During the first hour of “Learn a Song” in Rock Band 3 for Xbox 360, I desperately wished for sheet music in front of me. The notes in the game fly by too fast, even at the slowest (70%) tempo, to understand the note/arpeggio/chord. It’s especially hard to figure out the chords.
Unlike Guitar mode, Pro Keyboards mode doesn’t stop and wait for you to find the note. Nor does it display chord names, fingerings, or key octaves. Of course, most sheet music won’t help with the game either since the note combinations may not be the published version.
Immediately, I searched for ways to create sheet music of the progressions flying down the game. The first solution seemed obvious, but I had doubts whether the game would recognize MIDI messages that didn’t come from the appropriate instrument.
First, I hooked Anvil Studio’s MIDI sequencer (an open-source computer program) to the Midi-Pro controller, via a USB-MIDI cable. By placing notes on the staff through the laptop, I could simulate keys pressed on the piano keyboard.
The early experiments failed. Which is understandable since, as one or more players stated in forums, a song could be put in a MIDI sequencer program and played through the computer to achieve five-star, high scores. I assumed a provision was built into the Rock Band 3 game to prevent this cheat.
Next, I tried running the keyboard through the MIDI sequencer/recorder program running on the laptop which would also send the signal through to the Midi-Pro controller. My hope was the proper instrument would be recognized as playing the notes and the game wouldn’t understand they were coming from a computer program. Again, the notes would not play in the game, but the sequencer recorded everything I played on the piano.
To eliminate any possibility that a MIDI sequencing program could not possibly enter notes into the Rock Band 3 game, I played the previously recorded sequence back from the laptop to the Midi-Pro controller. Surprise!
The MIDI sequencing program earned a 100%, five-star performance. Successful proof that the configuration of keyboard-to-USB-to-laptop-to-Midi-Pro controller could actually work. Then, I had a revelation.
I remembered advanced options in Anvil Studio. Some options that I had turned-off because 1) I didn’t really understand what they did, 2) I only had one instrument hooked up, and 3) turning them off didn’t affect my one instrument. So, I turned the “pass-through” option back on.
Pass-though sends MIDI messages to all devices. So, the Midi Sequencer program receives the message, records the note, and passes it to the next device(s).
Success! Rock Band 3 songs can be recorded while the notes fly by on the monitor. So, I do record the Rock Band 3 songs and simultaneously play the game. Oh-Yeah!
Bonus: I can practice the songs outside of Rock Band 3. With the use of another open source program, Piano Booster, the track stops and waits for me to figure out the note, fingering, and chords. Also, the tempo can be slowed way down to build to a 100%, five-star performance.
made my way to your webpage from bing and and am glad i found it, hope you keep up the good work
Nice article. Real nice. The info helped me.
So excited I found this artlice as it made things much quicker!
No offense, but i suggest adding a facebook like button for the blog!
Someone essentially assist to make severely posts I might state. That is the very first time I frequented your web page and so far? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this particular put up amazing. Wonderful job!
I have read some just right stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you place to create this sort of great informative web site.
I think you’ve got a lot of readers that are more than thankful to you and really pleased with the content on your blog, making me fantastically interested in what post will be next and about. http://www.samsung1080phdtv.net/
i very like
Magnificent post, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t notice this. You should continue your writing. I am confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!|What’s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & aid different users like its aided me. Great job.
I believe you have remarked some very interesting details , appreciate it for the post.
Just want to share something. I need to submit my blogs to blog sites with so many people reading blogs. That’s what I need most..
I’m still learning from you, as I’m making my way to the top as well. I absolutely enjoy reading everything that is written on your website.Keep the information coming. I loved it!
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
Hey! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the excellent work!
This game you have to figure it out 100% of the time game. No hints! If u have never played demon souls? ur in a whole world of hurt becuz its more difficult than skyrim hands down! Online interaction is in this game is amazing. If dark souls or demon souls was not online it would b a typical game that after a week when completed ur done. This game has 100 replay value and there is tooooo much to earn in the game. Dont get me started on the covenants!
hey, the blog looks cool! thank you for sharing this info with us!
Seeing this site definitely made me to discover something this evening. Thank you a lot for sharing these details.
Hi. Basically would like to give a swift comment and inquire exactly where you obtained your particular weblog theme I will be starting own page and truly like your particular design.
Hello,I love to find out more on this subject. I appreciate you for publishing Rock Band 3 (how to play better #1) | what's on my mind:.
This design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually understand what you’re talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also talk over with my website =). We may have a hyperlink exchange contract among us!
Currently it sounds like Movable Type is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
It’s great when i stumble on a superb post like this. Getting a little bit weary of the poor quality posts many bloggers publish on their blogs. Keep it up. You now have a frequent reader now.
Hi there. I basically wished to actually leave a nice swift observation and also inform you learn that I’ve been following your web publication for quite some time. Keep up the very remarkable work and I am going to be browsing back once more quickly.
Excellent web site. Plenty of useful info here. I am sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks for your effort!
You own a very interesting blog covering lots of topics I am interested as well.I just added your site to my favorites so I can read more in the next days… Just continue your excellent artice writing
Totally awesome.
Fantastic article ! You havemade some very astute statements and I appreciate the the effort you have put into your writing. Its clear that you know what you are writing about. I am excited to read more of your sites content.
Do you mind if I published this post on my website? I would give you credit and a link back to your webpage. Thanks, and if possible let me know here, or email me!
Thanks for the useful post! I would not have gotten this otherwise!
Hi there,I enjoy reading through your article post, I wanted to write a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuationAll the best for all your blogging efforts.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.