BiabScales

[BIArpeggio] Biab Scales [Biab Explorer] [App Launcher]

New version 2.0 ! The help file is included in the zip

(Following explanations are for version 1)

 

BiabScales


BiabScales is a scale generator for Band-in-a-Box.
(screenshots are in french but the software is translated in english)

Thanks to Serge Bertocchi and his "little intelligent book" that gave me the idea of this software.

 barre


How does it work ?:

1: Create a scale / a mode :
You can create models of scales clicking on "edit scales".

biabscales

The top window shows the categories of scales, the bottom window shows modes that each scale generates.
Choose in the edit window the number of notes and the number of semitones that are between each degree.
Modes are automaticaly generated when you add a scale; you can add or delete modes, that have nothing to do with the scale; this way, you can group your favorite scales in a main category.



2: Create an instrument :
The generated scales will be adapted to the tone and the range of your instrument.
Click on "edit instruments"

biabscales

The scales are calculated on the range of your instrument. The are printed in Biab as the tone you select if YOU edit Biab parameters correctly.
To do so:
- Go in the "Notate" window of Biab (Ctrl + W)
- Click on the "Opt." button
- In the "Transposition Options" area, select your instrument or the transposition to apply to.

(this parameter is a global parameter of Biab; it does not depend of the file you open in Biab.
the "biab transposition" area is not used in Biab, it's only a reminder for you.)



3: Parameter development rules :
You can generate seconds, triads, fifthes scales, whatever you want...
Click on "edit rules"

biabscales

In the "increasing rule" and the "decreasing rule" areas, enter the difference of degrees between 2 notes. Split numbers by spaces. You can enter negative numbers. You don't have to have symetric rules between increasing and decreasing rules.
Enter in the step area the difference of degrees between 2 groups of notes.
If a note in a group is higher than the expected range, none of the notes of the group is played.



4: Parameter patterns :
To choose the pattern to apply, click on "Pattern"

biabscales

Double-click on notes or drag them to drop them on the purple area.
To remove a note, double-click on it or drag it to the trash.



5: Parameter circles :
Click on "edit circles" to edit the circle you want to use

biabscales

The number of silences between 2 tones is the number of mesures that Biab wont play.
You can use fourthes circle or fifthes circle, ou create your own circle.



6: Parameter metronome :
You can use an external style (stored in Biab directory), or use a "metronome" style.

biabscales

The scales are generated in 4/4. If you don't want to beat a beat, decrease the sound level to 0.
If you want to print triplets in Biab, use "12" as time-base; if you want to print sixteenthes, use "16".
I failed to use triplets AND sixteenthes. If you have the solution, please send me an email...



Using the software :
Choose in the combo-boxes the parameters you want. The checkbox starts the development rule in decrease mode.

biabscales

The left "Go" button generates a single scale. The tonic is the one choosen in the combobox.
The right "Go" button generates circles.
Enter the number of chorus to play in the "Chorus" area; pay attention, Biab can overflow if the total circles / rules / chorus generates too many notes.
Enter the start tempo in the "tempo" area. If you use the foot joystick, click on the "joystick" button in the toolbar to activate its detection.



 barre


04/16/2023: v2.0. New version now compatible with Windows and MacOS.
05/22/2013: v1.5.1. Bug fixed when deleting notes in patterns.
04/28/2013: v1.5.0. Bug fixed with display on Windows 7 64bits.
Added possibility to not repeat a pattern
Added sort on presets
Added facilities to build patterns and schemas
02/09/2013: v1.4.1 Bug fixed with dotted notes.
02/02/2013: Adding the possibility to insert silence in patterns and to save parameters into presets.
05/16/2012: Biab was freezing when used with HyperCanvas. (a delay is added before loading song)
02/03/2012: Bug fixed: some styles were generating blank scores.
01/14/2012: Adding key signatures in notation view (only visible in biab 2008 and more).
03/20/2010: Adding some scales.
10/10/2005: First release.


download
Download BiabScales for Windows


download
Download BiabScales for MacOS