Maybe its not an either/or binary choice: Just put in preferences a checkbox to include or exclude the old pickers, so everyone is happy.
Yep. That's what several of us recommended in testing. It is more like how such improvements have been handled in the past by PG Music.
A few testers wanted to make the cold turkey change, which I respect because it would be better eventually if everyone used the same method. That will make answering questions easier. But for now, I support the option/checkbox.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Well this exactly why most negative things are said about BIAB. Because of redundancy, un needed complexity and clutter. Why? Because some people don't embrace change, threatening to stop upgrading, etc., instead of making constructive suggestions & comments. And most of us, I will stress it again: MOST of us suffer from endless bugs and unfinished features, specifically because attention is diverted from progress to keeping obsolete features, menus, buttons, functions, workflows on "life support".
Matt, Yes, having all redundant pickers hidden by default will reduce clutter, but will it reduce bugs? As code will have to be maintained. Not kept, but maintained re-tested constantly with changes & updates. Fixed. So yes, better than nothing. I guess JJJ and Audiotrack are right, about keeping them for transitional period and then bye bye.
So far there are 3 REAL reasons voiced.
1)Moultipass - that has to do with convenience of few buttons being upfront. 2) Lee- (from another post) - an option for MTP to stay on "top" 3)People get used to it - transition period.
Please, those who casts their voice "against", kindly cite specific issues, bugs or limitations that you are having with MTP Library (that are absent from legacy picker(s)) Thank you.
FWIW, I personally very much doubt that PGM will do anything about this until the 2025 version.
They will therefore have a year in which to assess user reactions to the MultiPicker, to smooth out the wrinkles, oversights and bugs. It'll give users time to learn it and get used to it. I personally hope that they will then retire and remove the various older pickers.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
I use Ctrl+T for the modern compact view if I hit Ctrl+T again it goes to the old complexed cluttered view and I got to get back quickly as there is just way too much to process. The new Picker is great it just needs a few things sorted like a Rebuild RTs button so you don't have to do a MultiRebuild that take 100 secs. So I think once we get comfortable with the new Picker there would be no going back. As I have said many times you can have old versions running alongside the latest, so if you want the new content but not the new features just use an old version and you will have the old pickers.
bbw64.exe bbw64 - 1013.exe bbw64 - 927.exe
Here's over a decade's worth running, let's time travel:
I think Gordon is correct and I’m fine with that timetable. I didn’t say the old pickers had to stay forever.
No user here gets to dictate how others prefer to work nor how fast they are forced to learn a new method. And no user here gets to tell me what I consider to be REAL is not real to me.
If I were in the middle of a serious project, and it involved headaches for me to find my way around BIAB when I needed to concentrate elsewhere, I would want the option to delay adopting the new picker. In fact, that would be a good argument not to upgrade at all.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Matt, How about if we flip tables with this view: By favoring workflow of few at cost of hundreds (or more?)... What I mean is, how many people didn't upgrade because of redundant features left in place multiplied menus, strange ways of doing simple things that got them confused, etc., and they just gave up and never looked PGM direction again? To be perfectly honest, I am concerned about that group.
If you are referring to me: "No user here gets to dictate how others prefer to work nor how fast they are forced to learn a new method" That is not true. All I want from users who cast -1, to be constructive and say specifically why they disagree. So the reasons are clear and developers are not trying to catch a black cat in a dark room.
Having said that, I do agree with Gordon, JJJ, Trevor and others on transitional period. I think a year should be plenty to weight in on requests, opinions, shortcomings and bugs, but ultimately it's for PGM to decide. My "quest" if you prefer, is to bring all concerns / discussion to one place.
Consolidated MTP Library is on of the best additions/improvements to BIAB world in years. So far, relatively small points/requests were voiced... which is a good thing
I’m glad you find the timetable acceptable. We do want the same eventual goal.
I think the example in your first paragraph is not closely enough related to be justification for this proposal. I could be wrong but I suspect there is no way to prove it either way.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Matt, it's a known fact, that probably the biggest drawback of BIAB (for new users) is complexity. Much of that complexity comes from various redundant segments left in software that contribute to expansion of extra menus, semi-obsolete functions and of course bugs. PGM, it seems, leaving most of such items as a safeguard for those users that might need time to adopt, but then "adaptation" period lingers forever. I believe Peter and team done a great job of re-creating familiar way of picker operation in MTP, but leaving all other pickers indefinitely would be strange at best. Like trading a donkey for a car, but then refusing to give up donkey, buckling him on back seat to ride along, to keep company...
While PGM rarely asks for feedback, I believe this thread is optimal opportunity to discuss this among users and come to some form of general consensus, giving PGM a glimpse of specific issues customers are faced with. I feel a year should be more than enough to gather such feedback and make certain changes to MTP Library, so it becomes a central content hub, retiring obsolete items and making software more consistent...for everybody.
All the old pickers are jails, when you get use to being in a jail for a long time it can get pretty scary to get out of that jail into a free non jail environment.
Just remove it, no need to wait, the new MTP is straight forward and intuitive.
I have never seen any other software where they keep the old menues/gui after they have launched an improvement to the gui when all the old functions are available in the new gui.
If one need to get used to it more why not take some time and make a small test project and set it up with the old picker and then do exactly the same with the new picker and take some notes to remember. As long as the old picker is available there is a risk one never moves over to the new MTP.
BIAB 2026, Studio Pro 8, Song Master Pro, Win11 Home. i7-9700K CPU, 32GB, ESI MAYA44eX, ZOOM UAC-2, Guitar Pro 8, Transcribe, (EZKeys2, EZD3, SD3, EZBass, EZMix3) Amateur: fiddle, guitar, vocal, beginner on bass.
I have never seen any other software where they keep the old menues/gui after they have launched an improvement to the gui when all the old functions are available in the new gui.
I do worry a bit that the extent to which they do this may be an indication that they have long since lost full understanding of the program and are afraid to remove anything in case it breaks things. I hope I'm wrong, or if I'm not, that at least they're working gradually to resolve that.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
I would like to keep both as it is . Eg I would miss the options in "other" from the old and much of the way it is set up. I can´t find headline filter for the versions of Xtra PAK and 2024 etc in the new "other" At times Im most interested in what is the newest.
I would like to keep both as it is . Eg I would miss the options in "other" from the old and much of the way it is set up. I can´t find headline filter for the versions of Xtra PAK and 2024 etc in the new "other" At times Im most interested in what is the newest.
Enter xtra pak in the filter string then sort by set #, see pic:
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
That is the key point it is all there. Here in lies the deeper issue. Right click on some media and up pops not the new picker, not the old picker, but some variation of a version of a picker. There is a butt load of pickers that do a variety of different thing, but all of it can be done with the new picker. We just need a detailed video to explain how!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
I don't want the cold turkey removal of the old pickers just yet, but we can hasten their demise with a detailed video Rob just requested, and then some well-timed posts in support of using the new multipicker.
I did not know there was as much inconsistency as Rob mentions.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I don't understand why my favorite "Load Demo" button is now under a boring right click. Who was this button bothering? I use it all the time, I like loading demos and arranging them, it's my thing.
Yes this favorite button was right at the bottom of the style page. And the block next to it worked perfectly, to test one style or another. Now it's over. Any listen with double click or something else, and you can no longer find your original song.
But I understand that you've never used it, that's why you've never seen it?
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
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Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
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