How do I mute a track for a specific chorus or choruses, e.g. I have a 32 bar song looping 4 times and I want the piano track to be muted for the third chorus?
To make a change for a bar in a specific Chorus, first unfold your song. You'll find this under Edit | Song Form | Unfold. Then go into the Bar Settings of the bar you wish to start the mute. You can get to the Bar Settings by either right clicking the bar and selecting Bar Settings in the menu. Or as Marco76 use the shortcut F5.
How do I mute a track for a specific chorus or choruses, e.g. I have a 32 bar song looping 4 times and I want the piano track to be muted for the third chorus?
There's no need to unfold your song.
Select the bar that you want to mute a track on, press function key <F5>, then select which chorus number you want to apply the mute to. Repeat at the bar for the chorus where you wish the track to return to normal:
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.
Much as I'm impressed with what BiaB does, and I accept that there's no real alternative, I must say the usability leaves something to be desired, imho!
Much as I'm impressed with what BiaB does, and I accept that there's no real alternative, I must say the usability leaves something to be desired, imho!
I hope my answer gave you both a reasonable and the simplest way to achieve your requirements.
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.
those of us who started with BIAB on floppy discs have seen it grow from a simple program to the incredibly powerful tool it is now. we learnt gradually as new features were added over the years.
coming in fresh like you are is a steep learning curve - you have to learn what we absorbed gradually over the years. there is a lot to learn but that's the price you pay for something so powerful.
stick with it - it's worth it and if you have any further questions - just ask. its often easier than trying to read a manual of several hundred pages!
And as the unfold-or-not and F5 or-click discussion shows, there are often several ways to do things in BIAB. While this can make things seem complicated, I consider it an advantage as you discover the workflow that works best or seems most intuitive to you.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Much as I'm impressed with what BiaB does, and I accept that there's no real alternative, I must say the usability leaves something to be desired, imho!
I agree in the sense of a new(er) user. However, for many of us, once you DO learn how it works, logical workflow 'improvements' become more complicated. Kinda like Photoshop (and the rest of the Adobe Suite); for me it is a very confusing interface, and it took a while to learn (like BiaB). But once you do learn it, you can do things other software doesn't.
Just had a thought It would be cool if there was a 'Basic' interface and an 'Advanced' one .. but that requires development time (and testing) so less other features would be developed in a given timeline. And then updated every year.
We use a certain eCommerce platform for development, and the Admin area has a switch from Basic to Advanced. That is what made me think of this. The options are much more limited for Basic, but it gets you used to how things work. Then when you need more advanced features you simply turn on Advanced access.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Much as I'm impressed with what BiaB does, and I accept that there's no real alternative, I must say the usability leaves something to be desired, imho!
I agree in the sense of a new(er) user. However, for many of us, once you DO learn how it works, logical workflow 'improvements' become more complicated. Kinda like Photoshop (and the rest of the Adobe Suite); for me it is a very confusing interface, and it took a while to learn (like BiaB). But once you do learn it, you can do things other software doesn't.
Just had a thought It would be cool if there was a 'Basic' interface and an 'Advanced' one .. but that requires development time (and testing) so less other features would be developed in a given timeline. And then updated every year.
We use a certain eCommerce platform for development, and the Admin area has a switch from Basic to Advanced. That is what made me think of this. The options are much more limited for Basic, but it gets you used to how things work. Then when you need more advanced features you simply turn on Advanced access.
Just had a thought It would be cool if there was a 'Basic' interface and an 'Advanced' one .. but that requires development time (and testing) so less other features would be developed in a given timeline. And then updated every year.
Lots of merit in that suggestion. +1
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.
The basic versus advanced interface has of course been discussed at length before (without a consensus, as I recall) but here we have a new justification: the difference in development time. However, I am not sure it would make any difference. I think the two interfaces would likely be created as the advanced first, then decide what to remove to make it easier to work with. Doing it the other way risks introducing errors. But that's just my best guess as a programmer.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
The modern interface can be as basic as you want, it's essentially the chord sheet and audio mixer.
As Matt pointed out shortly after the modern interface was introduced, the custom tab allows the user to decide what icon buttons are easily accessible. The audio mixer can be hidden with two keystrokes leaving just the chord sheet in view.
What else would you eliminate or change for a "basic" interface?
... What else would you eliminate or change for a "basic" interface?
Boy, that sure is the question isn't it. The revision of the GUI in (I think) 2018 went a long way to at least giving the appearance of a more streamlined program. If I recall correctly, it's the menus that were the focus of the effort discussed before, and I do have some sympathy for that approach.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Yes, a difficult question indeed, and one with a thousand answers.
Seeing you asked, I would simplify menus, and separate out features like Melodist, Soloist, Harmony, ACW, Audio Edit, User Tracks Development, Melody Embellisher, Ear Training, Practice, Conductor etc. All of the functionality would still be available, but not included in a streamlined, simplified presentation format.
The simplified view would be an 'auto-accompaniment' music system. A 'Band-In-A-Box'. Enter the chords, choose a style, and play along. New users would surely find this less bewildering, and can migrate to advanced functions whenever they wish.
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.
Yes, a difficult question indeed, and one with a thousand answers.
Seeing you asked, I would simplify menus, and separate out features like Melodist, Soloist, Harmony, ACW, Audio Edit, User Tracks Development, Melody Embellisher, Ear Training, Practice, Conductor etc. All of the functionality would still be available, but not included in a streamlined, simplified presentation format.
The simplified view would be an 'auto-accompaniment' music system. A 'Band-In-A-Box'. Enter the chords, choose a style, and play along. New users would surely find this less bewildering, and can migrate to advanced functions whenever they wish.
I agree. Condensing like things under one tab would help also IMHO. For instance putting all chord functions under a tab called chords would help and streamline the GUI. YMMV
The new GUI is a start in the direction. I haven't used the old GUI since the new came out.
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
I have been a user for for more than 20 years, but would welcome a simplified "auto accompaniment" version. I do like the real tracks / drums, but I have never used Real Band, track freezing, recording etc. I do use the melodist from time to time, mostly to audition styles or even instruments. I probably should investigate the custom tab, but I seem to know where all the buttons are that I need.
But I would rather PGM spend time fixing problems - especially those that have been around for ages. I can live with the existing GUI, but decluttering the GUI and all the drop down menus would be a "nice to have"
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643) Windows 10 (1909)
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!
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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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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.
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!
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.
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)
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