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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I had BIAB 12 which I used to create some bass and drum tracks that I would pull into Cakewalk and build tracks from there. I recently upgraded to BIAB 2015.....wow! things sure have changed. I have watched all the videos and played around a bit but I am still climbing the learning curve. I am surprised there isn't a "newbie" section to this forum so that is why I am posting this here. I am working on a duet act with my SO and she plays keyboard and I play guitar/guitar synth. I want to make backing tracks that are mostly bass and drums with some added instruments to fill out the sound....don't want to go overboard so it sounds too fake. I have been using free midi files and many of them work okay but can't find all that I want.
Finally to my question what is the best workflow to make backing tracks for a cover tune? Import already done MIDI file or type in chords by hand? Use basic midi sounds to pick a style first?
Just interested in how the experienced BIAB user goes about creating backing tracks for cover tunes. I got the basic upgrade and it looks like I need to upgrade to the Mega any reason to get more than that for what I am doing?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,674
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,674 |
Honestly, if all you are doing is using BIAB as a glorified MIDI player to extract an already created bass and drum part, then I'm not sure why need BIAB at all.
You do realize that RealTracks sound great, but they won't play MIDI notes, because they are already recorded phrases.
And in the MIDI realm, the styles are the strength of BIAB, but they won't sound like the riffs in the song you are doing the cover for. Which brings you back to using BIAB as a glorified MIDI player.
Now, if you are looking for a more original sound, you can use BIAB to generate unique parts until you find something you like, and then enhance it with a MIDI melody or solo over which you have full control, as well as RealTracks and RealDrums, etc..
Maybe provide a little more information as to exactly what you are trying to accomplish. Are you looking for your cover songs to sound just like the original, or are you looking to put a more personal spin on them?
And by the way, BIAB will create the chord progression for you (not perfectly, but very close) when you import a MIDI file, assuming there are enough notes to establish the chord. It has to analyze the notes being played to figure out the progression. It does NOT have a database of progressions based on the song title.
Give us some more info and we can help you out.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2025/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
This all started when I was looking at the Digitech Trio which is a all in one pedal that uses BIAB to create drum and bass patterns. You play chords in and it "learns" the chords and builds a bass and drum part. Except for the entry method BIAB will do everything that the Trio will do and much more.
I am not looking for exact copies of the songs but don't want to venture off so far that it not recognizable. If all I use is bass and drums we will play the parts that make the song. It would be nice to add some embellishments like strings, pedal steel, etc. I have full version of SampleTank workstation so I have plenty of sounds. The Real tracks sound great and I can think of plenty of uses for them.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,290
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,290 |
Good question since using BIAB is all about establishing a "workflow".
Unfortunately, it is something you have to discover on your own. In my case as guitarist, I comp the chords to standard jazz tunes so I need at minimum bass and drum. The piano sounds always find a place in my mix since they are just to good to do without. I may switch to lead for the melody or solo and let the piano cover the chords for a bit. Then trading fours with a horn can add a nice touch.
I almost always enter the chords and adjust the arrangements.
Over the years I have had many "workflows". The discovery is half the fun.
Good luck.
BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I have been playing around with some simple tunes and I am loving what I can do with BIAB. The reason I went for the BIAB upgrade is I watched someone do Sultan's of Swing and the backing track done was really nice and with the proper lead lines and vocals. My expectations aren't for perfection just reasonably close. The other thing I noticed is the Real Tracks are really great. I got the standard upgrade but I went ahead and upgraded to the mega pak.....is it going to be painful to upgrade?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697 |
"I watched someone do Sultan's of Swing". I saw that video too, I thought it was an outstanding video. As for upgrades: http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htmor contact PG Music for a quick answer. The higher the upgrade, the more you get. DE
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Short term memory is getting shorter.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
OK I am about a month into this now and I have gone thru all the tutorials and bought the tutorial videos. I am getting pretty good results but I want to get better. Workflow wise it seems easier to build the song in BIAB then import it to RB? So here is the question: I was working on a specific song (Old Time Rock and Roll)and pretty much have it all together as it is only a three chord song. How would you guys handle the intro? I could record it as an audio file and then put it in at the beginning of the song. I can play the piano part with my guitar synth but I think if I added the notes with a bass that would keep me in time with the song start and wouldn't be that noticeable.
Is this easiest to do in RB? Also is there anyway to insert drum fills without putting in a part marker? For this song the intro is the most recognizable part after that what I have will work fine.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179 |
Is this easiest to do in RB? For my workflow; yes, most definitely. is there anyway to insert drum fills without putting in a part marker? Highlight the section in RB and regenerate to your hearts delight. Better yet, highlight it and generate new drum parts on another empty track until you get what you are shooting for. Or use the Multiriff feature to regenerate multiple takes at a time .. then choose what you want and cut/paste to fit. When in the 'generate selection' window pay attention to the options on the right side; sometimes more options are available than the standard A/B part marker offers, and can be implemented selectively here ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,121
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,121 |
I had BIAB 12 which I used to create some bass and drum tracks that I would pull into Cakewalk and build tracks from there. I recently upgraded to BIAB 2015.....wow! things sure have changed. I have watched all the videos and played around a bit but I am still climbing the learning curve. I am surprised there isn't a "newbie" section to this forum so that is why I am posting this here. I am working on a duet act with my SO and she plays keyboard and I play guitar/guitar synth. I want to make backing tracks that are mostly bass and drums with some added instruments to fill out the sound....don't want to go overboard so it sounds too fake. I have been using free midi files and many of them work okay but can't find all that I want.
Finally to my question what is the best workflow to make backing tracks for a cover tune? Import already done MIDI file or type in chords by hand? Use basic midi sounds to pick a style first?
Just interested in how the experienced BIAB user goes about creating backing tracks for cover tunes. I got the basic upgrade and it looks like I need to upgrade to the Mega any reason to get more than that for what I am doing? Just in case no one mentioned this; You can freeze your Biab instrument parts and they won't regenerate when you press the play button. If you have midi files that you like, you can simply use them or add in some Real Track parts or fills and play along with them on a gig. Once you've got your song where you like all the parts, freeze the tracks and save each as a file and it should be good to go on a gig. Good luck and YES, Biab 2015 is AMAZING now. Trax
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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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Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
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