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This area of the wiki discusses "authoring" songs for RBN -- the process by which Rock Band song packages are created. The links below discuss each step of the process in detail. Before you create gameplay elements you will need to mix your song and set up your MIDI tracks to conform to Rock Band standards. Some careful attention at the beginning of the process will save you much time and heartache later on. Our [[FAQ#Authoring|FAQ]] contains the answers to many frequently asked authoring questions.
+
This area of the wiki discusses "authoring" songs for RBN -- the process by which Rock Band song packages are created. The links below discuss each step of the process in detail.  
 +
 
 +
Before you create gameplay elements you will need to mix your song and set up your MIDI tracks to conform to Rock Band standards. Some careful attention at the beginning of the process will save you much time and heartache later on.  
 +
 
 +
== FAQ ==
 +
 
 +
Our [[FAQ#Authoring|FAQ]] contains answers to many frequently asked authoring questions.
  
 
== Overview ==
 
== Overview ==
The authoring process looks something like this:
+
To author songs for Rock Band: prepare your audio, create gameplay data, create a song package, and playtest the song.
# Mix your song's multi-track recordings ("stems") for Rock Band.
+
 
# Create all gameplay data as a MIDI file with [[Reaper]] or another DAW.
+
<div class="row">
# Combine your stems and MIDI to create a song package with [[Magma]].
+
  <div class="large-3 columns">
# Use [[RBN2 Audition Mode|Audition Mode]] within Rock Band 3 to test your song in-game.
+
<p>'''1. Prepare Audio'''<br/>
 +
Mix your song's multi-track recordings ("stems") for Rock Band. If you do not have stems use a high quality mp3 file.
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-3 columns">
 +
<p>'''2. Gameplay Data'''<br/>
 +
Create all gameplay data as a MIDI file with [[Reaper]] or another Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-3 columns">
 +
<p>'''3. Package Song'''<br/>
 +
Combine your audio (stems or mp3) and MIDI to create a song package with [[Magma]].
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-3 columns">
 +
<p>'''4. Playtest Song'''<br/>
 +
Playtest your song in Rock Band 3. Use [[RBN2 Audition Mode|Audition Mode]] if available.
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>
  
== Mix and MIDI ==
+
== Audio, Mix and MIDI Setup==
Information on creating your audio files and the basic MIDI file that you will use for authoring.
+
This section contains information on audio and MIDI file setup for authoring.
* '''[[Audio Setup]]:''' How to render "stems" (playable instrument tracks) for use in RBN.
+
 
* '''[[Mix and MIDI Setup]]:''' How to mix your stems, prepare your MIDI file, and create a tempo map and other basic considerations.
+
<div class="row">
** '''[[Practice Sections]]:''' Information about creating practice sections in the EVENT track.
+
  <div class="large-6 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[Audio Setup]]''' <br/>
 +
The stems needed for Rock Band and how to make them. How to combine multiple instruments stems into a playable stem.
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-6 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[Mix and MIDI Setup]]''' <br/>
 +
How to setup your Reaper project. How to mix stems, prepare your MIDI file, create a tempo map and other basic considerations:</p>
 +
*EVENTS Track
 +
*Crowd Animations
 +
*VENUE Track
 +
*BEAT Track
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>
  
 
== Authoring ==
 
== Authoring ==
These documents discuss best practices for authoring, our standards for difficulty, the philosophy of how to create great gameplay tracks, and technical information about lyrics, animations, drums fills, and more. Before authoring any gameplay elements, make sure your stems and MIDI file are prepared as per the "Mix and MIDI Setup" section above.
+
This section discusses best practices for authoring, our standards for difficulty, the philosophy of how to create great gameplay tracks, and technical information about lyrics, animations, drums fills, and more.  
 +
 
 +
Before authoring any gameplay elements, make sure that your audio and MIDI file are prepared as per the "Mix and MIDI Setup" section above.
 +
 
 +
===5 Lane Instruments and Vocals===
 +
 
 +
<div class="row">
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[Drum Authoring]]:''' <br/>Information about Drums (including Pro Drums markers).
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[Guitar and Bass Authoring]]:''' <br/>Information about standard 5-button Guitar and Bass tracks. ''(Pro Guitar is not currently supported in RBN).''
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[5 Lane Keyboard Authoring]]:''' <br/>Information about Keys, the "basic" or "normal" keyboard mode.
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
<div class="row">
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[Vocal Authoring]]:''' <br/>Information about vocals authoring in general.
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[Harmony Authoring]]:''' <br/>Information about 2- and 3-part harmony vocals tracks.
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[Lyrics and Spelling]]:''' <br/>Details about lyrics and spelling for vocals authoring.
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
===Pro Mode===
 +
Pro mode gives guitarists, keyboardists, and drummers a realistic playing experience.  
  
* '''[[Drum Authoring]]:''' Information about Drums (including Pro Drums markers).
+
<div class="row">
* '''[[Guitar and Bass Authoring]]:''' Information about standard 5-button Guitar and Bass tracks. ''(Pro Guitar is not currently supported in RBN.)''
+
  <div class="large-4 columns">
* '''[[Pro Keyboard Authoring]]:''' Information about Pro Keys, Rock Band 3's two-octave keyboard mode.
+
<p>'''[[Pro Guitar Authoring]]:''' <br/>Information about authoring Pro Guitar and Bass tracks.
* '''[[5 Lane Keyboard Authoring]]:''' Information about Keys, the "basic" or "normal" keyboard mode.
+
  </div>
* '''[[Vocal Authoring]]:''' Information about vocals authoring in general.
+
  <div class="large-4 columns">
** '''[[Harmony Authoring]]:''' Information about 2- and 3-part harmony vocals tracks.
+
<p>'''[[Pro Keyboard Authoring]]:''' <br/>Information about Pro Keys, Rock Band 3's two-octave keyboard mode.
** '''[[Lyrics and Spelling]]:''' Details about lyrics and spelling for vocals authoring.
+
  </div>
** '''[[Offensive Content]]:''' Details on what explicit or questionable lyrics are not allowed in RBN. WARNING: Page contains explicit text.
+
  <div class="large-4 columns">
* '''[[Overdrive and Big Rock Endings]]:''' Information about Overdrive (for all parts) and Big Rock Endings.
+
<p>'''[[Drum Authoring]]''' <br/>Includes authoring for Pro drum markers.
** '''[[Overdrive Authoring]]:''' Some practical tips for authoring Overdrive in REAPER.
+
  </div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
===Overdrive and Big Rock Endings (BRE)===
 +
 
 +
Documentation for authoring Overdrive phrases, Big Rock Endings, and Unison Phrase setup. Additional tips for authoring Overdrive are also provided.
 +
 
 +
<div class="row">
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[Unison Phrase Setup]]:''' <br/>How to setup an action to copy phrase markers between MIDI tracks.
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[Overdrive Authoring]]:''' <br/>Some practical tips for authoring Overdrive in Reaper.
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[Overdrive and Big Rock Endings]]:''' <br/>Information about Overdrive (for all parts) and Big Rock Endings.
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
===Practice Sections===
 +
 
 +
Practice mode allows players to practice individual sections of a song such as a solo, or bridge section. This section details how to author practice sections and provides a full list of text events for authoring.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Practice Sections]]:''' <br/>Information about creating practice sections in the EVENTS track.
 +
 
 +
'''[[All Practice Sections]]:''' <br/>Seriously, it's a huge list!
  
 
== Venue ==
 
== Venue ==
 +
 
On top of authoring the playable parts, Rock Band 3 also lets you control how everything looks on-stage.
 
On top of authoring the playable parts, Rock Band 3 also lets you control how everything looks on-stage.
* '''[[RBN2 Camera And Lights|Camera and Lights]]:''' Describes how to author the VENUE track that controls in-game camera cuts, stage lighting, and post-processing effects.
+
 
* '''[[Venue Autogeneration]]:''' Information about Magma's venue autogeneration function (to be used in lieu of or in conjunction with manual venue authoring).
+
'''[[RBN2 Camera And Lights|Camera and Lights]]:''' <br/>Describes how to author the VENUE track that controls in-game camera cuts, stage lighting, and post-processing effects.
 +
 
 +
'''[[Venue Autogeneration]]:''' <br/>Information about Magma's venue autogeneration function (to be used in lieu of or in conjunction with manual venue authoring).
  
 
== Misc. ==
 
== Misc. ==
 
Other documentation you should review before submitting your song for playtesting.
 
Other documentation you should review before submitting your song for playtesting.
  
* '''[[Common Authoring Mistakes]]:''' A list of many common mistakes that authors make during the process. Becoming familiar with this list may improve the quality of your submissions.
+
<div class="row">
* '''[[Playtest Process]]:''' Links to the different parts of the playtesting process; another good resource for those seeking to create a very solid submission.
+
  <div class="large-4 columns">
* '''[[RBN2 Audition Mode|Audition Mode]]:''' Information on testing your song in Rock Band 3. We recommend testing your songs thoroughly before submitting them for public playtesting.
+
<p>'''[[Common Authoring Mistakes]]:''' <br/>A list of many common mistakes that authors make during the process. Becoming familiar with this list may improve the quality of your submissions.
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[Playtest Process]]:''' <br/>Links to the different parts of the playtesting process for [[Guitar/Bass Review Process|guitar]], [[Drum Review Process|drums]], [[Vocal Review Process|vocals]], and [[Non-instrument Review Process|non-instruments]]. A good resource for those seeking to create a very solid submission.
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[RBN2 Audition Mode|Audition Mode]]:''' <br/>Information on testing your song in Rock Band 3. We recommend testing your songs thoroughly before submitting them for public playtesting.
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
<div class="row">
 +
  <div class="large-12 columns">
 +
<p>'''[[Authoring/fr|French Version/Version française]]'''.
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>
 +
==Rock Band 3 Deluxe==
 +
'''[[Additional Supported DTA Values]]'''
 +
 
 +
==Troubleshooting==
 +
 
 +
<div class="row">
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>[[Magma Compilation Errors|'''Magma''':]]<br/>
 +
A list of C3 and legacy Magma compilation errors and fixes.
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>[[CAT Troubleshooting|'''CAT''']]:<br/>
 +
The C3 CAT troubleshooting page.
 +
  </div>
 +
  <div class="large-4 columns">
 +
<p>[[Xbox 360 Troubleshooting|'''Xbox 360''':]]<br/>
 +
C3 page for troubleshooting for Rock Band error messages on the Xbox 360.
 +
  </div>
 +
</div>

Latest revision as of 03:46, 8 November 2023

This area of the wiki discusses "authoring" songs for RBN -- the process by which Rock Band song packages are created. The links below discuss each step of the process in detail.

