Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#732153 09/20/22 09:37 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
A
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
A
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
My brain hurts…

I have a 4/4 song I imported as a Music XML file with a two beat pick up measure. BiaB rendered it as a 4 beat bar (measure).

I want to change this 1st measure to a two beat 1st measure instead of 4 beats so I used the Bar Settings to make that 1st measure 2 beats and set measure 2 to 4 beats.

When I play it, the melody starts in the first measure on beat 1 however, it continues on beat 3 of the 2nd measure (set to 4/4), not beat 1 as expected or as the music reads. In other words, the melody is shifted forward by the number of beats I deleted from measure 1.

The chord symbol in measure 2 is also on beat 1 and it sounds on the proper beat so it is just the melody that is getting shifted. (I think)

I tried the “Nudge Chord/Melody” thing (plus & minus values) but no matter what I’ve tried so far, if the first measure is 4 beats, the 1st measure plays as if it was written as two quarter notes followed by a half rest with the melody resuming on the first beat of measure 2…

OR

If I set the first measure as a two beat measure, it plays as if it was 2 quarter notes in a 2 beat measure 1, followed by a half rest in measure 2 for the first two beats with the melody resuming on beat three.

I even tried using the Chord Settings to make the chord in measure 1 sound on beat 3, but nothing I've tried gets the melody on beat for measure 2 to the end of the song.

I think the problem is when I make a 4 beat measure a two beat measure, BiaB gets rid of beats 3 & 4 instead of 1 & 2 which makes the count for the first two measures 1-2-(3)-(4), 1-2-3-4 instead of (1)-(2)-3-4, 1-2-3-4, if you understand what I mean.

What am I doing wrong???

Thanks in advance for any insight or help you can offer!!

Last edited by Appoggiatura; 09/20/22 09:39 AM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 58
S
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
S
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 58
Originally Posted By: Appoggiatura

...I think the problem is when I make a 4 beat measure a two beat measure, BiaB gets rid of beats 3 & 4 instead of 1 & 2 which makes the count for the first two measures 1-2-(3)-(4), 1-2-3-4 instead of (1)-(2)-3-4, 1-2-3-4, if you understand what I mean.

What am I doing wrong???

Thanks in advance for any insight or help you can offer!!


I have some projects that start with pickup notes before the first measure. Horace Silver's Lonely Woman is my latest example. So how do I handle that?

I know that every BIAB song can have a two bar count-in from the drums. Yet all other instruments don't start playing until beat one of measure one. To get around this fact I change the song length and arrangement to treat measure 2 as the first measure/bar of the song, and use the actual first measure together with the chord settings dialog to have my melody instrument only (the other instruments rest in measure 1) play the pickup notes on say beats 3 and four as in your situation.

A rule of thumb for me is to avoid changing the number of beats in the early measures of a tune. While the software allows it and that capability helps users in projects with odd time signatures, it's too complex a manipulation for this user and hard for me to predict and control the results.

Alternatively: If my melody track is midi-based, I pull that into my DAW and add edit the midi track to add the pickup notes in the correct beats before the first measure.

This is what I do when I have pick-up notes to deal with, yet there other approaches no doubt and the experts here will chime in here soon I suspect. They always do. :-)


Bruce Hook - Soprano, Alto and Tenor Saxes
BIAB 2023 UltraPak | Intel i7 | Mackie ProFX10v3 Audio Interface | 1TB SSD | Reaper DAW
| Akai EWI 5000 | M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 270
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 270
It's not just pick-up notes that are affected. If you create a song in BIAB with a melody then decide that a certain bar needs to be 2/4 instead of 4/4, the regeneration of chords will be correct but the melody will be displaced by 2 beats from that point. As Rocket.123 suggests, my workaround for this is to export the melody into RealBand for editing, the import back into BIAB.

Vintage

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
A
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
A
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
Vintage:

I guess that begs two questions and two comments.

First, why doesn't Band in a Box import the Music XML file correctly in the first place, meaning with a properly notated pick-up measure?

Second, why doesn't the "Nudge Chord/Melody" work as described?

Comment 1: I can't get RealBand to do anything but crash whenever I attempt to import any file into it so that option is out, at least for me.

Comment 2: With all of the "can't do this, can't do that, use a DAW, try this convoluted work around..." issues I have experienced with BiaB in the short time I have used it, I am SO delighted I only bought the Pro Version...

Regardless, thanks for the suggestions!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
< First, why doesn't Band in a Box import the Music XML file correctly in the first place, meaning with a properly notated pick-up measure? >
Your first post comments indicate that BIAB is configured normally in 4/4, 6 note count-in, song begins at bar 1 beat one configuration. BIAB reads whatever data that's included with the Music XML imported file for any re-configuration instructions. It appears to me that while the XML file displays properly in the Music XML program, that program is not exporting the proper data for BIAB to change its configuration to recognize and expect data that BIAB is not configured to see in its current configuration.

< Second, why doesn't the "Nudge Chord/Melody" work as described? >
It's not the proper tool for this task. This seems like a edit copy/paste task.

< Comment 1: I can't get RealBand to do anything but crash whenever I attempt to import any file into it so that option is out, at least for me. >
This also sounds like a configuration issue. Likely between the program and OS. Properly configured, RealBand is stable.
Second, RealBand nor another DAW is necessary to edit a file.

< Comment 2: With all of the "can't do this, can't do that, use a DAW, try this convoluted work around..." issues I have experienced with BiaB in the short time I have used it, I am SO delighted I only bought the Pro Version... >
Valid point. Users are sharing their personal workflow and giving helpful advice from what they've developed to be the easiest and most efficient editing method in regard to their personal knowledge of audio editing. Most have years, if not decades, of use and experience and a highly developed work flow in a DAW environment. It's always good and sufficient advice and instructions in that environment. It also seems a majority of active forum users use a BIAB/DAW combination workflow. While such advice implies BIAB either isn't capable of doing the edit or it's too complex and convoluted to edit in BIAB, that's not the case.

BIAB is a powerful digital Multi Track recorder with a robust Audio Editor and mix capabilities. BIAB can produce a song with dozens of instruments and dozens of tracks in a single song render, just like a DAW. BIAB can effectively bus 4 acoustic guitars, volume leveled and panned on the same track and all getting the same effects on them, just like a DAW. Editing in BIAB is fast, easy, familiar processes that because they're done in BIAB, require no exporting and importing files back and forth between another software program. Editing in BIAB also provides instant review of an edit with all of the other tracks and production of the current BIAB project. Editing in BIAB retains access and availability to all of BIAB's full range of features, tools, techniques and content. No DAW in existence, including RB, can do that.

Your Pro Version purchase delight is misplaced. The core program of BIAB is the same across every version and the 'pro' limitations are in content and accessories only. Your version has all of the powerful recording, editing and mixing capabilities of any level or version of BIAB program. They are all the same.


BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,982
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,982
If you get a nice pick up measure, simply freeze that track so you don't lose it.

Personally, I like to work in a DAW when it comes to mixing and production. In the DAW, it's easy to copy and paste to create the pickup notes, record it live, or use midi and a synth to get the proper pickup notes to start the song.

That's just my preferred way to do it.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
A
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
A
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
In all honesty, I purchased BiaB to one simple thing and it can't do that at present without a time consuming workaround resulting in an audio file that still isn't satisfactory for my needs.

My delight in having spent the minimal amount of $$$ on a Pro Edition comes from my frustration and the realization upgrading or initially purchasing a more robust version would have been a colossal waste of money.

I'll find a use for BiaB, however it will just end up as another piece of music software on my PC that get utilized occasionally versus a valuable tool in my kit.

As I have already wasted a tremendous amount of time getting headaches trying to do what I need to do in BiaB, can anyone recommend a good Windows based DAW?

It seems like that may be simpler than endlessly perusing the user's guide or viewing outdated PGM videos for an answer that isn't out there.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,921
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,921
Originally Posted By: Appoggiatura
...........

As I have already wasted a tremendous amount of time getting headaches trying to do what I need to do in BiaB, can anyone recommend a good Windows based DAW?

..........


Asking for a good Windows based DAW is like asking what is the best car to purchase. You will get a number of different answers, including mine. I suggest you try demos of the various DAWs and select the one that is best for your workflow.

I use Presonus Studio One Pro 5.5. It does everything that I need in a DAW, is very easy to use, and fits my workflow perfectly.

What I do for pickup notes in BiaB I do the entire song in 4/4. I then bring the BiaB file into Studio One and work on the entire song. When I am happy with it I delete the first two beats of the first measure as well as any instruments I do not want to sound in the pickup measure. Thus I have the pickup bar as I want. Note this is only my workflow and others may/will have different workflows.

