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I finally bought BIAB Pro last weekend and produced my first song with the cakewalk plugin, it took about 12 hours. What held me back for several years was concerns that it would not come with enough rock styles and that it might not have a human feel. I have not used it enough yet to determine that. Also, I am trying to find out if it is possible to add or replace instruments with other real instruments in the chosen style. I have much to learn. BIAB is my Vger moment as in Star Trek the motion picture. Let me explain why. Back in 1986 before even the first pc I wrote my own step time multi track midi sequencer. It took about a year to develop, initially for my own use, with the editor written in basic and the fast real time midi commands written in Z80 assembler and I sold about 150 copies worldwide. I wonder how many BIAB users there are now? In the pattern editor I could build 16, or 12 step patterns for triplets, with 8 instrument tracks, each could select a different instrument, and 4 percussion tracks as well as adding the tempo for that pattern. Notes were entered as numbers. Each track also had a volume setting. I could then build a song in the song editor by adding the pattern numbers and how many times they should be played. There is still a page about it: https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Foundation_Multi-Track_Step_Time_SequencerI gave up development sometime around 1988, mainly because midi always sounded so clockwork. However, I was pleasantly surprised and glad to discover that BIAB Realtracks works so well, with a more human touch, hence my Vger moment. The next thing I wish to learn is how to make it have an even more human feel, perhaps with instrument volume and tempo dynamics in each bar. Also, if there is a way to increase the volume of cymbals, for example, in a realtracks drum set for an especially big crash or similar. One other thing, when I was using the cakewalk plugin to produce my first song, I was only able to turn off bass and drums for the first 4 bars, and not later in the song. It worked fine in the BIAB application, but for some reason not in the cakewalk plugin. I was able to turn them off in the cakewalk audio files. This is the song: https://jademann4.wixsite.com/thebluegalaxy/mediaFinally, on the right there is an advert for XPro style packs. Would anyone know if any of these offer additional realband rock styles for my version of BIAB. thanks.
Last edited by Jademann; 08/17/23 03:47 AM.
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Welcome!
I’ll start with some low hanging ones.
Press F5 at any measure. You can change the tempo at that measure, or change the volume of each instrument. You can do fades, and you can mute instruments. You can also change styles.
Separately, there are normalize functions for MIDI melody and harmony tracks, and the ability to do what’s called slide tracks (making them lag or play on top of the beat more). These are examples of how to humanize the playback in BIAB.
The RealDrums are mostly stereo drum kits where the balance is pre-mixed. However, there are some newer RealDrums that have what are called Stems. These can have many drum tracks where you can adjust the volume of each piece of the kit, plus overhead mics etc. Be aware there aren’t many drums with stems yet but we expect more. Also be aware the parts of the kit are not isolated and you sometimes get quite s bit of bleed. Again, we hope to see improvements as these drums become more mature.
XPro styles for your Pro version offering more Rock styles? Yes.
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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Thanks Matt, great information. If I like a particular style can I add to or replace individual instruments in that style with other real instruments? Is there a resource to tell me what is included in the paks? What is the difference between XPRO style and Xtra Styles? Are they both realband and do they both work with my version of BIAB? Are they different to the paks in the Megapak and Ultrapak BIAB versions? I think I answered my own question here: https://www.pgmusic.com/xpro.php?pak=all&os=mac#pak5
Last edited by Jademann; 08/16/23 06:17 PM.
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Beginners Forum
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Thanks Matt, great information. If I like a particular style can I add to or replace individual instruments in that style with other real instruments? Is there a resource to tell me what is included in the paks? What is the difference between XPRO style and Xtra Styles? Are they both realband and do they both work with my version of BIAB? Are they different to the paks in the Megapak and Ultrapak BIAB versions? I think I answered my own question here: https://www.pgmusic.com/xpro.php?pak=all&os=mac#pak5Replace = yes. Both = no. You can use XPro styles but not XTra Styles. You would need to upgrade from the Pro version to have the RealTracks needed for the Xtra styles to work. RealBand is a separate program bundled free with BIAB. It is a DAW and can read BIAB files. It uses the same RealTracks and RealDrums.
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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Matt, thanks for clarifying Realband is a DAW. I was mixing up the terms Realband and Realtracks.
I think that unless it offers some advantage, I will stay with Cakewalk for now, because I have used it for 10+ years. I will focus on learning BIAB and making it as human touch as possible. I suspect that this will be key to how often I will use it for recording songs.
Bass and drums will be my main BIAB Realtrack instruments, because I play rock guitar. When I switch to lead it would also be good to have a BIAB rock guitar as backing, occasionally some keyboards also.
Last edited by Jademann; 08/17/23 03:42 AM.
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I go back 30 years with Cakewalk Pro Audio/SONAR, although I’ve moved on.
Also take a look at the BIAB Plugin that is bundled with BIAB. You can open the plug-in within Cakewalk / BandLab.
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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The best way to get that "human" feel in the music is to play some of the parts yourself if you can. But that's really not necessary. Several folk here besides myself use BB & RB to render the tracks into WAV files and then export them to our DAW of choice. There, it's easy to use volume automation envelopes to bring things in and out as real players do. You can also add your own live tracks that will further enhance that "live human" feel. Most music on the radio today is rock solid and the variations are in the instruments and the overall groove. Tempo is normally dead on. So adding the instrument volume automation and then breaking it down to just acoustic and then back to the band..... makes it feel human and not so robotic.
regarding the drums..... some of the real drum tracks are now multitrack that allow the user to control the drums individually. Want more snare, more low toms, more or less cymbal? Easy, just volume automate the kit.
I have been using Sonar and the plug in that works within Sonar is pretty cool and saves me some steps and time. I used to use Real Band to generate the tracks and the extra tracks not found in a given style. I can do that from the plug in and drag those WAV files directly to the Sonar track.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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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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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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
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