Before you create gameplay elements you will need to mix your song and set up your MIDI tracks to conform to Rock Band standards. Some careful attention at the beginning of the process will save you much time and heartache later on.

FAQ

Our FAQ contains answers to many frequently asked authoring questions.

Overview

To author songs for Rock Band: prepare your audio, create gameplay data, create a song package, and playtest the song.

1. Prepare Audio
Mix your song's multi-track recordings ("stems") for Rock Band. If you do not have stems use a high quality mp3 file.

2. Gameplay Data
Create all gameplay data as a MIDI file with Reaper or another Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

3. Package Song
Combine your audio (stems or mp3) and MIDI to create a song package with Magma.

4. Playtest Song
Playtest your song in Rock Band 3. Use Audition Mode if available.

Audio, Mix and MIDI Setup

This section contains information on audio and MIDI file setup for authoring.

Audio Setup
The stems needed for Rock Band and how to make them. How to combine multiple instruments stems into a playable stem.

Mix and MIDI Setup
How to setup your Reaper project. How to mix stems, prepare your MIDI file, create a tempo map and other basic considerations:

  • EVENTS Track
  • Crowd Animations
  • VENUE Track
  • BEAT Track

Authoring

This section discusses best practices for authoring, our standards for difficulty, the philosophy of how to create great gameplay tracks, and technical information about lyrics, animations, drums fills, and more.

Before authoring any gameplay elements, make sure that your audio and MIDI file are prepared as per the "Mix and MIDI Setup" section above.

5 Lane Instruments and Vocals

Drum Authoring:
Information about Drums (including Pro Drums markers).

Guitar and Bass Authoring:
Information about standard 5-button Guitar and Bass tracks. (Pro Guitar is not currently supported in RBN).

5 Lane Keyboard Authoring:
Information about Keys, the "basic" or "normal" keyboard mode.

Vocal Authoring:
Information about vocals authoring in general.

Harmony Authoring:
Information about 2- and 3-part harmony vocals tracks.

Lyrics and Spelling:
Details about lyrics and spelling for vocals authoring.

Pro Mode

Pro mode gives guitarists, keyboardists, and drummers a realistic playing experience.

Pro Guitar Authoring:
Information about authoring Pro Guitar and Bass tracks.

Pro Keyboard Authoring:
Information about Pro Keys, Rock Band 3's two-octave keyboard mode.

Drum Authoring
Includes authoring for Pro drum markers.

Overdrive and Big Rock Endings (BRE)

Documentation for authoring Overdrive phrases, Big Rock Endings, and Unison Phrase setup. Additional tips for authoring Overdrive are also provided.

Unison Phrase Setup:
How to setup an action to copy phrase markers between MIDI tracks.

Overdrive Authoring:
Some practical tips for authoring Overdrive in Reaper.

Overdrive and Big Rock Endings:
Information about Overdrive (for all parts) and Big Rock Endings.

Practice Sections

Practice mode allows players to practice individual sections of a song such as a solo, or bridge section. This section details how to author practice sections and provides a full list of text events for authoring.

Practice Sections:
Information about creating practice sections in the EVENTS track.

All Practice Sections:
Seriously, it's a huge list!

Venue

On top of authoring the playable parts, Rock Band 3 also lets you control how everything looks on-stage.

Camera and Lights:
Describes how to author the VENUE track that controls in-game camera cuts, stage lighting, and post-processing effects.

Venue Autogeneration:
Information about Magma's venue autogeneration function (to be used in lieu of or in conjunction with manual venue authoring).

Misc.

Other documentation you should review before submitting your song for playtesting.

Common Authoring Mistakes:
A list of many common mistakes that authors make during the process. Becoming familiar with this list may improve the quality of your submissions.

Playtest Process:
Links to the different parts of the playtesting process for guitar, drums, vocals, and non-instruments. A good resource for those seeking to create a very solid submission.

Audition Mode:
Information on testing your song in Rock Band 3. We recommend testing your songs thoroughly before submitting them for public playtesting.

Rock Band 3 Deluxe

Additional Supported DTA Values

Troubleshooting

Magma:
A list of C3 and legacy Magma compilation errors and fixes.

CAT:
The C3 CAT troubleshooting page.

Xbox 360:
C3 page for troubleshooting for Rock Band error messages on the Xbox 360.