Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#481563 07/12/18 01:23 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 110
M
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 110
Hello.
I use BIAB to create tracks that I then import into my DAW to lay under vocals, etc. Something that I would find INCREDIBLY handy would be the ability to define exactly what measures the soloist should play on, so I can say "these 8 measures of intro, then these two bars at the end of the verse, then this 'solo' section,..." Otherwise I spend time chopping up soloist tracks, muting them out when they aren't needed, and cutting it up so "that great held note" fits at the end of a riff section where the vocals come back in, etc.
So I was thinking: What if, for the soloist tracks, you could hit a "play on these measures" button, then go in and click-and-drag to highlight the measures you want (double click to de-highlight), all over the song, and the soloist track would ONLY play on those measures (with the option to sustain over into the measure after). I doodled up a quick graphic to represent what I'm talking about and attached it.
Maybe something like this already exists, but I haven't found it. This would be so very helpful for all of my recording projects.
Thank you.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
BIAB-Suggestion.jpg (305.82 KB, 97 downloads)
Last edited by Moving_Air; 07/12/18 01:24 PM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
K
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
K
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
Hi Moving_Air,

Are you familiar with Bar Settings yet? This is very easy to do there, though it's not exactly as you've described.

Right-click in Bar 1 and select Bar Settings (or left-click and hit F5), choose Mute beside the Soloist track, and click OK. Then right-click in bar 10, select Bar Settings, and choose Back to Normal beside Soloist.

You can mute and unmute any track at any bar, on any chorus this way, and it's pretty quick once you get the hang of it.

Thanks
Kent
PG Music

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 178
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 178
You can also do exactly what you are asking by using the feature in the soloist screen called Custom. Start at the beginning of the song and just tell the soloist to only do the first 8 bars and generate as many times as you want to get the run you are looking for. Then go back into the same custom screen and say the next bars you want to solo are 16 to 20. Again select them and generate. You can even do 1 bar. It wont erase the previous solo. You can do this to the end of the song. It works great and allows you to fill out the song just like you had a lead player with you. The more you use it the more proficent you will become. This screen is in the Generate solo dialogue.

Nelson

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Automating as describe by Moving_Air above would be a lot better than having to do the F5 manually.
I was asking for that in the Keep Whishing List:
Biab MultiRiff Demo (SGU+WAV)

Biab MultiRiffs an Easier Way


Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
I prefer to do this in RB because you've got 48 tracks to mess with. I will select as many different soloist RT's as I want and let them generate the whole song. To be clear, RB will only generate one active track at a time as long as you uncheck the box that says "generate whole song". This is a trick part of RB, it can act as another version of Biab if you want but I never do that. It's a DAW, make it act like a DAW. If you want it to act like Biab then go back to Biab in the first place. Anyway, in that mode you work with one track at a time just like any recorder.

I did one months ago with something like 10 soloist tracks. Then I started chopping them up by deleting bars I didn't like and leaving bars I do like. Then use mute/unmute the tracks while the song is playing and gradually narrow down which parts of those 10 tracks I wanted to keep. After that I consolidated those pieces of 10 tracks down to one track for the final mix.

Believe me, this is way, way easier than trying to use F5 and other stuff in Biab. RB lets you use up all 48 tracks if you like to experiment. One cool trick with RB is you can change the chord grid and generate more tracks in the same song just for fun without changing any tracks you already have. You can change the chords AND change the style just to generate more tracks. Making some appropriate chord subs can completely change what a soloist generates. With the thousands of RT's now available plus thousands of midi styles available the possibilities are endless. I've also mixed in midi soloists with RT soloists because I have SampleTank 3 and I can get real close with the sound of a sax or guitar or piano solo to the sound of an RT solo using the same instruments. You can't begin to scratch the surface of all that in Biab alone.

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 110
M
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 110
Thanks Bob,
However, that's the workload I've been using and now want to avoid, and it has some serious drawbacks. Not the least of which being it's just a barrage of soloing. It does not stop naturally where it should. So it's by no means 'faster', in my opinion, because you have to find the right parts with the right endings that fit in the right places... I'd rather just say "play to this point then stop appropriately."

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,447
Posts805,190
Members40,123
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
AlfredoR616, Jerry Gerber, Fjane, vieumotar, dpckeys
40,122 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 124
DC Ron 93
rsdean 89
WaoBand 67
Today's Birthdays
paulgermana
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5