Band-in-a-Box® for Windows Version 2018 (504), Release 1 RealBand Version 2018 (3)
When I open a SGU file it converts the BB tracks to normal tracks and loses the bar settings for volume changes.
Try to reenter them in the RB chord chart and they have no effect. Which probably makes sense because there aren't any BB tracks. However, opening the RealTracks panel from the Bar Settings panel and it says there aren't any RealTracks. All tracks are actually RealTracks though.
Is this a bug or is it a trick I am missing?
Is the only option to use volume automation?
Thanks.
Tim
EDIT:
IF you reenter the bar settings in RB and then select Generate/Regenerate All it seems to work ok.
Last edited by BigSugarHopkins; 12/15/1704:02 AM.
Band-in-a-Box PlusPAK Upgrade (2018) on Windows 10 Live instruments: Schecter Solo-6 Custom, Fender Mustang III v2.
Yes as above if I OPEN a sgu/mgu in Realband the first 8 tracks are BB tracks. You can change them to non BB tracks by right clicking on the Track at the bottom of the list you will see an option to covert to normal tracks.
Are you sure you are not importing your file in this case any imported say midi tracks Will go to track 9 and upwards clear of the fist 8 BB tracks. Just a thought. Mike
Thanks for the feedback. I did some more testing and took screenshots. I added captions to the screenshots so I hope they explain the context okay. The RB_tracks image only shows a link but you can right-click on the image name link and open in a new tab for a better detail view.
If I recall correctly, in 2016 and 2017 versions. Opening an SGU in RB from BiaB would load the tracks in the first 8 RB slots. Then you could use the convert to normal tracks option once you were ready to save to a SEQ file. Well, that was my workflow.
In the screenshots you can see that my original complaint of the bar settings not importing, in fact imported just fine with this song. However, my drum track is missing completely.
All the BB tracks are RealTracks. So where did the MIDI come from on the Piano and Guitar tracks?
I went back and checked the original file that caused me to post here and it still does not import the bar settings. The chord settings are okay. It also shows the same results in not showing the BB tracks as BB tracks but does add MIDI on some tracks.
There seems to be some real inconsistencies in opening SGU files in RB at this point. I hope they can fix and/or document these "features" as I really like the integration between BB and RB and is one of the reason I use BB.
Last edited by BigSugarHopkins; 12/16/1711:41 PM.
Band-in-a-Box PlusPAK Upgrade (2018) on Windows 10 Live instruments: Schecter Solo-6 Custom, Fender Mustang III v2.
First of all, I thought that was suppose to be normal behavior, because it's been puzzling me what the BB tracks are even for. I understand that I'm new, but I was wondering why sometimes the BB tracks are not being generated in the BB slots?
Windows 10 build 16299 2018 Ultra Intel i5-3550 @ 3.3GHz p8z77-v pro RAM: 32GB Roland V-Studio 100 Alesis VX49
In RB, when you open a BB file (in my experience), the first 8 are reserved for BB MIDI and RTs get added as needed further down. The MIDI track can contain a RealChart, and here I think I get those generated at the very bottom of available tracks (last) which is different than some.
In my workflow, I always just make the BB tracks regular tracks right away so I can generate each one as I see fit easily (section by section or track by track).
In RB, BB track act more like the tracks in BB, in that you can easily generate all the BB tracks at once for a new rendition. You can't do this with 'Regular' or MIDI tracks; those have to be done one at a time in RB. But if they are BB tracks (blue) they can all be regenerated at once.
RB still makes you specifically ask for it to do that, instead of just doing it when you hit Play (and it also has to regenerate everything before it starts to play). This is what makes BB faster/better for some stuff. BB starts playing before it is done regenerating, so it is faster for the user. RB will finish regenerating before it starts playing.
Last edited by rharv; 12/18/1702:24 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Thanks for all of the tips and hints. However, the two fundamental questions haven't been answered and I believe this is because it is a bug. This was not the behavior of previous versions.
When opening an SGU in RB, the bar settings aren't retained. Chord settings are retained.
When the tracks open they are not brought in as BiaB tracks, They appear below the 8 BiaB track slots.
Can anyone confirm this behavior in RB 2018?
So, should I file this as a bug report?
Band-in-a-Box PlusPAK Upgrade (2018) on Windows 10 Live instruments: Schecter Solo-6 Custom, Fender Mustang III v2.
I would suggest contacting support about Bar settings, especially if you can provide examples. As for the tracks loading where they do, this is what I see, and I think this is also still buggy, but mine is a bit different. I get 'RC' charts after the others at the bottom .. your RC tracks seem to be up in the BB tracks. (RC seems to be RealCharts but I don't see any good reference to be sure) At least your RC tracks seem to show the associated RT in the name .. mine just show up with minimal labeling, and in a different location (see below).
Both of us get RTs listed after the 1st 8 BB (MIDI) tracks, but like I said, once in RB I usually discard the 'BB Tracks' feature right away, so I don't really notice the Bar Settings in RB. My track order when I Open an SGU file in RB is below
Hope that helps.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I would suggest contacting support about Bar settings, especially if you can provide examples. ... Both of us get RTs listed after the 1st 8 BB (MIDI) tracks, but like I said, once in RB I usually discard the 'BB Tracks' feature right away, so I don't really notice the Bar Settings in RB. My track order when I Open SGU file RB is below
Hope that helps.
I sincerely appreciate the hints and feedback.
Yeah, comparing what we are getting seems to point to some serious inconsistencies. Sometimes I am even missing a drum or bass track when I open the SGU. :-(
I'll contact support referencing this thread.
Thanks.
Band-in-a-Box PlusPAK Upgrade (2018) on Windows 10 Live instruments: Schecter Solo-6 Custom, Fender Mustang III v2.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
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!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
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!
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.