Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Songwriting
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 26
E
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
E
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 26
Does anyone use BIAB to write piano music, or do they use other apps for that?

Thanks in advance

Songwriting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
I use BIAB's notation regularly to create leadsheets. For full arrangements such as piano, though, I use Musecore 3. It is better suited to scoring.


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
Songwriting
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,777
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,777
I often use BIAB to put together music scores, including lead sheets.
It is fairly versatile.


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Songwriting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,652
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,652
Originally Posted by Noel96
I use BIAB's notation regularly to create leadsheets. For full arrangements such as piano, though, I use Musecore 3. It is better suited to scoring.

Noel, it is 2025! MuseScore 4 software, version 4.0, was launched on December 14, 2022. grin


BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.

Songwriting
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,936
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,936
Originally Posted by DrDan
Originally Posted by Noel96
I use BIAB's notation regularly to create leadsheets. For full arrangements such as piano, though, I use Musecore 3. It is better suited to scoring.

Noel, it is 2025! MuseScore 4 software, version 4.0, was launched on December 14, 2022. grin

4.5, a major upgrade, was released a couple weeks ago and a bug fix, 4.5.1 soon after.

Muse Group tells me that version 5 is going to be the Finale/Sibelius/Dorico killer… Ok… I’d say that talk is cheap but Muse Group is spending billion$ in their quest to dominate the music industry. We’ll see…


BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
Songwriting
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,751
C
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,751
When any of you score original compositions or transcribe a piece in BIAB, do you use the RealCharts and midi transcription created by BIAB instruments? Do you add transcription midi data to the audio you compose and insert into the BIAB Mixer in your BIAB project?

With the release of 2025 and the new Stem Splitter feature, Transcription and scoring combined with some other features that have long been included in BIAB, brings a new level of accurate generation of song covers and compositions that have been buried down in the program for years to users that don't write notation.

For example, now using 2025, if a user splits tracks of a popular song but the bass has some pretty bad artifacts. Using BIAB and the bass midi data from a midi file of the popular song, inserts the midi transcription for the measures with artifacts (this is underlying midi on the same track) and replaces that bad measure with a RealTrack or VST and restores the track, to near normal condition. This is one example, there are many other possibilities.

My thought is any of you that transcribe can create accurate underlying midi notation to fix audio regions of a split stem with artifacts. So, imported transcription from a quality commercial midi file could also be used by users that can't write notation to accomplish the same thing.

Since 2014, UserTracks and the Artist Performance File UserTrack have been capable of having transcription and guitar tab added to the track. Over the years since then, enhancements and new feature updates and additions have reached a point the complexity has reduced to a level it's now a fairly easy process for every user, not just musicians that can notate.

When you record audio in a DAW, RealBand or BIAB and place that audio onto any BIAB Mixer Track, BIAB converts the audio to BIAB's proprietary Artist Performance File. This conversion is automatically done by the program. An Artist Performance File can also be intentionally and manually created.

Artist Performance Files are considered by PG Music to be a type of UserTrack and Artist Performance Files can recognize and utilize every media format BIAB uses such as WAV, Mp3, Midi, SuperMidi and Loops. This is also true for MAC media format versions. These formats can be mixed and merged together and bounced to to a Mixer Track as an Artist Performance File. This is an incredibly powerful function I've not seen mentioned here on the forum nor seen displayed in the User Showcase.

Knowing most of the comments in this thread is made by people that can and do use BIAB for transcription, other than lead sheets, do any of you incorporate transcription into your recorded audio or just use and manipulate the midi data BIAB creates for the Style instruments?


BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Songwriting
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,936
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,936
Quote
With the release of 2025 and the new Stem Splitter feature, Transcription and scoring combined with some other features that have long been included in BIAB, brings a new level of accurate generation of song covers and compositions that have been buried down in the program for years to users that don't write notation.

Mac users haven't seen this yet. I'll be interested when it appears.


BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
Songwriting
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,751
C
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,751
Originally Posted by Mike Halloran
Quote
With the release of 2025 and the new Stem Splitter feature, Transcription and scoring combined with some other features that have long been included in BIAB, brings a new level of accurate generation of song covers and compositions that have been buried down in the program for years to users that don't write notation.

Mac users haven't seen this yet. I'll be interested when it appears.

The new Stem Splitter feature and ACW upgrades aren't available to Mac users but these features and recent upgrades will make it easier for people that can't transcribe providing more ways to get accurate midi data and real audio from their original or even commercial tracks to incorporate transcription into their projects, their personal recordings and tutorials.

As noted in the PG Music Artist Performance File description in the attached screenshot, transcription for user created tracks has been available for both PG Music BIAB formats since the 2014 releases. 2025 versions increase users ability to secure authentic audio and midi data which is quite useful for practice, teaching, learning and demonstrating visually their personal, original tracks and could also expand into merging BIAB transcription onto Stems of commercial releases.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Artist Performance Files.jpg (27.14 KB, 31 downloads)

BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Songwriting
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 9
M
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
M
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 9
BIAB can do it, but sometimes it feels like convincing your dog to play the piano… possible, but not always pretty

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,295
Posts790,699
Members39,854
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
StratMan1965, CPIA2002, janhardo, Minstrel, Deb D
39,854 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 321
MarioD 217
DrDan 211
Noel96 161
DC Ron 146
Rob Helms 127
Today's Birthdays
Kara Music Production, Алик
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5