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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,778
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,778 |
So I bit the bullet and bought the UltraPlusDiddlyumpciousPak cause I knew I would need/want all the RealTracks. I started being impressed almost immediately!
Other online companies are very restrictive about how you can download your purchase but PG was very helpful and even encouraged using automated downloaders to make it easier for me (instead of easier on their servers)!
And, I was feeling pretty good about the fact that my purchase was on its way in the mail while I was already able to use everything once it downloaded! They even explain that you should download the program file first because it is smaller and that way you can use the program in basic mode while waiting for your RealTracks to download.
So I got everything downloaded and installed and started fiddling around with it. As some have pointed out the user interface takes a bit of getting used to but actually I found I was able to do basic stuff almost instantly. So no problems using the software.
And when I did hit a wall the user guide PDF, at over 600 pages, is very complete and easy to use so that's another plus.
I started entering chords for several songs I've written and then started experimenting with styles and again was simply blown away at how good the accompaniment sounds. And the level of control I have is simply amazing! I can change instruments on tracks, adjust volume, pan, reverb and a ton more. I can set bars to use certain tracks or not. I can even run instruments through effects processors. And I feel I have only scratched the surface of what this software can do!!!
OMG. I really cannot believe how cool this is! For much of my adult life I have been an avid PC gamer. Well, I don't see me playing many games any time in the near future. Now every time I sit down at the PC I want to fire up BIAB and compose something.
Thanks to PG Music for creating such an amazing program!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693
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Joined: Jun 2005
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There you go, man. Told ya...
Now I'll say the same thing I've said to everybody, learn Real Band at the same time you're learning Biab. Spend an hour with one and an hour with the other one. You won't regret 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: Dec 2009
Posts: 416
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 416 |
Same here... I am in awe evertime I fire it up ... The only software EVER for me which was not a grudge purchase
My buddies are beginning to think that BIAB could be some secret religion as i sound like a PG Disciple with the way that i explain to anyone who cares to listen how wonderful and fun this is and how my tireless band buddies are always ready to play with me
I'm doing allright for Country Trash ....
I used to care, but things have changed (Bob Dylan)
BIAB 2022W + RB
M-Audio FastTrack C600, Rode NT2-A
Digitech VoiceLive 4
Epiphone Sheraton, Ibanez 12str, Washburn 6str, Cort 6Str Nylon
Yanagisawa Tenor Sax
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 416
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 416 |
Got so carries away that i forgot my real intention for the post was to support Jazmammal in the advise is to get your head around Realband as well. Took me a while but i get the most productivity from using both
I'm doing allright for Country Trash ....
I used to care, but things have changed (Bob Dylan)
BIAB 2022W + RB
M-Audio FastTrack C600, Rode NT2-A
Digitech VoiceLive 4
Epiphone Sheraton, Ibanez 12str, Washburn 6str, Cort 6Str Nylon
Yanagisawa Tenor Sax
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,778
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,778 |
well, I loaded up RealBand but switched back to BIAB and Reaper cause its more familiar to me but I'll keep trying RealBand too!
ya know, I'm prolly not gonna share too much about my new secret weapon! If folks wanna think I've improved my playing or that I can afford to hire session guys, I think I'm willing to let em think that!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,339
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,339 |
+1 for RealBand. It really has to be one of the very best DAWs available and nothing else integrates so well with BiaB.
Also, +1 for PG Music - I've never heard anything but praise for their products and service.
ROG.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,787
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,787 |
I’m glad you are very happy with BiaB!
My advice to you is as little different than the previous posts and that is if you are happy with Reaper then stick with it. Learn BiaB as well as you can and learn how to interact it with Reaper via the plug in mode. This should expedite your BiaB learning curve. If at a later date you want to learn another DAW then you have RB already on you system.
RB is an excellent DAW but if you are familiar and like another DAW why change?
When you are at the checkout line and they ask if you found everything say "Why, are you hiding stuff?"
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
There are a bunch of people here who only use Real Band. The main reason I use Biab is the ability to hear your song faster and audition styles quicker, but once I have a chord progression and style then saved in RB it loads instantly. There are some functions RB can do that no other DAW can do. I agree with Bob you won't regret it!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,174
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,174 |
Quote:
My advice to you is as little different than the previous posts...
I agree with Mario - hehe 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
ya know, I'm prolly not gonna share too much about my new secret weapon! If folks wanna think I've improved my playing or that I can afford to hire session guys, I think I'm willing to let em think that!
That is actually a wise thing to do, simply because most folks (and LOTS of musicians!) do not understand the full nature of the program at all, tending to think that it is merely "just recordings from a computer" etc.
But I have *always* been that way about Recordings. Just put it on and let it play, don't explain *anything* before or after and then see what the listeners have to say about it.
The wise Music Producer does not tip the hand.
Have Fun,
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,085
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,085 |
I agree with Mac. Keep it under wraps until someone asks. I produced an album for a singer-songwriter this past spring using BIAB mostly for drums, bass, and piano. But on one song I used just 2 fingerpicked RT acoustic guitars (6 and 12-string) panned left and right. Totally exposed. They sound wonderful and I am sure most listeners think I played them. (I did play guitar and mandolin on most of the other songs.) I was going to replace them but realized I couldn't do any better or have them sound as good.
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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 it live & NEVER tell anyone what it is. I always say"Oh I do all of the tracks either myself or with Real Musicians that have been paid to play the tracks for me."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
First, really enjoy reading the excitement about PG products.
I still do get worked up when using.
Second I purchased Power Tracks Pro in 2005.
Hence had a bit of experience when using RB.
All of above comments are fully applicable.
But at least take a good run at RB.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
JJJ,
I want to reiterate my welcome to you in this community. It's great to see the appreciation of and enthusiasm for this (IMO) underrated product. We all know how great it is; the rest of the world, not so much. More in a moment.
Your gamer's attitude may stand you in good stead with BIAB as you get under the hood to discover the wealth of features and degree of control. Not that there is any way to keep score, but I suspect that you will be digging around for a good while looking for all the "Easter eggs."
I echo the sentiment to get familiar with Real Band (somewhat ironically, since I haven't been a big user myself in the past). If nothing else it will let you work out extended BIAB arrangements in the PG environment before porting into your sequencer of choice.
I also recommend that you consider BIAB something of a secret weapon, keeping it under your hat unless asked. That goes doubly for musicians. The responses I have gotten to revealing the use of BIAB have been about equivalent to springing Amway or my religion on someone who really isn't interested, i.e., far less than positive. The comments above say much about this. Instead, just use it, enjoy it, get good at it, and amaze everyone.
I look forward to your new creations with great interest.
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 45
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 45 |
MarioD you said: Learn BiaB as well as you can and learn how to interact it with Reaper via the plug in mode. This should expedite your BiaB learning curve.
I too use Reaper but I can't get it to interact with BIAB. The only way I can use them together is to build my song then,render it THEN import it into Reaper. Is there an easier way? Sure is a pain to go through all that only to have to re-build and render again when you have to change something!
I guess I don't know how to use the plug in mode. Can you take me by the hand and walk me through it? I guess I'm kinda dumb about things like that.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,778
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,778 |
Debby, You should watch the video - Drag n Drop to DAW Tutorial on this page http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.demos.htmWe show you how you can export tracks out of Band-in-a-Box and into Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as RealBand, Reaper, & Sonar.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693 |
Debbie and JJJ, please remember Real Band directly opens Biab files and generates Real Tracks/Drums and all Biab midi parts. That's the big deal about working with it. The only thing with RB is it's slower at generating those parts than Biab is so we all develop our own way of using both programs to do what we need.
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: Sep 2009
Posts: 92
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 92 |
I'm pretty fond of Reaper myself I've messed with RealBand but I just can't seem to get into it. There are some features I really like about Realband but I need to really work on some projects with it to get more familiar. Reaper just seems to be be layed out better (IMHO) I'm sure there are many guys out there who can make Realband Rock! I'm not one of them. As far as BIAB, enjoy the ride my friend!
Dell Studio 16 Laptop i7 with 256 gig SSD
BIAB, Reaper, Encore, Sibelius
Roland SD-50
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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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Holiday Weekend Hours
Our Customer Service hours this weekend are as follows:
Friday, April 18: 8:00 - 4:00
Saturday, April 19: closed
Sunday, April 20: closed
Monday, April 21: Regular hours
Thank you!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!
Bonjour à tous,
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music
Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:
BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation
Voilà, enjoy!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!
Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!
Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
Stay up to date—get the latest update now!
Update to RealBand® 2025 Build 5 Windows Today!
Already using RealBand® 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 5 now from our Support Page to ensure you have the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
Get the latest update today!
PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 is here! This new version introduces many features, including VST3 support, the ability to load or import a .FLAC file, a reset option for track height in the Tracks window, a taller Timeline on the Notation window toolbar, new freeze buttons in the Tracks window, three toolbar modes (two rows, single row, and none), the improved Select Patch dialog with text-based search and numeric patch display, a new button in the DirectX/VST window to copy an effects group, and more!
First-time packages start at only $49. Already a PowerTracks Pro Audio user? Upgrade for as little as $29!
www.pgmusic.com/powertracks.htm
Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.
Band-in-a-Box® for iOS® :Summary video.
Check out the forum post for more information.
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