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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 59
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 59 |
Greetings y'all! I'm Russell, new guy in the ring. I play guitar, bass, mandolin and am currently trying to wrap my brain (and fingers) around a banjo I was gifted. I love writing songs and think I am a fairly decent songwriter. I started "recording" back in the late 80's early 90's with a Tascam PortaOne 4 track cassette and a Casio keyboard (as my drum machine) and an acoustic guitar. Treble way down to record basslines and back up to record guitar parts. Added a TR-505 real drum machine after a bit. (I still have everything but the Casio!)
Not the best setup to make something I wanted to share. I got a version of Cakewalk (Sonar) with a SoundBlaster sound card I bought for my PC and that was quite a step up. Went from there through several versions and wound up with Sonar X3 Producer. Still struggled getting a really good sound. My biggest issue is being limited to just the instruments I played. Never took any music theory and have never had the time or skill to learn keyboards so while I tried my hand at some basic midi / synth instruments I pretty much sucked at it and it added nothing to my music. I've spent lots of money (way too much - ask my wife) on gear, guitars, microphones, plugins, add-ons and whatever I thought would help me get the recording I wanted. Got close but it still wasn't what I heard in my head.
Fast forward to 10 days ago when I first heard of, then purchased, Band in a Box UltraPAK . . . I am in heaven! I have 8 of my songs more than 80% done and one 99% I hope to be sharing this weekend. It took a couple days to figure this thing out but wow!!! It's like I have become a MIDI master! And the best part is it's real musicians playing the parts I want.
I'm in my 60's and did have some concern about being able to learn this but it really is fairly easy to get started. I think it helps that I am a musician already (I still play out whenever I can - Currently playing bass in a Molly Hatchet tribute band and singing / playing guitar in an acoustic duo)
I know I've just scratched the surface and as I get better at dialing in the multitude of features I know my music will just keep sounding better.
For anyone reading this who is here trying to decide if they want to spend the cash, let me say - Do it!! It's WELL worth every penny.
To the folks at PG Music - Thank You! Great tool to add to my musical toolbox. Just wish you advertised better and I had found it sooner LOL!
To the folks here on the forums - Thanks for already having the answers to many of the questions I had - The search engine here ain't perfect but it got me through. I do have many more questions and some suggestions that I'll ask and share in posts later but I did want to express my complete satisfaction to this point.
Last thing - I want to share my music here for critique but I'm a wee bit nervous . . . In perusing the "User Showcase" forum I see some of y'all have set the bar pretty darned high! Some great stuff there!
~Russell~
Don't ever try and be like anybody else and don't be afraid to take risks. -Waylon Jennings
PC-Win 10 Pro-Intel i9 9900 3.6 GHz-32 gig ram-SSD (X3)-AMD RX 550
AUDIO INTERFACE-Presonus FP10/Firepods
SOFTWARE-Cakewalk by Bandlab / BiaB 2024 UltraPAK
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,574
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,574 |
Hey Russell,
Glad you find this tool useful, I too consider it awesome.
And don't be shy about sharing your work here. Most of us are amatuers, and those that are pros (certainly not me) are friendly and helpful in giving good tips.
Play on man, and have fun!
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,271
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,271 |
Welcome to the forum Russell. Always nice to see fresh faces.
Dan
BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,275
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,275 |
Welcome Russell.
FYI -I feel the same way about BiaB, i.e. I like it! Even though sometimes I complain about BiaB virtually every song starts in it! Note that I mostly work in the MIDI side of BiaB.
Do not hesitate posting your songs. You will never get "that sucks" here, just likes and/or constructive criticism.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor.
It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,819
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,819 |
Welcome to the forum and to Band-in-a-Box Russell.
If you don't mind my asking, how did you discover Band-in-a-Box and decide to give it a try?
The User Showcase is a great place to link to your original songs. Feedback is typically general unless you specifically request feedback. When asking for feedback it's better to be specific about your concerns.
Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 59
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 59 |
Welcome to the forum and to Band-in-a-Box Russell.
If you don't mind my asking, how did you discover Band-in-a-Box and decide to give it a try?
It came up when i was looking for info on pedal steel guitar synths on the Cakewalk forum. Now that I've given it a go I'm quite surprised it isn't something talked about more over there. Cakewalk / Sonar and BiaB is the perfect combo! Thanks to all of you for the welcome!
Don't ever try and be like anybody else and don't be afraid to take risks. -Waylon Jennings
PC-Win 10 Pro-Intel i9 9900 3.6 GHz-32 gig ram-SSD (X3)-AMD RX 550
AUDIO INTERFACE-Presonus FP10/Firepods
SOFTWARE-Cakewalk by Bandlab / BiaB 2024 UltraPAK
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,735
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,735 |
Russell, Welcome! If you are into Rock/Country/Pop/Jazz/Folk/Blues and few others, you are in a right place. I don't believe there anything better out there than BIAB as far as software goes at this point in time for these genres. Also, consider yourself lucky, as you came at the right time as we did get some power features past couple of years. One of the best items added lately was "Partial Regeneration". I strongly suggest looking into it, as it allows you to manipulate real tracks to better fit your composition, giving you different choices - generations per selection (of particular bars or range). Ohh yes, do post on User Showcase! In first years I got some excellent suggestions to get my stuff under control! Besides that, I met interesting people, done over a dozen+ collaborations, etc. The unspoken rule of User Showcase is, if you want to be listened - listen and comment on music of other people. As far as critique, just be clear and say what you want to say in the post. Like: Please comment on the mix, etc. With extremely rare exceptions, there are no bullies here. People are respectful and helpful. P.S. I am on my 6th year with BIAB and I also feel that I only scratched a surface, so welcome to the club 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,454
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,454 |
Excellent --(spoken like a mad scientist wringing his hands). Big welcome to the forum, Russell. Saw the pic with the bass and had to learn more. Man, if ya ever think I can help with anything, please send me a message. Thanks for the intro!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 59
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 59 |
Excellent --(spoken like a mad scientist wringing his hands). That got a chuckle outta me! Big welcome to the forum, Russell. Saw the pic with the bass and had to learn more. Man, if ya ever think I can help with anything, please send me a message. Thanks for the intro! Thanks! I appreciate that. I see you're from PA - I lived there once for a couple years. Little tiny spot call Covington - A bit North of Williamsport. Are you a fellow bass player?
Don't ever try and be like anybody else and don't be afraid to take risks. -Waylon Jennings
PC-Win 10 Pro-Intel i9 9900 3.6 GHz-32 gig ram-SSD (X3)-AMD RX 550
AUDIO INTERFACE-Presonus FP10/Firepods
SOFTWARE-Cakewalk by Bandlab / BiaB 2024 UltraPAK
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 59
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 59 |
Thank you for this - I've actually been wondering what RealBand was - I was thinking it was the "Lite" version of BiaB but Maybe that's not the case . . . ? I'll check out that link!
Don't ever try and be like anybody else and don't be afraid to take risks. -Waylon Jennings
PC-Win 10 Pro-Intel i9 9900 3.6 GHz-32 gig ram-SSD (X3)-AMD RX 550
AUDIO INTERFACE-Presonus FP10/Firepods
SOFTWARE-Cakewalk by Bandlab / BiaB 2024 UltraPAK
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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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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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