does this only work with midi styles? I tried to do it with a real style but two of the instruments remained the same and others were added on different tracks instead of the whole style changing at the selected bar
in fact the effect was exactly what I wanted but might not be next time
can i mix and match real and midi styles? say first chorus midi then a real style after that?
I seem to remember somewhere in the manual it said that real tracks wouldn't change
obviously i can do it by saving two BIAB files and opening them alternately in RB and cutting and pasting to amalgamate the two but it's long winded.
or am i getting it wrong as usual and not seeing the easy way to do things?
Been doing some experimenting with 2018 last year, and did not get results i wanted, but changing styles with RTs should work. Alas still only possible at the start of a bar ...
As I understand it, you need to be careful about what kind of instrument is on what track for each of the styles. You can definitely change styles within a song, as long as each track goes MIDI to MIDI or RealTrack to RealTrack. You can't change to a new style that switches a track from MIDI to RealTrack or vice versa.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
It (unexpectedly) loaded two tracks as Silence, and then played guitar on them.
RealTracks to MIDI gives odd (unpredictable) results.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
No. It works with any Style. RealStyles, Midi Styles and Third Party Styles
Can i mix and match real and midi styles? say first chorus midi then a real style after that?
Yes. You can mix and match in any order you wish any where in your project you wish. It can be done even if you want to make a change in the middle of a verse or chorus.
I seem to remember somewhere in the manual it said that real tracks wouldn't change
It doesn't matter. See the answer above.
Obviously i can do it by saving two BIAB files and opening them alternately in RB and cutting and pasting to amalgamate the two but it's long winded.
It can be done using only BIAB. You never leave the program and only save multiple sgu files for the safety of having a backup and not having to completely start over from scratch if something fails.
Or am i getting it wrong as usual and not seeing the easy way to do things?
You have to think 'out of the box' to do it in 'Band in a Box'. It's simple to do but it's not easy.
How odd this topic came up today. I spent some time this morning working on a project that touches on each of your questions in one way or the other. I have two full pages on a legal pad of notes recording each step. That seems like a lot, but it isn't really. First, I recorded every step and that includes a lot of things that are part of every workflow and would not normally be listed as a step. Second, there's a lot of repetition. In fact, it's mostly repetition and the number of repetitions will be dependent on how ambitious a project is.
What I'm referring to is the steps to choose, mix and match between midi styles, super midistyles, hybrid styles (midi and Real styles) and RealStyles. Excluding saving files, adding Fx's to tracks, exchanging instruments on a track, choosing and using multiple instruments on a track and using Bar Settings (F5) to mute/unmute, change gain and such, there are probably no more than five steps necessary to build dozens of tracks with dozens of instruments from multiple combinations of Styles and instruments.
It was mentioned in another thread sometime back and I explained the steps but someone stated it would be much easier to understand if it was made into a video. I don't have a computer without changing the graphics card that supports me having the ability to use a screen grabber to record a video. This morning it occurred to me I could write out the steps, save some sgu files from various stages and forward the instructions and illustrations to PGMusic and their may possibly make a video for the new Video Forum thread.
My project this morning was comprised of three midi styles and four RealStyles using elements of both the style and each styles instruments. My project was one chorus of 32 bars and had 15 instruments; eleven for the rhythm/foundation and two guitar soloists, a pedal steel and fiddle for solos and fills. I'll probably continue to work on this and put something together that hopefully the video forum staff will make a video for us.
It (unexpectedly) loaded two tracks as Silence, and then played guitar on them.
RealTracks to MIDI gives odd (unpredictable) results.
Hi Videotrack,
Right, this is what it'll look like if you try to switch between RealTracks and MIDI. RealTracks take priority, and in the sections where the MIDI style would be playing, you get the "Silence" RealTrack as a placeholder.
mmmm so i should be able to do chorus 1 with one real style then two and three with another.
i'll play around - as i say the first attempt sounds good but that may just be good luck
i've always found the track descriptions a bit flaky when you transfer from BIAB to RB and there seems no mechanism in RB to show a realtrack change half way through a song
in fact the real tracks numbers and descriptions don't always seem to match what I know is playing
i've always found the track descriptions a bit flaky when you transfer from BIAB to RB and there seems no mechanism in RB to show a realtrack change half way through a song
Also in Biab, the only place where there is an indication that the Style has changed is in the Style name at the top of the form (below the song name). There's no indication (e.g. in the Mixer) that the tracks have changed.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
in fact the real tracks numbers and descriptions don't always seem to match what I know is playing
Yes, agreed, and confirmed by Kent (above). It seems that this is not handled well by the program. Could definitely be improved.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
... RealTracks take priority, and in the sections where the MIDI style would be playing, you get the "Silence" RealTrack as a placeholder.
Thanks for the reply, Kent. That is the best oxymoron I've seen in a very long time
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Had to look that one up in a dictionary; nice one for a Pure BIAB only song title: Oxymoron Blues:
Originally Posted By: dictionary.com
oxymoron: .... noun, plural ox·y·mo·ra [ok-si-mawr-uh, -mohr-uh] /ˌɒk sɪˈmɔr ə, -ˈmoʊr ə/, ox·y·mor·ons. Rhetoric. A figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect, as in “cruel kindness” or “to make haste slowly.”
Might be difficult however to write (in?) congruous lyrics, unless you write about a divorce. Easier would be Moron Blues ... but thats only suitable for BIAB haters. Or indeed dedicated to an ex. Tip for a DAW: choose expensive though abandoned software like Logic or Sonar ...
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.
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.
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.
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