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 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, 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; 12/18/1309:42 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 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, 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® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean