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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
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OP
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
> Let's not forget, RealTracks ARE audio loops. BIAB is perfectly capable of making contemporary music. This is after all making music with computers. As with any musical instrument, the musician is more important than the tool. Thanks for the post. Many people wondering BiaB can create contemporary music are unfamiliar with examples of what can be done, and are surprised by the results. For example, here are some demos we made , that are full songs vocals added to BiaB styles. All the instruments are band-in-a-box generations. Most of them are pop, country, folk. There are still lots of people under 40 that like pop, country and folk. Some of the pop fit into contemporary music. If you want to know what BiaB can/cannot do, have a listen to these songs and then reply describing what you’d like it to do that isn’t on these demos. Here are some pop oriented demos: (all band-in-a-box styles, + human vocalist) So You Wanna Be Bad: https://youtu.be/3_R2ZomBjYw?t=751And I Forgive: https://youtu.be/3_R2ZomBjYw?t=2083You Can Be My Man: https://youtu.be/3_R2ZomBjYw?t=3673Hearts Upon Our Sleeve: https://youtu.be/3_R2ZomBjYw?t=4302Here’s a link to all the demos (there are 4 videos like this, this one is #3 / 4 ) https://youtu.be/3_R2ZomBjYw
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,938
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,938 |
Peter,
"Many people wondering BiaB can create contemporary music are unfamiliar with examples of what can be done, and are surprised by the results."
That is very true. BIAB is very capable and content is great. Absolutely you can cook something very modern. I am a huge fan of your software, mainly because it (content) does not steer me into single direction. You can get as creative as your imagination and time permits. The way I see, the biggest issue and discomfort people face is workflow. Many folks just give up trying to discover what BIAB has to offer. Workflow is equally if not more important than content to many.
You can "inject" almost anything "contemporary" to BIAB from clever drum machines to synths to crazy melodic randomizers. This became much easier now with Chord Track(s). There is no point in BIAB leaning specifically to "contemporary" direction, as many 3rd party plugins are very mature in that field. (While there are some alternatives, we will definitely need VST3 support soon for these)
The missing piece of the puzzle is "contemporary" workflow... and also I will echo MarioD long time request of giving more love to MIDI (and Super Midi) side of things.
Peter and PG Team,
Thank you for your effort and consideration!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 282
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 282 |
I agree.
Many years ago I tested BiaB and found the workflow was too unintuitive and intimidating, so I gave up.
It wasn't until a few years later I realized BiaB is a gem.
The 2023 integration of SynthMaster marks the beginning of a new era for contemporary music to be massively produced by BiaB.
BiaB's current sound library is GOLD. If the interface/workflow could be gradually optimized in the upcoming years, BiaB will become GOAT.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446 |
I think it is up to us, the Band-in-a-Box community, to get the word out to the younger musicians. BiaB is a wonderful tool for making contemporary music, it's loop based, and it's a natural for Electronic Dance Music.
Older musicians have always passed on trade secrets to the younger ones. I remember when I was a 17-year-old sax player, playing in a bar with two bands. The sax player in the other band showed me a lot of things one never learns in school band. He told me, "I am the past, and you are the future."
In that same way, we need to show young musicians the benefit of this amazing tool.
I am in a duo with my wife, who sings, and plays guitar and synth. I keep a copy of BiaB on a computer that I bring on stage, and am eager to show young and older musicians this tool, if the opportunity presents itself.
Last week, I had a guitar player who was here in Florida on vacation approach me and I gave him a basic tour of how to make a simple backing track with BiaB. He will be going back to Boston and plans to buy BiaB. Hopefully he will show others how incredible it is.
The more people who know about BiaB, the better it is for the entire BiaB community.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338 |
Most of the good musicians I know tried BIAB decades ago (we're all in our 70s) and soon rejected it as a toy because of the MIDI sounds. They have no idea when I reintroduce them to what it can do now. Some of those are teachers.
When I taught a college jazz ensemble course, I often prepared take-home backing tracks for the songs we were studying, and students were introduced to BIAB that way. One semester, I had no piano or guitar players so I programmed BIAB to play those parts.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918 |
I like Groove3's video tutorials. Every series I've seen is well organized, each video is short seven minutes or less, a video series outline is available, the videos are available for download to be viewed offline or online for streaming. The video and audio are clear. Groove3 has four Band-in-a-Box tutorial series: +++ Songwriting with Band-in-a-Box +++, +++ Band-in-a-Box Getting Started +++ , +++ 2014 Band-in-a-Box for Mac Explained +++ and +++ 2015 Band-in-a-Box for Windows Explained +++ . PG Music use to offer the Mac and Windows "Band-in-a-Box Explained" series on their website. However, now I'm unable to find a link for them. The main issue I have is the Band-in-a-Box Explained series are old (2014 & 2015). They do not cover features introduced since their release. I believe Groove3 has the credentials and young audience to offer a successful "How To Use Band-in-a-Box to Create Contemporary Music" video series. At the same time I think it would be great if the PG Music Marketing department and Groove3 could find a way for Groove3 to offer updated "Band-in-a-Box Explained" series every couple of years.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 282
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 282 |
I agree with @Jim Fogle, Groove3 has the best unofficial BiaB tutorials out there.
The only problem is, their courses are outdated and don't cover BiaB's new features of recent years.
Would be nice if PG Music could sponsor Groove3 to create a few up-to-date beginner/intermediate courses, and sell them or give them for free.
"Buy a Pak of Band-in-a-Box 2024 Today, Get a Groove3 Course for Free", or something like that.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110 |
If you want to add modern beats you need to make it easy to do so you can drag n drop samples/loops into the track anywhere and be able to set the key/chord tempo and set it to repeat for so many bars all non destructively so they can be moved around and edited easily. The Loop dialog is so old and limited. Then you can do it all in Biab without having to sync Biab to FL Studio or Reaper. I remember asking for loops years back and showing drag n drop but the old Loops dialog was added and don't give much control and is a slow roundabout way of doing things. You need easy drag n drop non destructive. How it is now is like having to open so many jail doors by entering a code one after the other to do something. See with both FL and Reaper it's all drag n drop non destructive easy editing. 
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
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!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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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