Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 5 1 2 3 4 5
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
B
bowlesj Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
Hi, Lately I have gotten interested in getting the BIAB midi melody to sound like a real instrument. I did a search and found this 10 year old thread.. Someone suggested some things in one of my very old posts as well. Rather than use this very old info I thought I would ask what is the latest and greatest on this topic. Specific questions include, quality (can it trick those who are not told it is midi), cost, software or hardware, what does PG music recommend and sell and does everyone agree this is the best. It makes sense that PG Music would get behind the better methods. I read that PG Music use to sell the Ketron SD2 synth. Lastly is there any way to get this realistic sound out to the BIAB export to a wav file. That is my biggest interest as I want to better inspire members of my Jazz Jams Club to get involved and even buy BIAB which makes getting involved easier. It kind of started when I recently got a very anti BIAB drummer friend using .wav exports of BIAB backing tracks. I now have hope...lol. He may even buy BIAB some day :-) Another use is to have BIAB do melody during a live jam when the melody person does not show and I (and no one else attending) is capable of doing the melody.

Thanks,
John




Last edited by bowlesj; 06/20/20 04:55 AM.

John Bowles
My playing in my 20s:
https://www.reverbnation.com/johnbowles
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,922
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,922
Hi John,

Here are my thoughts:

1-Forget about General MIDI (GM) sound sources. The best sounds come from non-GM synths. I use Kontakt as there are a number of good third party sounds for it as well as NI's Kontakt sounds. I use the full version of Kontakt but you may get buy with the free Player version. There are many sounds available for the free version but you must read the requirements carefully as some will only run on the full version.

2-Your options are not limited to soft synths like Kontakt. Many hard synths (keyboards) have excellent sounds also.

3-You will need to learn about the instrument you are emulating and how to get those nuances by using MIDI controllers (CCs). Don't let that scare you. One it is not that hard to learn and two many soft synths already have the nuances programmed in and ready to use via key switches, knobs, or sliders. Most are assignable to hardware controls, which leads me to:

4-Buy a MIDI keyboard controller, especially if you are using soft synths. It doesn't have to be an expensive one but I would strongly suggest you get one with pitch bend, a mod wheel, 8 sliders, and 8 knobs. The sliders, knobs, and mod wheel are assignable so you can match soft synth controls to the hardware MIDI keyboard controller controls. It's super easy to do now-a-days.

5-You are not limited if you don't have a MIDI keyboard controller. You can manually input everything but that is tedious, time consuming, and I find not as realistic if done while playing with sliders and knobs.

6-I would strongly suggest you do this in a DAW and not in BiaB. A DAW has many options including sound on sound recording. Many times I will record the notes of a song then using sound on sound recording adding the nuances via sliders and knobs. DAWs have their own terminology for sound on sound but all of the good ones have it.

I hope this helps and if I can help feel free to ask.

Good luck.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 299
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 299
I dig Mario’s post, I am heavily into Kontakt linraries.

Nevertheless, for the price, Ketron’s SD2 was pretty damn good. now Thomann sells those V3sound triangle shaped Sonority XXL-types. I just had to get one. Not Kontakt quality, maybe, but more than a step up from the Ketron SD2 or SD1000.

@Mario, BIAB should do more to provide quality sounds or accomodate good GM sound libraries. The workarounds you and I are used to are not really user friendly, certainly not for who starts out with BIAB.

@John: Jazz Jam Clubs? Sounds really cool, I looked it up, what a nice concept.


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
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
B
bowlesj Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
Thanks Guys, you have me on an exciting new learning curve :-) After I read MarioD's comment about midi controllers I found myself watching this "BEFORE YOU BUY A MIDI CONTROLLER..." video.. Also using plugins with BIAB. I think realistically it will be a while before I can get myself up to speed on this stuff like you guys are. I have two shared recordings I am working on for the Jazz Jams Club I run (need two brush up on playing those songs). This is the direct link to the Jazz Jams Club. It explains why we are doing shared recordings and I think it will be a permanent added part of our activities. I also have a bunch of old house repairs going on (currently replacing two sink/faucets).

So once I have the midi melody tricking people into thinking it is my guitar playing :-) will that sound get exported to .wav from BIAB (or from a DAW)?

Last edited by bowlesj; 06/20/20 07:11 AM.

John Bowles
My playing in my 20s:
https://www.reverbnation.com/johnbowles
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
B
bowlesj Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
In addition to the last post question here is a unique one.

My understanding is high quality midi is programmed to sound like a specific instrument so is there software that can take the .wav recording of a specific guitar or any instrument and map that into a midi sample (if that is the correct term) that can be used to closely recreate that sound in midi later?

Last edited by bowlesj; 06/20/20 08:13 AM.

John Bowles
My playing in my 20s:
https://www.reverbnation.com/johnbowles
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,077
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,077
A high quality midi instrument sound module typically has special controls that help a keyboard player emulate the playing of a skilled musician.

For example a violin instrument might select from multiple samples based on the note velocity entered. A violin instrument may use a round robin method to select a sample from a pool of eligible samples so the same sample does not get repeated too often. In general the larger the sample pool is for the sound module the more likely it will be that the sound module can emulate the sound you desire. Some sound modules automatically make these choices while others give the keyboard player absolute control over everything.

A sound module might use modeling to create sound. This can be in addition to or instead of using samples.

Many sound libraries highlight articulations. I consider articulations as modifiers or enhancements. For example a violin is normally bowed but can also be plucked or muted. In this example plucked and muted are considered articulations that are selected by the keyboard player entering a note outside the normal range of the instrument.

All this control comes at a cost though. A keyboard player may not be able to access all the articulation keys while playing live. Some sound modules work better in DAWs while others excel in live settings but sound bland in a DAW.


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1237) RB (Build 10) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
B
bowlesj Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
Thanks Jim, Very interesting. It sounds like the BIAB edit note menu needs a method to modify the midi sounds (pluck the note, bow it, muffle it). I guess there are realistic limits that one must accept.


John Bowles
My playing in my 20s:
https://www.reverbnation.com/johnbowles
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,077
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,077
Another forum I visit has a discussion where a very accomplished guitar player wanted to use a guitar inspired midi controller to input midi data. The thought was since he is such a good musician on the guitar and is a rank beginner at using a keyboard, that using the guitar midi controller would be more productive than using a keyboard and aid in developing expressive midi guitar tracks.

It hasn't worked out as the guitar player expected. Chord and melody fingering on a guitar fingerboard differs significantly from the keyboard focused input fingering design of the VST. Midi data and keyboards have discrete elements while guitars have extra elements like hammer ons, hammer offs, slides, slaps and other forms of torture overlapping playing methods that are not specifically addressed in midi. Long story short he found it easier and quicker to peck at a midi keyboard than begin with a midi guitar controller and then edit.

I've downloaded +++ Amplesound's Martin Lite II +++ which is a free acoustic guitar sound library. I'm using it to learn how to work with a guitar sound module. If I let a Band-in-a-Box midi style with guitar strum it sounds amazingly realistic. If I use the strum patterns included in the guitar sound module, it sounds amazingly realistic. If I create strum patterns from scratch it sounds bad, bad, bad! I've got a lot to learn.


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1237) RB (Build 10) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,278
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,278
For thoroughly authentic piano and organ sounds you might want to check out physical instrument simulations such as -> Pianoteq


Martin
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
B
bowlesj Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
In my case fancy techniques on the instrument such as slides, hammer on, pull off, bowing, etc are of no importance. That is for the people coming out to jam to have fun doing. My use is simple melodies or complex melodies entered in BIAB and having them sound like a real instrument than a midi. It is to get us by when a real person is not there to do the part. The jam must always go on so in live jams it is when the melody player does not show. In shared recordings it is for when the melody player does not have his track done yet. That is about it. It sounds like the free plug ins for BIAB are all I really need since a DAW can't be used to enter notes.

Last edited by bowlesj; 06/20/20 03:42 PM.

John Bowles
My playing in my 20s:
https://www.reverbnation.com/johnbowles
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,386
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,386


Mario: "Forget about General MIDI (GM) sound sources. The best sounds come from non-GM synths."

I do not fully agree. I find Halion and Sonic are quite capable GM synths at 20+GB of sounds, especially as "all in one solution" for the price point. All drumsets are adjustable-per-drum and many many other features. Both items come in one package and are usually 1/2 off at least once a year.

Handpicking, there are always SF2 items which are either free or "cheap enough" some of them might not be as tweakable as Kontakt instruments but there are some very decent and realistic ones.

Do not get me wrong, I like Kontakt and it's amazing instruments, but I feel that some titles are way overpriced and unfortunately no GM.

Bottom line,

Kontakt by itself comes with pretty weak "factory" library. To get it right to "realistic specs", you have to hunt for sales/upgrades and by the end of the day, it will cost quite a lot, but you can achieve the "better" sound quality.

Halion / Sonic on the other hand "As Is" But the included library is very solid. Nice selection of traditional instruments. Plus GM. Very reasonable when on sale.

And of course #3
Compile VST's / SF2s etc. from various companies to make something more personal.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,055
Productor Musical
Offline
Productor Musical
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,055
Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle
Another forum I visit has a discussion where a very accomplished guitar player wanted to use a guitar inspired midi controller to input midi data...


Originally Posted By: bowlesj
In my case fancy techniques on the instrument such as slides, hammer on, pull off, bowing, etc are of no importance. That is for the people coming out to jam to have fun doing...


Jim and John, you are highlighting very interesting points.

Since recording this song 11 years ago as a Band in a Box demo, I have been asked about how to achieve that cleanliness and precision in the accordion notes on the MIDI keyboard controlled by my Godin xtSA. One of the most important aspects when using a synth guitar is the adjustment of the different sensitivity values both in the instrument and in the MIDI interface, but clean and clear notes also rely on the technique and personal playing way.

A good synth guitar system with good tracking and parameters tuning is capable of tracing even the smallest performance subtleties, but as John mentions there are certain common techniques for "normal" guitar that may not be recommended for transcribing MIDI data from a guitar synth, such as tapping and fast legatos, since this implies minimal contact with the string that does not transmit the necessary force so that the hexaphonic microphone can track the notes accurately.

For this reason, when I record with a synth guitar, I emphasize playing the notes as cleanly as possible, especially in quick phrases. This reduces cleanup and subsequent editing of MIDI data to very little.

For my song I used a Godin xtSA connected to a Roland GI-20 (synth guitar MIDI interface) to a Roland RS-5 with the french accordion sound. I've used that rig ever since, with the later addition of Roland GR-55 and Boss GP-10. A few years later I used the GI-20 for the MIDI transcription of my samba / fusion RealTracks for Biab, it was a very satisfying musical experience. As a keyboard player, I use the MIDI guitar very little to transcribe melodies but to achieve other sonic textures with sounds from VSTi and sampler stuff.


Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Originally Posted By: MartinB
For thoroughly authentic piano and organ sounds you might want to check out physical instrument simulations such as -> Pianoteq

Pianoteq ... I am really not impressed, the piano's sound canned, a little distorted. Too much cheap sounding reverb.
OK when solo maybe but for mixing (MIDI or not) instrument stuff i used the Toontrack EZkeys Vintage piano quite often in the past.

@Rustyspoon is right, some GM stuff sounds quite good, in the past i used Hypersonic, and now HalionSonic which is 64 bit even.
The free SE version is also quite good. Plus that the pianos sound quite better than Pianoteq.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
BIAB method to collaborate on projects

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
1 Capture.JPG (70.54 KB, 229 downloads)
2 Capture.JPG (49.53 KB, 228 downloads)
3 Capture.JPG (45.67 KB, 228 downloads)
4 Capture.JPG (57.2 KB, 229 downloads)
5 Capture.JPG (87.98 KB, 228 downloads)

BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,922
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,922
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#


Mario: "Forget about General MIDI (GM) sound sources. The best sounds come from non-GM synths."

I do not fully agree. I find Halion and Sonic are quite capable GM synths at 20+GB of sounds, especially as "all in one solution" for the price point. All drumsets are adjustable-per-drum and many many other features. Both items come in one package and are usually 1/2 off at least once a year.


I was unaware how powerful Halion and Sonic are. With over 20 gigs of sound it probably is the best GM on the market. So I will retract my "Forget about General MIDI (GM) sound sources" and say "forget about most GM sound sources".

......................
Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#

Bottom line,

Kontakt by itself comes with pretty weak "factory" library. To get it right to "realistic specs", you have to hunt for sales/upgrades and by the end of the day, it will cost quite a lot, but you can achieve the "better" sound quality.
.......................


I agree that the Kontakt factory library is very week and very dated. I also agree that the NI's sounds for Kontakt are over priced and that you have to wait for a sale to purchase them. But there are a plethora of excellent third party sounds ranging from free to very expensive. I have a large library of them that I have collected over the years. Kontakt is my go to sound source for most of my sounds.

Peace and stay safe.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,035
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,035
Originally Posted By: MarioD
[
But there are a plethora of excellent third party sounds ranging from free to very expensive. I have a large library of them that I have collected over the years. Kontakt is my go to sound source for most of my sounds.

Peace and stay safe.


Here are a few at the top of my list which have all found a place in my music. I generally wait for a sale. So Mario, what are a couple at the top of your list?

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Capture.JPG (37.06 KB, 208 downloads)

Retired to Make Music - No Plan B
My SoundCloud
View Current Projects
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
B
bowlesj Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
Originally Posted By: CarlosEArellano

For this reason, when I record with a synth guitar, I emphasize playing the notes as cleanly as possible, especially in quick phrases. This reduces cleanup and subsequent editing of MIDI data to very little.


Thanks Carlos and nice playing.

Regarding your comment "This reduces cleanup and subsequent editing of MIDI data to very little." above, this is the issue. The notation I put in the melody track is either an original song melody or simple record lift melodies. I use AnthemScore to assist with record lifting. I figure out the timing of the notes and enter them directly in BIAB. This is faster and cheaper than trying to play it, run it through extra expensive equipment, adjust it. This is all front end stuff (getting the notes in). My question has nothing to do with front end. It has to do with making the melody track such that it does not turn people new to BIAB off. I think PG-Music needs to have an over view course web page for absolute beginners on this topic "making the melody track such that it does not turn people new to BIAB off". The beginner steps through the course topics in prerequisite sequence after they get the overview. If they think they know a topic they (don't drill down into the details but instead skip to the next topic). So as an example entering melodies could be a topic with two sub topics (manual notation entry and midi instrument playing entry). When I first got BIAB in 2012 I would process that topic but now I would skip that topic.

Last edited by bowlesj; 06/21/20 05:02 AM.

John Bowles
My playing in my 20s:
https://www.reverbnation.com/johnbowles
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,035
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,035
Originally Posted By: bowlesj

My question has nothing to do with front end. It has to do with making the melody track such that it does not turn people new to BIAB off. I think PG-Music needs to have an over view course web page for absolute beginners on this topic "making the melody track such that it does not turn people new to BIAB off". The beginner steps through the course topics in prerequisite sequence after they get the overview.


The answer to your question is two fold 1) how you create the midi (This I assume is what you are calling "front end") and 2) what you use to turn the midi into audio.

Therefore you can not ignore the front end as it is a huge contributing factor to the realism of the sound output. It appears you are creating you midi directly from staff notation entry. One of the first responses advised that this was not optimum,

Quote:
4-Buy a MIDI keyboard controller


Midi creation (front end) has to be "played" to reach the level of realism we are expecting when we chose the high end synths for playback. That is what Carlos and others are telling you. Also why the MidiSupertracks of BIAB are the choice and why BIAB is not the only tool you need. Took me a long time to appreciate this fact.

And finally, regarding the "latest and greatest methods", I can tell you that none of this has changed in the past 20 years. There is little to nothing new in BIAB or industry technology to change this fundamental premise regarding midi.


Retired to Make Music - No Plan B
My SoundCloud
View Current Projects
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,035
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,035
Originally Posted By: fiddler2007
Originally Posted By: MartinB
For thoroughly authentic piano and organ sounds you might want to check out physical instrument simulations such as -> Pianoteq

Pianoteq ... I am really not impressed, the piano's sound canned, a little distorted. Too much cheap sounding reverb.
OK when solo maybe but for mixing (MIDI or not) instrument stuff i used the Toontrack EZkeys Vintage piano quite often in the past.

@Rustyspoon is right, some GM stuff sounds quite good, in the past i used Hypersonic, and now HalionSonic which is 64 bit even.
The free SE version is also quite good. Plus that the pianos sound quite better than Pianoteq.


This is a perfect example of the fact that music is subjective, as we each hear what we hear. Pianoteq is my go to piano sounds! Lots of good to say about EZKeys grands but for me, Pianoteq is the cheery on the top of the cake.


Retired to Make Music - No Plan B
My SoundCloud
View Current Projects
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
B
bowlesj Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
Quote:
Midi creation (front end) has to be "played" to reach the level of realism we are expecting when we chose the high end synths for playback. That is what Carlos and others are telling you. Also why the MidiSupertracks of BIAB are the choice and why BIAB is not the only tool you need. Took me a long time to appreciate this fact.


So I don't skip that part of the course :-) That's fine :-) We do what we got to do.


John Bowles
My playing in my 20s:
https://www.reverbnation.com/johnbowles
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 5 1 2 3 4 5

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
Topics86,457
Posts805,325
Members40,126
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Zoltan Bekesi, kmmkelsns874, Goodmanje, AlfredoR616, Jerry Gerber
40,125 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 135
rsdean 91
DC Ron 90
WaoBand 67
Today's Birthdays
George_H, Ifiddler
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5