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.
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean