|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
My Favorite Things
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 877
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 877 |
At the risk of sounding snooty, I'm often puzzled, and sometimes even a little astonished, when I see certain styles requested in the Wishlist forum. While I use BiaB for instructional purposes pretty much exclusively, I love messing around with various settings, tracks, styles, and functions, and have found myself blown away time and again at the sheer genius of this program and its algorithms. The thing is, if you just pick a style type in a few simple tri-tone chords and some sevenths thrown in, then, IMO, you're gonna get anything that sounds more than lukewarm backing track unless you really work with the pushes, shots, holds, and refrain from having all the instruments playing for the entire song's duration. I think one of the reasons for this is that the styles almost sound TOO good--in that you can't really hear what each individual track is capable of…with its shots, pushes, holds and different phrase selections (which are selected by the program based on how long each a phrase is to play), which notes you gave it to work with, whether you have a melodist or soloist Realtrack generated using information from a MIDI track, and so many more parameters having such an astonishing wealth of possibilities I could go on about it forever. Just to demonstrate the adaptability of styles once you work with them, I have uploaded a medley of soloists jamming over MIDI data extracted from a melodist generated track based on Hotel California. You have new age piano, Celtic mandolins and fiddles, jazz guitar and trumpet, and a resonator slide guitar track. There's also an accordion track and MIDI synth vibes and bass and guitar. This was just something I did on a lark a while ago, and I didn't even do a shred of tweaking in Realband that would have taken this even further. Link: https://soundcloud.com/user-423212678/biab-jamming-hotel-california-inspired-solo/s-oehaAAnyway, I guess the point of this rant is to encourage everyone to read as much of the manual as possible, and above all experiment! There is so much you can do with tempos swaps, multi-drums, hybrid styles and all that good stuff this program has to offer. P.S. I am well aware that I have but a shred of the expertise that a lot of the veterans here have, so please forgive me if I came off as condescending. This post was originally conceived out of my surprise that there were so many requests for styles that are more than adequately represented in the current BiaB catalogue (at the same time conceding that many styles are almost entirely lacking…flamenco, marches, and Middle Eastern spring to mind…and no, loops don’t count as styles even though I love what you can do with ACID-ized loops in BiaB and it's one of my favorite features).
Last edited by DeaconBlues09; 03/28/18 02:14 AM. Reason: Correction: resonator with slide; not pedal steel
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My Favorite Things
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067 |
I don't think your post is at all snotty or condescending. I constantly see posts by folks I consider "power users" that essentially state "I didn't know that" or "I didn't know the program can do that". Simply put, the program is amazing.
Think of some of the different ways people use the program; create backing tracks, playlist media player, practice partner, music composition, print music scores, digital recorder and more I haven't thought of off the top of my head.
I strongly believe introducing 50 new features every year is both a blessing and a curse. New features are exciting and renews interest in the product. It also means the product is constantly changing so it becomes increasingly difficult to learn the program's capabilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My Favorite Things
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,620
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,620 |
Simply put, the program is amazing. That's so very, very true, Jim Every time I write a song in BIAB, I am honestly amazed at just how many tools Dr Gannon and his team have given me to work with. BIAB really does make making music a joy! And, to add to what you and DeaconBlues have already said, there's always something new, unknown and exciting to discover around the next corner! It's incredible software. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My Favorite Things
|
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414 |
There's some really good point in there, DeaconBlues09! We're stoked you enjoy the program as much as you do 
Cheers,
Deryk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My Favorite Things
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,885
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,885 |
Two things -- Maybe more --
Your comments make good and relevant points .
A personal tip I enjoy experimenting with that I learned while working with songs in the ACW, is to replace a chord with a variation chord taken from the triad of the major scale notes.
For instance if your progression has (D), every so often replace the (D) with an ( Asus) which seems to make the Biab engine choose from a different selection of phrases from what it uses from simply using the (D) repetitively.
Second, because a mixer track can have as many as 10 different instruments occupy the track, I often do a search for the session artist on that track and choose another RT or more by the artist using what turns out to be in most cases, the same instrument in a sometimes slight variation of the original track instrument which changes up the pace and pattern of my song beyond just what I get with inserting Part Markers. It is seamless to go between different RT's on a track between two or more instruments multiple times and can be as short as a single bar. That makes the track unique and different from what a normal track generation produces so a particular RT becomes unrecognizable as a Biab RT.
An extension beyond my two points: I enjoyed your "Hotel California" mashup and wonder what RT you used for the first solo guitar?
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 05/03/18 06:34 AM.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My Favorite Things
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 877
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 877 |
Hey Charlie,
First of all, I'd like to apologize for having taken so long to reply...things have been crazy busy for me at work right now, and I've barely had a moment to boot up my BiaB and review these forums in depth.
You bring up two excellent points. With regards to the first--I cannot agree more. In fact modifying the voicings to mimic and augment what the melody is playing can produce some stellar and unexpectedly unique results that sound nothing like the demo tracks of the RTs used to generate a composition. As for your second point, this is something I have come to really appreciate rather late in the game, and I urge all beginners to explore the various options available within your style set not only across instruments (as they "play well" together), and also, for instance, looking for variations available within brackets for the same instrument (e.g. [Bluesy], [Outside], [Simple], [Held]), and switching them at different points of your song for maximum effect.
As for the RT I used for the first solo; I'm terribly sorry but I do not recall the actual RT, and, (maybe because I saved the track as an SGU way back when ????) it only shows a single piano track I used in a multi-instrument style...and when I revisit the medley maker, it only shows that track in the first slot :-(
If you happen to know how I can restore that information, I'd be more than happy to oblige with the track number!
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My Favorite Things
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,885
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,885 |
No problem. Life happens and sometimes includes work.  I can narrow down the RT as well. I thought it worked quite well with the song and had given thought to play with it on my system. Regarding recovery, it's doubtful in BIAB but you came close. Had you tweaked the song in RB, RB makes periodic backups and you likely could have opened a backup to recover which instrument you used.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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!
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)
- 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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,389
Posts804,200
Members40,111
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean