Hello all. Can a user set a default for the number of bars and choruses one wants when he/she opens a new song or do these aspects have to be set manually each time? For example I want to make a number of quick down and dirty practice tracks with 12 bars and no repeats. Do I have to enter those parameters each time I produce one of these?
I suppose a work around would be to make a template song to open each time and then change the chords or key.
Yes a default for song measures and repeats can be setup. Not at my computer right now, but take a look under Options...Arrange tab...I think what your looking for is there.
BackingTrack, your suggestion of making a template song is a good idea anyway. Load it, rename it immediately, then continue. That's a common technique in lots of software.
The BIAB option that Jeff and Jim mentioned is indeed new in BIAB 2022 and was a direct answer to user requests. The good news is that the default now is one chorus, but for those of us who liked it as it was, we can set that using the dialog Jim showed. Everyone wins.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
The good news is that the default now is one chorus
That one likely was due to customers contacting support asking why their song keeps repeating - it can certainly be confusing to new customers.
And not just support. Many times that question got asked here on the forum pages too
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
My comment was taken out of context, so it might be useful to point out why I liked it the way it was. I’ve been a pro jazz player since the early 1960s. BIAB began as a tool to play jazz fakebook songs and the three-chorus model (where chorus = once through the tune) was well-suited for jazz. As BIAB evolved way beyond just jazz users, norms like this one began to be less appropriate. There were many requests to change the defaults and even the terminology to accommodate verse, chorus, bridge etc. But for those who liked it as it was, such as me, it’s now a user setting and anyone can have it the way they like it. That’s the right way to handle something like this.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
You’re welcome. Where I grew up, we used to have to walk to and from school, uphill both ways, for five miles in 8 feet of snow. You young whippersnappers have it easy.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
You’re welcome. Where I grew up, we used to have to walk to and from school, uphill both ways, for five miles in 8 feet of snow. You young whippersnappers have it easy.
Whereas I'm a millennial so I have everything easy and eat avocado toast every day, which is of course the reason why I can't afford a house.
In all seriousness, Matt's contributions here are absolutely invaluable. I learn a lot from you here on the forums (particularly about BIAB history), and I work here. I mean, I'd probably have learned more by now if we were in "normal" circumstances, but I started here during lockdown last May and I still haven't met about 2/3 of the company in person - including PG himself!
Thank you, Simon. Many of us have already commented how terrific it is that you participate actively here. It really has made a difference.
I have a background of building all my own PCs since 1983 but even so I’ve picked up some good tech info from you. I hope you do get to meet others in your company because you have some great ones working there. We had no idea all of you were not together.
Pat Marr even proposed a BIAB reunion a few years back, and Victoria BC was considered. We wound up at my place on Lake George NY with three total to go to my concert, but it was great fun. Maybe someday we all can go to western Canada?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I remember a time when Dr. Gannon offered a get-together in or near Vancouver island, but it never materialized. Its one thing to arrange a road trip and get 20 people to agree to meet you as you pass thru town. Its quite another to get the same number of people to make travel plans to show up at the same place and time. There are so many things that make demands on peoples' time, trying to arrange a group event is outside the realm of my skill set.
Thank you, Matt, for hosting that great weekend in Lake George! I totally enjoyed your show! Meeting Mario and his dear wife was the icing on the cake. I had already met you and your wife in Virginia on another trip (as you already know... but I mention it for the sake of anyone reading this.)
I just bought a new car, so maybe its road trip time again. I have internet friends in Vancouver & Vancouver island I've never met in person, so don't be surprised if I show up at PGMusic headquarters and ask for a nickel tour.
After Simon’s comment, I wonder about what and who would be in Victoria, at least until the pandemic is under control. I’m having trouble imagining a world of work where I’ve never even met most of my coworkers, and am saddened if that’s the new normal. There are occasional newcomers here who wrongly think I’m against change, but on this, they might be right. If I worked with someone as knowledgeable and helpful as Simon, it would be inspiring.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Thank you, Simon. Many of us have already commented how terrific it is that you participate actively here. It really has made a difference.
I have a background of building all my own PCs since 1983 but even so I’ve picked up some good tech info from you. I hope you do get to meet others in your company because you have some great ones working there. We had no idea all of you were not together.
Pat Marr even proposed a BIAB reunion a few years back, and Victoria BC was considered. We wound up at my place on Lake George NY with three total to go to my concert, but it was great fun. Maybe someday we all can go to western Canada?
Aw shucks, you're gonna make me blush
Thank you though - I've been actively trying to make a difference , and I'm glad my efforts are noticed!
Originally Posted By: Pat Marr
don't be surprised if I show up at PGMusic headquarters and ask for a nickel tour.
Nickel tour is about right - there's not much to tour, being that the office is quite small, and most of us work from home now anyway.
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
After Simon’s comment, I wonder about what and who would be in Victoria, at least until the pandemic is under control. I’m having trouble imagining a world of work where I’ve never even met most of my coworkers, and am saddened if that’s the new normal. There are occasional newcomers here who wrongly think I’m against change, but on this, they might be right. If I worked with someone as knowledgeable and helpful as Simon, it would be inspiring.
Yeah it's definitely strange not knowing who I work with. So far I've met in person less than 1/4 of the company. I personally think that working remotely is something that should be embraced by society, as it provides a lot more opportunity for people who have physical challenges with workplaces, and thankfully the pandemic has proven that it can work for businesses
Again, thank you for your kind words Matt, always a pleasure.
Working from home has many benefits but so does working in an office space. Department meetings, training and even the office Christmas party supports and builds social bonds and a company's culture. I believe most businesses will realize a mixture of the two works best for most employees and the business itself.
Chatting whilst making coffee or at the water machine or the printer. It can be about work or social or about whatever else seems appropriate. Chatting cross-discipline.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
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