User Guide

Chapter 9: Recording Tracks
177
Additional Options for Melody/Soloist Track
Manipulation of melodies is done with functions like insert/delete beats, time shift track, copy melody from bar... to
bar..., etc. Press Option+C to Copy Chords and /or Melody over a range of bars.
Time Shift Melody.
This will move (slide) the melody a certain number of ticks. There are 120 ticks per quarter note. For example, to
give the song a more laid-back feel, time shift it about 10 ticks ahead.
Intelligent Humanize of Melody and Soloist track.
Most quantize routines can leave the music sounding stiff and unmusical. Some attempt to “humanize” a part by
adding “randomization,” which rarely has the desired effect since humans don't randomly change timing or volume.
Band-in-a-Box uses intelligent humanization routines that can humanize a melody from one feel to another, from
one tempo to another, and vary the amount of swing to 8th notes. The results are very musical, with natural
sounding melodies.
Let's look at some of the parameters found under the Humanize menu items.
In this example, Melody | Humanize Melody was selected. This opens the Quantize to New Tempo or Feel dialog
box.
We have broken down the Humanize effect into 5 main categories:
1. Tempo
2. Lateness
3. 8th note spacing
4. Legato
5. Feel
The best way to learn how these parameters combine is to try them. You can always press [Undo] button if you
don't like the results. For example, try changing the tempo of a song to see the changes that this will make to the 8th
note spacing and lateness.
Tip: Usually, when a musician plays at faster tempos, he/she plays the swing 8th notes closer together, and a little later.