As far as I know there are only RealDrums tracks in 5/4 (Craig Scott), no RealTracks, only MIDI.
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.
Any realTracks, realdrums, or style (MIDI or Real) can be played in 5/4. Just set the time signature of the song to 5/4 (edit set time signature) and the whole band will play in 5/4. I’d recommend using a waltz as the main style, and then you’ll get an feel of 3+2 beats instead of 4+1.
So we don’t make dedicated realTracks or realdrums in timesigs other than 4/4 (which covers 6/8 and 12/8) and 3/4 (which covers 9/8).
The edit time sigs function only allows time sigs of N/4. Such as 5/4, 7/4, 11/4 but not N/8 like 5/8 or 11/8. If you’re wanting time sigs like 11/8, we have made some dedicated MIDI styles that cover those timesigs. You can search for those in the stylepicker by typing the timesig you want in the filter field.
Oh, dear, that can't be a serious indication that 5/4 is really available. It gives a 3/4 count, plays a bar of 3/4 followed by a bar of 2/4, and the notation looks like this. I think the real answer to the O/P's request is not really. No one could seriously identify that as 5/4. Just a fact.
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.
, > I think the real answer to the O/P's request is not really. No one could seriously identify that as 5/4. Just a fact.
You’re referring to the notation. How did the arrangement that you made sound, and was it a band full of RealTracks and real drums playing nicely in 5/4?
We could just remove those 2/4 timesig labels , and the bar line, and you’d be looking at 5/4 notation.
Is the alternative suggestion that we record thousands of hours of musicians playing every conceivable style in 5/4? And then repeat that for 7/4, 11/4 etc?
I don't believe that the O/P's request was to deliver thousands of hours of different time signatures, I understood the request was if there were any Real Styles in 5/4.
Yes, the method of changing the time signature sounds like 5/4, but when I tried it, it turned by 8 bar song in 3/4 time into a 4 bar song in 5/4 time, and it modified the beats per bar for a full 16 bars of an 8 bar song(?). I agree that there is a workaround, but there are no Real Styles in 5/4, and that was how I answered the O/P. Definitely not trying to be smart, just sayin'. There's no Real Styles in 5/4.
BTW, after changing the Time Signature to 5/4, BiaB still shows it is in 3/4 (?). And any chord change on beat 3 of the bars that were changed to 2 beats simply don't get played (see the greyed out Bbm on bar 8, it is not played after the time signature change).
Hope you and all of your staff stay very safe during these difficult times.
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.
I have been asking for time signatures other than 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4 for years. It is time for PGMusic to get into the 21st century and add real 5/4, 6/8, 12/8, etc time signatures.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia. She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
6/8 and 12/8 i come across quite often in the real world so those would be useful. even 9/8 i've heard in irish music, but the only 5/4 tracks i know are take five by dave brubeck and mars by gustav holst. so how many musicians could really sound good in a a 5/4 realtrack?
6/8 and 12/8 i come across quite often in the real world so those would be useful. even 9/8 i've heard in irish music, but the only 5/4 tracks i know are take five by dave brubeck and mars by gustav holst. so how many musicians could really sound good in a a 5/4 realtrack?
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.
OK I've said this many times over the years; try RB if you want 'next level' results, and odd times are no different. It does 5/4, 7/4 and other time sigs much more as expected than BiaB does. Below is a link to a 7/4 RB Seq file we did a few years back .. I couldn't have done this in BB (maybe that's my BB lack of knowledge, I dunno). Anyway, you can see everything RB did as well as what the other performers did in the file.
You gotta work with odd times, as would be expected (try lots of generations), but in my experience it was pretty impressive. /that's a raw seq file link, just open it in RB, should work.. //yer welcome; I don't usually share source files like this // disclaimer: my effects etc will not load on your system, so don't judge the sound on the source file .. sounded more like this here (not the finished product, but this actual SEQ file) - http://masteringmatters.com/stuff/CountMeOut200219.Wav //// to answer Bob Calvert's question on how many musicians can sound good on 5/4 or 7/4 .. most of the good ones (wow that makes 4 slashies, I've got to cut back on the slashies, maybe join a support group or something)
Last edited by rharv; 04/20/2012:27 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Yes, you are right that RB handles time signatures better than BiaB. BUT when you move them from RB to another DAW they still go out as 2/4, 4/4, or 3/4.
I will admit that I haven't tried this in a year or so so if this has changed please let me know.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia. She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
If you set the tempo in DAW to match RB tempo, and the Time Sig to match before draggging in, yes, they line up and have for years. Dragging 7/4 from RB to Reaper shown below .. but this is wandering more and more from original post IMO
Last edited by rharv; 04/20/2012:37 PM. Reason: better image
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
> 6/8 and 12/8 i come across quite often in the real world so those would be useful. even 9/8
BIAB added notation support for 6/8, 12/8 and 9/8 a few years ago. There are many real and MIDI styles that play in 6/8,9/8,12/8. You can filter them in the stylepicker using the timesig filter, or just simply type 12/8 in the text field.
thanks for the list of 5/4 songs and thanks to Peter for the info on 6/8,9/8 and 12/8.
my point was that as 5/4 can be done, making it a priority in BIAB and RB may not be as important to the majority of users as some other improvements in wish lists.
apart from the list above, how many of BIAB and RB users (and bear in mind that a large percentage of forum users are serious users and that newbies and less expert users only come here for help with a specific problem) will hear 5/4 tracks in any popular medium that they want to emulate.
not sure about jazz (its a closed book to me) but can't think of an influential pop, country, folk or rock artist that regularly uses 5/4.
i'm always more impressed with what BIAB and RB can do than what they can't - especially when used together.
The question was about 5/4 styles. I think it's not a weakness of the offering, but an acknowledgement that compound time signatures can be interpreted so many different ways (and I'm not even talking about notation). Last I looked, there were at least two midi styles in 5/4. One was based off of the Mission Impossible theme. The other was based off of Brubek's Take Five. Both are named appropriately. MISSION divides the "feel" into 3-2. Brubek's divides it into 2-3. I'm not sure I've ever encountered any, but I can "hear" divisions like 2-2-1 and 1-2-2. How many styles would have to be created just to get those basic feels? And variety? Fuggetaboudit.
I've worked quite a bit in 7/4. It could just as easily be notated as 7/8 in a different tempo. I've used real-tracks and midi tracks with a feel of 3-4, and with a feel of 4-3. Fine so far...but what if the feel/groove is 2-2-2-1 or 2-2-3? The notation might not look pretty, but I could do it (and any other combinations of grooves) in any of those feels with either real tracks or midi.
Granted, some "Styles" may work better than others, but I could set up four bars and audition styles all the dang day long. Adding what would need to be possibly hundreds of new styles to deliver usable variety for much lesser used time signatures "just because" seems a waste to me--especially when (with a little creativity and ear) we can make our own.
Odd meters can be made and played but not displayed (properly)
How it is done in Realtracks? Don’t know, but in Midi, it is doable. You just shrink your midi file to 4/4 (reduce length of midi in Realband), export as midi and the style wizard takes care of the rest (must do some tweaking, sometimes...). I simplify the process here, cause it takes real patience.
Here’s an example in 7
And this one is in 13!
Biab, Kontakt, Sampletank and lots of nice libraries, from Fluffy audio to Abbey Road drums. Check out these great contemporary Jazz Styles: www.jazzstylezz.com
> 6/8 and 12/8 i come across quite often in the real world so those would be useful. even 9/8
BIAB added notation support for 6/8, 12/8 and 9/8 a few years ago. There are many real and MIDI styles that play in 6/8,9/8,12/8. You can filter them in the stylepicker using the timesig filter, or just simply type 12/8 in the text field.
Just to be clear on this: I see no 6, 12 or 9 support, either in the chord window (4 chords to the bar, or 3 chords to the bar) or in the pianoroll. In the notation window a 12/8 style comes out as a 4/4 and 9/8 as 3/4. Maybe I missed something, here.
Could you point us to where we can find the notation support for 6, 9 and 12?
As to your point about hearing only 3/4, 4/4, 6, 9 or 12. Depends what you listen to, I think. Calling this “the real world” is a little shortsighted, I think. There are such beautiful songs in odd meters: Conference of the birds (Dave Holland), Survivors’ suite (Jarrett), Teiko (Lyle Mays), Forgiveness (Lionel Loueke). Maybe you don’t particularly dig that music, that’s fine, but Biab has a richness of styles that most players don’t necessarily play or like. Part of the magic of Biab, to me.
Thanks
Biab, Kontakt, Sampletank and lots of nice libraries, from Fluffy audio to Abbey Road drums. Check out these great contemporary Jazz Styles: www.jazzstylezz.com
Anyone can help point me to the place where I can find the 9/8, 12/8 notation support? Peter Gannon talked about it in a previous post, but the result I get is what I added in the file manager...
Biab, Kontakt, Sampletank and lots of nice libraries, from Fluffy audio to Abbey Road drums. Check out these great contemporary Jazz Styles: www.jazzstylezz.com
Same here. But if you bring it into RealBand you can either bring it into a DAW that you set to match the tempo and time signature or save it as a mid file and load it into a notation program like the free MuseScore.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia. She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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.
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)
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