I was looking @ the programming language of band in a box & real band they use delphi if they changed to c++ would get less errors and run smoother. They seems very outdated - looking on google most audio applications use c++ with better gui's and less bugs. There are programs that will convert 80% of delphi to c++. They could keep the existing band in a box how it is 32 for the older users that have been accustomed to it's interface for the last 20 years and make a new modern version that can be used like band in a box but in an audio workstation like real band in a new c++ 64 application. They seemed to be able to port it to the Macintosh ok so I do think they would be able to accomplish this sometime soon hopefully.
I didn't understand why the video link to a 1997 video on Generating Solos?
You mentioned
Quote:
There are programs that will convert 80% of delphi to c++.
Have you used these programs successfully (like 80% successfully)? No, I guess not.
Whatever development environment BiaB is produced in has no relationship to its output functionality. Most modern development systems - whether it is Pascal, Java, C++ or C# etc - are all capable of producing the same results, (well, maybe not Cobol...)
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
The output from the Delphi Compiler is just as compact and efficient as any C or C++ or C# compiler. Smooth running is a function of the programmer's effort.
BUT... to change from one language to another for a mature program is asking for trouble.
I know I am a programmer that uses Delphi primarily. It has grown up and kept on a technical level on a par with any other language.
Whatever development environment BiaB is produced in has no relationship to its output functionality. Most modern development systems - whether it is Pascal, Java, C++ or C# etc - are all capable of producing the same results, (well, maybe not Cobol...)
He he. I have been doing many things in COBOL but I wouldn't say that COBOL is modern. It is a nice language, quite speedy, quite comfortable to write and read but verbose. StylePicker and its fellow Pickers would probably be faster in COBOL and because of the file system the maximum number in the Style Picker would have never occured. But for the mathematical equations in the nusic files FORTRAN would be much much better.
Interesting topic. But, why would we end users be concerned with how or why the program is developed, programmed and compiled?
Because of the resulting size of the program and the speed it runs. The smaller the program the faster it loads. The more compact the code, the speedier the program is.
It is a [*****] to program, but written by very good programmers in Assembler the program would be much smaller and faster. The problem with third, fourth, fifth generation program languages (#GL) is that they are often very comfortable to use for the programmer but also create a lot of bulky overhead within the program. In Assembler you would have to program the GUI, in a 4GL you select the features and the appropriate module is loaded.
But in general: I don't care -- as long as my computer is fast enough and the necessary memory can be accessed.
(In the times when Bill Gates had said: "640 KB of memeory should be more than enough for everybody.2: The smallest program I've written in Assembler has had a size of 9 bytes. It gave back an errorlevel number indicating which key was pressed to control DOS batch programs. This program would have never been so small using another language except machine code.)
Interesting topic. But, why would we end users be concerned with how or why the program is developed, programmed and compiled?
Exactly! With today's fast computers and oodles of memory I have zero concern about what programming language PG might choose to use! No one would ever program a Windows application in assembler. Delphi, C++, who cares? Just get that GUI fixed! Better yet, get the whole thing converted to a VSTi that I can use in my DAW!
Well, I would say you have it backwards. Go onto your DAW's forum and ask them why can't they be a slave to Biab's host?
My point is DAW's along with Biab have always been master host programs. They're not designed to be slaves.
Bob
Baloney!:) there is no need to ask a DAW to support my Kontakt instrument library because it is already designed to a standard! if PG designed the RealTracks to be a VSTi it would become something universal that would work with any DAW!
The programming language has nothing to do with it, the Delphi compiler is quite efficient, what slows BIAB down is it uses a lot of resources which need to be loaded into memory. You could program it in Assembly language or even machine code for that matter it the increase in speed would be minimal. What it needs is a streamlining of the GUI to be less taxing on the system
""They could keep the existing band in a box how it is 32 for the older users that have been accustomed to it's interface for the last 20 years and make a new modern version that can be used like band in a box but in an audio workstation like real band in a new c++ 64 application. They seemed to be able to port it to the Macintosh ok so I do think they would be able to accomplish this sometime soon hopefully.""
Sorry was trying to emphasize for a new version but keep the old delphi32 biab for those existing users. The delphi just seems very dated to be still using so I did a list of what others are using for good reasons I would expect. C++ is simply portable to just about any platform and it seems everyone was complaining about the gui problems and syncing to other daw's and vst syncing. Sorry it was just something I had noticed.
I'm totally out of my depth here, but I'm curious. I read through the list and saw that all the "Brand X" programs used C/C++ except for Sonar, which uses MFC. What's that?
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
MFC is an object oriented library it stands for Microsoft Foundation Classes, Delphi uses it's own object oriented library "VLC" which stands for Visual Component Library, it's far more sophisticated than MFC and now delphi is focusing on a vector based library called Firemonkey that is used for cross platform development on Android and IOS.
The problem is not in the language or in the libraries; it's in the code efficiency and baggage. You can easily port Delphi to C++, since they are basically the same language aside from the syntax, but all you'll end up with is the same exact program running with code compiled from C++ instead of Object Pascal. Band In the Box was written back in the DOS days and ported to Windows, but for all intensive purposes it still operates like a DOS program. It reminds me of the earlier versions of AutoCad for Windows before they rewrote it to function like a windows program. One thing that would speed it up is to lose all of the unnecessary bitmaps and 3D bevels on the buttons and controls that not only eat up resources but make it look like a program out of the 1990s
It wouldn't be a total rewrite, unless the GUI code is mixed in with the analytical and music processing code.
Typically all of the GUI code should be in the units which contain the forms that use them and all of the non GUI code such as the music generation should be in separate units.
If everything is in one big main unit and the GUI elements are being accessed from within the procedures which do all of the musical functions then yes it would be quite an undertaking and a nightmare to maintain.
Band In the Box was written back in the DOS days and ported to Windows, but for all intensive purposes it still operates like a DOS program. It reminds me of the earlier versions of AutoCad for Windows before they rewrote it to function like a windows program. One thing that would speed it up is to lose all of the unnecessary bitmaps and 3D bevels on the buttons and controls that not only eat up resources but make it look like a program out of the 1990s
Thank you roslon for that - that's what I'm trying to convey - that's why that old video was posted. ""make a new modern version that can be used like band in a box but in an audio workstation like real band in a new c++ 64 application - and keep the existing band in a box how it is 32 for the older users that have been accustomed to it's interface for the last 20 years"" Maybe not tomorrow or the next day but sometime soon would be a good thing.
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
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!
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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