So, I can dig changing the Style to maybe denote a solo or different feel for a section, but what's the best way to decide which Styles are compatible? Is there a way to pick styles by instrumentation?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows Version 2026 (1224) 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor RealBand 2026 (4) Windows 11 Home Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz) 12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
So, I can dig changing the Style to maybe denote a solo or different feel for a section, but what's the best way to decide which Styles are compatible? Is there a way to pick styles by instrumentation?
Yes. Use the RealTracks instrument and right click to open the sub-menu and select the Launch StylePicker to select styles using the current RealTrack instrument.
I've got a little bit of a problem, in that I've entered the tune with the melody and a couple of choruses with no melody, but I wanted a little more oomph for the solo section. I used Bar Settings to change to what I thought was a good fit Style, from _JOINED.STY to _DIRE.STY, but when it switches, there is a nice build up of cymbals, but they cut off when the style changes. The new style, _DIRE.STY has a drum kit, which I like, but all of the percussion that was in the drum part before is immediately vanished. I'm not sure if I should customize my instrumentation, like adding back in some of the percussion stems used in _JOINED.STY, or if I should pick a different style altogether.
This just doesn't sound natural to me:
Last edited by Funkifized; 02/23/2503:22 PM.
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows Version 2026 (1224) 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor RealBand 2026 (4) Windows 11 Home Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz) 12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
How am I knowing which RealTrack instrument to pick?
That sub-menu selection should work with any RT you select. For instance, if you want another style that will work with the Guitar soloist on your current project, select the guitar soloist and BIAB will find other styles that use that particular soloist guitar.
Before BIAB got 24 usable tracks, changing "styles" in the middle for a prime venue to create a richer arrangement with "legacy" tracks. However, that method was always a pain in the behind for me. There is a whole bunch of issues that I encountered and too bored to remember.
Since additional tracks were opened, my process changed right away. It's so much easier to find tracks that are usable in current composition than trying to solder another style to it. So... The way I do it, I usually start with a style, swapping RT's to better fit of what I am looking for, adding VSTi or two. Then, as song progresses, I will audition and pick other RT or MIDI tracks for transitions, choruses, solo, ending and use "Bar settings" to mute or unmute certain instruments in various places.
Having a "spare" track, you can place-audition any RT from MTP with your chords, so you know exactly how it sounds with your existing chords. You can enable this by pressing "+" where the preview buttons are and select "Double click (or Space bar) plays Chord sheet (not pre-made demo". That way when you double click on RT in MTP, it will place it right in the arrangement. Super fast and efficient way to audition>place tracks directly to composition.
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean