I'd like to mute a specific instrument for an entire chorus then bring it back to normal for the next chorus. I used to do that a lot by going to Bar Settings and choosing the bar where I wanted to mute it for a given chorus, then set it back to normal at another bar in the same chorus or the same bar in another chorus. Once I selected a bar the instrument woud remain muted until it saw a return to normal in that chorus or another chorus. I went to do that and it would only mute it for a specific bar in that chorus but not the entire chorus. So I would have to repeat that action for every bar in every chorus. Either I forgot how to do it or the interface changed. Can someone help me with how to do that?
FWIW I would unfold the song into 1 big chorus (Edit/Song form/ unfold) then mute that instrument where you want it muted. This of course only works if your song is 255 measure or less. Note that I always work in the unfolded song form as I find I have more control over my song. YMMV
The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal". Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I'm not sure if this might work or how you created the mute / return to normal, but try setting by individual choruses as shown:
Make sure to press 'Apply'.
Last edited by AudioTrack; 02/17/2508:27 AM.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Thanks Dan. I didn't have a chance to actually check it out, but it was a way to achieve this that the O/P perhaps hadn't tried.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Audiotrack's answer is the easiest way to do it, however for more control it's better to switch to using Volume Nodes to control volume for tracks - you can fade volume in and out within a bar, while Bar Settings only lets you make changes on a bar-by-bar basis. You can learn about it here:
Bar Settings mutes also are working on my version of BIAB.
Audiotrack's answer is easy and Simon's solution provides more control on track volume. There's a third option that allows BIAB to provide the best quality and smoothest transition between the track audio and the muted silence. It's as easy as Audiotrack's method; It's activated from Bar Settings Window the same as his answer. The Bar Settings Dialog window can be opened and accessed in the Chord View, Tracks View, Notation, Piano Roll and the Audio Edit/ACW view.
BIAB has a special RealTrack designed especially for arrangement situations described in the initial post. Inserting RT-1152 Silence onto a specified region on a Mixer Track with a RealTrack assigned, tells BIAB that you, the user, wants silence for that specific selected track region. It can be a Bar, several bars or like in this case, an entire chorus.
Telling BIAB where you want silence works the same as telling BIAB what chord you want to sound in a bar or series of bars. Knowing where you want silence, BIAB generates endings and intros encompassing material just before the silence and the material just after the muted region creating a 'Smooth Transition'. This creates an arrangement performance that's plays like a real session player would approach playing the song and knowing where to stop and start.
The difference in quality is displayed in the two attached screenshots of a post-generation edit using Bar Settings or Volume Automation compared to BIAB generating the same region of silence as it generates the track.
I used Audiotrack's image of the Bar Settings Dialog to show the RealTrack Button in Bar Settings. In my demonstration screenshots, I selected Guitar 3 to mute bars 3,4,5 using the track's post-generation mute/ Return to Normal selection and having BIAB generate the silenced bars 3,4,5 region on the track in the second screenshot.
I couldn't open your link but I found a youtube video that addressed that, it may be the same one. So yes that's what I need. I went throuhg and followed the steps to mute a track at the start of chorus 2 and bring it back at the start of chorus 3 then saved the song. But it didn't save the volume adjustments. I looked for an "apply" or "ok" button but couldn't find one. I'm feeling pretty dumb but how do I save the changes I made to the chorus?
Update: Thanks for all the resposes. Unfortunately, neither bar settings nor volume control worked for me, the settings were ignored when I played the song. However, unfolding and muting selected bars did work so at least I have a workaround. I just have really long songs now
I think there is one thing that was not mentioned and that is the back to factory setting using the most option. When BiaB doesn't behave well here back to the factory setting always worked. It may or may not work in this instance but it is worth a try.
I hope this helps and good luck.
The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal". Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
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.
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.