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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: 12,844
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
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 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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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: 12,954
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,954 |
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.
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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: 22,610
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,610 |
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: 5,163
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
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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XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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