The only DAW I've spent a significant amount of time with is Cakewalk (formerly Cakewalk Sonar Platinum). One of the handy features I've come to rely on in Cakewalk is multiple files will remain open until closed in Cakewalk. And one really handy aspect of having multiple files open is it becomes very simple to cut and paste sections of files between two or more files. I've come to take it for granted. It's a lot like the way we all use word processors these days to cut and paste text. We all assume that any word processor worth being called such can perform this simple feat.
Sadly, BiaB can't. Or at least I haven't figured out yet how to do it. I'm aware of the box one can check to allow multiple instances of BiaB to run. And I assumed the first time I loaded multiple instances that this would be a way to do a bit of cut and pasting. But I found out to my deep disappointment that this wasn't to be. I mean, what's the point in having more than one instance if you can't share data between files?
Anyway, that's my wish. Multiple files so that data can be shared between them. Oh, and if this is a feature that already exists, then please let me know what I need to know so I can do this.
With 2 instances of BB you can copy from the audio track to audio track. You need to save the track as Performance and move it to the audio track, copy the section of track you like to the other audio track and so on. You can save a master stereo wav of your song, load it in the second instance audio track, generate up 7 of the same instrument, solo track 1 and the audio track if there is a section you like make a note of it, now solo track 2 and the audio track and make a note of any sections you like. Now you can save track 1 as a Performance and move to audio track replacing the song master, now with "Snap" on copy the section you like to the audio track with "Snap" on in the first instance and so on.
...It's a lot like the way we all use word processors these days to cut and paste text. We all assume that any word processor worth being called such can perform this simple feat....
If it's just chords you need to copy you can do it the word processor way:
The first instance of BB File > Save Special > Save Song ABC Notation File.. select one instrument check ONLY Include Chords Copy to clipboard
paste in Notepad
The second instance of BB do the same
paste in the bottom of Notepad as below
now you can make it into one new song with a bit of cut n paste save it as new song.abc File> Open Special > Open ABC Notation Music File..
Thanks for responses guys. Actually what I was wanting to do was share MIDI melody data, not chords. Chords are a piece of cake. Melody is quite a bit more complicated. See, here's a more complete explanation.
Occasionally I'll use the Melodist utility to generate a melody. Most of the time it's pretty forgettable stuff, but every once in a while the Melodist will hit on something that I'll consider a keeper. So what I'll do is have the Melodist generate several melodies and then I find that I might have a few clips worth adding to the melody. Now, I could just print out what the Melodist has generated and then enter the notation myself, and while it would be rather tedious, at least it would work. But here's the kicker -- the Melodist is actually pretty slick when it generates melodies. There's a lot of quantization going on and also quite a bit of variation in volume, all in a bid to make the melody sound "natural." Duplicating this level of quantization means I would have to right click on every single note and type in the data from the Melodist's generated notes. That suddenly becomes an ordeal I'd just as soon live without.
BUT!!!! Pipeline's mentioning copying stuff to the Notepad gave me an idea. What if I copied notation data just doing a CTL-C, then clicking on the popup BiaB generates, exit that file, load the target file, locate the cursor where I want to insert the notes, then do a CTL-V. And guess what? It worked! So, I dunno if the BiaB folks are even aware of this, but it turns out that this is a function that can be accomplished by just doing a simple copy to the Notepad.
Actually, turns out it is a little more involved than that. I found I had to clear the area in the target file where I wanted to insert the new note data first. If there are any notes in the target area, they can't be there cuz trying to get rid of them using the Cut or CTL-X command dumps the saved notes from the Notepad. Not really a big deal, cuz it's something I'd need to do anyway.
That should also work copying notes in the piano roll. You can also Import SGU and select what you want from it like Melody/Soloist tracks and what bars to bar locations. As well as Import MIDI File and select where you want it.
Thanks for the reminder, Pipeline. I thought I'd remembered running across that capability before, but I'll be dinged if I could find it last time I looked. Although it was just sitting right there. Selective dyslexia strikes again, which is a term I've coined for not seeing something that's staring me right in the face. And you're right, that'll work just as well. Plus this utility has an overwrite ability, something that my cut and paste method lacks.
I'm happy to report, however, that the cut and paste method works well. I was able to successfully copy into a tune a few snippets from a couple different Melodist generations which helped me complete a melody I'd been working on.
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.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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