|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16 |
I emailed the following to your company, and they suggested that I send my question to this forum. Here is a copy of my email. I look forward to hearing from you. Karen.
"I have been using your program for a number of years now (I have BiB 2010) and have done some nice backings for midi files from the web or from written music files I have converted through Finale Print Music. I am a singer not a musician."
However, my one wish is that you had more styles for middle-of-the road songs, musical theatre songs, non-jazz ballads and light classical music. With this in mind I contacted Garriton Music who have music styles available in the genres I am looking for in their “Instant Orchestra” program. Garriton is available in the Finale Pro series which is too expensive and too complicated for my use. If I bought their stand-alone Instant Orchestra package, would I be able to use this with Band in a Box, which I am now comfortable using?
I am trying to do backings for “Nella Fantasia” and “Memory” at the moment, as well as Agnus Dei by Bizet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,449 |
You absolutely can use GIO with BIAB, and I'm champing at the bit to get GIO myself. I've also put in a request to create BIAB styles specifically for it -- I think we can come up with some fantastic stuff. Since GIO uses the ARIA player, it's very easy to use with BIAB. Here's a tutorial page all about doing so: http://www.pgmusic.com/tutorial_garritan.htm . The most important thing, I think, is to set the ARIA player as the default synth (which will open one instance of ARIA), rather than setting it individually for each instrument (which will open an instance for however many tracks you use it on). Note also that setting ARIA as your default synth does not preclude your using other synths, e.g., Addictive Drums, Alchemy, Rhino, WusicStation, SampleTank, etc., on any given track. (Cue Tim Taylor: "We wanted Band In A Box to have MORE POWER! So... we REWIRED IT!")
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365 |
Hi Karen, Welcome to the forums  Given the wording in your letter, I'm not sure if you're aware that these forums are for users of the PG Music suite. People who reply to your post (like me) are not PG Music staff. The answers given are thus based on personal experience. I mention this just so there is no potential for misunderstanding. When you said ... Quote:
I am trying to do backings for “Nella Fantasia” and “Memory” at the moment, as well as Agnus Dei by Bizet.
To do backings for these songs, you'll need to find either a suitable style in BIAB or a suitable midi file that could be used as the basis for the backing. If you intend to use a pre-existing midi file, it's likely that Realband will be more useful to you than BIAB.
The reason for the above is that Garritan provides sounds and midi information is required to play those sounds. BIAB can provide that midi information in the form of a style and since each track in a style (piano, guitar, strings, etc.) has it's own midi channel, it's possible to define a sound for each track. Similarly, if you have a midi file, it possible to define a sound for each channel in the file.
From your post, I formed the impression (probably incorrectly) that you may be expecting Garritan to provide backings in the same way that BIAB does. It will not do this.
Hope this information helps,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
" I am a singer not a musician."
Wow. Just Wow.
And those who graduated in voice from Julliard or elsewhere, with perhaps a Phd are what? Scholars? Students? not musicians?
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,806
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,806 |
I suspect she really meant to say she is a vocalist and not an instrumentalist.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,449 |
Quote:
I suspect she really meant to say she is a vocalist and not an instrumentalist.
I agree. And I also agree that Real Band may be more what you need, Karen.
The nice thing about DAWs like RB is that you can goof with the MIDI files as much as you want. The Classical Music Archive has the Bizet on this page, and the other two are popular enough that you can just Google them by name and "MIDI".
You can then load the file into RB, and transpose it, assign whatever instruments you want to it, speed it up, slow it down, etc., etc. You can even supplement it with a few tracks of BIAB-generated backing instrumentation.
(I do not mean to condescend to you, and I hope it doesn't sound as if I am. But sometimes, people simply don't know what the software can do, in which case I try to state a few of the basics. Just call me Obvious Man or Exposition Lad.  )
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Hi Karen and another welcome to the forum . . . If I am duplicating an answer already posted please forgive me as I am too lazy to read all the responses above.
If you are looking for good midi string sections for your backings the pickings with BIAB are slim. But with that said I have quite a few "show tunes" on my playlist, including Memory from Cats and have received good responses from audiences where I have performed them. In fact I am putting the finishing touches on Last Night of the World from Miss Saigon as we speak. With all this said I guess the short answer is that as BIAB stands you will not get an exact copy of any backing track, especially the ones requiring string sections but you can arrange some very good backings to every song ever written.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16 |
Thank you all for your comments.
Yes I am a vocalist not an instrumentalist. I have basic music training and sing mostly by ear, which is why BiB is wonderful for someone like me to do backings with. There is a lot of technical stuff that I don't understand, (Band in a Box for Dummies anyone?) but I have learned so much just by experimenting and tearing out lots of hair!!! However, I love the program and all your comments are very helpful.
I have been in touch with PG music staff and they advised me to bring my query here to this forum.
Singing is my hobby and having the freedom to use my own backing tracks rather than always having to find an accompanist, (good ones are as rare, and as expensive, as hen's teeth here in South Africa), is wonderfully freeing.
I am also 63 and still singing and still learning! Isn't music wonderful?
Karen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16 |
Thank you for your comments. I have also asked PG Music for some classic styles. I am going to have a look at the tutorial link you have given me.
Kind regards
Karen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16 |
Thank you for your reply. I have never used Real Band, but I'll certainly give it a go.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16 |
Ooops! New to forums so posted my previous reply to the wrong person.
Thanks for taking the trouble to reply. Didn't mean to sound arrogant. To me musicians are people who play instruments. Thanks for correcting my perception.
Karen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16 |
Thank you, this is what I meant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365 |
Karen,
If you go into your other post, then choose "Edit" (up the top of the post and slightly to the right), there's an option to delete. If you do it now before anyone replies to it, it will disappear.
For future reference, the "Edit" option is available 24 hours after a post is submitted.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16 |
Thank you for commenting. New to forums but all these replies have been very helpful. I have requested some classic styles from PG Music so hopefully these will appear in time. The staff of PG Music seem to be very helpful and efficient. I am going to have a look at your website.
Kind regards
Karen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16 |
I am very much a "learn as you go along" person. The software is amazing but a lot to get my head around sometimes, so any tips or comments are very weldome.
I have never used real band, but I will certainly try.
Thank you
Karen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,449 |
First and most important thing: TAKE YOUR TIME AND HAVE FUN. You will not break anything, there is no "wrong" way to do anything. I do not say this to be facetious or condescending. BIAB and RB are complex hunks o' code, and it's very easy to get lost in all the options. Figure out what simple things you wish to do first, and learn how to do them. Other details will follow. The tutorial pages and videos really can help a lot. We're lucky to have such a supportive company, and an equally supportive community. Ask us questions -- we want to help. And... SAVE FREQUENTLY. Save different versions, preferably at really good stopping points (i.e., just after you've nailed one thing you really wanted to get right and are moving on to the next). We'll be here for you. 
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16 |
I have gained a LOT of respect for people who mix and split and woof and whatever! I think if you are performing live and using all the goodies available in BIAB - WOW!
I have loved the journey from complete stranger to anything vaguely technical to being able to listen with pride to some of the songs I have done. I have left my hubby sleeping on his own until the wee hours of the morning trying style after style until I find the right "fit". Then I have had to face getting up and dragging myself to work only a few hours later.
Saving - ah yes - saving! I have burnt my fingers here and lost hours of work.
Thanks for your encouraging words.
Karen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 260 |
Hi Karen, I recently bought Instant Orchestra. Haven't had a chance to use it yet. Certainly some interesting sounds. There's quite a few classical & soundtrack styles that I'm hoping to try with it. Certainly liked to see more of the type of styles you mentioned. Quote:
I
However, my one wish is that you had more styles for middle-of-the road songs, musical theatre songs, non-jazz ballads and light classical music.
best wishes
rikki
BIAB 2025
Korg PA5X
Yamaha sx900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16 |
Hi Rikki
Please let me know how easy/difficult it is to use Garriton with BIAB and how you do this. Before I buy, I would really like some input from someone who has used Garriton.
Thanks.
Karen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
I just recently installed my 2012 BIAB Everything pak (hd). Last night I skimmed through the new features guide. Now my head is really swimming due to all the new stuff. Anyway, of particular interest to me is pg. 22-25 that explains how to add a synth. (e.g......Garritan Aria...) to a midi track. However, even though I've been using BIAB for a few years, I still consider myself a rookie. It does appear, to me, that you can now use instruments from the Aria player. I would think that this would really increase the number of strings available for use in BIAB/RB. But, I'm not totally sure that I'm reading/understanding the Guide correctly, so I'm not running out to get Garritan Instant Orchestra yet. More experienced folks please chime in here. Thanks.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,753
Posts795,812
Members39,951
| |
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