What is One Man Band?
One Man Band is the software version of the digital music instruments known as arranger keyboards, home keyboards and workstations. It creates auto-accompaniment based on the played chords and it adds auto-harmony to the played melody. Chords and melody can be played in realtime in the Live Window with or without a connected MIDI keyboard controller or can be entered in the Sequencer Arranger Window. It utilises standard style files compatible with the styles used in Yamaha PSR, DGX and Tyros arranger keyboards. It can play the thousands of Yamaha styles that are available on internet and the included style editor can be used to create styles that can be played on a Yamaha keyboard.
Professional performing artists use OMB to build a high quality arranger setup with features that are not available in the best arranger keyboards. Connect a MIDI master keyboard with 88 keys and hammer action. Connect the best available software synths or external synths. Have the presets of an unlimited number of songs at your fingertips including text with chords and lyrics, conveniently organised in menus. A large number of chord recognition methods is available, also for MIDI guitars, MIDI accordions and MIDI pedals. In full keyboard mode you can play the entire keyboard, chords will be recognised from groups of notes played on any part of the keyboard.
Studio musicians use OMB as a preproduction tool. Try ideas with a lot of different styles, variations and chord sequences. A complete sequencer to operate on any MIDI file is included too. A sequence can be recorded in realtime in the Live window and then edited in the Sequencer window. Auto-accompaniment and auto-harmony can be regenerated after chords and styles have been changed.
Yamaha keyboard owners use OMB to tweak styles (change voices and volumes) and to audition and select from the huge collections of styles that are available for free on the internet. Create new styles by cutting and pasting parts of a MIDI file from the Sequencer window to the Style Editor. The Sequencer window provides a convenient alternative for XG-Works when creating arrangements using styles.
Home musicians use OMB to upgrade their arranger keyboards or to convert a digital piano or synthesizer into an arranger keyboard. Load styles directly from the hard drive of your computer. Use the style maker to "tweak" styles and make them sound better. Make a style from a MIDI file. Make musical arrangements using styles and auto-harmony in the Sequencer window.
Absolute beginners can play melody, chords and style variations live without a MIDI keyboard controller. Press the "Chords & notes" key in the Live window and use the computer keyboard as a musical instrument. Create arrangements step by step in the sequencer window.
You can order One Man Band online at the One Man Band website.
For any suggestions, mail to: josmaas@1manband.nl