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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I've been using BIAB since December 2009 (I am one of those who do the "Decemberish" PG Music purchase thing mentioned earlier) and I am still just scratching the surface on this incredible program!

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Quote:

I have one of those E-Mu 1616 breakout boxes that runs off the laptop card and it's been gathering dust for a couple years since I got busy doing other things besides mobile recording. In the meantime that laptop died and the next couple I bought didn't have that big card slot any more.




I dare to say they are probably not being used. I noticed the absence of the pcmcia slot when I started buying more current laptops. I don't upgrade very much, I'm always being dragged kicking and screaming into new technology. I've never used the E-Mu but it looks like a pretty versatile and powerful box. I'm not a big tech person but it seems for laptops everything has gone usb, firewire, or express card slots.


Dell Studio 16 Laptop i7 with 256 gig SSD
BIAB, Reaper, Encore, Sibelius
Roland SD-50
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Dan45 Offline OP
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Jakob,
Yeah I think you are right, they have gone the way of the floppy disk. It's too bad, too, because with the right connections it's a smokin' little unit. It would be hard to find somebody to give it away to now, let alone sell it.


BiaB 2024
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Quote:

I've heard of the Roland VSC...was this just a software version of a hardware synth module?





Yes, Roland had a module called the Sound Canvas. Basically a midi box with a synth inside it, or if you like, the electronics from a keyboard without the keyboard itself. But the name Sound Canvas was used across a whole product range that included PC cards and all sorts of things.

Here's a summary http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_Sound_Canvas

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Me too

I just discovered this as well - looking for a great backing program

I knew a saxophonist in NY that got this and said it was great and I shrugged it off as amateur

I had a real DAW and thats what pros used

Well here I am to say Hi
I am a newby in BIAB and lovin it

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Never too late. Welcome, L5Lover!


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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi L5 lover,
My (guitarist) brother is looking for a Gibson L5... they're quite valuable these days!


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Quote:

Quote:

I've heard of the Roland VSC...was this just a software version of a hardware synth module?





Yes, Roland had a module called the Sound Canvas. Basically a midi box with a synth inside it, or if you like, the electronics from a keyboard without the keyboard itself. But the name Sound Canvas was used across a whole product range that included PC cards and all sorts of things.

Here's a summary http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_Sound_Canvas




Thanks DAZZ for the link, that is pretty interesting.

It's a little like looking at my kid's baby pictures!

I have a guitar synth made by Roland that fits inside a floor pedal that probably borrows a lot of the same technology from the SC.


BiaB 2024
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Quote:

Me too

I just discovered this as well - looking for a great backing program

I knew a saxophonist in NY that got this and said it was great and I shrugged it off as amateur

I had a real DAW and thats what pros used

Well here I am to say Hi
I am a newby in BIAB and lovin it




You know, I wonder if some kind of campaign is in order? I think there are a lot of us out there who "word of mouth" is not working for or it is hurting more than it is helping. B/C you're right, I think BiaB has been written off by a lot of people as strictly amateur when it is anything but that. It really is a unique product in a crowded field of products that all do basically the same thing.

It DOES something!

A lot of things, actually.


BiaB 2024
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Okay let me toss my dime in about the concept of it being "amateur".

When I go up to my studio, I have an idea in my head. Only I know what that idea is, I can't explain that idea in words, but I will know it is right when I hear it. There are 2 options. I can bring in people to play and try to explain what I want, and 50 takes later have something close, or I can use BIAB and in 2 hours have it tracked, recorded, vocals layered in, supporting drums played in from a drum machine, harmonies layered on with my vocoder, supporting keyboard and guitar parts done, saved out to mp3 and sent in an email to the people who are going to play it live.

Sounds like "efficient" would be a better word to me than "amateur". And I would probably NOT have any issues playing a small club gig using it as my band and playing solos live over it. None at all. As it is, there are dozens of people doing a solo around here using iPod tracks as their band. (I saw one last month using his iPhone, and in the middle of a song the phone rang....LOL!!)

I just got this thing 3 days ago. I have 3 songs done. I also use Sonar. The learning curve with Sonar is SO HUGE, AND it requires playing the parts in again and again until you get a take with no clams, something that gets increasingly difficult as I get older and start to deteriorate physically. Arthritis in the hands is a really band thing for guitar and keyboard players, my eyes are starting to go....

I spent WEEKS learning how to use Sonar just well enough to record ONE TRACK. And in fact had to call a friend in for lessons.

For making demos to send out to players for learning purposes, this is the best thing going.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Quote:

And I would probably NOT have any issues playing a small club gig using it as my band and playing solos live over it. None at all. As it is, there are dozens of people doing a solo around here using iPod tracks as their band. (I saw one last month using his iPhone, and in the middle of a song the phone rang....LOL!!)





Down the road I would like to do just that, although not with an iPhone since I don't have one. Is the iPhone app for BiaB really that sophisticated?

Besides the ease of putting tracks together, I've really enjoyed all the instructional stuff in the PG music folder- classical guitar lessons, jazz guitar lessons, blues piano lessons...I've spent more time with those than anything else, and it feels like I've just broken out of a ten-year rut.

Also, there are like 10,000 styles in there that have really brought me back to a lot of styles I've overlooked in the past. The sheer musicality of the program is making me think about stuff for the first time since piano lessons in grade school or trumpet in the stage band in Jr. High.


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Quote:


Besides the ease of putting tracks together, I've really enjoyed all the instructional stuff in the PG music folder- classical guitar lessons, jazz guitar lessons, blues piano lessons...I've spent more time with those than anything else, and it feels like I've just broken out of a ten-year rut.

Also, there are like 10,000 styles in there that have really brought me back to a lot of styles I've overlooked in the past. The sheer musicality of the program is making me think about stuff for the first time since piano lessons in grade school or trumpet in the stage band in Jr. High.





Absolutely!


BiaB and its music education stuff is worthy.

Just don't be surprised that you sonn find out just how the live cats and chicks you've been playing with can wander meter, drop beats, play at different times and a few other things that will GLARE after working out with BiaB for awhile *grin*.

Workout and practice sessions using what BiaB has to offer can improve *any* serious musician at any level IMO.

And BiaB use can put the kabosh on that ancient "teaching an old dog new tricks" saw, as well.


Have Fun,


--Mac

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Quote:

Workout and practice sessions using what BiaB has to offer can improve *any* serious musician at any level IMO.

And BiaB use can put the kabosh on that ancient "teaching an old dog new tricks" saw, as well.


--Mac




That's a BIG 10-4. After 40-plus years, BIAB utterly transformed my electric guitar playing. I was even starting to make some progress on the fretless bass. Time to get back to them both.

Richard


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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PG Music News
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!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
  • 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)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:


  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
  • 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!

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 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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