in .STY .


Recording Melodies

Band-in-a-Box has a built in sequencer allowing you to record and edit a melody track.

Melodies are recorded from a MIDI keyboard connected to Band-in-a-Box by your MIDI driver.

Recording From the Beginning of the song

If you want to record from the beginning of the song,

click on the [image] button

or Type R

 or Choose Record Melody from the Melody pull down menu.

The song will begin at the 2 bar click in. You can record in notes during this period (pick up notes) and continue to record as far as you want.

Recording from any Bar

To record from any Bar and Chorus

 Press ALT R

or Choose Record Melody From Any Bar from the Melody Pull Down Menu

You should then :

Select the chorus # to start record

                  (from the dialog box that has popped up)

then	click on the Bar that you want to record from

You will then hear playback starting from 2 bars prior to the bar you have selected. This is to give you time to get ready to record, and to listen to the style, tempo etc. You may begin playing the melody before the end of the 2 bar lead in. Pre-existing recorded notes in the lead in will not be erased.

To record to the Ending of the Song

Choose Record from any bar (as described above)

Select Chorus # = to the # choruses in the song

Then [image] click on the ending bar of the song. This is the bar following the last bar of the song. For example: If the song chorus is from bar # 1- 32 for 3 choruses, the ending bar is Chorus #3, Bar #33.

Hint: Here's the fastest way to Record an Entire Song

Press R to Record from the beginning. Record an entire first chorus.

( If you make a mistake, Press ALT R to Record from the bar that you made a mistake )

Then Choose Copy 1st chorus to Whole Song from the Melody Pull Down menu. You now have a melody recorded over all the choruses.

Now record the 2 bar ending. See above for recording the ending.

Related Topics
Step Edit Melody Dialog Box


Saving Songs to Disk

Once you have made a song , or have made changes to a song , you can easily save the song by [image] click on the [image] button. (or choose Save from the File Menu).

You can then type an 8 character name for the song.

Don't add the extension, Band-in-a-Box adds it for you.

Explanation of the Extension that Band-in-a-Box adds for you

It is not essential that you understand this
If the song has a melody the extension will begin with M (otherwise S)
The second letter of the song name is G
The third letter is the style of the song (1-9 and A-N for built in styles and U for a User style)
Example: IPANEMA.MGU The 'M' tells us that a  Melody is recorded. The 'G' is always present in song names telling us that it is a song .The 'U' tells us that the style is a user style.
Example:Georgia.SG1 . The 'S' indicates that no melody is recorded. The '1' indicates styles #1 which is Jazz Swing.

Important : Make sure you remember to save your songs as Song files ( Not as MIDI files). The song files contain the names of the chords etc. and are much smaller than MIDI files. MIDI files can't be reloaded into Band-in-a-Box !!

See related Topics : Saving a song with Patches, Making Midi Files


Making MIDI files

Band-in-a-Box makes Standard Midi Files. This is the way to export a Band-in-a-Box performance to other Music programs (such as sequencers like CakeWalk or Musicator).You can then read in the Midi File into the other music program.

Remember that MIDI files can't be read back into Band-in-a-Box, so that if you want to save a song to be read back into Band-in-a-Box it must be saved as a song in the usual manner (see Saving Songs).

HOW TO MAKE A MIDI FILE

click on the [image] button.

( or press F6  or choose  Make a Standard Midi File from the File Menu)

You will then see the Midi File Dialog Box. This will let you choose either the Clipboard or a file on Disk as the destination for your Midi File.

If you choose Midi File to Disk-

the Midi File will be save as a file with extension .MID. It will be saved to the directory that you specify in the Save Dialog Box.

If you choose Midi File to Clipboard-

the Midi File will be copied to the clipboard. You can then Switch to another Music Program (Such as CakeWalk for Windows or WinJammer ) and choose the Paste option. This will paste in the Midi File to the program without any file being written to disk !

Technical Notes :
The name of the Clipboard Format for Midi Files is "Standard Midi File" (without the "" marks). Not all music programs support the pasting of Files to the Clipboard. To confirm that your file is indeed in the Clipboard - run the Clipboard program that comes with Windows. The Midi Files are Type 1 - Multiple Tracks .


Opening Songs from Disk

To OPEN or load Band-in-a-Box songs from disk.

The easiest way is to [image] click on the [image] button. If you don't use a mouse you can either press the F3 key or Choose Open Song from the File menu

You may then choose a song to load in

This box displays the name of the song.  If you know the exact name of the song (including drive/path name and extension)  then it will be loaded directly Example : C:\music\bb\mysong.mg4.

I

You can restrict the  type of songs you're looking for  to songs with melodies, jazz songs etc.

If you type the first letter of the song name, the selection list will jump to that letter. You may repeatedly press different letters to scan the song list.

To open only songs with melodies choose this option from the File Menu (or ALT F3)

To open songs only in current style, Press F7 key or Choose Open Filtered by Style from the File Menu


Playing/Pausing/Stopping Songs

Using the [image] mouse . Click on ...

Using Keystrokes instead
F4 to start play
ESCAPE key to STOP playback
Play From any bar (from Play Menu)


Muting Instruments

To turn instruments off (mute instruments)

Click on the desired part  with the RIGHT mouse button to mute or unmute it.

When the part is muted, the instrument name turns to red


Tempo Changes

To change the tempo of a song.

The tempo is displayed on the main screen under the title

Click the mouse on the [image] Arrows to change the tempos.

LEFT mouse Click to change by 5 at a time

RIGHT mouse click to change by 1 at a time


Key Changes (Transposition)

The Key Signature of the song is displayed on the main screen under the title.

To change the Key , [image] click on the Key signature  This displays a list box . Choose the new key that you would like.

Band-in-a-Box then asks you if you would like to transpose the song or not.


Piano Keyboard Display

The different instruments appear displayed on various parts of the piano keyboard during playback.

Hint: Here's a simple way to test if your Midi In Driver is receiving notes from your Midi In Controller and that you have installed the correct IRQ # in the Control Panel. While the program is not playing, play some notes on the controller. If you see the notes on the Piano, then the IRQ matches and Midi Thru will be working.


Juke Box Playback

Press the [image] button to Start or Stop the Juke Box.

The Juke Box will Load and Play an entire subdirectory (folder) of songs. Songs play continuously, one after the other. The JukeBox will continue to play while you move to other Windows programs or to a DOS Session !.You can therefore use the JukeBox to provide background music for Windows.

JUKE BOX OPTIONS

They are :

Only Play song with melodies: If YES , the program plays only songs with melodies- that is songs with a .MG? extension. If NO , the JukeBox will include ALL songs in the subdirectory.

Change Melody instrument: Hearing song after song played with the same melody instrument would get a little monotonous. If you set this option to YES , the program will randomly change the melody instrument between your favorite 10 Melody instruments.

Random order Playback: If YES the songs will be played in Random order (though not repeating a song). If NO the songs will be played in the order in the subdirectory.

Hide Titles (till title clicked)

This feature is used to play the "Guess the Song" game. When set to YES , the titles are hidden till you click the title. When someone guesses the Song Title, you can click in the Title box to verify if he/she is correct. You'll probably want to restrict the JukeBox to Only Play song with melodies unless you can guess songs without melodies !!

Audible Count-In Click

While listening to the JukeBox, you might not want to hear the Count In Click. If set to NO, you won't hear the Count In Click.


Wizard Playalong Feature

The Wizard is a Playalong feature that allows you to use the

 QWERTY Keyboard to Playalong with Band-in-a-Box. The neat part about the Wizard is that it insures that whatever you play sounds good !

HOW TO TURN THE WIZARD ON/OFF

click on [image] checkbox at top right of screen to turn Wizard feature on/off.

Or Choose Wizard Playalong Feature from Play Menu

( The Wizard is only active During Playback .)

HOW TO PLAY THE WIZARD

The Wizard Keys are active during Playback. The Active keys are the lower 2 rows of the

 keyboard.

There are 2 common ways to play the Wizard

"Vertical" Playing (Arpeggios) This type of playing just uses chord tones, and therefore only uses the bottom row of the keyboard.

"Linear" Playing (Scales) This type of Playing uses scale tones, which include the chord tones and passing tones. The scale is played using both rows therefore, usually alternating between top and bottom rows as shown in the diagram below.

CHANGING INSTRUMENTS -SETTINGS FOR THE WIZARD

The Wizard is a playalong instrument , so is treated just like the THRU instrument. Changing Instruments/Volume/Reverb etc. for the Wizard is therefore the same as for the THRU instrument. (i.e. click on the THRU button , then select instrument etc.)

You cannot record the Wizard at this time.


Recording to External Hardware Sequencers

Many people use Band-in-a-Box in live situations. If you are unable to bring your computer with you, a good alternative is a hardware sequencer.

The newest hardware sequencers read Standard Midi Files. An example of this is the
Roland Sound Brush .To transfer songs to the Sound Brush, do the following:
Make a MIDI file of the song by pressing the [image] button.
Either save the file directly to a 3.5" 720K floppy disk or copy it to the floppy
The Sound Brush is then able to read the IBM formatted disk with MIDI files on 	it.

Older sequencers (like the MC500) are unable to read Standard Midi files. It is much harder to transfer files to these Sequencers.
To do this you must:
Set the sequencer to External Sync
Set Band-in-a-Box to Output Sync from the Midi Settings Screen
Then press record on the sequencer and play on Band-in-a-Box. Hopefully you sequencer can record multiple tracks at once - otherwise you'll have to repeat the process several times.


Changing Patches (Instruments)

There are several ways to change patches  in Band-in-a-Box.

Band-in-a-Box has several parts (Bass/Piano/Drums/Guitar/Horns/Strings/Thru). You can change Patches on any Part.

Booting up with Certain patches:

Band-in-a-Box saves your patch ,volume, reverb, chorus and bank settings in a file called MYSETUP.DK. This file is saved whenever you exit Band-in-a-Box. When you restart the Band-in-a-Box program these patch changes get sent to your synthesizer.

Changing patches during use of the program

The easiest way to change patches on a part is to

1. Select the part by [image] click on the desired part to change

2. Then press the [image] Favorites button to select an instrument from a menu of 10 favorite instruments that you have assigned from the Choose Favorite Settings Screen

If the patch that you want is not one of the 10 Favorite patches, then click on the

 Instrument Combo Box. You will then see a menu of 128 instrument names. This list is the General MIDI patch list .Scroll down the list to find the Patch that you want.

Saving Patches with Songs

Patches may be saved with songs. This is covered in the topic -

Saving Patches with songs Dialog


Combo functions

The [image] button at the top left of the screen allows you to change settings on all instruments at once.

Combo Patch Changes:
First :Click on the [image] button.
Then to change favorite combo patches  click on the : Favorites button.
You will then see a menu of 10 combo settings . A combo consists of a group of patch changes - 1 for each part. You can setup and customize your own combos in the
Choose Favorite Instruments Dialog Box (combo button)

Master volume/reverb/chorus changes- GS instruments only !
First :Click on the [image] button.
then Change the Volume/Reverb or Chorus setting . This is described in the
Changing Patches section


Using Favorite Patches

Each part (bass/piano/drums/guitar/horns/strings/thru) can have 10 Favorite Patches assigned. Assigning the Favorite Patches makes it easy to change Patches quickly - by clicking on the [image] Favorites button.

To assign the Favorite patches, visit the Favorite Patches Dialog Box.

 Remember that you will be typing in General Midi Patch Numbers (not the Patch numbers on your synth-unless your synth is General Midi compatible)


Changing Volume
Changing Volume, Panning, Reverb, Chorus, or Bank

To change volume ,panning, reverb, chorus, or bank of a part

1. Select the part by [image] click on the desired part to change

2. Then [image] Click on the [image] arrow keys to increase or decrease the setting.

The LEFT mouse button increases/decreases by 5 at a time

The Right Mouse button increase/decrease by 1 at a time


GS Functions

Roland developed the GS standard prior to the General Midi Standard. The GS standard has extra features not yet supported by General Midi  There are a few features supported by Band-in-a-Box that are GS features but not yet part of the General Midi standard. Roland GS synths like Roland Sound Canvas, SCC1 card, JV-30 will respond to these GS functions but other General Midi instruments may or may not.

These features are described elsewhere in the dialog box documentation.:

Master control of Volume /Panning/Reverb/Chorus
Part settings
Choose type of Reverb or Chorus


Essential Program Files

Band-in-a-Box for Windows requires the following files to operate.

BBW.EXE	Executable file
CPALETTE.DLL	required DLL
BANDBOX.DLL	DLL handling playback
ZZ*.STY	Band-in-a-Box needs Style Files for the built in Styles. These
styles are named starting with ZZ


Configuration files

Band-in-a-Box uses the following files for configuration. If you want to restore Band-in-a-Box to the "factory settings", you may erase these files (or rename them)

MYSETUP.DK
This file contains :

Midi Channels/Patches/Volumes/Reverb/Chorus/Bank
Patch Map
Favorite Patches, Favorite Combos settings
Drum Kit

( Each of the other .DK files also contains this information)

INTRFACE.BBW
This file contains info specific to Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Name of current Midi Drivers, Wizard status etc.


Song Files

Song files end in ?G? extension

If the song has a melody the extension will begin with M (otherwise S)
The second letter of the song name is G
The third letter is the style of the song (1-9 and A-N for built in styles and U for a User style)
Example: IPANEMA.MGU The 'M' tells us that a  Melody is recorded. The 'G' is always present in song names telling us that it is a song .The 'U' tells us that the style is a user style.
Example:Georgia.SG1 . The 'S' indicates that no melody is recorded. The '1' indicates styles #1 which is Jazz Swing.

The song files are quite small. (about 2K average). This means that you can store hundreds or thousands of songs without eating up too much of your hard drive space.


Style Files

User created styles end in extension of .STY . They reside on disk and may be loaded in to Band-in-a-Box.

See related topic Selecting/Changing Styles


Transferring IBM/Mac/Atari

All of the Band-in-a-Box song/style and Patch Map files are directly compatible.

IBM to Atari

Song/Style/Patch Map Files are identical. Transfer by modem or IBM formatted 3.5" 720K disk which is read by IBM and ATARI. A good compression program is LHARC because there is a version for IBM and Atari. (unlike PKZIP)

IBM to MAC

Any MAC file automatically gets a 128 byte header added on to it by the Mac system.

If transferring the files by modem, make sure the Mac Modem software strips off the header off the files. Other than that, the files are identical.

If using a floppy drive on the Mac that can read IBM disks- use Apple File Exchange


Troubleshooting

Technical Support :PG Music Inc. 111-266 Elmwood Avenue BUFFALO NY 14222
Phone 416-528-2368 Fax 416-628-2541

MIDI/DRIVER PROBLEMS

Can't hear output
Causes: Midi Output Driver not installed properly, cabling, synthesizer setup, Using more than 1 MIDI program at a time (some drivers don't support this).
Recommend: Cold Reboot of Computer to insure reset of interface etc. Check cabling. Try other software to insure that things are working

Output doesn't sound right
Make sure your channels are set correctly with drums set to the drum channel. The count in is always played on the Drum channel Rim Shot. If you hear the lead in played on a melodic instrument , then the drum channel is not set correctly.

Try disabling Patch changes from the Midi | Midi Settings Dialog Box xxx . This will resolve problems caused by incorrect Patch Maps.

Delay in Midi Thru
If Input is working, you should be seeing the piano notes drawn on your screen as you play notes on Midi controller when the song is NOT playing .If you don't see the notes, it means either your interface/driver is not hooked up , or you have installed the Windows MIDI driver with an incorrect IRQ Number. If so , reinstall the Midi driver ( by removing it, and adding it in again ).

OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS

Lockups/Crashes/Incompatibilities etc.
If running in Standard Mode try running in Enhanced Mode ( Win /3 )
( or vice versa ).
Windows runs much faster and smoother when you have over 2mb of memory in your machine.


PG Music Inc. info: Upgrades Tech Support

To contact PG Music for upgrade info or Technical support

PG Music Inc. 111-266 Elmwood Avenue BUFFALO NY 14222 USA
Phone 1-800-268-6272  or 416-528-2368 . Fax 416-628-2541

ADD-ON PRODUCTS
We have Song and Style Disks available. Registered customers will receive information about ordering these products. Contact us for further information.


ReadMe - Latest information not in manual

To contact PG Music for upgrade info or Technical support

PG Music Inc. 111-266 Elmwood Avenue BUFFALO NY 14222 USA
Phone 1-800-268-6272  or 416-528-2368 . Fax 416-628-2541

There is no additional information at this time.