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Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 25
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 25 |
Hi - as a new BIAB user, I'm intrigued by the software; it looks very good. For those who've been using it for years, an important question:
What would you do over again, knowing what you now know, if you were starting w/BIAB for the first time?
Any lessons learned, for getting up to speed quickly? Things you'd have avoided/skipped doing, if you could do it all over again? Easiest road to BIAB mastery?
thanks!
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Joined: Mar 2004
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Welcome to the forum.
I would not do anything different and what I did was "jump in with both feet" made some mistakes, gots lots of help here on the forum and had a lot of fun doing it . . . and I still am.
Regarding mastering the software . . . for what I use it for, live gig tracks, while not mastered I do have a good grip on what I want and how to get it. But mastering the software as a whole I am not sure anyone (some may be closer than others) has mastered the software in it's entirety.
PS: You might want to post this on the off topic forum.
Later,
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Joined: Jul 2000
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The way I started 20 years ago might still be relevant. I took a lead sheet of music I knew very well, keyed it in, and tried different things until I liked the way it sounded. In other words, start with a project where you will know when you are satisfied. Once you begin to get familiar with the software, you can start working with originals and creative arrangements.
Although this worked for me, everyone learns differently. Just jump in.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
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[quote.... PS: You might want to post this on the off topic forum. Later,
TBH, and with all respect I think this IS the perfect forum for it  . The OP is asking for tips about getting up and running..Not off topic afaiac 
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Joined: Jul 2000
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By the way, perhaps the major advantage a new user has now that many of us did not have, is the great video tutorials.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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Quote:
By the way, perhaps the major advantage a new user has now that many of us did not have, is the great video tutorials.
I bought the videos but found them a bit dated and focused on stuff I was not interested in. Wish they would do some newer ones. All the other advice like "jump in" is spot on! Matt's tip about starting with a song you know is an excellent one.
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Joined: Jan 2011
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Quote:
The way I started 20 years ago might still be relevant. I took a lead sheet of music I knew very well, keyed it in, and tried different things until I liked the way it sounded. In other words, start with a project where you will know when you are satisfied. Once you begin to get familiar with the software, you can start working with originals and creative arrangements.
Although this worked for me, everyone learns differently. Just jump in.
Great suggestion, thank you.
BIAB 2013
MacBook Pro 17"
2.5 GHz Intel Core i7
Mac OS X 10.8.4
Logic X
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Joined: Apr 2013
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OP
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thanks so far, good ideas... re videos, it would be great to see some new ones, with both "quick start" and advanced topics covered; the current ones are helpful, and there's some on youtube that are good.
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Quote:
I bought the videos but found them a bit dated and focused on stuff I was not interested in. Wish
I thought the same thing about my music teacher and his method of teaching when I was a kid and man oh man I am sorry now. 
Later,
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Quote:
Quote:
I bought the videos but found them a bit dated and focused on stuff I was not interested in. Wish
I thought the same thing about my music teacher and his method of teaching when I was a kid and man oh man I am sorry now.
Later,
The newest video in the package I purchased just a few months ago was from 7 years (or approximately 14 versions) ago. And some of the files are as old as 1994. Correct me if I'm wrong but BIAB has probably changed a good deal since 2006!
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 04/22/13 03:37 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2013
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OP
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Posts: 25 |
agree some up to date tutorial videos would be helpful; also step by step walkthroughs, like "here's how to set up a 'trading 4s' jazz track with tenor sax RealTracks in the key of C", or "here's how to copy over and enter chord changes from your favorite songbook into BIAB", or "here's how to import and adapt a MIDI file to use in BIAB - advanced tips" .. etc.
it's a great program, just a bit overwhelming at times for us first-time users, since there's so much functionality and features... I've stumbled around in it a bit, like most new folks have; some step by step walkthroughs where you explain, and have text onscreen like "Step #1: __" etc would help. I'm very tech savvy, still getting ones' head wrapped around the universe of BIAB from scratch, to using it regularly in music practice, takes time. It's worth it, so I'm eager to get up to speed... thx pgmusic for creating a great program.
Last edited by kenjazz; 04/23/13 04:12 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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A cautionary word, Kenjazz:
This program is more addictive than heroin. Once you start to get familiar with it, you will ignore your family, lose your job, stop eating regularly, and spend long hours locked away in a small dark room huddled over a keyboard with headphones on. Later, should you survive, you may be found wandering the streets aimlessly, mumbling things like "pushes.....holds....pushes....holds..."
Consider yourself forewarned.
Regards,
Bob
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Joined: Apr 2013
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OP
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lol thx... agree it's a great program... very unique and it works well. told the wife to pardon my missing hours...
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Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4 |
I'm a 7 year user of BIAB, and I did the same thing. Started with music I know, keyed it in, then started to try things. I still do that for songs that I want to do, and not sound like the cover, or with songs that I want to learn first before introducing them to my band. Makes the learning curve very short!
Dave Clelland
Avon, IN.
From another BIAB brother,
Dave.
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Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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eddie1261
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eddie1261
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The topic of this forum says "Post your own tips and tricks". That's why it was suggested to put it elsewhere. This is for GIVING tips gathered by experience with the software. His question could have gone completely unnoticed by users who have no tips to offer and thus do not visit, possibly one with the answer to his question.
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Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,445
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My biggest mistake was not joining the forum until 6 or 7 years after I first purchased BIAB. I thought the forum was a "Boys Club", and was very dubious about how I would be accepted.
How wrong I was.
The people on this forum are the nicest, most helpful people you would ever want to know. No matter how dumb your question may be (and I've posted some doozies )everyone is patiently happy to help you through.
Cheers,
Keith
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Joined: Dec 2003
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A cautionary word, Kenjazz:
This program is more addictive than heroin. Once you start to get familiar with it, you will ignore your family, lose your job, stop eating regularly, and spend long hours locked away in a small dark room huddled over a keyboard with headphones on. Later, should you survive, you may be found wandering the streets aimlessly, mumbling things like "pushes.....holds....pushes....holds..."
Consider yourself forewarned.
Regards,
Bob +1 on what Bob said. My wife has learned that I hibernate for several months after each new release of BIAB and doesn't expect to see my face for awhile. Just in time for the next release. She calls herself a BIAB widow. I read the manual completely through ONCE then filed it away under "miscellaneous". I am a a very poor book learner but most comfortable "hands-on" so I jumped in with both feet. That was over twelve years ago. If I should experience difficulties, the forums are a treasured resource. The staff at PG Music are the most wonderful and responsive folks you could ever hope to meet. They treat you as family. Welcome to these forums. I agree that this question could have been better answered in another forum but it's not a Cardinal or Blue Jay sin.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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I'd not change a thing. I downloaded my first biab 7 years ago. I played around with a few chords on a mini midi keyboard and got hooked. I'd wonderful fun going through all the styles which were all midi then of course. I had various soft synths which I played around with, and it really helped me to get the music bug back in my heart again
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Joined: Apr 2013
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OP
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thx Graham... hey quick question any tips on setting up a mini midi keyboard to play thru BIAB? I've got a micro Korg (great btw), and can set up a softsynth to play via my cakewalk sonar, havent' figured out yet how to use it as an input device to playback a softsynth via biab, if that's possible?
thx..
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We just jumped in 18 months ago. I was drawn to the software after reading about RealTracks. For us it was a short learning curve. Throw the chords in, pick the RealTracks, generate the tracks, move the tracks to the DAW and have fun cutting and pasting up a band. We're probably using less than 10% of the power of the program (no Midi, etc.,) but it works extremely well for what we need. Some folks complain about the menu structure, etc., but I've found it to be fine. I've had virtually no problem finding and using the features that I need. And I've not really found a need to resort to "help" or to the manual. So, I say jump in a look around, click on things, and have fun.
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
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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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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!
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- 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
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
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XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
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All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 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 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 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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