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I have been using BIAB for less than a year but find it to be one of the simpler music programs to use. Maybe I have an advantage on some people because of my background in music, but honestly its as easy as typing in the chords you want, add part markers for your chorus and verses, pick a style and it spits out an instrumental for your song. Granted you can get more creative and complicated if you want to, but that all comes with time and learning the program. As others have said, you get what you put into it. Also depending on what you are trying to do remember that BIAB is not necessarily the end all be all for your music productions. You can take what you want from it and add other real and vst instruments to really make a song your own.
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BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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My boss calls me "the computer".
Nothing to do with intelligence. I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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PG used to include printed manuals..... in fact, I have a few laying around here somewhere. But in today's world, 99% of the companies are putting the manuals on line as PDF.
That does actually make it easier to find what you need quickly.
I can't imagine printing the manual. 98% of the stuff in there you probably will never need to use or look up.
For me, in my business, I no longer carry huge installation manuals. I just look them up on line and save them in my phone. Huge space, weight, and time savings.
F1 gets me there in my DAW..... I don't remember the hot key shortcut for PG.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 05/02/18 03:25 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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I've got a folder with all my music related manuals in PDF format. For those that didn't have PDF files, I used software (Softany CHM to PDF Converter) to convert the .CHM help file to a PDF manual.
CTRL-F in the file makes finding things pretty easy, along with the table contents and/or index.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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PG used to include printed manuals..... in fact, I have a few laying around here somewhere. But in today's world, 99% of the companies are putting the manuals on line as PDF.
That does actually make it easier to find what you need quickly.
I can't imagine printing the manual. 98% of the stuff in there you probably will never need to use or look up.
For me, in my business, I no longer carry huge installation manuals. I just look them up on line and save them in my phone. Huge space, weight, and time savings.
F1 gets me there in my DAW..... I don't remember the hot key shortcut for PG. Herb, My v2018 for Windows came with a nice spiral-bound printed manual but I think OP objected to the small size ( 5.5 x 8.5" ) format and wanted 8.5 x 11. I would be happy to send the OP my own personal copy if he doesn't have one. OP, Just PM me with your mailing address.
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'Band in a Box is so easy to use' no it isn't - there is nothing easy about Band in a Box... Knowing how to do isn't always obvious or intuitive. But once you know how to do something, it's generally pretty easy. For example, I've used a number of different tools, and I find BiaB's chord entry method the easiest. For the most part, simple things are easy to do... if you know how. If you don't know how... BiaB can be maddeningly frustrating. I've been stuck for hours on various features - typically late at night - knowing that there was probably some way to fix the problem, but clueless where that option might be hidden in the byzantine interface. I always give up eventually, and I am not a stupid person and I don't give up easily.. Nor should you. PGMusic staff and forum users generally provide excellent support. If all else fails, ask for help.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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For me it was very refreshing to read your post because since I bought BIAB three months ago I have really been struggling with it and Like yourself, I am not a stupid person. I have the Megapak and recently bought the Ultrapak as it was on a special offer, however I have now returned it as I could easily spend more time working with BIAB rather than playing my chromatic harmonica and all I wish to do is create some backing tracks to accompany myself.
I wonder if it would be very difficult for PG Music to offer two versions of BIAB - the present, very complex one and a much simpler version for the many people who simply wish to have an accompaniment for their instrument.
Narayano
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Narayano, whatever version of BIAB you buy - Pro, Megapak, UltraPak, Audiophile - the base program is exactly the same! The only difference is the RealTracks and styles you get with it.
There have been similar comments to yours that show up from time to time in the Wishlist Forum, and feel free to make a post there. I worry a bit about offering a stripped-down version, but I do understand it can be complex to learn. Your other post about repeats is a good example of how to solve your problems: the answer turns out to be much easier than you thought, once you know how to do it. One of us is likely to know an answer, and if we users don't, PG Music has excellent free support.
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.
