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PGM's engine is doing a good job with it's own "in house" MIDI following chords, but there is no way (at least that I know of) that you can use your 3rd party MIDI loops or phrases in similar manner > Load a 2,4,8 etc. bar MIDI loop and make it follow your chords.
While Super MIDI tracks are next best thing, if you want tighter control, flexibility and be able to swap sound (synth), there are just not enough of them.
For example I want particular sections for intros, breaks, endings. Basically force BIAB to act as a more traditional hardware arranger instead of trying to cobble sections from existing material, which at times can be a very lengthy and challenging task. With proper MIDI loops that can be achieved quite easily, but they have to follow chords and re-interpret chords if changes are made.
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PGM made an attempt to re-purpose existing MIDI phrases as what is now a MIDI Trk tab in MPT Library. Some of these are usable, but sorting, filtering and overall implementation is very raw at this point in time.
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I believe this can be done using the Style Wizard feature of the Stylemaker. I did this back in the 90's. There was a company called Twiddly Bits that use to provide midi phrases that were meant to be used in sequencers. One of the offerings was a variety of arpeggiated chords. Since BIAB at that time had no midi arpeggiator, I created an arpeggiator style using the stylemaker wizard. The wizard analyzed a standard midi file (SMF) and presented identified phrases to be included in the style. Once the style was created the Twiddly Bits phrases followed BIAB chords.
The MIDI stylemaker had been ignored for years as BIAB focused on RealTracks. But I believe it has been revised somewhat to treat MIDI loops similar to RealTracks. I think the original MIDI Stylemaker, while ugly looking by today's standards, was really very sophisticated. You could add as many different phrases for each legacy instrument as you wanted for A and B parts. In addition, you could assign a probability to each phrase to make it more or less selectable. I remember using masks to allow phrases to be used only in certain bars. I think Notes Norton had mastered these techniques in creating his sophisticated MIDI styles. I think the Stylemaker Wizard may accomplish what you are after.
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cxp,
Thanks but... The request is to get away from 90s workflow or/and other tedious and bizarre workarounds.
What I am asking was done by quite a few titles in recent 10 years. Some are even free or very low priced. The problem is integration with BIAB.
Particularly what I am asking for is to: put my own MIDI loops in a folder, lets call it "User MIDI" and so they show up in MIDI trk tab in MTP Library and act same way as PGM MIDI snippets > reinterpret phrases according to chord sheet same way as it is done with MIDI trks. Simple as that. No need to reinvent the wheel.
That was actually my first major disappointment when I started using BIAB - Styles that don't have proper parts for Intros / Breaks & Fills. Since it would be extremely challenging to make the parts out of RTs of existing library, MIDI loops/phrases that are accessible the easy way and a combination of "playable RT's" or decent VSTi would make a viable alternative.
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I agree Rustyspoon,
It's not a technically challenging thing to incorporate & would make classic reggae, for example, so much easier to do.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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BIAB 2026, Studio Pro 8, Song Master Pro, Win11 Home. i7-9700K CPU, 32GB, ESI MAYA44eX, ZOOM UAC-2, Guitar Pro 8, Transcribe, (EZKeys2, EZD3, SD3, EZBass, EZMix3)
Amateur: fiddle, guitar, vocal, beginner on bass.
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Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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Misha that is a great idea. I wonder if it is not as simple as import midi loops to the midi folder? Maybe not, i was able to drag a midi loop into the tracks view. I tried to drag a second loop in after it but it was confusing.
I would imagine that all that is needed is
1. import midi loop feature
2. Drag midi loop feature that allows keeps track of where the last loop left off.
3. Add l=midi loops to loop folder.
I could be wrong but vaguely remember the 3rd on from a few years back.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Zoom Livetrack L-8
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Rob, not possible to do this any straight forward way.
Ideally, it should be as simple as copying folder(s) of loops to something like s Midi loop folder.
Note that I've mentioned folders, not files. This is simplest method to maintain / organise 3rd party stuff, as different companies tag content differently. It would be a mess to do this any other way. Even midi phrase giant Toontrack realized that, that is why their main library browsing is folder and not tag based.
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A consideration regarding copying whole folders to the Loops folder.
When loops were first implemented in Band-in-a-Box there was a maximum number of loops limitation for how many files the Loops folder could be. The maximum number of files limitation wasn't so much about unnecessarily taking up drive storage space as a limit to how many loops Band-in-a-Box registers. I haven't checked the current manual but previous manuals did not state the maximum number of files. I also remember a question asked about the maximum memory storage space the Loops folder can occupy but I think that was incidental to the number of loops conversation.
In any case the limits likely changed over time, especially after PG Music added the second loop PAK.
To answer the unasked question, once the number of loops limitation is exceeded the extra loops do not show up in the load window.
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Jim, I am sorry, but I don't think: "limit to how many loops Band-in-a-Box registers." Is relevant. When was the last time you scrolled through your style list?  Point is, there should not be a limit of any reasonable amount. Lets say for the sake of argument 20k MIDI Loops. The meat of the matter is how they could be presented in Library. It's got to be a simple folder "tree" for it to make sense to a user and relieve PGM from programming any specialized tagging. Most MIDI loop packs name their folders / files in a way that you can figure out what is what. Worst case scenario, you rename your MIDI loop folders and files any way you want. What I am confused about is why nobody asked for this... say 20 years ago? It's the most natural way to expand library. PGM's Super MIDI packs are awesome, but there simply not enough of them and they are crafted in a similar manner as RTs. For something specific as Intros, Bridges, Breaks, Endings, proper MIDI loops can fill this gap.
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.......................................
It's the most natural way to expand library. PGM's Super MIDI packs are awesome, but there simply not enough of them and they are crafted in a similar manner as RTs. For something specific as Intros, Bridges, Breaks, Endings, proper MIDI loops can fill this gap. I agree.
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Jim, I am sorry, but I don't think: "limit to how many loops Band-in-a-Box registers."
Is relevant. Misha, I'm sorry you feel that way. Since the Multipicker highlights midi loops with a tab someone might want to understand there likely is a limit to how many personal midi loops can be added. BiaB has had the capability to use midi loops for a long time. But the addition of the tab is really the first time I'm aware of that PG Music has highlighted the capability.
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Jim, I believe you are not following the request idea and confusing request with something else.
Post title reads: Use 3rd party melodic loops.
I don't believe it is possible to use your melodic MIDI loops in BIAB, so they reharmonize based on chords entered in Chordview - in similar manner that PGM's loops in "MIDI Tk" tab in Library do.
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I could well be confused. Confused is not an abnormal state for me sometimes. Seriously there are times it is very difficult to put into writing what you're thinking just as it's very easy to misinterpret what you're reading. In either case it seems I'm not making myself clear so I'm not contributing to the conversation. I'll bow out and observe the thread.
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Sorry, let me try this again. This is actually not a simple concept. I think the best example of what Rusty is going for is to look at what EZKeys does. In the early days I had no idea about how melodic / phrase based MIDI worked. EZKeys libraries contain many individual melodic phrases which it applys to any chords you choose. But you can also provide you own midi phrases (i.e., 3rd party phrases). With a simple single multi bar melodic pharse (emotion, feel, chords, timing, vibe etc.) you can construct an entire musical arrangement with your own chords. It is actually pretty amazing. It takes any single simple phrase and produces a full arrangement (using any chords and any key), "in the style of" that single simple phrase. I did a video on this several years back. The point here is, BIAB does not do this! So Rusty , did I get this right??  Or am I also missing your point.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u7wgRsJC3Ewe_G71hwcUlupOuLQosCHr/view?usp=sharing
Last edited by DrDan; 05/13/26 11:35 AM.
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Dan, what I am saying is:
A) BIAB has an engine to do what exactly what EZkeys does. It had it likely since developers of EZkeys wore diapers. However, PGM doesn't allow for melodic 3rd party midi loops to be used same way as their MIDI trks in MTP Library (don't confuse with SuperMidi). We are mainly talking about 1-8 bar MIDI loops.
B) if this "wish" will come to life one day, a file browser for these in BIAB has to be folder /tree based. Similar to ezkeys, session drummer by NI, and pretty much all the software that uses any kind of 3rd party Midi or audio loops, definitely not creating a giant single list. (That is what I believe got Jim confused)
Last edited by Rustyspoon#; 05/14/26 04:10 AM.
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Chris thanks. With my request, I am not looking for a reaper workaround.
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The ability to use Acidized loops is there. So i would imagine what you are suggesting is not a loop issue it is a file issue. As you mentioned it is third party libraries that do not seem to work. It would be nice to hear from PGM as to what we are missing here.
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Rob, Acid (audio) loops do not work properly too. Some probably do, but several packs I had from many years ago failed. This format is in steep decline anyway. Between my suggestion and recent Mario's post, the approach would definitely expand BIAB usage in both: content and actual workflow. Ember replied to Mario's post. If PGM considers this big step, I hope they will get more feedback from other users.
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
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There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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