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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
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OP
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I'm sure that Peter has probably already heard this, but I've not been around in a while. I don't get to use BIAB that much, as I don't get to play nearly as much as I used to, but I'm trying to spend more time playing to calm myself and reduce stress.
Okay, having said that, here's my pitch.
When BIAB was first developed so many years ago, it was seriously cutting edge, and blew most 'arranger keyboards' away with its capability. Today, however, even the more modest arranger keyboards usually have 8 tracks dedicated to backing tracks. Obviously, that's not for every style, but a lot of jazz, big band, swing, show tunes, cinematic tracks and such can easily use 8 tracks for their backing sound.
For most keyboards that I'm familiar with, Channel 9 is the bass, Channel 10, of course, is the drums, with my Korgs, Channel 11 has been for percussion in addition to the drums, and then 12-16 are for whatever tracks the style designer chooses.
I don't see why an upcoming version of Band In A Box could not be expanded to support a total of 8 channels of backing tracks. You don't have to use them, of course, but it would be nice to have styles, both MIDI and Real Tracks that support more than the current five tracks that BIAB offers.
Updating older styles shouldn't be that hard, and creating newer ones with 8 tracks of backing would just be a matter of course. Making newer real tracks might be interesting if you have to hire an entire string or a horn section, but in the end, I think it makes BIAB a better product.
The reason I also mentioned MIDI tracks is that the newer keyboards that are coming out have some very nice sounds to them. Are they 'as real as real instruments?' No, and they never will be, as there is always the human element involved, but the sounds on a new Korg PA4X far surpass my PA800 from 15 years ago, and maybe it's time that MIDI in BIAB made a resurgence. Eight backing tracks might just do that.
Anyway, just a suggestion, something for Peter and crew to think about. Get a new keyboard, Korg, Yamaha, Ketron, whatever, pull up a Cinematic, Big Band or a Swing style, and see what I mean.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
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By you having not been around recently, you may be interested to read these and other threads revolving around software programming changes that require additional regular mixer channels that act and look same way as existing channels do now. They are requests intended to make BIAB perform close to how recording is done in today's recording environments using modern methods. Here are some recent discussions posted in the Wish List Forum. Dr. Gannon is aware of these and commented positively regarding this popular request. https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=596442#Post596442Select bars -> drag to DAW / Frozen Bars to DAW / re-arrange frozen sections in BIAB? https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=600974#Post600974A Couple More Empty Tracks In Mixer ~ Please https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=593385#Post593385Multiriffs, regenerations / Bar Freeze (Bar-by-bar regeneration) - THE MIXER! https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=594332#Post594332my xmas wishes lol In respect to your request for more backing tracks in BIAB Styles, you don't have to wait for the next version release or update that includes additional Mixer Channels to enjoy the benefit of having additional backing tracks to any style. BIAB styles have been capable of having as many as 70 instruments available and included in any style since at least 2014. Each BIAB Mixer Channel can have up to 10 RealTrack instruments per track. These instruments can be programmed to change every number of bars such as 2, 4, 8; change every Chorus; Change every part marker or manually programmed to change whenever and however you desire. Instruments can sound out simultaneously or consecutively and PG Music enhanced this feature both in the 2019 and 2020 versions, adding panning and volume automation and new styles among other things. Any Channel can only use one sound media type per channel. If a track contains a RealTrack, you can add 9 additional RealTracks to that channel. Sound media types cannot be mixed onto the tracks. Another BIAB feature dating back to at least 2014 provides the BIAB Mixer to create Stem Mixes in a few easy steps: . Arrange the mix, . Export the mix to audio, . Import the audio stem to the Audio Channel and . Convert and move that audio stem mix to any BIAB Mixer Channel. Dozens of Stems can be created and saved in minutes for use in any DAW. Stems can be created from every type of sound media BIAB recognizes or any combination of the various sound media types like MIDI, MIDI Super Tracks, Loops, RealTRacks, RealDrums, Samples, Pre-recorded Audio and Live Audio. Stems can be a single track with or without effects or VSTi's; a mix of two or more BIAB Channels that can be any combination of sound media types BIAB recognizes, midi, midi super tracks, loops, samples, RealTracks, RealDrums, Pre-recorded or live audio. Stems can also be created solely from within BIAB from previously mixed groups described above.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
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OP
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Posts: 10,199 |
Charlie, as I said, I have NOT been around in a while. I've been homeless for the last couple of years, unemployed for the last four years, and not been very active with BIAB or PG Music for quite some time.
I realize that since I use a DAW, there are ways to achieve what I'm looking for without extra tracks, but I still believe, particularly in a live situation, or when you're recording backing tracks for live performance, that additional backing tracks may be desirable.
This is just a suggestion for Dr. Gannon, if he does anything with it, that's great, if not, we haven't lost anything, that's for sure.
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Mar 2018
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Gary, Mr.Gannon hinted earlier this month there might be possibility to add more tracks. My hopes are aimed at beautiful number "16" P.S. Actually this is my biggest wish in BIAB  Lets hope it happens.
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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.
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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!
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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
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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!
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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®!
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