All right. This stupid bulletin board just erased my post because I pushed the button to preview it. Now I'm angry. It's very like BIAB. THe commands either don't work or sabotage your work.
What is the relationship between the Soloist button and the soloist bar on the mixer?
How does the Select Soloist box work?
I go to select soloist, and select a style and an instrument. I set the solo to begin on bar 8 of chorus 1 of 3 and generate 8 bars. The instrument appears in the soloist bar on the mixer. The song plays with the solo starting at bar 8 of chorus one and continues to play for the rest of the song.
I decide to change instruments, so, back to the select soloist dialog box, choose a different instrument. But the new instrument does not show in the mixer, the original one does. Nevertheless, a new solo generates with the new instrument, but again ignoring my direction to solo for a specific range of bars. I go back and erase the soloist track. Now the track is empty but the mixer still shows the first instrument.
Are the Soloist and the Soloist track even the same thing? If so, why are there two menus? If not, how are conflicts avoided? Why is there any overlap at all?
Why isn't there some simple way to find out the various assignments, what soloist is playing what instrument, at a glance, measure by measure? All the mixer tells you is what instrument you originally chose, which information is inaccurate as soon you as you change the instrument. Meanwhile you may have added several, and specified various passages for them to use. But where is this information stored in a form convenient to the user?
That's very strange behaviour with the forum, I have never lost a post by pressing preview (and I use it a great deal). Even now I sometimes find it confusing that the preview appears below the text window!
Anyway ... I appreciate your confusion. Because use of the names, "Soloist" is confusing. The names were relevant when BIAB was midi-based auto-accompaniment software. With the passage of time, and the introduction of Realtracks, it's less easy to see what the two things are, now.
Firstly, "Soloist" on the mixer.
This relates to a track. Just like BIAB has Bass, Drum, Piano, Guitar, String tracks it also has a track for melody and a track for solos: these tracks are called "Melody" and "Soloist". I personally think of each of these seven tracks as a 'slot' to house various instruments and note patterns.
Although it's possible to generate Realtrack instruments in the Melody and Soloist tracks, they were primarily used with BIAB as a track to house a midi melody or a midi soloist. The midi information on these tracks is saved when a song is saved.
Secondly, the "Soloist" button.
The lower of the two options, "Open Soloist Dialog", allows you to choose between either midi solos or Realtrack solos. Any solos selected in this window will be added to the "Soloist" track for playing (hence the common name).
If you choose to have a midi solo, then there are many styles that you can have the solo generated in. This is an advanced feature of BIAB.
If you go to the following link and scroll down the page, you'll find a video on using the Soloist (midi solo generator) and Melodist (midi melody generator). I suggest you use the wmv video.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
TomDentist...."How do the Soloist and the Soloist work?"
The same...the same.
And as far as what is "very like BIAB" it has been and remains the best software for its intended purposes on planet Earth...BY FAR.
Doesn't mean it is perfect or cannot be made better...but if there is a better program, I suggest you use it.
As far as "this stupid bulletin board" is concerned...A) It isn't a bulletin board, it is a forum and B)it is one of THE best forums of its kind on planet earth and is almost unique in that insulting remarks by its members are very much frowned upon instead of being normal as they are on most other forums.
TomDentist...."How do the Soloist and the Soloist work?"
The same...the same.
And as far as what is "very like BIAB" it has been and remains the best software for its intended purposes on planet Earth...BY FAR.
Doesn't mean it is perfect or cannot be made better...but if there is a better program, I suggest you use it.
As far as "this stupid bulletin board" is concerned...A) It isn't a bulletin board, it is a forum and B)it is one of THE best forums of its kind on planet earth and is almost unique in that insulting remarks by its members are very much frowned upon instead of being normal as they are on most other forums.
. The Soloist part and the Soloist generator are 2 very different functions. It is unfortunate that they have the same name.
Think of it historically. Many years ago, BiaB had 6 players: Bass, Piano, Drums, Guitar, Strings and Melody. The Melody part was to be written by you, the user. All the other parts were generated by BiaB based on chords and other info.
Then they decided to add a second melody track. This was called the Soloist. Like the melody, it was meant to be written by the user.
Then, years later, they added a new function that would actually create a solo automatically based on chords and other info. This was a great addition. They gave it the same name as the Soloist part, which is confusing. The 'new' soloist generator is what you get when you click the yellow button with the "S" on it.
Last edited by flatfoot; 12/18/1308:42 PM.
Flatfoot sez: Call me when 'Talent-in-a-Box' is ready to ship! -- [8{>
. The Soloist part and the Soloist generator are 2 very different functions. It is unfortunate that they have the same name.
Think of it historically. Many years ago, BiaB had 6 players: Bass, Piano, Drums, Guitar, Strings and Melody. The Melody part was to be written by you, the user. All the other parts were generated by BiaB based on chords and other info.
Then they decided to add a second melody track. This was called the Soloist. Like the melody, it was meant to be written by the user.
Then, years later, they added a new function that would actually create a solo automatically based on chords and other info. This was a great addition. They gave it the same name as the Soloist part, which is confusing. The 'new' soloist generator is what you get when you click the yellow button with the "S" on it.
I know it's been stated before, but it kinda would be good if these were given a better naming convention. Matter of fact I really thought this would have happened for 2014. These tracks should be able to have a user defined name, which is saved with the song. I can have Trombone playing on a track called "Piano", and Accordion playing on a Track called "Bass".
I know how it all started, but I'm sure this all still causes confusion, especially for new users.
I'll add this to the wish list, maybe 2015 (?) Regards Video Track
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
I like that idea but it might take a major rewrite of BIAB to cover all of the references to the instrument tracks, such as Bar Settings, RT's, etc. Perhaps just numbering them as in most DAW programs or RB would work better, although for a great majority of my songs a bass goes in the Bass track, drums in the Drum track, etc.. Maybe it will happen in 2015 or even just a regular update patch. Definitely add it to the wish list.
[quote=flatfoot]. it kinda would be good if these were given a better naming convention.
These tracks should be able to have a user defined name, which is saved with the song. I can have Trombone playing on a track called "Piano", and Accordion playing on a Track called "Bass".
I have asked for that for years ...
Also, I think one of the O/P's observations is correct that I have experienced also - the file name with the instrument only keeps the original solo instrument name. It doesn't change even if another instrument is selected afterward.
Tom I kinda agree that your caustic comment about "just like Biab" concerning the forum was a little snarky because nobody including me has ever reported losing a post because they hit the Preview button. If you have to comment about losing a post in the Forum just say that and that's it.
If you think Biab isn't perfect try visiting the Cubase forum some time.
However I completely agree with you that this Soloist thing needs to be clarified. I've complained about this since the first Real Tracks Soloists first came out. That Soloist window that opens up when you hit the Soloist icon is midi only yet you have this completely different Soloist coming from the Real Tracks. People will spend time in the Soloist window setting stuff up like the soloist will use a percentage of the melody to create the solo but the person is using a RT soloist and that has no effect. Someway, somehow these two things need to be consolidated under one Master Soloist function.
And the Track Names thing? Ditto, ditto and another ditto.
There are some things with this program we all have simply learned to live with.
Put stuff like this in the Wishlist forum. You'll see all of it there already so just add your name to the list.
Yes, I agree that the Soloists buttons launches a "MIDI" oriented Soloist dialog, and that is for historical reasons. But, we did change it, so that it first launches a menu, where the default (first choice) is a RealTracks only option. So that to get to the MIDI one, you are bypassing that, and choosing the older Soloist dialog.
In that older Soloist dialog, #1 Soloist is the first one we made, in 1995. #361 is the first RealTracks we made (2007). Anything higher than 361 is RealTracks (with the exception of some MIDI SuperTracks, which are the MIDI equivalent of RealTracks, and are highlighted in blue).
If you like Realtracks, choose the first option on the menu, which says "Best RealTracks Soloists", and you will see a menu of best soloists, sorted by relevence to your current tempo, and feel (swing vs even ) and genre (pop, country, jazz).
.Then, years later, they added a new function that would actually create a solo automatically based on chords and other info. This was a great addition. They gave it the same name as the Soloist part, which is confusing. The 'new' soloist generator is what you get when you click the yellow button with the "S" on it.
OK, but the solo that gets generated goes into the soloist track, right?
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.
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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
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
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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)
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!
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!
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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!
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!
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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