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What I need is an organized course, starting with fundamentals and step wise building on that. The tutorials would be fine if organized in a way to lead from a simple start to more complex tasks. Doesn't BiaB or someone offer that?
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Joanne Cooper (she's on this site under users) put together a 9 or 10 video series starting at step 1 basics and progressing to putting the song on an album. She charges a small fee, totally worth it. That's how I got started, although BIAB has so much more I don't even know about. But I can compose a song, pick a style, get the chords in, export it to a DAW, do the vocals or add myself playing or a lot of other things, save it as a wave file, export it to Audacity, so some further tweating and finally save it as an MP3. Send Joannne a private message on this site to see if she still has her online class available. If will definitely help you get started.
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What I need is an organized course, starting with fundamentals and step wise building on that. The tutorials would be fine if organized in a way to lead from a simple start to more complex tasks. Doesn't BiaB or someone offer that? Bob B, First welcome to the forum and to Band-in-a-Box. As previously noted user Joanne Cooper offers a +++ How To Make A Song With Band-in-a-Box +++ video series for minimal cost. Groove3 offers two video courses. There is the +++ Band-in-a-Box for Mac +++ series and the +++ Band-in-a-Box for Windows +++ . Both Joanne Cooper's video series and the Groove3 video series have received excellent reviews. I have the Groove 3 series and feel my money was well spent. I downloaded the individual videos and have them on my computer for reference.
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I appreciate that Matt and I am very grateful for the incredible help offered by yourself and others on the forum. It really comes down to a matter of time - I am learning to play the chromatic harmonica and although I appreciate that all problems are resolvable with forum help, I could easily find myself in a position where I am spending more time on BIAB than on learning the harmonica. And all I want is some fairly simple backing tracks to accompany myself with.
Again, my thanks for all the help that people so generously give.
Warm regards
Narayano
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<<< (1) " I could easily find myself in a position where I am spending more time on BIAB than on learning the harmonica." >>>
<<< (2) "all I want is some fairly simple backing tracks to accompany myself with." >>>
1. While that is certainly true, it's not the complete answer. First, it is only true for the short haul. Assuming all you want to accomplish is to create simple backing tracks, regardless of your current skill level, musical knowledge or any other hindrance other than a physical disability, you should understand the concepts and mechanics of creating a backing track in about 5 minutes and be completely proficient within a day by spending that first day concentrating on Biab input and export skills. Second, you will likely find yourself also spending more time with any addition to your performing repertoire as you progress and expand with music. Learning your way around any professional DAW, learning to program and integrate a vocal harmonizer, or even adding a mixer will require you to temporarily stop harmonica practice and learn how to navigate, program and integrate into the new gear regardless if it's to perform publically or to practice at home.
2. I can't think of anything about the programming of a song in Biab that you should not understand the mechanics of in 5-10 minutes. If you don't know the chords to input into your project, don't know what a I-IV-V progression is or in what's the proper Key your project should be, your issue is not with the mechanics of Biab programming.
Of course there are more advanced features in Biab but they are beyond the scope of the stated goal you've set to program some fairly simple backing tracks to accompany yourself.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Hi Charlie
Please don't get me wrong - I'm really not knocking BIAB and I can see that it is an incredible piece of music software and I am delighted to have it. I did understand the concepts and mechanics of creating a backing track in about 5 minutes although I'm certainly not completely proficient after a day on BIAB. Perhaps I'm one of those people who can say "When god gave out brains,I thought he said trains, so I asked for a small slow one."
I also think that at your level of proficiency it seems (and is) very easy to produce a basic backing track. I know that things that seemed impossible at first now seem easy and when I think of the problem I had at the time I think "Derr".
I've just finished a backing track for a piece of music by O'Carolan and thoroughly enjoyed it. No doubt I shall be asking for help again soon.
