If I disable Real Drums and Real Tracks under Preferences and then load a 2023 or similar Style, should it appear under Tracks in midi format, or a mixture of Midi and Audio tracks once generated???
In all my years of using BIAB, I have never once used with or played with that option in the preferences.
In the early days of Realtracks (if I recall correctly), Realtracks styles had an underlying MIDI style. I'm not sure that that's the case these days. The MIDI tracks are not a MIDI version of the Realtracks, if that is what you are looking for. Maybe if you could explain what you would like to accomplish, users on her might be able to help.
If I disable Real Drums and Real Tracks under Preferences and then load a 2023 or similar Style, should it appear under Tracks in midi format, or a mixture of Midi and Audio tracks once generated???
Sounds like this would be a simple answer. If you do not use RealDrums or Real Tracks, than all you will see in the Tracks View is MIDI. The "Style" has nothing to do with it.
I see two possible issues raised here, although I'm not sure about the original question. One is the ease of erasing a RealDrum track to make a MIDI drum track. Another is that many RealDrums have notation for educational purposes that is not intended to be used for sound.
Like Noel, I never considered disabling RealTracks and RealDrums. I don't even know how to do it.
Fitzy, could you ask your question in another way, or provide more detail?
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.
I tested several demos and the answer varies with the different Styles. Disable both RD's and RT's and the Style still shows the RT/RD instrument but nothing gets generated. When Erase Track is used and hitting the play button and nothing is generated. Hit generate/play button and the midi pattern is returned and generated.
Erase a RT and the instrument is removed and nothing gets loaded or generated but the option to erase RT is followed by erase midi data. Responding no to erase midi data and a midi instrument is assigned and the midi data plays. If there's no Real Chart generated, it's usually a piano assigned and the midi piano plays.
So the answer to the OP question is if a RealTracks Style is loaded, the RT's load but do not generate. RealDrums may load and play a midi drum. Unless other options are applied forcing something to play, the only sound generated is the drums track. There may be exceptions because the Style reacts differently if no Chords are entered than if chords have been entered onto the chord chart.
There is almost always a midi drum track hidden behind the RealDrums. I've used this technique for years. After exporting the RealDrums to my DAW Project. I'll disable them in the RealDrums Dialog, and then export the Midi Drums into the same DAW Project. Mixing them together after editing the Midi, can really enhance the Project Drum sound. It works great for "fat kicks & snares... also can add extra color, sparkle, and extra percussion voices...
Last edited by bloc-head; 12/20/2309:58 AM. Reason: added text
Probably off topic, but I do find underlined MIDI (not only for drums as mentioned by bloc-head) at times very useful. When you save project as "Midi" file, it saves it with Midi track charts, that you can deal with as bloc-head mentioned, or revoice them (non drum tracks) with something completely different to make arrangement more interesting.
I wish this part of BIAB was better explained and workflow made easier.
To augment Charlie's answer the RT MIDI comes after the RT has been generated, thus without the RTs being activated you will get nothing, been there - done that. Note that I have used the RT MIDI many times in my songs.
RDs are the same however I have found the RD MIDI to be useless in the styles I have used thus far. I will either use the RD track, use some third party drums, usually MIDI drum grooves, and/or rewrite the RD MIDI. YMMV.
Note that I am using the latest 2023 version of BiaB.
I hope this helps.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I started a New Project. Disabled RT and RD. Generate and play song. It only creates Midi drums track. Nothing for the other instruments. Now if I experiment further and switch off auto replace midi with RT and load the style, press Generate only the Midi drums is loaded. If I enable RT and Generate it creates the audio tracks which is expected and a midi Drum track. If I switch off RT and Generate again the audio tracks don't disappear so why? After all that is what Generate is supposed to do? If I do the same with the RD and switch it on the midi turns to an audio file automatically. If I switch off RD then the Audio changes to midi which is what I would expect. So, it appears that its only working correctly for Drum tracks? Is this a bug or by design?
Originally Posted by Charlie Fogle
I tested several demos and the answer varies with the different Styles. Disable both RD's and RT's and the Style still shows the RT/RD instrument but nothing gets generated. When Erase Track is used and hitting the play button and nothing is generated. Hit generate/play button and the midi pattern is returned and generated.
Erase a RT and the instrument is removed and nothing gets loaded or generated but the option to erase RT is followed by erase midi data. Responding no to erase midi data and a midi instrument is assigned and the midi data plays. If there's no Real Chart generated, it's usually a piano assigned and the midi piano plays.
So the answer to the OP question is if a RealTracks Style is loaded, the RT's load but do not generate. RealDrums may load and play a midi drum. Unless other options are applied forcing something to play, the only sound generated is the drums track. There may be exceptions because the Style reacts differently if no Chords are entered than if chords have been entered onto the chord chart.
I started a New Project. Disabled RT and RD. Generate and play song. It only creates Midi drums track. Nothing for the other instruments. Now if I experiment further and switch off auto replace midi with RT and load the style, press Generate only the Midi drums is loaded. If I enable RT and Generate it creates the audio tracks which is expected and a midi Drum track. If I switch off RT and Generate again the audio tracks don't disappear so why? After all that is what Generate is supposed to do? If I do the same with the RD and switch it on the midi turns to an audio file automatically. If I switch off RD then the Audio changes to midi which is what I would expect. So, it appears that its only working correctly for Drum tracks? Is this a bug or by design?
This is by design, but you can still hear the MIDI part if you want using "Copy/Move Tracks" and copying the part to a Utility track -- as long as the part has RealCharts. RealCharts are the MIDI transcription of the RealTracks part. The MIDI part is not normally intended to be heard, because it is a transcription, not what was actually played by the musician (unless MIDI pickups were used) so the timing is typically a bit off. It can still be heard if you copy it to a MIDI track, or if you export the tracks.
All Drums have RealCharts, and many but not 100% of the RealTracks have them as well. You can tell if a track has RealCharts if the name of the track has a green underline. (If it is a bass or guitar part and has a FULL underline that means it also has accurate tab charts). There is also a Chart column in the MultiPicker (RealTracks) that tells you.
I tested this with the style demo song for _B140_TB.STY (randomly chosen) The Piano part is Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Bossa Ev 140 and has RealChart. I went to Edit | Copy/Move Tracks and selected the Piano track as the source track, and Utility track 1 as the target. The results with this style are pretty good - the notes seem very accurate and the timing is good. This would be a good option if there is a particular VST you want to use to get a specific sound, or you want to edit specific notes, or something along those lines.
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 12/20/2305:54 PM.
I started a New Project. Disabled RT and RD. Generate and play song. It only creates Midi drums track. Nothing for the other instruments. Now if I experiment further and switch off auto replace midi with RT and load the style, press Generate only the Midi drums is loaded. If I enable RT and Generate it creates the audio tracks which is expected and a midi Drum track. If I switch off RT and Generate again the audio tracks don't disappear so why? After all that is what Generate is supposed to do? If I do the same with the RD and switch it on the midi turns to an audio file automatically. If I switch off RD then the Audio changes to midi which is what I would expect. So, it appears that its only working correctly for Drum tracks? Is this a bug or by design?
This is by design, but you can still hear the MIDI part if you want using "Copy/Move Tracks" and copying the part to a Utility track -- as long as the part has RealCharts. RealCharts are the MIDI transcription of the RealTracks part. The MIDI part is not normally intended to be heard, because it is a transcription, not what was actually played by the musician (unless MIDI pickups were used) so the timing is typically a bit off. It can still be heard if you copy it to a MIDI track, or if you export the tracks.
All Drums have RealCharts, and many but not 100% of the RealTracks have them as well. You can tell if a track has RealCharts if the name of the track has a green underline. (If it is a bass or guitar part and has a FULL underline that means it also has accurate tab charts). There is also a Chart column in the MultiPicker (RealTracks) that tells you.
I tested this with the style demo song for _B140_TB.STY (randomly chosen) The Piano part is Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Bossa Ev 140 and has RealChart. I went to Edit | Copy/Move Tracks and selected the Piano track as the source track, and Utility track 1 as the target. The results with this style are pretty good - the notes seem very accurate and the timing is good. This would be a good option if there is a particular VST you want to use to get a specific sound, or you want to edit specific notes, or something along those lines.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean