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A collaboration of user recommendations and opinions + PGM willingness to hear our ideas, brought one of the best updates in years. Thankfully they didn't cut (too many) corners and UI looks & feels modern and solid. A success!

What's next? I think the approach PGM took in 2025 is the best possible route, as it gives them, as creators a fuller picture of what can be done to appeal to most people, instead of making for example questionable complex features that only a handful of users will discover.
In my humble opinion there are 4 major areas (blocks) of BIAB that need attention:

Context menus + tools that need a more modern approach, not just graphics. Consistency, wording, layout, sorting, non modal and yes graphics too.

Library.
While I am thrilled that we have all the content now in a single (non modal) place, that works extremely well when populating tracks, auditioning, etc. I feel that several important steps are needed to make it whole. There had been many discussions on subject and I imagine it would be quite a task to modernize Library experience beyond current implementation. My personal grievance is that it doesn't have hierarchical (nested) sorting, when second choice respects first and third follows first two without reset. Another idea that was commonly voiced is to be able to sort by instrument family. And many many others. And of course to make it look modern, to be in line with our new favorite UI

Preferences block. No need to go into detail. Very similar to first 2 ^.

Previously reported issues.
Hold on, I need a deep breath. This is a dangerous topic smile There is a common ground here if... PGM decides to take the challenge of dealing with BIG item, all (most) of the bugs & shortcoming related to that specific block can be dealt with as they craft it.
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What does PGM think about this "two way" collaboration? Can we repeat this year's experience and have another awesome update next year?

Needless to say, it is unrealistic to expect a complex software to be fully modernized in a single year, but certain big blocks, as we seen with UI and Library can be done. We, as users can identify the "next" important block and try to present our proposals / requests / examples so PGM can get a broad idea of what their customers want to get done as a priority.

If people want to join this discussion, I only ask not to get content topics (styles, RD, RT's Midis) mixed in discussion about software. An example would be: "We need more styles with cowbell".

Thank you.

Last edited by Rustyspoon#; 12/09/25 02:10 PM.
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Yes, I agree.
What comes first in my list is that they need to fix the “search issue” so that users fully can use the potential of the software and all the content.

As a first step would be as suggested above to fix the “hierarchical (nested) sorting” (i.e. the normal expectations users have when handling data in a table). As well as sorting by instrument family, also to add in exclusions in the search criteria, also need to go through the categorization, as an example it seems to be a mismatch using a the same term as a category or genre (very confusing). Extend the columns in the table to also hold the instruments and type used for the style so that the hierarchical search also can span over that and other “musical” characteristics of the style that now only are held in the memo. Make it possible to toggle in/out non musical information from the table (eg set, date etc) to make it more visible. Keep the search context when switching between styles and instruments in the picker. Also make it possible to toggle filter string to search a specific column and not only as today "everything"

Further steps would be to find some dimension of categorization if possible of what defines the basic groove of a song or style (the simple filters as used today does not catch this) and to make it possible to search (maybe there are som musicians in the forum that can help nail down what it is in the music that makes it similar in groove - one can immediately hear that two songs are very similar in the underlaying groove).

And then to be able to drop a piece of music and the software finds the best matches of styles and instruments with the best similar grooves.

As long as the “search issue “ is not fixed the software with content can not be used to its full potential. And in addition not to mention all the time users spend on this issue without getting anywhere.


BIAB 2025, Studio One 7 Pro, Song Master Pro, Win11 Home. i7-9700K CPU, 32GB, ESI MAYA44eX, ZOOM UAC-2, Guitar Pro 8, Transcribe, (EZKeys2, EZD3, SD3, EZBass, EZMix3)
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Yes, They did a great job!, But even though we can float windows, None except the mixer will be there when we reload BiaB!
Please allow the windows to stay open and where it's put at!


Thanks for the work done so far.

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Robert,
That, in my opinion should be taken care of in a patch this year among a few other minor items concerning new UI, and I am confident they will do it. Common sense items.

You've been a great contributor on UI discussion, please don't stop smile

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Originally Posted by Rustyspoon#
Robert,
That, in my opinion should be taken care of in a patch this year among a few other minor items concerning new UI, and I am confident they will do it. Common sense items.

You've been a great contributor on UI discussion, please don't stop smile

I sure hope that it's "taken care of in a patch! "

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Originally Posted by Rustyspoon#
Robert,
That, in my opinion should be taken care of in a patch this year among a few other minor items concerning new UI, and I am confident they will do it. Common sense items.

Absolutely. They did a great job, but the scope of that work was enormous, and it wasn't realistic for them to finish it completely for this version. The new GUI is still a work in progress, and I don't expect major innovations this year, but I do expect them to at least implement new basic functionalities in future 2026 updates that, for me, are now more essential than ever.

https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=872036#Post872036


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Originally Posted by Cerio
Originally Posted by Rustyspoon#
Robert,
That, in my opinion should be taken care of in a patch this year among a few other minor items concerning new UI, and I am confident they will do it. Common sense items.

Absolutely. They did a great job, but the scope of that work was enormous, and it wasn't realistic for them to finish it completely for this version. The new GUI is still a work in progress, and I don't expect major innovations this year, but I do expect them to at least implement new basic functionalities in future 2026 updates that, for me, are now more essential than ever.

https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=872036#Post872036

Yes, lets hope PGM continues to improve the GUI and other important program updates like style/RT searches etc and doesn't revert back to the 50 new features with minimal program updates.


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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!

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  • 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)
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  • 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!

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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.

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