Narayano
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<<< (1) " I could easily find myself in a position where I am spending more time on BIAB than on learning the harmonica." >>>
<<< (2) "all I want is some fairly simple backing tracks to accompany myself with." >>>
1. While that is certainly true, it's not the complete answer. First, it is only true for the short haul. Assuming all you want to accomplish is to create simple backing tracks, regardless of your current skill level, musical knowledge or any other hindrance other than a physical disability, you should understand the concepts and mechanics of creating a backing track in about 5 minutes and be completely proficient within a day by spending that first day concentrating on Biab input and export skills. Second, you will likely find yourself also spending more time with any addition to your performing repertoire as you progress and expand with music. Learning your way around any professional DAW, learning to program and integrate a vocal harmonizer, or even adding a mixer will require you to temporarily stop harmonica practice and learn how to navigate, program and integrate into the new gear regardless if it's to perform publically or to practice at home.
2. I can't think of anything about the programming of a song in Biab that you should not understand the mechanics of in 5-10 minutes. If you don't know the chords to input into your project, don't know what a I-IV-V progression is or in what's the proper Key your project should be, your issue is not with the mechanics of Biab programming.
Of course there are more advanced features in Biab but they are beyond the scope of the stated goal you've set to program some fairly simple backing tracks to accompany yourself.
Charlie, You summed it up very adequately. +1 Many parameters of BIAB are merely placeholders that are easily tweaked later. I generally start with the default settings in the key of C and the BPM that is dictated by the style chosen then tweak later.
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Hi Charlie
Please don't get me wrong - I'm really not knocking BIAB and I can see that it is an incredible piece of music software and I am delighted to have it. I did understand the concepts and mechanics of creating a backing track in about 5 minutes although I'm certainly not completely proficient after a day on BIAB. Perhaps I'm one of those people who can say "When god gave out brains,I thought he said trains, so I asked for a small slow one."
I also think that at your level of proficiency it seems (and is) very easy to produce a basic backing track. I know that things that seemed impossible at first now seem easy and when I think of the problem I had at the time I think "Derr".
I've just finished a backing track for a piece of music by O'Carolan and thoroughly enjoyed it. No doubt I shall be asking for help again soon.
Narayano I was hoping not to get you wrong to how your comments related to the thread heading that "There is nothing easy about Biab". I certainly had no intention to speak of your mentality or knowledge base. I'm encouraged from your response and your understanding to be able to accomplish something in 5 minutes. At the end of the day, proficiency means you can replicate the process with different songs at that same level, not that you know all the in's and out's of Biab. If you are inputting O'Carolan and enjoying yourself thoroughly, you are well on you way with Biab. Hopefully I haven't said anything to discourage you bringing any questions to the forum - not my intention at all. I think you've made a wise investment in purchasing Biab and I'm sure you'll get a lot of benefit from the program.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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I have found this forum to be extremely helpful. I would have given up without the help I have received here.
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Thank you for that Charlie. I think your comments are absolutely fine and I do think that BIAB is no doubt easier than many of the programmes around. I'm really quite surprised that I can already make backing tracks and that feels very rewarding and fulfilling and I am delighted that I decided to purchase it. PG Music obviously are an excellent company who are willing to help with any problems and the fact that they offer a 30 day money back guarantee speaks volumes. You can try it and if you don't like it you get your money back. And, like Lesly55, I have found the forum to be extremely helpful and without it I would have given up were it not for the help that I've received here. Once again, a big thank you to yourself and all the other forum members who so generously give of their time and expertise to help beginners like myself. And thanks to Belladonna and Jim Fogle for mentioning the online course of Joanne Cooper which I have just ordered and I shall also check out Groove Music. Just checked it out and bought it. Roll on my backing tracks 
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In order to achieve the full experience, product and recognition, one is obligated to take on a variety of skills. All of which are specialist in their own right and even today requires a team of expertise to accomplish.
Biab puts you right there as composer, recording engineer, producer, etc. It's a lot to take on.
Using: Dell 3268 i3, 8 GB ram, windows 10. Biab version 2017 standard package, no extras.
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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.
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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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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-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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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