Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#54430 01/05/10 08:32 AM
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 143
N
Nutty Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
N
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 143
It would be great to have a printed user guide similar to the Band in a Box user guide. I know there is a .pdf file, but it's not as portable as the printed copy. I'm old school that way I guess...still like and use the printed manuals.

Thanks.
Annette

Nutty #54431 01/05/10 06:32 PM
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,004
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,004
A BIG +1


It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
If they do publish a printed manual, I hope that they make it available on a separate cost basis for those who want to have one instead of having to force the initial purchase price for everybody higher in order to cover publishing costs.

--Mac

Mac #54433 01/07/10 04:18 AM
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106
I think Kinko's can take a PDF and make a spiral bound manual out of it... and that would fulfil everybody's needs (those who can live without it don't pay for it, and those who absolutely want one can get one)

RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 143
N
Nutty Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
N
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 143
I had sent an e-mail to PG Music to enquire and they said there is no manual, but offered the PowerTracks manual for $10 plus shipping. RealBand is very similar to PowerTracks I guess. I'm guessing that's why the never did a version for RealBand, but you'd think a manual, whether it be RealBand or PowerTracks, would be included just like the Band in a Box manual. I've gotten the BIAB manual every time I've updated.

Fortunately for me I have a copy of the PowerTracks manual, I just haven't used the program for a long long time. But, this is an option for others who may not have PowerTracks.

Maybe the experts here of PowerTracks and RealBand can let us know if there are enough similarities to warrant the price of the PT manual.

Just my thoughts.
Annette

Nutty #54435 01/08/10 07:09 AM
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 83
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 83
If you have an ebook reader, just copy the pdf book on that. I did this with all the pdf manuals and that is a great way to have them always, when you need them. Since the printed version is about the same size as an ebook reader, it realy turns out very nice on my Sony reader.


So long,
mos
Nutty #54436 01/08/10 12:19 PM
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Quote:

I had sent an e-mail to PG Music to enquire and they said there is no manual, but offered the PowerTracks manual for $10 plus shipping. RealBand is very similar to PowerTracks I guess.

Maybe the experts here of PowerTracks and RealBand can let us know if there are enough similarities to warrant the price of the PT manual.




It seems to me that the PTPA manual would only cover maybe 1/2 of the RealBands functions...it really IS a different animal from just plain 'ol PTAP IMHO.

And as for printing out the PDF's, the local Office Max / Staples here will not print out anything that has any type of copyright © notice, at all....even if it states on the same page that you are allowed to reproduce it! I don't blame them tho, really....


i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Gee, I wonder what's to prevent someone from simply stripping out any copyright and mention of copyright from a .pdf file using any old freeware .pdf editor and then taking the file into the place?

OH SHOCKERS!

"Git-R-Done, son..."



--Mac

Mac #54438 01/09/10 08:23 AM
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Well Mac, probably because they check it out!

I had some lit from Creation Science Seminars that I wanted to copy, and tho the one book itself had no copyright in it, they went on the net and found out that ON THE SITE it stated that all materials are ©...thus they would not print it.

Again, I really don't blame them, as "sue-happy" as people are today....

"Check yer facts son..."


i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Go to another shop, Pop...

Mac #54440 01/10/10 08:15 PM
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
If I could find one it would ROCK!


i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657
You mean that in all of Acron Ohio you can find one printer that will bind it for you?

When it all fails, print it yourself and three ring punch, and place it in a notebook. You can even get one of those that has a little plastic slot on the back for the label.


HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
I did it that way. Printed 260-some double-sided pages, punched for three rings. It took hours and about $25 in ink. I didn't hear the suggestion about taking it to Kinko's until later.

I have militated for a printed manual WITH A COMPLETE, PROFESSIONALLY-PREPARED INDEX to be included with BIAB for years, and add my +1 to the request for the same with RB.

Ten dollars or whatever is a small price to pay for added functionality, i.e., being able to study the documentation in the manner I prefer--with a pencil and highlighter, wherever I choose to sit or lie down. Wite-Out just wreaks havoc on those flat screens.

R.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Another "easy to say" that likely would become excoriation immediately following the higher price...

Mac #54444 01/30/10 07:16 AM
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106
I like the tech-docs approach:

1) issue a comprehensive printed manual in a 3 ring binder for the initial purchase

2) for revisions/upgrades, make available for download any additional pages to be inserted into the manual, and any replacement pages that supersede old information.

3) archive the incremental manuals for those who don't upgrade every time

4) page numbering system would have to be modified to accommodate insertions.
(section.page.paragraph , so the index might reference page 2.17.35)

It's not too bad printing a limited number of new pages for each upgrade. Not so convenient to print out the whole manual every time.

But, if you have EVER printed out the manual once, you can always use Adobe to print individual pages or ranges of pages from the new document and then insert them into your binder. But it would be a bear to keep it indexed.

An alternative would be to print out ONLY the section that you refer to the most. Much of the program is so intuitive that no manual is needed.. but if you find yourself opening the PDF every time you deal with a particular feauture, just print THAT out

RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
I like it better than what I suggested. It's how the UCMJ (military legal) docs were handled. I'm sure many other administrative, legal, and technical enterprises do it just like that.

If PG want to keep a hard copy optional, that's fine with me. I'll pay the freight to have the manual in the form which my learning style best accommodates.

Still want that exhaustive index, too.

R.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,106
I actually used the manual in the old days when there was a spiral paper version that woukd lie flat beside the computer while I played.

When things went to PDF, I got out of the habit because my computer did not multitask well, and the screen was small.

Now that LCD flat screen makes a large monitor cost-possible, and computers are faster and able to handle more apps at one time, I find that using the PDF manual is not so frustrating.

I like that when you serach for a topic, you get links to ALL references of the topic.

I DON'T like the fact that some features don't show up at all when you search for them. Don't ask me which ones because remembering things is not my forte.. but it has happened at least 25% of the time when I search for information in the PDF.

RealBand Wishlist
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Quote:

If you have an ebook reader, just copy the pdf book on that. I did this with all the pdf manuals and that is a great way to have them always, when you need them. Since the printed version is about the same size as an ebook reader, it realy turns out very nice on my Sony reader.




Excellent idea. Thanks. I'm going to try it on my Kindle.
Stan

Update: Yes, it did import into the Kindle okay, but the font is so small that it's not readable for this old guy. When reading a book that's in ereader format, the font size can be changed smaller or larger. Apparently this opotion is not available for the pdf file or maybe there may additional formatting needed? Oh well.........

Last edited by Shastastan; 02/09/10 07:39 PM.

Cornet Curmudgeon
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
Video: New User Interface (GUI)

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!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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 Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

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!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.

XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!

Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!

Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.

Note: 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.

Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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.

Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,268
Posts790,341
Members39,848
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
NyiBiaB, jeb23, n2banjos, AndrewInCyprus, Harbert
39,848 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 318
MarioD 219
DrDan 215
Noel96 169
DC Ron 141
Rob Helms 128
Today's Birthdays
cvs287
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5