I ask these questions to understand well.... Are realtrack tracks not midi tracks? It's right? If I use realtracks the sound does not depend on the midi output driver,coyote, vst ecc but it is part of the realtrack? It's right? I'm a bit confused
RealTracks are audio, not MIDI. Think of them as snippets of audio (phrases from one to eight bars long), 'under control' of BIAB.
As audio, RealTracks play through whatever device on your computer all audio plays through (assuming you have this set in BIAB), like your CD player or YouTube audio. It has absolutely nothing to do with MIDI, MIDI drivers, and MIDI softsynths (VSTi) or hardware synths.
The beauty of BIAB is that PG Music figured out how to give us both MIDI and audio, and a lot more.
If this confuses you, ask your questions; we'll help you sort it out.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
As Matt said, yes, RealTracks are not MIDI at all, but audio files. BIAB has the ability to look at your chord progression, and then extract a portion of audio that corresponds to the various chords, and string them together in an audio performance. They will not follow any notes you might enter on the track, because they are not MIDI and don't do that. However, you may see notes on the track, but that's just a notation transcription of the underlying audio.
So, while you may not have note-for-note control over the RealTracks, they will play correctly according to your chord progression, with all the nuance of a real player, because they were actually recorded from a real player playing their instrument.
BIAB (and RealBand) let you mix and match RealTracks, RealDrums, and MIDI tracks all in one song. So you can use MIDI for a specific melody or riff, and RealTracks for accompaniment and what will sound like improvised solos. The thing you cannot do is mix both together on the same track. You can replace a MIDI track with a RealTrack on a specific track (and vice versa), but you can't start with MIDI, then switch to Real (and/or vice versa).
One thing to be careful of is the term "style". Some people call RealTracks styles (I guess because they sound "in the style of" some performer), but BIAB views styles as a collection of multiple tracks to create a "band" of players, if you will. The single track may be an electric guitar, but a style might have two electric guitars, a bass, drums, and a piano or some keyboard instrument defined. Styles can be all RealTracks (in which case they are called "RealStyles"), or a combination of RealTracks/RealDrums and MIDI tracks, or just MIDI tracks. What gets played back is determined by what kind of track it is. There are separate underlying "engines" for generating RealTracks, RealDrums, MIDI performances, and SuperMIDI tracks even use an engine different from standard MIDI performances.
Clear as mud?!?
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
Matt, your explanation was clear! I imagined it was so and this is wonderful and very magical the fact that BIAB is able to "control" these audio Realtracs. Also have songs with hybrid tracks, real and midi, is also very interesting.
jford, To me it's all clear what you said except what you said in your answer ... I do not understand ...
<<...However, you may see notes on the track, but that's just a notation transcription of the underlying audio....>>
So, Do I read exactly the notes that the real artist is playing?
And if I remake the realtrack track ... could this change? Be different? Does the controller create a different track release by keeping the artist patterns, and liks?
Not all RealTracks have notation. Of those that do, they may be generated by the performer and captured to MIDI, or they may be an approximation made by someone transcribing the sound (I've done some of this). Yes, when the track is regenerated, the corresponding notation will change.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
What Matt said; but just wanted to ensure there was no confusion about trying to change the notes and expecting the RealTrack to change as well. You can regenerate the RealTrack and the notes will change; however, changing the notes in the notation for a RealTrack will not change what the RealTrack plays. Changing notes for MIDI tracks will change what the MIDI plays; however, unless you freeze the track, the MIDI track will change the next time you regenerate.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
Dear friends, speaking of Realtracks again I have a question to ask: In a my song track ( my song ) I chose the Organ instrument. Now I would like this organ to be silent for the first 16 bars and in action only in part B of the song. I think that this can not be done as with MIDI tracks. It's true? Any workaround?
1) Use the "Rest command" to play everything except the organ track for the specified bars. This is easiest if you have your whole song laid out linearly (no repeats).
2) Set the volume of the organ track to zero for the places you want nothing to play using the F5 key. I'm not at my computer right now, so I cna't give you the step by step (without forgetting a few steps), so I'm sure someone will step in. However, you should be able to find the information you need in either the PDF user manual or in the help system.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
Could you maybe open the song in RealBand and just highlight and delete the first 16 bars of the organ track (in the Tracks view) and save the new mixed version?
Not an expert. Just my take on what I might do.
BIAB 2022 PLUSPAK (ext HD), 49PAKs, STYLESPAKs 1 - 6, Win 7 64bit PC, REAPER, Ozone, Adobe Audition CS6, EZ Drummer3 + EZ Keys,Soundcraft MTK22, Behringer X Touch Universal Controller,, SE Gemini/Rode NT2/Neumann/Shure mics
With F5 in BIAB, you can Mute a track at a point, as well as set the volume to zero. I generally do Mute because it's perhaps faster. Then F5, Unmute where needed.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
And conversely, I generally use the "rest" command to rest the instrument (at least since they implemented the "copy rests" command, so you don't have to enter it on every chord in every bar).
But both accomplish the same thing.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
All the explanations are clear .. but ..jford.. forgive me ... ah ah ... your explanation for the "rest command" is a little less clear ... Where is this command? How do you copy it?
There is one more fact to know. The F5 commands use first letter abbreviations for the default track names. As seen in the screenshot the default track names are: B = Bass, P = Piano, D = Drums, G = Guitar and S = Strings.
Band-in-a-Box has a checkbox option to change the displayed name of a track to the name of the instrument used in midi or RealTacks. For example if you place a banjo RealTracks into the Strings track the displayed track name changes from Strings to Banjo. This feature is enabled by default. But, the F5 commands still rely on the default track name abbreviations. It is EASY to forget the default track names while using the F5 commands therefore I suggest you uncheck this setting. Access the display track name setting by pressing "Ctrl + E" or "Options > Preferences ..." at the top of the screen to open the preferences window. Then make sure the "Display" button is pressed and remove the checkmark from "Auto-Generate Track Labels".
Last edited by Jim Fogle; 08/05/1707:54 AM. Reason: Corrected Default Track Names
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 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 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 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 21 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.
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