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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 10
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 10 |
Has anyone used BIAB in a live performance situation. I want to be able to cue up songs (tracks) in BIAB and use some MIDI Surface Controller to control start/stop/rewind/ff, etc. If not, I will have to render RT/RD into my DAW (Sonar 8.5) and control it from there. Any idea's? Looking at a MIDI foot pedal controller as well.
Giovanni Stefani
HP Spectre X360 Laptop
Intel i7 8550
16GB DDR3, 1 2TB NVMe SSD
Windows 10 Professional 64-bit
BIAB UltraPAK 2020, Cakewalk Sonar Platinum by BandLab
Midas M32c Digital Mixer
Midas DL32 Digital Snake
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
I use BIAB all the time in live venues. If you have a keyboard, using the Conductor feature you can do almost anything using it. See pg 99 of the User Manual. If not, BIAB can be programmed to use a playlist and wait until a footswitch is pressed to begin play. Delcom makes switches that work fine with BIAB found here. R
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 10
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 10 |
Rachael, Once again thanks! My keyboard player would rather not up his hands to use the conductor feature. I assume you are assigning a keyboard key to MIDI to activate the conductor. I will check out the manual. He uses a sustain pedal, but doesn't have an issue using a MIDI footswitch to start the playlist. The problem I have, even if I render BIAB as mp3 backing tracks is controlling the start and stop times during live performances without seeming cheezy. Hands-free is the way to go. Thanks for the tip on Delcom, I will check them out.
Giovanni Stefani
HP Spectre X360 Laptop
Intel i7 8550
16GB DDR3, 1 2TB NVMe SSD
Windows 10 Professional 64-bit
BIAB UltraPAK 2020, Cakewalk Sonar Platinum by BandLab
Midas M32c Digital Mixer
Midas DL32 Digital Snake
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
It can also wait or pause for input. There can be a delay so you press any switch that is programmable on the floor, or a key on a laptop. I use mp3's and press play when I want the next piece and add in a drum and bass lead in then come in on the piece either before the 1st bar or at the first bar.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 299
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 299 |
Harpman,
I use BIAB created backtracks a lot in solo performances.
I don't use computer however, it's all on CD's.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,726
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,726 |
Many of us do just that and have been for years. Also many of us use BIAB right from the laptop ear phone jack to a PA or mixer. Works Great!
Later,
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 92
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 92 |
I've been using BIAB for gigs for over 10 years now. I'm a sax player that plays dinner music in restaurants. Before RT and RD it was a little easier because you didn't need a fast computer. I don't use set list I just like to play what comes to mind so while one song was ending I'd pull up the song list and find another tune. After RT's that became a bit of a problem. That's when I broke down and bought a new laptop. Since my music is mainly for background, the time between tunes isn't that big of a deal. I must say though that my new laptop loads most songs between 3 to 6 seconds. I don't use surface controllers much but I like the Tranzport. I've used it on occasion and it worked great. If you aren't familiar with the Tranzport it's a wireless controller that works up to about 30 feet. Good luck with your setup!
Dell Studio 16 Laptop i7 with 256 gig SSD
BIAB, Reaper, Encore, Sibelius
Roland SD-50
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 31 |
For what it's worth, I export the mono wav tracks from BIAB into one of two different loopers as separate parts. The loopers seem a little more dependable and less fragile than a laptop..and if they should ever crash, it's an easy fix to dump the parts back in. Occassionally, I import the bass and drum parts into my DR880 drum machine. The sounds are a little better for these parts. Using the looper allows me to also build parts live too. Being able to arrange on the fly is pretty easy. So, for me, BIAB just kind of provides the skeleton of the tune. My inflated 2 cents... 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I use RB with the Jukebox set to pause between songs. All I have to do is hit the 'R" key to start the next song. I also have Power Tracks open and minimized so that if I get a request i can load it into PT without having to disturb my RB JukeBox. Once the request is over I minimize PT ,Hit the "R" and we're back in the set list.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 92
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 92 |
How many guys are in your group?
Dell Studio 16 Laptop i7 with 256 gig SSD
BIAB, Reaper, Encore, Sibelius
Roland SD-50
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
1 so I guess it ain't a group.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,860
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,860 |
Sure it is John it's a Baaaaaaaaaaaand a Real Band! 
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 92
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 92 |
I play in a group, the rhythm players are all brothers. Rich Biab on piano; Rob Biab on guitar; Keith Biab on drums; and Doug Biab on bass. Sometime Jim-Bob Biab sits in on fiddle, mandolin, and banjo.
Dell Studio 16 Laptop i7 with 256 gig SSD
BIAB, Reaper, Encore, Sibelius
Roland SD-50
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Look at my signature. I've had that on there for a long time.
It was an inside joke. Still get the "Oh you're not a band you're like Karaoke". Good thing I don't own weapons.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,860
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,860 |
I got that the other day with a "sort a like Karaoke right" crack. I just said "yup without the off key drunk wannabe singers!"
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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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!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
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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