Good luck in finding a DAW and I hope this helps.

{edit} I forgot to add that it is very easy to move individual tracks and/or notes in Studio One. In BiaB's first measure let BiaB play the first two beats and start you pickup notes on beat 3 and 4, then use the procedure I mentioned above.

Last edited by MarioD; 09/21/22 05:36 AM.

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
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
Originally Posted By: Appoggiatura
My brain hurts…

I have a 4/4 song I imported as a Music XML file with a two beat pick up measure. BiaB rendered it as a 4 beat bar (measure).

I want to change this 1st measure to a two beat 1st measure instead of 4 beats so I used the Bar Settings to make that 1st measure 2 beats and set measure 2 to 4 beats.

When I play it, the melody starts in the first measure on beat 1 however, it continues on beat 3 of the 2nd measure (set to 4/4), not beat 1 as expected or as the music reads. In other words, the melody is shifted forward by the number of beats I deleted from measure 1.

The chord symbol in measure 2 is also on beat 1 and it sounds on the proper beat so it is just the melody that is getting shifted. (I think)

I tried the “Nudge Chord/Melody” thing (plus & minus values) but no matter what I’ve tried so far, if the first measure is 4 beats, the 1st measure plays as if it was written as two quarter notes followed by a half rest with the melody resuming on the first beat of measure 2…

OR

If I set the first measure as a two beat measure, it plays as if it was 2 quarter notes in a 2 beat measure 1, followed by a half rest in measure 2 for the first two beats with the melody resuming on beat three.

I even tried using the Chord Settings to make the chord in measure 1 sound on beat 3, but nothing I've tried gets the melody on beat for measure 2 to the end of the song.

I think the problem is when I make a 4 beat measure a two beat measure, BiaB gets rid of beats 3 & 4 instead of 1 & 2 which makes the count for the first two measures 1-2-(3)-(4), 1-2-3-4 instead of (1)-(2)-3-4, 1-2-3-4, if you understand what I mean.

What am I doing wrong???

Thanks in advance for any insight or help you can offer!!


Your first post details your attempts properly place 'pick up notes' in a measure. Every posted reply indicates the solution to capturing and placing 'pick up notes' have assumed the notes either exist in their DAW project as audio or midi. Assume the same for BIAB and the solution is the same - Copy the desired phrase and paste it in the -1 bar as the 'pick up notes' for your song. It doesn't appear from your post that you've tried to edit and copy/paste the phrase in either BIAB or a DAW.

There's no need to change the first measure in your BIAB project from four beats to two beats. There's no need to nudge/chord melody of an entire track. Try the copy/paste phrase method using the BIAB Audio Editor or if it's MIDI, the Piano Roll or Notation Window. Assuming the phrase exists in the BIAB project, from the Audio Editor or either MIDI editor - to copy the phrase from any measure in the same track or if the phrase resides on another track, wherever it resides, use your curser to highlight the phrase, Copy it - you can use the Windows shortcut - Ctrl-C then move to the track and location you want to paste the phrase and use the Windows shortcut Ctrl-V to paste it.

The whole process shouldn't take longer than 10-15 seconds on your first try.





BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
A
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
A
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
Charlie:

When I copy the two notes from the Piano Roll and TRY and paste them into the second half of measure 1a where they belong, they paste into the first two beats of measure 2.

If I paste them into measure -1 they don't play and the other tracks paste as well.

Bottom line, I am either still doing it wrong or for some reason it isn't working.


Last edited by Appoggiatura; 09/21/22 09:32 AM.
MarioD #732259 09/21/22 09:44 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
A
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
A
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Asking for a good Windows based DAW is like asking what is the best car to purchase. You will get a number of different answers, including mine...

Good luck in finding a DAW and I hope this helps.

MarioD:

There MAY be a fix for this issue NOT requiring a DAW, in the meantime the other issue I have with BiaB (detailed in another topic), I resolved with a few clicks in Audacity.

While it is NOT like the powerful DAW you mentioned, it did the trick and I didn't have to spend a dime. wink

It MAY work for me for this issue as well if the fix is a flop.

Thanks again for your suggestions & help!!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
Originally Posted By: Appoggiatura
Charlie:

When I copy the two notes from the Piano Roll and TRY and paste them into the second half of measure 1a where they belong, they paste into the first two beats of measure 2.

If I paste them into measure -1 they don't play and the other tracks paste as well.

