Which other softwares do you use to supplement BIAB? In this thread, I suggest we only talk about 'semi-automatic' softwares.
I am thinking of the Ezkeys software, and perhaps EzDrummer, both are made by Toontrack.
Captain Plugins, by Mixed in Key, are also relevant.
I tried the demo of ORB Producer Suite and was also very impressed. Perhaps I will buy it in the near future.
For guitar, in theory, RealGuitar seems to be the most appropriate. However, when I used it, I found it a bit clunky and clumsy.
UJam's guitar Softwares are very good. However, at this time of writing, I understand that you still cannot drag the midi patterns into your DAW and have to play it live.
UJam's guitar Softwares are very good. However, at this time of writing, I understand that you still cannot drag the midi patterns into your DAW and have to play it live.
I'm confused on this comment. I can take a MIDI file from BIAB/RB and import it into Pro Tools and have the UJAM guitarist or bassist play the MIDI riffs. Sometimes I have to transpose an octave here or there to get the MIDI to trigger but I've never had an issue. Could you elaborate? Thanks!
Hi, I don't talk about the sound of Ujam Softwares. I only referred to its rhythm patterns in the Guitar softwares.
Ujam Beatmaker 2 allows users to simply drag the midi patterns into the DAW without playing anything on the midi keyboard. But their guitar Softwares are not yet updated with this feature.
But their guitar Softwares are not yet updated with this feature.
That is not true.
I own Virtual Guitarist Iron and Virtual Bassist Royal. I've been working with these products for a year and they can both play MIDI files directly on import of the MIDI file into Pro Tools.
UJAM Basses ver 2 now drag export the midi pattern of current chord, I asked them to put the pattern and chord name in the file name. I think they will have the same for Guitars and Drums soon. The good thing with them is that they are session players playing the phrases as well as having a sample set of the instrument. Watch for EZBass out soon.
The new RapidComposerVST beta has audio tracks as well as midi tracks in the VST. You can create phrases for any virtual instrument containing the keyswithes, they can be moved and will automatically fit any chord/scale. You can use it in Biab with Element as you can't chain midi plugins in Biab. It will import the BB Chord Output midi track.
A can of worms opened here sure, but it's alwise nice to know what others use. Toontrack, i once bought EZdrums, then a sale deal on superior drums. Latter i really like, a recommended SDX is Metal machinery, even if you don't like head banger stuff.
I prefer Cubase Pro, especially for it's extensive midi and audio tools.
EZ keys is a handy quicky tool, buy you usually spend a lot of time fixing occasional notes.
Matt, any experience with Dorico or even Cubase notation?
I usually stick to BIAB for lead sheets, melody/chords. Might be not enough for Jazz and Classical arrangement works.
Matt, any experience with Dorico or even Cubase notation?
Yes, I tried Dorico. And more than a dozen others. I hate them all. None come close to the ease of data entry of Encore. But Encore (which I beta tested for decades) is dreadfully buggy unless you know exactly how to avoid the crashes, and even then it crashes on me several times each session. So I move my score out of Encore as fast as possible.
I tried Cubase briefly when I thought SONAR was a lost cause. It’s strength is MIDI. But I had no overriding reason to change from the DAW I knew.
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.
Hi, for notation I tried Dorico Elements which makes very good output, but has limitations (it's elements). So the best thing for quick use and good output (even a kind of book) is EasyABC. Install is a little bit tricky, but it has good Xml in- and output and makes nice Pdfs. And, it is free. Maybe ABC is not for the real professionals, more for hobbyists and folkies, mostly celtic or irish.
I don't have it but believe any guitar player would find +++ MidiGuitar2 +++ by JamOrigin useful software to have in their musical toolbox.
MidiGuitar2 is software designed to convert an analog guitar signal into midi. Unlike many software programs MidiGuitar2 is pretty good at converting polyphonic guitar. Where it fails is while it can detect multiple notes played at one time, the program can not determine the string each note is played on.
The Encore-case! As Matt points out, that was some genius software, but it crashed on you at the blink of an eye. Still, was so intuitive.
Tried Forte Notation, Musescore, Finale. To me, nothing comes close. Funnily, the Finale notepad strikes me as one of the best available, right now.
And for me, I need to see the melody while practicing tunes. So, I use the Melody track in BIAB and have the Sheet window open. I’m sure a lot of musicians work the same way.
The trouble with the Sheet or lead sheet window is: *Inconsistent use of accidentals *Displaying the whole sheet (8 or 10 single staff lines, 4 bars per line...) makes Biab crash often and this has been so since biab 2012. Has something to do with the screen resolution, but I can’t fix it. *Displaying the whole sheet makes the chords unreadable. If you make the chord font bigger, the chords are no longer well placed, even with the engraver option. *And chords with extensions are often made really small. *The sheet doesn’t display pushes, holds and other accents... as in the New Real Book *First endings, tags, endings... are a mess to work with. Should be as used in notation: al coda, coda, 1st, 2nd *A-B sections should be more flexible: every chorus is either “as on the chord window” or “all parts play B-style” in the middle sections.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to be able to stay inside biab: in theory you have everything you need: chords, melody, notation, arrangement options and the underrated conductor. All that exporting to DAW or notation, makes you lose all the possibilities of biab, like *switching styles and feels, *Rearranging chords *Making other tag-endings and trying them out *Using Bar settings for altering instruments or volume of accompanying instruments
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
...I can’t stress enough how important it is to be able to stay inside biab: in theory you have everything you need: chords, melody, notation, arrangement options and the underrated conductor. All that exporting to DAW or notation, makes you lose all the possibilities of biab, like *switching styles and feels, *Rearranging chords *Making other tag-endings and trying them out *Using Bar settings for altering instruments or volume of accompanying instruments
These are critical points, and thanks for highlighting them. Why is/should there be a requirement to take the song outside of the native operational environment to enable it to deliver a feature that should / is supposed to be part of the product's environment. If the feature-set is identified as available 'in the box' then it needs to do everything the feature states, whether this is notation, multi-riff inclusion, or other.
Externalizing the music to actually deliver a feature that the product states it can already do shouldn't be a requirement.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
...I can’t stress enough how important it is to be able to stay inside biab: in theory you have everything you need: chords, melody, notation, arrangement options and the underrated conductor. All that exporting to DAW or notation, makes you lose all the possibilities of biab, like *switching styles and feels, *Rearranging chords *Making other tag-endings and trying them out *Using Bar settings for altering instruments or volume of accompanying instruments
These are critical points, and thanks for highlighting them. Why is/should there be a requirement to take the song outside of the native operational environment to enable it to deliver a feature that should / is supposed to be part of the product's environment. If the feature-set is identified as available 'in the box' then it needs to do everything the feature states, whether this is notation, multi-riff inclusion, or other.
Externalizing the music to actually deliver a feature that the product states it can already do shouldn't be a requirement.
You guys are doing a great job at articulating a fundamental problem at the core of BIAB. It tries to be "too many things to too many people", in other words "jack of all trades, master of none". It simply "can't always finish what it starts". As a result it is not always the "right tool for the right job". The "swiss army knife" of music apps. But lets not "through the baby out with the bath water".
BIAB's strength in my eyes is "feeding the inspiration and getting the creative juices flowing." That is where it shines. All those areas you guys have mentioned allow you to think about what more can be done and needs to be done and how to go about doing it. The fact that there are better tools to accomplish many of those things is simply our good fortune.
I long ago decided I needed to start in-the-box and then get out of it as quickly as possible to take advantage of tools of the trade which excel at each of their individual functions. My wish-list item for BIAB is better integration with the rest of the music app world.
And to answer the original question, here is a sampling of my go to standalone apps (excluding plugins). I have a couple more I would recommend but they are currently not on my top tier listing for shortcuts.
Surprisingly, I rarely take my music out of BiaB. I rarely import into a DAW and add other features.
If BiaB states it can deliver certain functionality that meets my requirements, then that's what I need and BiaB should be my one-stop-shop.
Problem is, that it can do some of these things as long as it is acceptable to the the user to export to another product to actually deliver those features. BiaB is no longer 'in the box' at all.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
I do not even come close to using all of the BIAB features. Simply put I needed quality backing tracks (not wanting to sound like the record) but to do my own arranging that fits my take on every song and BIAB was and still is the answer. BIAB got me out of the studio into live paying venues, hopefully it will again after the virus is under control, and because of that I am thankful for P.G. Music everyday.
Ha, Dan’s setup looks a lot like mine: Pianoteq, Sampletank, Musescore, Cakewalk. I’m sure a lot of users have similar collections. Much as we love our box, we are always trying new and different stuff.
Videotrack puts it most eloquently: in the box. And make the box better, cause the idea itself is good. But in a more powerful and smart wording.
Danny C, I get you, I think. With all shortcomings and frustrations in the box, it is still the best.
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
In addition to Band-in-Box, I use RealBand, Diamond Cut Audio Restoration Tools for wav file editing, and Cakewalk by Bandlab for the VSTi plugins that RealBand doesn't handle well.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
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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