User Guide

Chapter 6: Band-in-a-Box PowerGuide
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Send XG Mode On at startup
For sound modules that are XG compatible, this command will ensure that the module is
ready to accept XG-specific MIDI data such as Bank, Controller, and Patch information.
Turn External Keyboard’s Local On at end of session
Normally while using Band-in-a-Box the “local-off” setting for your MIDI keyboard is
best, since the THRU part will be coming from Band-in-a-Box and you don't want to hear
your MIDI keyboard doubling the notes that are being played. However, when you exit
Band-in-a-Box, you might want the “local on” setting for your synthesizer turned back
on. This option defaults to true.
OK to beep with messages
Now that computers have better speaker systems, a simple “beep” when an incorrect key
is pressed can seem loud enough to “wake your neighbors.” Setting the “silent beep”
option allows Band-in-a-Box to visually flash the window title bar to get your attention,
instead of generating an audible “beep.”
OK to prompt to reduce/expand
If a style is changed with a different feel (16th notes instead of 8th notes), Band-in-a-Box
will automatically offer to expand or reduce the duration of the chords, and change the
tempo to accommodate the new style. This also works as the song is playing.
Lowest Bass Note (E2 = default)
Styles will normally play bass notes (down to the low E) if the pattern won't go below a
low E. This happens with all styles automatically, but there is also an option to set the
lowest bass note real low so you can get a low C if you want to!
My soundcard or MIDI doesn't have brushes – remap them
Most GM modules have brushes available on patch 41 on the drums. On some, you need
to load a GS sound font for this to occur. On the Yamaha XG, you likely need to send a
“GS mode on” message from the GM menu in Band-in-a-Box. But if your module just
doesn't have brushes available, then you can set this option, and the style will remap the
notes to different drum instruments that don't have brushes.