I’d recommend simply updating Java. Java 8 works for me without issues.
I’ve tried just about every imaginable fix for this, including many different, older versions of Java. The problem is with Windows 7 64 bit. The security update mentioned above seems to have permanently eliminated Java and 7zip as unzip tools, leaving winzip as the only unzip tool. Winzip will not do Java .jar files. I’m fairly good at work-arounds but can find no way to fool Win 7 into letting Java or 7zip unpack anything. It even blocks “seeing” .jar files from Java panel and will not allow a folder to even open if it has a Java compressed file in it! I can get Java to install but I guess because of the great security risk of letting programs write scripts to a computer, Windows 7 64 will not allow it to extract files. Java has always been a security risk. I wonder whether Windows 8.1 and the upcoming 10 allow Java functions. What OS do you have?
To clarify a couple things, Java isn’t an unzip tool, it’s a software platform that allows you to run the same code on any computer or tablet. JAR files are Java archive files which is just a way to package the files which make up an application. Prior to Java 1.7 you had to launch the application by creating a shortcut that launched java.exe with the JAR file specified. Starting with Java 1.7, Java.exe is associated with JAR files and they launch the program inside them automatically if they are packaged a certain way. If you can’t get the JAR to launch by double clicking, you can create a shortcut with the executable specified like: java -jar “Beat Builder.jar” (you’ll need to specify the full path to the .jar file)
I was using the tern “unzip” referring to the compressed archive file used by Java, just a different terminology for extracting a compressed file. Thanks for the recommendation to create a shortcut with a specified path. Had my hopes up, tried it but that does not work either. All I get is a momentary DOS window which is immediately canceled.
try launching a command prompt window, using the CD command to switch to C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8.0_45\bin (the _45 may be something else) and then running the Java -jar command from there. I’m guessing there’s an error message that you’re not able to see when the window closes.
I’m sure there must be a command window error but it blinks out way too quick to catch it. Will give it a try tomorrow from the DOS prompt. Thanks, good idea. I’m beginning to regret switching to Windows 7. It’s got to rank among the worst of the operating systems.
Well, finally got it to execute!! Deleted Java completely and went into registry to remove ALL references to Java in all program files folders. I think this was key because it seems that more than one reference was present, no file association was made and the program was never recognized. The normal uninstall does not remove all Java folders, so registry folders need to be deleted. Just uninstall/reinstall of Java will not work. Also deleted and re-downloaded and reinstalled the .jar file in case it was corrupted. Anyway, hope this may be helpful to anyone with a similar problem.
Why I can’t Download the BeatBuilder.jar file?
Charles…brilliant simple piece of software…i dips my lid ! I haven’t yet received my BeatBuddy…ordered online from the Aussie distributor, but read all about it, read all about BBManager, and now BeatBuilder. Whew, a lot to take in. Nothing beats getting in and trying things out. Ive now found and downloaded a great cowbell sound, added it to the rock kit and produced a not too shabby song with them all. Considering the amount of time and effort it took to do the same with other drum machines (Roland & Alesis) i feel renewed !!
The only trouble I had was cutting sections from the initial midi file and using them to create a new file. No sound. Wrote each song section individually and worked ok. Im guessing its an initialisation problem. Nevertheless, now looking forward to the next challenge…getting them into the Beat Buddy when I see it. Thanks again.
MacBook Pro, OSX 10.9.5
Is there any way to import sections of a MIDI drum loop from Garage Band? I’ve tried everything I know how to import a MIDI drum loop directly from Garage Band into the BBManager as well as into this MIDI editor. It says there was an error every time I do it.
I didn’t think you could export a midi file from garageband. Are you saving it as a garageband file, and trying to import that?
I use Reaper and Aria Maestosa for midi editing. Some people use Guitar Pro.
Reaper is a huge editor with a gazillion features, while Aria is simpler with fewer functions. Aria however will let you just import a song and listen, whereas with Reaper, you have to set the instrument on each track.
Hi, I have been able to create drums in the beat builder program but don’t know how tho get them into the manager software is there any instructions on this process? thanks!
Yes go to the Technical Support forum: http://mybeatbuddy.com/forum/index.php?forums/technical-support.16/
And there is a thread with the tutorial. Also, look up Psalm40, and all his posts have links to excellent videos.
Got it now, thanks for your help. I do have one more question regarding the Beat Builder. I was working on a song that requires triplets and sextuplets is it possible to create those subdivisions. Everything that I’ve seen makes it look like it’s all straight subdivisions
Quarter,eighth,sixteenth,thirtysecond…
Thanks again for your help.
Mr. Charles Spencer, I have Revision 2.1 of the Beat Builder and I have a few questions. The quantizer doesn’t seem to work. I click on it but I don’t see a change where the notes are. Also, is there a way to fine tune the grid to have more divisions where the timing can be set closer instead of having just a quarternote slot and have 1/8 or 1/16 divisions. I notice on some fills that the timing is slightly off and due to the grid divisions, it can’t be set more accurately. Also, some of the higher scales of “Shaker and Cowbell” will not play in the BB Manager when saved properly. Is that the Sound Bank of the PC causing this? I use the Beat Builder all the time to edit the beats, fills, intros, outros, and transitions. I build most of my own songs from the default songs that are there and change the notes and timing. I have created my on “Boom-Chuk” beat which I use quite a bit for my looper. Thanks again for creating a useful tool to edit the drum kits. Oh, I also use it to quiet the loudness of the default tracks which works great.
Sincerely, Fingerstylepicker. August 11, 2015
Mr. Charles Spencer, My apologies. I took another look at the grid in the Beat Builder and it already has 1/16 divisions. Sorry, I didn’t take the time to count them out before I opened my big mouth.
Sincerely, Fingerstylepicker.
Hi @Kr121211, I have been looking how to make triplets in a 4/4 time signature for my own patterns.
With the 3/2 time signature its possible to create a 4/4 beat with triplets. Have made a little test pattern -
all used instruments will play with latin drumset . . .
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pxxzcih704jm4l6/3-2%208%20Bar.mid?dl=0 (I hope the link works)
Hi
I am running on Windows 8.1 and as instructions I have downloaded Java and then installed you Drum Software and I must say it looks like a God Send but my problem is that when I press Play to hear what I have done and check beats I can see the line moving across the beats but I have NO Sound, can you help please…and many thanks Dave
Unfortunately I don’t have any ideas about what might be wrong. Do other MIDI player programs have audible sound output?
Funny… I just stumbled into this discussion. I downloaded Reaper, another editor. I have no problem loading a file, seeing the tracks…but like you, no audio output. I’ve messed around with settings, but nothing.