I make a lot of suggestions that to me seems like the obvious thing to do in this day and age from using so many other audio applications other than PG apps, though it might seem like ramblings, something out of the realm of science fiction to PG and other users here, it is in reality where the PG apps should be. PG app have for a long time been liken to XP 32bit compared to using the Win7 64bit of other audio apps. Microsoft made this leap ahead for the better they didn't just cosmetically update XP to Win7 like 98>Me it was all NEW. I remember XP was great after 98/Me but you still got so many crashes, freeze ups, reinstalls on a regular basis, this was incredibly stressful but I have had Win7 64 since it was released and have had maybe 2 crashes in all that time, NO STRESS, i repeat NO STRESS. PG apps are still in that XP crashing error timewarp and there is a lot of denial, resistance to change. The magic of what PG apps can do is held back soooooooo far by the interface from it's true potential compared to where other 64 bit audio applications are, the great RealTrack/Drum musicians and the music they produce are totally let down by the interface, the interface should be the same quality as the musicians themselves, the software itself should be a work of art, high end professionalism. The reliability, professionalism and performance of the musicians should be the same as that of the software. Just because of the magic that it produces, doesn't mean it's okay to have the old 32bit programing , "make do" interface and get away with it, as the chickens will still eat whatever you throw at them no questions asked. Sure you can tweak it, cosmetically change and add new features to it each year and old users will still buy it regardless but it does not do it true justice of where it can and should be. Sure you can get away with using it like you could with XP on a simple, stressful, unreliable level. It should not have to stay on the level it is, maybe most user that buy it now just use it to make up songs and post them in the UserShowcase. There is greater potential for it to be used in a more professional way also, but for that it needs a 64 bit Professional 24bit 48khz Audiophile version. It should not be still marketed for just fun, learning music, hobbyist or accompaniment market, sure it started out that way with all the cartoon style graphics.
Don't put 64bit 24/48 BB-RB Pro version in the too hard basket, do the RT musicians say "No, I'm not playing that it's too hard, give me something basic, the users will "make do" with it" ?
I have spent some much time imputing and working out ways of doing things to make it better because of all the problems I encounter using it, I just feel it is so much wasted time and NRG if it goes nowhere and things are just cherry picked.
In other beta/feature request forums it flows, you make the suggestion - it's implemented "now" - downloaded - there is feedback and thankfulness and it works. In PG forum this action if any can take years n years, 10 years even and results in incredible stress and frustration. Is this the way that it has to be and there is absolutely nothing that can be done about it, it's just the way things work around here and will always be that way forever ?
I don't want to wait another 10 years to come back here.
Excellent points Pipeline, respectfully & thoughtfully explained. Since you've started this conversation once more I'd like to offer my standard suggestion...create a RealTracks VSTi!
This would work as a Kontakt plugin maybe? Don't even bother upgrading the BIAB/RB interface; leave it as-is for the current satisfied customers. Keep it on the same "upgrade" schedule adding a couple of new tricks every year.
Hire a UX expert to design the RealTrack UI and maybe even a team of devs to create it. All of a sudden you would have a world-class product that every Kontakt owner would want! In fact, NI might even want to fund some of the dev in order to sell more Kontakt! Maybe make it a one-year NI exclusive working only with Kontakt but after a year you make it available as a straight up VSTi.
Keep only the main features like multi-riff and bar-by-bar generation to allow maximum control over the generated tracks. Go further by publishing an index of some sort to allow me to pick and choose riffs to build my track if I want. Leave out a lot of the obscure features that add little to the most common usage like Play Jukebox and Generate Title (I'm sure there are quite a few like this that are rarely used and would not add much value to the VSTi product). You would not need the mixer at all and all of the PG effects could be dropped since I have my DAW and tons of plugs there.
Yes you are right again ! a RealTracks/Drums/Midi VSTi (VST for audio only app) Leave the other apps how they are and you load that basic operation VST in your High End 64bit DAW and it won't have a massive learning curve for regular DAW Studio users.
Okay I will put the Cryogenics on hold and hope that it comes out soon.
Yes you are right again ! a RealTracks/Drums/Midi VSTi (VST for audio only app) Leave the other apps how they are and you load that basic operation VST in your High End 64bit DAW and it won't have a massive learning curve for regular DAW Studio users.
Okay I will put the Cryogenics on hold and hope that it comes out soon.
I think I just need a holiday from it all.
Well, I just wanna say I greatly appreciate your hacks and tips! You have saved me more than once with tips like how to switch from normal to DI guitar RTs!! Without your advice I would have had to trial and error it for hours and possibly never got it where I wanted it but with your folder switching tip it just worked! And some of your tips about integration with RapidComposer I am looking forward to trying but just have not had time yet.
I think this is all you would need in a vst ? so you can enter the chords directly in the track (zoom track in for tight chords), Generate Button to give all the generate options including MultiRiffs, tracks just drag n drop into DAW along with the realchart midi, maybe you could have the notation/tab come up on double click a realchart track ? you can easily add extra realtracks/drums to a recorded session or generate up the complete style. Basically to keep it as simple as possible to avoid any crashes.
I think this is all you would need in a vst ? so you can enter the chords directly in the track (zoom track in for tight chords), Generate Button to give all the generate options including MultiRiffs, tracks just drag n drop into DAW along with the realchart midi, maybe you could have the notation/tab come up on double click a realchart track ? you can easily add extra realtracks/drums to a recorded session or generate up the complete style. Basically to keep it as simple as possible to avoid any crashes.
That would be a great start and they could use all of us as guinea pigs. Baby steps...get a basic VSTi working...add features...package and sell it!
They could learn a LOT from RapidComposer in this area!
And Open/Save to import your chords/song from SGU/SEQ and Save to SEQ. It could have a chord track drag export button that will drag a midi track out that has chords and chord names as markers, that most DAWs read.
I think the VST will need to be able to import/drag a tempo mapped midi from the host into the plugin track for tempo changes or if it was like a live recording that was mapped after. (ACW is good for creating Drum Tempo Maps, just open a drum track from a live recording with the ACW in RealBand, then you just generate a Metronome track up, then save the Metronome Midi track, open the midi in a new session in your DAW then drag all the live tracks in.) This will let the plugin get an accurate map for RealTrack/Drum/Midi generation rather than following the tempo changes up as the host plays.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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