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Hi everyone, I am new to Band in a Box and was just wondering if somebody could help me, as I have never used it before.
Basically, I am a song writer and would like to turn my lyrics into songs. I dont play guitar, but I know exactly how I want my songs to sound. I know the tempo, the melody, etc. Its just a case of putting the music in my head onto the pc.
Is this software ideal for it? Am I able to create a song from scratch, adding my own instruments and creating my own sounds/melodies?
I know this probably sounds riduclous to ask, but I have never used the software before, and I basically just need some software to enable me to create songs from scratch.
Rather than paying some bogus company to make a demo for me, Id rather create my own songs on my pc because I know exactly how they should sound. My songs will only be for personal use though, I dont plan on taking them any further, I simply want to create my own album from the material I have written.
Many thanks.
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No doubt you have come to the right place, that is if you have a general feeling for chord structure. You see you have to enter the chord changes for your songs. After that is done you can choose instruments (some very good real tracks I might add) and key signature, style and tempo and you're almost there.
I know you will hear from many of our forum members who use the software just as you intend to use it.
Also keep in mind that PG Music offers a 30 day money back warranty just in case.
Good Luck,
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Will the basic Band in the Box do for this? Or do I need all the updates and add ons as well?
Does the basic Band in the Box have all the instruments? Or would I need to buy all the upgrades to get these?
To be honest, the instruments Im looking to use are just the basics - guitar (acoustic, bass, electric), drums, maybe a few others like strings, depending on the song. Are these all included on the basic version?
Sorry for sounding a bit stupid, its just that I havent yet got Band in the Box, I will be receiving it in the next few weeks. So I really am a complete beginner on it.
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Hi
Could you tell us what your system is, like soundcard or soft synth,hardware modual,which is needed to play
tunes in BIAB,and do you play any instrument like a midi piano which would make it easy to add melodies
regards Dave Hoskins
I always play the right notes but not always in the right order
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Hello, You say you don't play guitar -- do you play an instrument at all?
One thing I like to do, if I get a new song idea with lyrics, is to cruise through the styles and the associated demo songs one by one and see if one comes close to matching the sound in my head. After I have a found a few that work, I will pick a demo and start modifying (change keys, change to my chords, work out sections). Now this could take a little while, since there are so many styles!!!! Of course, if I know it is "country", I stick with the midi country styles (midi vs. realtracks so the demos load faster).
Most of all, have fun!
Kevin
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You could try that Songsmith program (http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/redmond/projects/songsmith/) and see if you get background music that roughly fits what you're trying to do. It's not expensive at all ($30). It uses MIDI and not the greatest quality sounds, so it would probably sound cheesy at first. But you'd get an idea as to whether you're on the right track or not. You could then export it to BIAB, tweak it, add RealTracks, MIDI soloists, etc. Export those tracks to a DAW (RealBand, PowerTracks, Sonar) and redo the vocals for a final product. If you use PowerTracks, you can even generate background vocals - a feature that BIAB has too.
BIAB has a lot of bass, acoustic and electric guitar, and drum sounds, so you will probably be happy with what it has.
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Quote:
You could try that Songsmith ... You could then export it to BIAB, tweak it,....
Are you sure? I did not see where Songsmith exports MIDI. How would you get a S'Smith song into BiaB?
...
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....and yes, enforcer, biab is the tool you are looking for. There may be a learning curve, but this is stuff you will have to learn anyway. Give it a try.+
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Quote:
Hi everyone, I am new to Band in a Box and was just wondering if somebody could help me, as I have never used it before.
Hi Enforcer! Welcome to the forum!
Quote:
Basically, I am a song writer and would like to turn my lyrics into songs. I dont play guitar, but I know exactly how I want my songs to sound. I know the tempo, the melody, etc. Its just a case of putting the music in my head onto the pc.
well, unless you play at least one instrument it will be somewhat harder to input a specific melody, but still possible. BIAB comes equipped with various ways to create automated melodies and harmonies. And you can use the piano roll method to create a melody with your computer keyboard and mouse.
Quote:
Is this software ideal for it? Am I able to create a song from scratch, adding my own instruments and creating my own sounds/melodies?
In my opinion, the answer is a resounding YES! Many people use BIAB and its companion product RealBand to do exactly what you want to do. Even people who don't play any instrument are successfully using these products to write AMAZINGLY HIGH QUALITY songs! (Have you listened to any of the demo songs here? I think these snippets are quite impressive, and totally indicative of what you can achieve right out of the box)
http://www.pgmusic.com/ubbthreads/showfl...ge=0#Post249436
Quote:
I know this probably sounds riduclous to ask, but I have never used the software before, and I basically just need some software to enable me to create songs from scratch.
That is not ridiculous at all... it is hard to imagine that any software could do what you want; but that's exactly what this software does... IMHO, it is easily the most intuitive and easy-to-use software for creating original songs entirely from within the software environment.
The most basic package has fewer styles, and styles are what give the songwriter more options. So you (being a songwriter) would certainly want to buy a package that comes with ALL available styles.
http://www.pgmusic.com/ubbthreads/showfl...ge=0#Post249476
Quote:
Rather than paying some bogus company to make a demo for me, Id rather create my own songs on my pc because I know exactly how they should sound. My songs will only be for personal use though, I dont plan on taking them any further, I simply want to create my own album from the material I have written.
Many thanks.
I've listened to some Demo songs that people have paid big money for, and they were quite good. But I have also heard many songs posted right here by people who recorded their own ideas completely in BIAB and/or Real Band, and I don't think the average listener could tell a difference.
In all fairness, it should be noted that your songwriting ability will also play some role in the quality of your final product. But to answer your original question, the software provides the environment and tools for doing what you want to do.
If you are standing on the edge wondering whether to buy, remember that PGMusic offers a 30 day money back guarantee... so you can try it risk free to see if it meets your songwriting needs, as it has for so many other folks (like me)
Good luck in your song writing endeavors! I look forward to seeing you on the forum posting your new songs for us to hear!
Last edited by Pat Marr; 03/21/10 11:58 PM.
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Quote:
Will the basic Band in the Box do for this? Or do I need all the updates and add ons as well?
Does the basic Band in the Box have all the instruments? Or would I need to buy all the upgrades to get these?
To be honest, the instruments Im looking to use are just the basics - guitar (acoustic, bass, electric), drums, maybe a few others like strings, depending on the song. Are these all included on the basic version?
Sorry for sounding a bit stupid, its just that I havent yet got Band in the Box, I will be receiving it in the next few weeks. So I really am a complete beginner on it.
You don't sound stupid at all. Nearly everybody has the same questions, and they are reasonable questions. But let me refine your thinking, because you are in a new paradigm with this software.
Don't think in terms of "instruments".. think in terms of "styles" Many styles of music contain bass, drums, guitar etc, but the way they are handled is different from style to style. For example Acid rock, jazz and country music all typically have a bass, guitar and drums, but they sound completely different.
The musical elements that make them different are incorporated in the styles. Styles incorporate things like characteristic riffs, tempos, distortion (or lack of it) and much more. Upshot is that the more styles you have the more creative options you have. And creative options are what songwriting is all about.
Last edited by Pat Marr; 03/22/10 12:27 AM.
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Journeyman
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I am a newbie here and have found all my answers here for a lot less money than anywhere else, and with the support of all the people here, you can't go wrong. My suggestion is to go with the ultrapak, which I did and there is no limits to what you can do. The sound and the possibilities are endless. It may sound goofy but trust me I found out, this is the greatest place to be. The help and support is top notch..........
Critter
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Quote:
I am a newbie here and have found all my answers here for a lot less money than anywhere else, and with the support of all the people here, you can't go wrong. My suggestion is to go with the ultrapak, which I did and there is no limits to what you can do. The sound and the possibilities are endless. It may sound goofy but trust me I found out, this is the greatest place to be. The help and support is top notch..........
Critter is right.. the people here on the forum are users of the software... and they are the most helpful group of people I've ever seen in any forum environment.
Critter, I'm glad to see that you bought the ultrapak, and that you are happy about the options that provides to you as a songwriter. I look forward to hearing some of your songs!
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.
I agree that songsmith will be a good tool for the very beginner.
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Quote:
Are you sure? I did not see where Songsmith exports MIDI. How would you get a S'Smith song into BiaB?
Apparently, it does. This is from their website:
Quote:
Export to MIDI and toss your MIDI into your favorite host application as a skeleton, just to get started working on a new song. Sometimes the hardest part of getting started on a demo is just getting that skeleton in place, and Songsmith is a great way to do that, even if you don’t keep a single note from the original Songsmith track.
Last edited by DanL; 03/22/10 03:18 PM.
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Songs are in the works, Biab for chord input, then to RB for the rest, it is the greatest tool for creating music for the price anywhere...........
Critter
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Quote:
Quote:
Are you sure? I did not see where Songsmith exports MIDI. How would you get a S'Smith song into BiaB?
Apparently, it does. This is from their website:
Quote:
Export to MIDI and toss your MIDI into your favorite host application as a skeleton, just to get started working on a new song. Sometimes the hardest part of getting started on a demo is just getting that skeleton in place, and Songsmith is a great way to do that, even if you don’t keep a single note from the original Songsmith track.
SongSmith is actually built on styles provided by PG Music so it is specifically designed to be able to transport the song into BIAB
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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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.
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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
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Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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