My question is does PG Development have to stay in the past because of older users with older hardware, can there be new and old ? The idea that the Biab VST Plugin has to be held back from new users in a professional studio enviroment in case older users want to use it in PowerTracks only is ludicrous.
I'm tired of setting the DeLorean back 20 years to come here and be thought of a crazy man with crazy ideas. I put so many ideas forward here but it seems like PG is worried about old users on old hardware, YET the hardware needed to run Biab is stated:
Quote:
Band-in-a-Box runs on Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 (32 or 64-bit) and require at least a 1.0 GHz processor (2GHz+ multicore recommended). Basic MIDI features require a less powerful computer than the latest RealTracks features. For best performance, we recommend a fairly up-to-date computer with Windows 7 or higher, a fast processor, and at least 2GB RAM
but Reaper will still run on XP
Quote:
REAPER supports all Windows versions from Windows XP to Windows 10.
this is XP playing RealTracks/Drums Direct from USB 2.0 hard drive generated up INSTANTLY and any section regenerated, that PG is scared to do because of older users with PowerTracks:
The editing in Biab and RealBand is still destructive editing out of the 90's whereas most DAW's now user NON Destructive editing so you aren't creating new wav files all the time filling up the hard drive.
The BiabVST Plugin needs to call on bbw4 running in the background to generate up the chosen RT/RD source file sections then write them together into RAM then render them down to a wav file on the hard drive, this is why there is so much time waiting ! If it can't all be done in the actual BiabVST dll at the moment this way here will work to give Instant Gen and Play rather that the long wait of selecting parts, generating to RAM, rendering to more WAV's, JUST PLAY THEM DIRECT:
This is EnergyXY 1.4 32bit VSTi 2005 in Reaper playing all the RealTracks/Drums random sections the same way the BiabVST Plugin could work:
There is a whole new world, GET INTO IT PG I can't fit you all in my DeLorean!
Seems it will be a significant quality jump on how tracks are handled. While I see several BIG wish / requests that I consider important that are not fulfilled yet, I believe there should be more thought given to consolidation and internal optimization of BIAB. What pipeline is proposing makes perfect sense. At least on his model. Perhaps PG can make some kind of fast and dirty alpha / raw test version for those testers who are "not afraid" and willing to experiment?
If it can work as pipeline describing, it could speed everything up significantly and of course less file cluttering and possibly less tax on CPU.
I think that PGMusic is trapped in old code with many band-aids. Thus they have put their emphasis on RTs, their cash cow, hoping users will use them verbatim. They are way behind in MIDI and are on a losing pace with audio, i.e. loops and loops programs are very popular again. Plus many users, at least in my opinion, are looking for more audio manipulation, i.e. cutting and pasting within BiaB/RB.
I have been asking for a complete rewrite for many years now.
YMMV
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
has beta testing for biab 2022 started yet? maybe there's still time for new ideas of that new alfa version
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface casio wk-7500 biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
No Alpha, no Beta testing yet, usually late Nov. That is it there is no "Alpha" development input just Beta with a few days to test for bugs, not how it works and what needs improving, so it goes public and Dec Jan... are spent fixing. Yes, with midi it is generated instantly the audio tracks could work the same way.
The BiabVST should be Instant Gen/Play and Biab main app sync to any DAW when you need to Gen up some extra tracks to fit best in your DAW session without render, drag, render, drag... filling up hard drive with WAV's, then these issues will all be solved once and for all:
Originally Posted By: Marty Ricciotti
...So right now I make tracks in BB then export. When I need some more instruments I open BB again and then export more tracks.
I have the BB vst loaded in Reaper but I only use it their for the track settings and following the chords when I play along. I don't like the way the BB vst needs to generate a set of tracks to your temp folder that you have to go and clean out.
It would be really great if the PG Team could appoint some of us veteran and other users to assist with Alpha development. At the moment all we have is the wishlist, but not sure whether that is looked at for the next release.
I do feel that at some point PG music needs to go back to basics and sort out the old legacy features like 255 bars, 4 beats per bar for chord placement etc.
That's why I was trying to get them to get away from running bbw4 in the background for the BiabVST, if they did it all in the BiabVST dll they would get away from all the old limitations in bbw4 like the 255 bars, more chords per bar, real time signatures, real decimal tempo maps... But in the main Biab app, as Mario said a total rewrite.
Also adding Instant Gen/Play in the BiabVST and getting away from bbw4 will allow all more than 255 bars, more chords per bar, real time signatures, real decimal tempo maps... will give the BiabVST Standalone so much potential as a proper Biab Lite ! it could generate and play quicker than main Biab app.
Down the track further it could look like EnergyXT 2.0 VST below that is 32bit also and has no problem playing RT RD direct.
Pipeline. for the record i dont think your crazy. i highly respect you...as i'm sure do lots of pg users. i think your a great asset to these forums.
the one thing i will give pg, and why i also respect pg is they allow such open discourse of feature ideas as well as critiques on these forums.
happiness/respect om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
That's why I was trying to get them to get away from running bbw4 in the background for the BiabVST, if they did it all in the BiabVST dll they would get away from all the old limitations in bbw4 like the 255 bars, more chords per bar, real time signatures, real decimal tempo maps... But in the main Biab app, as Mario said a total rewrite.
If the BiaBVST did that I would stop using the main app and only use the VST. The VST would have everything that I have wanted in the main app for years.
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
...If the BiaBVST did that I would stop using the main app and only use the VST. The VST would have everything that I have wanted in the main app for years.
Exactly, I think most others would do the same. Unless there is a total re-write, the main app can be left how it is for songwriting, practice, live backing.... The BiabVST will be the road ahead for instant session tracks and BiabVST Standalone (Biab Lite) with pans, basic FX would be a no brainer learning curve for anyone new. Maybe a new name to get away from any bad experiences of Biab or BiabVST in the past ?
just a word from a non-power user of BIAB. i'd be happy if BIAB 2022 just worked properly from day 1. build 844 for 2021 is correcting problems in month 10 of 2021.
and although another thread suggests it's izotope's problem, i'd like my izotope plugins to work properly in RB the way they apparently do in BIAB.
i'd settle for the basics being worked out. the further BIAB gets pushed the more it seems to open the door for more problems.
i don't think you are crazy pipeline - your advice and help is one of the best features of these forums but you are miles ahead of most of us - well me anyway - and although PG programs are amazing and indispensable it would be nice if the basics got fixed first.
As mentioned I think you can only take Biab so far without a total re-write, it's keeps getting added to but still has the old 90's structure. RB there is not too much goes into that these days, you can try using KV Element and just drag n drop the plugins into it.
Just curious Pipeline. How many addons and band aid programs do you use when you run Real Band? So many posts on here all go into "Okay then load this and drag this, and then stand on your left leg, rub your stomach and pat your head at the same time, and and and...."
I don't want to load ANYTHING other than Real Band. That's what I expect the software to be. There is no real reason we should have to jump through all these hoops of mixing and matching outside programs. I keep reminding myself that the home run here is that RB creates backing tracks and the DAW was a convenience inclusion, but man, can't one program do all these things all the addons you tells about allows it to do? I mean this stuff costs what to me is a lot of money, and I have to buy it again every year, like Apple makes the iPhone users do every couple of years.
"Ooooh yeah!! $1200 more dollars this year because the put the headphone jack on the BOTTOM!!!" (Back before they removed it...)
Seems like PG should charge like $49 when all they do is add more variations on a theme and call them new Real Tracks. By the same guys. There will come a point when I get "fixed incomed" out of upgrading every year when the new version just fixes some minute stuff that I never knew was there to start with.
"I don't want to load ANYTHING other than Real Band." I wanted that also, I fought so hard for so long just like you: "I think this is year 4 I have asked for this." I found Reaper and don't use RB anymore as I don't need to with the BiabVST, there is a whole new world out there away from this little time warp. When will a miracle happen and RB is totally re-written and made better than other DAW's ? When money grows on trees People live in peace Everyone agrees That's when !
Just buy Reaper once, use the BiabVST and don't go buy more RealTracks every year.
It's only loading 1 VST that you drag any vst into !! With your multi Track FX Reaper has no problem with that, but I showed you a way to do that in RealBand using 1 vst also!!! RB-FX-Sends.mp4 NO HOOPS !
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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®.
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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!
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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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