Callie posted this as #Tip Tuesday in the BIAB forum. She wrote
Quote:
You can put multiple drum parts, percussion, loops, and even RealTracks on the same Drums track with Band-in-a-Box® 2017 for Windows! To do this, click on the Drums track button and go to Multi-Drums | Edit-Multi Drums for this song.
and I replied
Quote:
I have tried that technique but the only way to "mix" the tracks is by a little button in which the user can change the dB of the track. Also when I drag and drop to my daw everything on that track is pre-mixed. I personally NEVER use each track "as is" so cut and splice would then be impossible on these mixed tracks. If however the tracks were able to be drag and dropped separately, that would be an improvement. Also one cannot mix say halftime and normal play on one track or use volume change settings for each track as in Bar settings F5.
It is written in the manual that it is possible to have up to 10 audio files running on each BIAB track meaning 70 audio tracks as a theoretical maximum. SO it could then be theoretically possible to increase the number of tracks available in BIAB. (I have no idea of the skills in programming.)
I cannot get my head around RealBand as I have used Steinberg programmes before I discovered BIAB for the Atari (What a wonderful day that was laugh ) So an increase in tracks would be excellent or, as 2 instances of BIAB can run at the same time, have the ability to have those 2 versions run in sync; one master, one slave.
What do people think? I also mention ReWire en passant
Having two occurrences of BiaB open and playing the same song project together with one occurrence as master and the second occurrence as slave is an interesting idea. I agree that is one way of providing a higher song project track count.
I don't agree with the idea though because I believe implementing the idea would make BiaB less stable and more crash prone.
For the last year or so I've really appreciated the effort PG Music has made to make BiaB more stable. So far in 2017 it appears PG Music is continuing to find and fix bugs and glitches so the program is less likely to crash. I believe your suggested method of raising the song project track count would hinder the stability effort.
On a related note, Peter Gannon did post that PG Music is working to integrate Rewire functionality in Band-in-a-Box so I expect to see the feature in a future update or edition.
Yes the MultiDrums just pre mixes all the tracks to one stereo track, best to wait for ReWire implementation, or ReWire RealBand/PT ReWireVST is not working correctly in BB (shame) but good in RB.
I'm still looking for another VST wav player to give BB more tracks, so you can just drag the tracks from BB DROP into the VST track, something like this:
Thanks for replying Jim and your input. re stability; I find BIAB extremely stable (XP)latest build and if it crashes I can usually work out what I did wrong. But then I don't record audio or midi in the programme and have no personal interest in printing anything. Last year I had 2 instances of BIAB open and I clicked regenerate on the one in focus and when that started so did the other one, but not in sync. Didn't happen again but I spent a bit of time seeing if I could sync the 2 together but failed.
2 instances however did run at the same time but what a mess Both BIABs were in DAW mode and visible equally on my 48" monitor, one, the 1st one to play, with an extra bar at the start to give me time to count and press play on the 2nd one at the start of bar2 of the 1st. SO that gave me the idea of 2 in sync. Both played with no problem but sounded like the 1st band I was in; ie everybody playing at different times
I qualify my next remark by saying I know nothing about programming but if BIAB had the ability to produce and read, say, MIDI clock, for example, this could be possible surely.
re the multiple drum tracks: It is pointless IMHO to have the ability to "Multi-track" if there is no ability to mix/remix the tracks after they leave BIAB.
RTs have the medley feature with the ability to change RT at certain points or have them all run together. But this time no little dB box to do a vague mix.
Also it is written that the theoretic limit of tracks in one instance of BIAB is 70; 10 on each track. So, again IMHO, 14 tracks,2 instances of BIAB in sync, could be achievable. Or have a simple mixer "pop up" when adding more tracks to one instance and then ALL tracks able to be exported separately.
BUT all this aside BIAB is a totally unique programme and I could NOT live with out it.
I found one that works to give more tracks in Biab, it will follow the looped section/play/stop/pause to the host. energyXT 1.4 in the forum it says it's abondonware. DropBox energyXT14VSTPlugin.zip
The newer version energyXT 2.6 don't work in BB if PG fix this you can buy the newer version. http://www.energy-xt.com/download/26/energyXT26VST.zip there is no contact or support reply from any of the the email addresses. I purchased it but the download was an old 2.6 standalone version and would not register 1.4
Load energyXT.dll into midi track plugin slot or energyXTE.dll into audio Track Effects slot Set your 32 bit vst folder, you can also Browse to a vst and drag it into the chain window then connect it (left click to disconnect) Add a Sequencer, double click to open it Add Audio or Midi track, if you want to add FX to a track, in the main chain window click on the "1" to add EQ or VST Click on the "C" and drag to pan track Double click the VST name to bring up GUI Tracks drag straight in from DROP WAV/MIDI In Options Sync Mode > External To be able to save the session right click chain window at the bottom Install License File > massiva.key
All of this thread points to a suggestion I have made many times. That is open up all 16 tracks to the user. For those that like it as is an A/B switch would be the answer, much like the new verses the old GUI.
Wouldn't it be nice to have 16 tracks to add whatever you wanted? No more work-a-rounds. YMMV.
Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Definitely would give needed flexibility for many users. +1
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.
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.