|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 85
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 85 |
Hi All.
I'm a complete newbie, so please bear with me. I bought BIAB 2011 and have been running with it for about a week. I play Tenor Sax and got BIAB to act as a backing band - it does much of what I want with chord changes etc, which no other product seems to do.
But - I have to admit I'm really struggling with some of the basics so would appreciate some help. I have about a million questions - and yes I have searched the forums and help files!
In order to keep the forum orderly I'll just post one simple Q for now.
I dabbled with Mixcraft and really like the track layout for editing etc - but BIAB doesn't seem to offer this. I havent spent so long with Realband - but that does do tracks layout, and seems to offer some (most?) of the functionality of BIAB.
So, Q1 is, should I be using BIAB or RealBand?
Thanks in advance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179 |
Many here start in Biab, get the basic song down, then go to RB to finish it up.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,506
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,506 |
If you just want to make quick songs with chord structure and have them play as you play along and solo over at times. BiaB is the Dog that will hunt. If you want to record more tracks to the mix and do a lot of editting to the tracks RB will get 'er done!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 85
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 85 |
Man, I just blinked and got 2 replies!! Thanks guys - I thought that might be the answer. Bit odd though that BIAB doesnt include tracks view? One can short of a six pack, no?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
It wasn't made for that. Thus realband.
One has the name the other has my heart.
Don't know where I heard that or where it came from.
Band in a Box is an arranger program on steroids, or stereo-oids.
RealBand does midi editing, and track shifting, and lets you use multiple plug ins etc.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 85
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 85 |
OK, thanks for that. Just one more thing on this - I can drag individual tracks from BIAB to RB. Can I drag the whole thing in one go? Tried drag on Combo and it didnt like it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179 |
Open the Biab file in RB..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,063
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,063 |
As rharv said, no need to drag at all. The Drag & Drop feature is excellent but it is for use with other brand sequencer programs.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,055
Productor Musical
|
|
Productor Musical
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,055 |
Hi Tom, welcome to forum, I love to experiment blending various drum tracks in RealBand as it is not possible in BiaB. For example, latin percussion RealDrums does work fantastic with some RD rock pop drums for latin rock ensembles. After create the initial arrange in BiaB, I exported the song to RB and mounted the multi drums sets for my song Latin Cowboy. Since RB and BiaB share song making features, I can do further adjustments in my song chords, edit and mix MIDI, audio and use multi intruments VSTi setups. RealBand is the BiaB post-production 'lab' when you need to go beyond the basic song production. Even you don't need BiaB for use RB, since it is a complete stand-alone application for your audio and musical needs. Carlos --------------------------------------------------- Latin Cowboy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,120
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,120 |
Tommohawk,
Biab has been around for decades while Realband just a few years, a fyi. Realband was developed for precise editing features for midi and audio we were unable to do inside of Biab. Biab has a single midi input/output and a stereo wave track. People had to use another sequencer to do many edits etc . . ., thus the Realband concept.
Realband will open files just like Biab so you can open your Biab files without any problems inside of RB.
If you want to "fine tune" your Biab creation and have all sorts of FX, finish it off in Realband.
Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 85
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 85 |
OK. Thanks thats great, and makes perfect sense especially the comments about development history.
I've experimented with BIAB but havent saved anythihg yet just because I didnt want to clutter up with garbage. So I dragged solo tracks to RB prior to saving. Once I save it in BIAB, I see that I can open the whole thing in RB.
I have a number of other Qs - hopefully you good people with assist with those too - but will post those separately. Thanks all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826 |
Hi
one of the good things about realband is the use of many differant sounds where BIAB only has one you can use a different sound on every track if you have programs like sampletank 2, Garrian BBJB and GPO and many others
regards Dave
I always play the right notes but not always in the right order
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
OK. Thanks thats great, and makes perfect sense especially the comments about development history.
I've experimented with BIAB but havent saved anythihg yet just because I didnt want to clutter up with garbage. So I dragged solo tracks to RB prior to saving. Once I save it in BIAB, I see that I can open the whole thing in RB.
I have a number of other Qs - hopefully you good people with assist with those too - but will post those separately. Thanks all.
Bring it on my friend. We're here for each other.Welcome and may you be as rewarded as I am with these programs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928 |
Quote:
I dabbled with Mixcraft and really like the track layout for editing etc - but BIAB doesn't seem to offer this. I havent spent so long with Realband - but that does do tracks layout, and seems to offer some (most?) of the functionality of BIAB.
So, Q1 is, should I be using BIAB or RealBand?
Both.
Or if you're comfortable with Mixcraft (as I am) use BiaB and Mixcraft.
They make a great combo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 8
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 8 |
Just wanted to share something I stumbled across while researching this for myself. It is a Sales FAQ from one of PG Music's international websites (scroll down to item #6). They give a short description of Band-in-a-Box, PowerTracks Pro Audio, and RealBand; and then follow it with a feature comparison chart. The page was last updated Nov. 21, 2010, so not sure if it contains the latest features, but it is still great stuff! I wish they would include it on the .com FAQs. 
Jeff (Jams)
________________________________________________
Play HARD or not at all! Oh...right...we're talking music here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 85
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 85 |
FracturedJams - thats a good comparison chart - highlights the differences, but also shows theres quite an overlap. So I'm happier my original Q doesnt seem so dumb!
FirstBassMan - yes, think I'll stick with BIAB and Mixcraft.
JazzBand - looks like we're neighbours!
Cheers, over and out on this one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085 |
Hi tommohawk, Another feature you may find useful later on using RB is the ability to generate tracks there without having to go back to BIAB. You can generate new additional realtracks for however many tracks/bars you choose. You can also generate additional midi tracks from the same or a new style. Realband is really easy to use. I would encourage you to go from BIAB to Realband then back to Mixcraft if you wish as that will give you a good foundation when you're ready to do more advanced stuff within the programs. Just my two cents. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
John, One Has My Name.... Good memory.... Seeker
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928 |
Quote:
Just wanted to share something I stumbled across while researching this for myself. It is a Sales FAQ from one of PG Music's international websites (scroll down to item #6).
I wish they would include it on the .com FAQs.
It is:
http://www.pgmusic.com/salesfaq3.htm#6
"www.bandinabox.cc" is just another registered domain name. Not one of PGM's international sites.
And ".cc" is a sort of short-hand for ".com" Same thing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,703
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,703 |
Quote:
"www.bandinabox.cc" is just another registered domain name. Not one of PGM's international sites.
And ".cc" is a sort of short-hand for ".com" Same thing.
According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Internet_top-level_domains
the '.cc' extention means Cocos Island. Odd that they would own that domain extention, but the same info and most of the links point back to the .com domain.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,435
Posts779,166
Members39,658
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean