Today, let's talk about the operation experience of SOLO and MUTE.
Both functions are fine. However, I feel more comfortable in other DAW software. For example, in STUDIO ONE, there are five tracks, I want to hear drums and bass, I only need to click the drum and bass twice to SOLO. Because it is impossible to open MUTE and SOLO at the same time in the same track in STUDIO ONE
But that's not the case in BIAB. In BIAB, if the MUTE of a drum track is turned on, at this time I click the SOLO of the drum track, then its MUTE is still turned on. So this time I click SOLO on this drum track, I still can't hear the drums, and I need to click MUTE on this stock track again. In fact, it doesn't have to be so troublesome, just click SOLO on the same track and MUTE will be automatically turned on. Because I hit SOLO, definitely for the SOLO of this drum track.
Next, I want to listen to SOLO with drums and bass. If it was in STUDIO ONE, all I had to do was hit the drums and the BASS SOLO, then I could listen to those two tracks. Clear thinking.
Not at BIAB. On BIAB's MIXER, it's OK for me to click the SOLO of the drum, but if I click the SOLO of the BASS again, then the SOLO on the drum just now is automatically canceled? It turns out that BIAB thinks SOLO is SOLO, and I will automatically cancel other SOLOs for you, so why not cancel it? Need to hold down SHIFT? I think this is complicating simple things. Some people say it's not complicated, what's so complicated about holding down SHIFT? Let's continue to see, on STYLEPICKER, for example, if I want two tracks of drum and bass to be SOLO, then I can't do it if I set two tracks to SOLO, because there is only one SOLO by default, so how to solve it? I need to MUTE all the other tracks.
In fact, the same problem, there are similar in BAR SETTING. For example, if I want to make INTRO only the sound of BASS, then I have two operation methods. The first is to MUTE all other tracks. The second method is to mute all the instruments first, and then set the BASS to "BACK TO NORMAL".
After a long time fumbling around with BIAB, I have found a solution myself. But I am still confused by these designs. This design makes people feel uncomfortable. Confuses users. The uncomfortable feeling, of course, can be adapted, but it can also be improved. Make more people feel comfortable. We often refer to this uncomfortable feeling of operating software and hardware as "anti-human design", as if it is the opposite of human operation logic and inconsistent with many software operations.
If it is convenient, I hope you can feel the SOLO and MUTE designs in STUDIO ONE, which are very reasonable.
You can use the right mouse click for multiple and one left to cancel all other solos. But yes Biab is like that.
The problem of MIXER is basically solved. I don't know if there are more convenient and quick SOLO and MUTE solutions in the lower left corner of StylePicker?
I have asked for solo mute buttons in the Style Picker, I asked for solo/mute buttons in the BBPlugin VST and that took years of fighting to get. Biab has so many dialogs you are stuck in like a jail and cannot access the main interface.
As much as the work around that Pipester mentioned (and thanks for pointing that out for folks) I still think it would be better if it conforms to standards in the DAW world.
Last edited by Rob Helms; 01/26/2209:16 AM.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
Then you still have no control of the volume, and the Style may have Utility tracks. The main problem with these windows is you don't have access to the main GUI while stuck in these windows, it is the same with the new F7 Tracks window and the new F8 Multiriff window, you have no control of the mixer or scrolling of the Audio Edit track to see the generated sections or be able to play easily section.
Then you still have no control of the volume, and the Style may have Utility tracks. The main problem with these windows is you don't have access to the main GUI while stuck in these windows, it is the same with the new F7 Tracks window and the new F8 Multiriff window, you have no control of the mixer or scrolling of the Audio Edit track to see the generated sections or be able to play easily section.
Yes. Probably this is an unsolvable problem.Just got used to it temporarily.
I'd rather the general bugs n instabilities be fixed and it continue as its own beast rather than conforming to DAWS and retaining instabilities. CORE CODE needs work.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I'd rather the general bugs n instabilities be fixed and it continue as its own beast rather than conforming to DAWS and retaining instabilities. CORE CODE needs work.
Yep, I totally agree. It needs a complete rewrite.
The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal". Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Yes and no. It’s a fine dance. Yes this program is deep and rich with powerful features it is also confusing and complicated. The menus and submenus are redundant. A deep clean up is warranted. A complete rewrite, hhmmm that could take years and tie up valuable resources. I think a year of less new feature coupled with a tracked bug repair system again coupled with menu/functionality update. Would be epic
Since new features would be mostly halted. Just refine those obvious one from this year, then release a few more RTs and styles to continue to drive sales.
First refined features:
1. All tracks equal! Complete this feature
2. Bar settings, song settings, chord settings, micro chords, multiriff, etc. Clean these up and place them under structured menu to clean up and simplify the workflow. G
3. During the cleanup process locate redundant feature options and eliminate them.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
+1 all of the above ! lol Mario said it before I could. But I think it will just keep going how it is. Yes rewrite could take years but on the other hand the BBPlugin could be the new Biab as the development is very quick with a Win and Mac version released at the same time that are identical. The thing that holds it back is waiting for the back end bbw4 (Biab running in the background) that it talks to. Once the generate code is translated from the old Delphi bbw4 code into the new BBPlugin code one function at a time, this will be all new code so any limitation from the 90's will not be brought into the BBPlugin. As the BBPlugin develops with the Direct Play function it will be quicker than Biab. All this will then go into the Standalone BBPlugin that will be easier to use and learn without any limitations of the old Biab (current) like tempo maps, time signatures and 255 bars.
At the moment I have to make AutoHotkey scripts for Biab to get pass the limitations and restrictions (like the Style Picker). That's why I asked for a Scripts menu like other audio apps have, so anything you can't do or takes too long to navigate through the menus and dialogs to do, you just run a script from the Scripts menu and it does it all instantly.
We as soon as multi riff and the rest came along on 2022, everyone was praising BIAB for a wonderful product - again.
In fact, I rarely use this riff in the main program of BIAB.
Because I first used BIAB to make a rough one. Secondly, it is generated by BIAB VST, and then put into other DAWs to continue production. If we need to improvise, we can use BIAB VST to generate several. Then put it into the DAW editing operation.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean