|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,964
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,964 |
Quote:
John, one thing you may be missing is you don't have to make RB generate a whole track. You can simply generate however many bars you need by highlighting those bars with your mouse first. Then the generation times are very fast and remember don't open a Biab song in RB, D&D the tracks.
thanks Bob. I was aware of this but just have not had this need yet.
another reason I prefer a separate DAW is for the separate community. many DAWs have amazing communities and 3rd-party add-ons, tutorials, support, documentation, etc. I feel I benefit from being a part of that community in addition to the PG community. Here a lot of the focus is (rightly) on generation of music while the focus in my DAW community is more on recording and mixing audio.
and regarding the comments about how you can do anything in RealBand that you can do in any other DAW...if it works for you then great! I would strongly advise any BIAB user new to audio mixing to try RealBand and Reaper (or whatever DAW interests you) on a couple of projects and decide which one works best for your workflow.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,952
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,952 |
Quote:
I would strongly advise any BIAB user new to audio mixing to try RealBand and Reaper (or whatever DAW interests you) on a couple of projects and decide which one works best for your workflow.
John3, I would advise any new BiaB user to stay with RB. If you haven’t had any other experience with DAWs why not use the one that comes with BiaB? In fact I have given this advise many times.
Remember that this is from a Sonar user!
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
@All,
My comments about PG's midi excelling above all else is individual note editing - that is where I think it's better than pretty much anything else.
What stinks is the lack of other editing/mixing functions like all midi CC control automation, that is node based - as Robh points out.
One day, I will probably buy back in to PG with the MegaPak. I left the fold when I got hooked on low-latency VSTi handling with freebie instruments that brought back the goosebumps from the old days. I then made some investments that I got used to and now it would be hard to go back to being without them, just like I would not like to do without cruise control on a car. Sure I can do it manually, but I'd rather something else take that off my mind/effort.
I don't need autogeneration of tracks right now. In fact, the 'smart instruments' in my Garageband on iPhone do a serviceable job of this. Oh, it's a 5$ app. I can't feed it a chord sequence, but I can pre-select which chords are going to be used in a track and simply trigger when the chords change. There's enough variety that I can get the song idea down.
So - making a long story shorter:
If you need to autogenerate backing tracks, there is nothing else on the market like BIAB/RB.
If you need modern flexibility and utility of recording software, most other products on the market - even low priced offerings - have more features. If you like those features (midi tempo communication between plugins and the host, automation flexibility, ReWire, modular signal routing within the host, etc.) then you likely use a 2nd program to do these things.
No harm, no foul.
It would be cool if these long term (some for 5+ years) wishlist items would get included in RB, then it gets much closer to calling BIAB/RB both the best autoaccompaniment software in the market AND a great DAW to boot. Those of us that do use this latter list of items regularly have been yammering on for 5+ years about some of them - we speculate whether they can even be done, since it seems like these would remove what we perceive as inequality as a "Digital Audio Workstation", but then again, this is not what the thread title uses - it uses "Sequencer", which for a long time meant MIDI only, and some of the items like the automation and VSTi/VST tempo use, are standard fare even in other midi-centric sequencing function of other DAW softwares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342 |
I do not use RB at all. I did look into the program when it was first released, but I didn't like the feel and the workflow. So I can not give any form of comment on the latest versions of RB. I did buy and use Powertracks Pro Audio 12 for a while. I liked it and that DAW worked for me, but then I tried a version of Cubase. That DAW fit me like a glove. The workflow, the great VST's and VSTi's that come with it and the support for third party VST's are great.
So Cubase (6.5 at the moment. I do have 7 (grace period), but I have to upgrade my XP to Win 7 or 8 first) is the heart of my studio. I use BiaB to compose music and create certain tracks. These are all imported dry (with no effects and no panning) into Cubase where I add other tracks, apply effects, edit tracks etc. I also do quit a few live recordings of bands and choirs with a Roland R1000 recorder. All these tracks are loaded into Cubase so I can mix them.
I think there are a lot of great DAWs on the market these days. Ranging in price from free to quit a lot of money. Yes, there are differences in these DAWs, but in the end all boils down to the skills of the man/woman behind the wheel. If you bought BiaB, you got RB thrown in for free. If RB works for you, that is great: no need to look for a different DAW. Should you run into limitations or develop the need for something else, that will be the time to look around for another DAW.
Just like I have worked with Windows XP on my DAW-computer and never felt the need to upgrade the OS. Untill now, since Cubase 7 will not install on XP. That's when you run into limitations and are forced to look for something new.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,369 |
I've stayed away from this thread up until now because I think that which DAW you use is all down what you want to do with it and personal preference as to how you work. I do find though, that some people (not directed at anyone here) will criticize a product without having a full working knowledge of it.
