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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi folks, I've been a musical theatre writer (bookwriter/lyricist) for 26 years, and I always secretly wanted to write music, but always felt too challenged. I made some progress in recent years with Ableton Live...now enter Band in a Box. I'm starting to find a workflow, so far so good. (BIAB, Audacity for vocals, Melodyne to fix vocals and change guitar lines etc.) Any comments about this track welcome. I know it has glitches,it's not meant as a demo, it's just me singing, it's just a first draft writing attempt. There will be many changes and refinements, so any critical comments welcome. There is a setup to the song at the link. One thing I know is that I want it to build up so that the peak is at the soldiers singing. (now it's before, then peters out) I kind of gave up, I'm no arranger, I need help getting it to build. http://snd.sc/eCD2u1Any comments welcome! Vincent
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
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Holy cow, is that BIAB on accompaniment? This is really a very unique application. Certainly should get an award for the most interesting use of BIAB as I have never heard BIAB used in this genre. A great effort on your part. Keep working on it as the results will be very interesting. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Wow Vincent, this is really creative. If it were me, I'd bring up the rock band as the soldiers are marching and do a short loud instrumental break there before transitioning back into the next segment. Just a thought. Hey, keep working on it. I totally agree with Dan. Impressive.  Also post in the users showcase so every one will hear it. Good luck with it.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 63
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OP
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Thanks Dan, yes, people I'm showing it to keep asking: "You did this with WHAT programs??" I know a lot of people use Reaper etc... Melodyne works for me for now because it allows me to fix vocals, create harmonies, and change around the other BIAB realtrack instruments as well, then do a final mix adding reverb, EQ, etc there.
Sundance, thank you for your suggestion about an instrumental, you are exactly right. My next step, I think, is to get proper help for a vocal arrangement for those soldiers, with stronger chord support under, and then yes, thank you, a killer guitar solo as they march out would be perfect!
The thing I'm pleased about now is that I know I can generate a good solo in BIAB, and then pull it around in Melodyne, perhaps even having it approximate the chorus melody. I'm kind of excited about that, pulling the BIAB solo guitar line around the lead vocal for this track was a revelation to me... not rocket science, it just has to sound right. I wonder if it's too busy for some people's ears, if it distracts from the lead vocal at times?
Thanks for the great feedback, I'm seeking more as I create draft #2, and prep to demo with proper singers.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
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Quote:
One thing I know is that I want it to build up so that the peak is at the soldiers singing. (now it's before, then peters out) I kind of gave up, I'm no arranger, I need help getting it to build.
A most excellent effort Vincent.
Your problem with getting it to build is simply in the mix, all the elements are already there. Listen to some other rock operas carefully. My first impression is the vocals are a bit too hot during the peak parts and the drums are too low. Bring up the drums, lower the vocals and up the overall volume. That will punch it up quite a bit. Oh yeah, and bring up the guitar solo too. When a vocalist is singing with a guitar solo they are basically both at the same volume. Something else to allow for strong dynamics is to lower the overall level of the entire thing to create more headroom for the peaks. The quieter parts should be showing you a waveform of maybe 50% of the screen while the peaks would be using a compressor/limiter and be almost maxed out filling up that waveform window. You will hear this in the mixes of other recordings of this type of material or even in movie soundtracks. The difference between the overall volume of quiet passages and the peaks where the action is the loudest is very dramatic.
Overall this is a very creative use of Biab. Yet another rebuff to those who think it's just for jazzers. There have been several discussions over the last few years about using Melodyne to make a Real Track do exactly what you want and this is a good example of it.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 63
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OP
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Thanks for the specifics, Jazzmammel Bob. I am going to try to redraft this song with the solo that Josie suggested,(and other changes from other feedback) and I will try to mix in the vocal lower, good ear, that is surely part of the problem, it's actually peaking a bit there, which is probably why I had to pull back most of the instuments, it sounded bombastic otherwise.
Being a rank newbie "mixer" I'm not quite sure how I'd do what you suggest in terms of the dynamics... i.e. squeeze the whole thing down overall, to allow for a bigger peak at the climax, correct? Makes total sense, but... right now, I have 19 tracks in Melodyne... It doesn't record mixer moves the way RB or other DAW's do, I don't THINK... If not, I guess I'd have to select most of each track and bring down the amplitude. I could try that. I guess that way, people kind of... have their speakers up a big louder from the beginning, and then kind of... get blasted a bit more on that one segment? I guess it's tricky, cuz if it gets louder significantly there, it really better sound good, right?
Thanks, Vincent
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
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Quote:
I guess it's tricky, cuz if it gets louder significantly there, it really better sound good, right?
Yep, welcome to the world of mixing. You can't allow yourself to screw up the mix because you're insecure about your performance in the thing. We all have to resist that tendency because we're our own worst critics while others think we sound great. We're constantly comparing ourselves to the best in the field and we always come up short next to our favorite performers. You have to respect the audience, put yourself out front and mix accordingly. I can't tell you how many times I thought I sounded bad on a particular song at a gig yet someone comes up to me to tell me how much they liked what I just did. Am I going to say how badly I thought I played? Of course not, that's insulting I say thanks I really appreciate that and work it out on my own.
The hard work part of this starts with you moving all 19 tracks from Melodyne into Real Band where there are all the tools for a proper mix. Yes, it's tedious. This is the "glamour" part of music production. Not. You should be able to create submixes to cut down on the clutter and only have to work with 5 or 6 tracks and mix those into your final one. There are whole books written about this so I'm not going to go into a lot of instructions here just keep reading and doing. What you've done so far is a decent first effort, you're on the right track.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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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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