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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2012
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Journeyman
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Hello,

I've created about 4x songs now and I'm finding that despite my A or B fill selections, BIAB seems to have different drum fill variations. Some of them spoil the song. Is there any way I can take control of which drum fills BIAB uses at any particular point in the song? Ive already turned off "Vary Style in Middle Choruses" under "Song Settings".

I'm also finding the same thing with other instruments like the bass where the bass will walk down on a bar rather than up and vs versa.

I appreciate there might be two questions here with two completely different solutions.

Thanks

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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OK I think I've found out whats going on?

I keep pressing the GenPlay button [BIAB 2013] which seems to change the bass pattern along with drum fills. I played the song through and was happy with it. I pressed the GenPlay and it completely changed the bass walk-ups and drum fills for the worst. Hit GenPlay again and back to how I like it.

I dont know if one can take control of these changes manually?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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You freeze the song. It then stays that way. Or you can freeze the tracks you like, and then keep on fishing until you get the next part right and then freeze that. And if I remember, you can even change style to a degree and get another part to freeze.

It's all in the Canadian cold weather. You freeze when you like, and even when you don't like, go ahead and freeze...


John Conley
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BiaB does not allow you to specify which drum fills it uses. It re-composes every part throughout when you push the generate button. You can become more laissez-faire about your arrangements, or choose a different style.

But can't you re-compose a narrow range of measures in RealBand? You could recompose the bad measure there until you hit something that sounds better.


I have often created a new MIDI style just by deleting patterns entirely (usually over-energetic drum fills and corny bass licks) in the Stylemaker. You might try that. It's a bit of a learning project, but you quickly end up with a permanently usable style that don't hurt your feelings. And you gain useful style-editing skills.

Last edited by allis; 01/03/13 02:33 PM.

Larry
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Yep its' all a learning curve.

So by hitting the GenPlay button, it toggles through a limited list of styles within your chosen Realtracks for your song. Is it a prefixed amount like 3x or 4x different sytles or is it just down to what BIAB decided to do at the time for each RealTrack? IE some could have 2x styles and some others 8x?

Thanks for the Freeze info, I had no idea.

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The RealStyles are a closed book to users. Everything in each one depends on what they did at the time they created it. If you don't like it, try a different style.

With the MIDI styles at least, you can pry them open, look about, combine with other styles, and change all things. RealStyles enthusiasts sometimes seem to find it hard to understand why some continue to use MIDI styles. This high degree of control is one of the reasons.


Larry
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You hit the button, only Peter knows for which styles you get variations. I think it's a lot. But in the drums not so much. So when you like it freeze it.

RealTracks is another thing. I don't really use it, but you can have 4 drum tracks there, and then have them spliced or cut in and out at measure x etc. It allows WAY more control, if that's what you really want.

When you hit the button again you get a new variation, unless you froze a track and that stays static.
Or freeze the whole thing.

I find, that for practice purposes, I like most of the stuff and it serves it's purpose. My timing is forced to 'right' and I don't get quite so bored. And I'm playing horn or keys so I can come in and out. Change to 4 verses or 7, or put it in a loop or just play the same thing over and over.

It's dependant on your intended use. If you are shooting for a big contract, then REalBand is probably the way to go, and what to learn. Mix and match more, and use song shift and other stuff to enhance your tracks.

I'm a quick and dirty guy.


John Conley
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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!

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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.

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