In fact, it's been my experience that most people only know a proportion of the capabilities of their own DAW - I've been using PowerTracks since it went audio about 12 years ago and I'm still discovering new aspects of it.
The thing which is puzzling me and why I've joined in at this late stage is that there have been lots of references to the lack of automation with RB/PT. I find I can automate the channel fader, pan control and eight aux sends on all 48 channels. In addition, I can do this either by moving the controls in real time on the mixer, or by drawing or editing the curve for all these controllers in the PIANO ROLL window. I can also use this method to automate all other MIDI controllers. I accept that it would be nice to have the sub-groups automated, but other than that, what is it that people feel is missing?
Just curious...
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,847
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,847 |
The DAW is the tool set, and the user the carpenter. I can take the very best tools that the wood working industry has to offer, and some old master carpenter can beat me to pieces with a basic set of tool. The skill to use these tools comes from experimentation, practice, and time.
Take a tool set that works and learn it. I wish i had the time i spend chasing all the different programs back, and had use that to really learn just one system.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
Quote:
I wish i had the time i spend chasing all the different programs back, and had use that to really learn just one system.
I sometimes feel this way also, but then I think that I would have lost out learning WHAT the differences are between the DAWs, diffrent verbs-eq's-comp-etc.
Just like settling on "your" instrument, how do you find that guitar-bass-keyboard-drum stick that you use now, that is your 'go to"? By playing as many instruments and picking up as many sticks as you could until one just "fit".
Yup, it takes time to get comfortable for the journey...  
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,964
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,964 |
Quote:
Yup, it takes time to get comfortable for the journey...
and when ya think about it, the journey is really all we have!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Quote:
The thing which is puzzling me and why I've joined in at this late stage is that there have been lots of references to the lack of automation with RB/PT. I find I can automate the channel fader, pan control and eight aux sends on all 48 channels. In addition, I can do this either by moving the controls in real time on the mixer, or by drawing or editing the curve for all these controllers in the PIANO ROLL window. I can also use this method to automate all other MIDI controllers. I accept that it would be nice to have the sub-groups automated, but other than that, what is it that people feel is missing?
Just curious...
ROG.
ROG,
Can you see the list of what is automatable for any plugin that's on a track? If so, and if the curves are simple draw notes and mess with the node time and level points, then I would say that the automation is up there with other tools.
Let me just give you a simple example. My favorite reverb is a freebie from Aries Code. Once I put this reverb on a track and click on automation for the track, it gives me the list of automatable parameters for this particular plugin. If I check an item in the list, the curve I draw/edit belongs to that particular control for that particular parameter for that particular plugin, and it adds it to the list of automation curves I can edit for that particular track. In this case, this reverb plugin has the following automatable items:
dry level, wet level, Geometry, FB Matrix, FB rot 1, FB rot 2, FB inv, Base dly, LF Life, HF Life, In rot, Out Rot, Mod Dep, Mod Per, Mod spr, Dry amt, Wet amt, Nonlinear
This is just one example. It doesn't matter what the VST/VSTi is, if it has automatable parameters, which most do, the list for those plugin are immediately available as soon as they are instantiated on a track - I don't think this is Midi CC - I think PG's automation, as you describe it, is MIDI CC only. Not so here.
As it turns out, I usually only use presets for this particular reverb, on an aux bus with automated send level to that bus, but I used it simply as an example.
For experimental stuff or even kind of standard 'electronic' music, automating effect parameters is a must-have item. One thing folks do often is automate the delay length in a delay, using an automation curve to shorten/lengthen these values in a musical way.
We've had the 'dubstep' discussion here as this style of electronic music has made it to the mainstream in TV commercials and so forth. The bass 'wobble' effect that you hear in many dubstep tunes is automated filter cutoff amounts in time with the music. More traditional 'trance' type of electronic music automates filter cutoff/resonance/strength amounts over much longer periods of time, many times over several bars of music.
So, while most here may not use this type of automation, this is what is being referred to in other softwares in addition to mixer type of automation.
For the Jamstix plugin, one of the key items to automate, once you've picked out your drummer, is the amount of drive/laid back amount for the drummer, in addition to a bunch of different feel parameters.
Maybe it's in PG stuff - I don't know. Last I checked, it wasn't.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,369 |
Hi Scott - thanks for the explanation. It certainly helps me to understand where you're coming from. I can't see a time when I'd need to automate plugin parameters, but I can see why others might want to.
Like I said, it all depends on what you're recording and your working practices.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,515
Posts805,929
Members40,141
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean