I am working on my first BiaB song. I call it Look Up Ahead. I wrote the lyrics today. The song is Jazzy and I think my voice is sounding good with it. I think it has hope to be a keeper. I want to get some songs under my belt. That is a confidence builder to get me rolling.
Anyway hey I want to add some horns. Though I don't want it everywhere on my song. This won't be a masterpiece yet. Nothing tricky like you guys are probably doing. How do I just add it to one section? Lets say add this horn to Section 1a the intro only? I have this horn on my strings.
And can you add two or so solo instruments to one track? It would seem like there would be room for more instruments on that mixer. At any rate I saw some guy on youtube put an instrument to one second I think before. I will have to look for it.
One way is to put horns on a track and use the F5 key to mute and un-mute them. I would think doing it in RB is better as you can generate whole track and keep regenerating just that Intro bit ( for example) until you get a Take that you like. HTH Ian. And yes you can put Audio on a Biab track
Old Guys Rule.The older I get,the better I was! BB2023 ULTRA, 1013, Win 7 and 10
Great SixChannel, I got that now. I will use F5 often. I will have to mute and unmute these instruments. Seems like we would have room to put a few more instruments on that mixer though if we need them. I guess there is just 7. I think you can add more than one to each but you would have to mute whatever is there. I thought we were getting real good tutorials with our BiaB. Looks like some old tutorials. I want to get a song sounding good soon. I want one under my belt so to speak to I will build some confidence up. Get something accomplished. That means Words and Music sounding good. I am not saying anything real great or anything. Just a nice demo really. I found something real good to work with. One of the new styles.
Great SixChannel, I got that now. I will use F5 often. I will have to mute and unmute these instruments. Seems like we would have room to put a few more instruments on that mixer though if we need them. I guess there is just 7. I think you can add more than one to each but you would have to mute whatever is there. I thought we were getting real good tutorials with our BiaB. Looks like some old tutorials. I want to get a song sounding good soon. I want one under my belt so to speak to I will build some confidence up. Get something accomplished. That means Words and Music sounding good. I am not saying anything real great or anything. Just a nice demo really. I found something real good to work with. One of the new styles.
Yes - just 7 instruments. Often thats plenty but if you want more (and I've done a tune with 12 tracks) slide them over to RB and work in there. Go here for more info - http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=228990#Post228990 The Tutes may have the old GUI but the working and general "how to" is all valid. Looking forward to your first post in "Showcase" - some amazing stuff in there. HTH Ian
Old Guys Rule.The older I get,the better I was! BB2023 ULTRA, 1013, Win 7 and 10
I do this all the time.... I want instruments to come in and out in different sections of the song....
Simply listen to any of my songs and you will hear this happening throughout the song.
Use volume envelopes. Add the nodes manually and use that automation function to accomplish the job. I think Real Band now has node based automation. I don't use RB as my mixing DAW.... I use Sonar and this has been a feature there since I first got back into home recording about 8 years ago.
This song: The Best Christmas uses the volume envelopes on everything.... in the photo below, you can see where I used the envelopes, surgically placed, to envelope the piano fills you hear in the first verse of the song as well as the guitar and everything else further along. The guitar solo in the center of the song was enveloped from 5 different guitar tracks to make one solo. Listening, it simply sounds like one guitar playing a hot solo.
Hope this helps
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 12/22/1306:14 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I am working on my first BiaB song. I call it Look Up Ahead. I wrote the lyrics today. The song is Jazzy and I think my voice is sounding good with it. I think it has hope to be a keeper. I want to get some songs under my belt. That is a confidence builder to get me rolling.
Anyway hey I want to add some horns. Though I don't want it everywhere on my song. This won't be a masterpiece yet. Nothing tricky like you guys are probably doing. How do I just add it to one section? Lets say add this horn to Section 1a the intro only? I have this horn on my strings.
And can you add two or so solo instruments to one track? It would seem like there would be room for more instruments on that mixer. At any rate I saw some guy on youtube put an instrument to one second I think before. I will have to look for it.
Use the soloist Sly, it can do what you want.
1 open Soloist the big S button. 2 select a midi or realtrack instrument on left. 3 click on "custom round box" near bottom right side. 4 when you click on custom, box will open, select bar at what you want instrument to start playing and for how many bars. 5 you can do same thing again for different bars and have different instruments playing on same soloist track, though as far as I have tried you can't mix midi and realtrack instruments on same track.
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
Or right click and select Bar control, and select chorus # at the top, and on left below, click on the instrument to be muted or played wherever you've located the cursor...
Thanks for that important tip. I was muting on and off some horns on this song. But I think this custom setting is the most approprate. I just tried custom and added a horn. Though I didn't choose it so I really don't want it. But it worked at least. I guess I should have selected it first or it automatically found me something. How do I reverse it? I am trying to figure that out?
Thanks Dr. I appreciate it. I have a song that is sounding good. It really is coming along. I wrote the lyrics melody and it is sounding like a nice Jazzy song. But I want to copy this verse and paste it somehow below. Because I have a bridge there and it is coming too soon in the song. I just want to add another verse. I am trying to copy it and paste it below. I can't figure it out yet. I think I saw them do it on youtube. I am going to have to go search for these tutorials and save them so I can go back and check them out. BiaB has some old ones that come with it I think. They could be obsolete.
..;.But I want to copy this verse and paste it somehow below...
First use the Insert Bars command under the Edit menu to make the appropriate space on Chord Sheet for the number of bars you wish to copy, then copy and paste to that location.
I created more bars as you said. Then put the chords on it. So I am glad I am getting some things accomplished already. Gives me some confidence and makes me feel I am getting through the woods. I will keep workng on this song. Once I have something then I will work on some more ideas. I am not even using RealBand or any other DAW yet. Just using BiaB for now. Recording with Audacity singing with the the BiaB song I did. But after I get my Roland Audio Interface I might try it soon. But I think for now doing it like this and getting to know BiaB is good to get started. Thanks
I listened to your Christmas tune. Sounded good. Did you produce that in BiaB? Most of it? Then you took it to Sonar? Are those Envelopes you are talking about in BiaB or Sonar? I am getting a free Sonar version soon with my new Audio interface. I will see how that is. I should just take it slow and not get into the hype of these big time high tech DAW's. When I probably will be fine for a long time with the Limited version. I will see what happens. For now I want to focus on BaiB. Learn the fundamentals so I can accomplish a few things. Build up some confidence and enjoy creating a few good songs in it. I am interested in these envelopes. I think you are saying they are in Sonar.
You can do the same in realband Sly. Just a way to control volume as I understand it. Generate a realtrack in realband by selecting a track, right clicking and slect and generate a realtrack.
Then click on down arrow on track, it will expand, click on line in main tack window, put it a few nodes and drag and get them in right position for you to control volume.
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
the version of Sonar that comes with a audio interface is the LE version, and is pretty stripped down. It will do enough to make you want to upgrade, (kinda the point actually.
One of the reasons i like the Presonus interfaces, they at least supply the artist version of studio one it's only limitation is you can't use 3rd party VSTs. Not so bad when you realize they give you a full suite of Plugins even their fat channel strip.
Herb do you have X-3 yet?, i ask cause what you do with envelopes, in X-3 you can do with comping takes. If you have not watched their video on this it is very interesting for sure. This is also one of the main features of Studio One, that makes it so powerful. the ability to do several takes and just piece them together into the main track, and save.
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
I am working on my first BiaB song. I call it Look Up Ahead. I wrote the lyrics today. The song is Jazzy and I think my voice is sounding good with it. I think it has hope to be a keeper. I want to get some songs under my belt. That is a confidence builder to get me rolling.
Anyway hey I want to add some horns. Though I don't want it everywhere on my song. This won't be a masterpiece yet. Nothing tricky like you guys are probably doing. How do I just add it to one section? Lets say add this horn to Section 1a the intro only? I have this horn on my strings.
And can you add two or so solo instruments to one track? It would seem like there would be room for more instruments on that mixer. At any rate I saw some guy on youtube put an instrument to one second I think before. I will have to look for it.
Use the soloist Sly, it can do what you want.
1 open Soloist the big S button. 2 select a midi or realtrack instrument on left. 3 click on "custom round box" near bottom right side. 4 when you click on custom, box will open, select bar at what you want instrument to start playing and for how many bars. 5 you can do same thing again for different bars and have different instruments playing on same soloist track, though as far as I have tried you can't mix midi and realtrack instruments on same track.
Hope this helps you.
Musiclover
Hello, I'm new here with BIAB and tried to follow the instruction above,but got stuck after inserting the first soloist. I've put the first soloist into the intro (bar 1..4). How do I have to proceed with the next one eg. bar 5..20 and then bar 21..36 ....
Hi Sly, all methods mentioned above should work, as far as having more than one instrument in a track in BIB, the answer is not (I think), but you can use the "medley" option in the Real Track picker window and add several instruments that would play on each chorus or a given number of bars alternatively and yet they are in one track. Hope this help.
that's true for playing a soloist part by muting other instruments. I am referring to the post from musiclover (a bit up). When I open the Soloist menu where one can choose a solo for a specific range of bar. Now if I have chosen say bars 5-20 for one instrument how do I add another instrument for bars 21-35? Can't find the button to add a second instrument.
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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
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.
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!
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)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
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.