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 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, 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 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB 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 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, 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 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB 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 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB 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 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, 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 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB 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; 08/05/1708:54 AM. Reason: Corrected Default Track Names
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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!
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This Free Bonus PAK includes:
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-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
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