Bottom line, I am either still doing it wrong or for some reason it isn't working.



I believe something's incorrect on your system or settings. I've attached two screenshots testing two notes from the Piano Roll pasting them at various spots in the 0 measure of my song and I can put them anywhere. I've marked where the indicator for my curser for my last paste.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Screenshot 2022-09-21 154226.jpg (548.94 KB, 11 downloads)
Off Beat Placements.jpg (556.64 KB, 9 downloads)

BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
A
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
A
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
Well I tried with two different files and get the same result so it must be on my end...

I really don't have the energy to go through another complete BiaB uninstall and reinstall for the FORTH time to see if that resolves my problem(s). I have already wasted several days trying to do a few simple things with BiaB and getting nowhere.

I'll just chalk it up to another thing I cannot do, see if a fix for the inaccurate rendering of MusicXML files ever comes down the pike before the next version is released. In the meantime, I'll use other software to resolve the problem if it ever needs to be resolved in the future.

Thanks again Charlie.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,921
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,921
Originally Posted By: Appoggiatura
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Asking for a good Windows based DAW is like asking what is the best car to purchase. You will get a number of different answers, including mine...

Good luck in finding a DAW and I hope this helps.

MarioD:

There MAY be a fix for this issue NOT requiring a DAW, in the meantime the other issue I have with BiaB (detailed in another topic), I resolved with a few clicks in Audacity.

While it is NOT like the powerful DAW you mentioned, it did the trick and I didn't have to spend a dime. wink

It MAY work for me for this issue as well if the fix is a flop.

Thanks again for your suggestions & help!!


I also use Audacity! It is the best free software in my arsenal!


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
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
O
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
O
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 5
Hi,
Anybody know why pick up notes in the lead in bar inserted in piano roll won’t save? Already check preferences. Same with real tracks in notation. Pedal steel only wants to play legato and I see no option in the notation for detached notes? Furthermore, they will not save as soon as the piano roll or notation windows are closed they all disappear grrrrr
Thank you

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,127
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,127
Welcome to the forums, but clearly no to BiaB.

If you place your own notation on a track, freeze the track, otherwise it won't be saved / will be over written.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,618
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,618
Originally Posted By: Onegirlband
Hi,
Anybody know why pick up notes in the lead in bar inserted in piano roll won’t save? Already check preferences. Same with real tracks in notation. Pedal steel only wants to play legato and I see no option in the notation for detached notes? Furthermore, they will not save as soon as the piano roll or notation windows are closed they all disappear grrrrr
Thank you
Welcome to the forum. I think you will get more answers if you start a new thread and do so for each different question. We do know about saving notes, AudioTrack gave you the answer, and there is more to it. For more help, you could start a new question.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,982
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,982
Originally Posted By: Appoggiatura
My brain hurts…

I have a 4/4 song I imported as a Music XML file with a two beat pick up measure. BiaB rendered it as a 4 beat bar (measure).

I want to change this 1st measure to a two beat 1st measure instead of 4 beats so I used the Bar Settings to make that 1st measure 2 beats and set measure 2 to 4 beats.
............
Thanks in advance for any insight or help you can offer!!



This is one highly capable piece of software. As such, it is not something that you can open and suddenly you're doing the advanced stuff. Sure, it gets you into the music and creating new songs really quickly, but the deeper you want to go below the surface, you quickly realize just how much there is to learn.

So my advice is to take the time to learn what it CAN do and then start building on that foundation and learn the unique things you want it to do. Sometimes, yep, it's going to take a bit of out of the box thinking to get things done exactly like you want. But that's what you need to do. Don't throw in the towel before you even get below the surface on this. If you do, that's your loss and you'll likely spend a lot more time looking for the answer elsewhere verses the time it would take you to learn to do what you need to do here with BB.

When you have issues and problems, ask here. THere's a good chance you're not the first to encounter it.

Any way...... hope this helps....


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
Originally Posted By: Appoggiatura
My brain hurts…

I have a 4/4 song I imported as a Music XML file with a two beat pick up measure. BiaB rendered it as a 4 beat bar (measure).

I want to change this 1st measure to a two beat 1st measure instead of 4 beats so I used the Bar Settings to make that 1st measure 2 beats and set measure 2 to 4 beats.
............
Thanks in advance for any insight or help you can offer!!



This is one highly capable piece of software. As such, it is not something that you can open and suddenly you're doing the advanced stuff. Sure, it gets you into the music and creating new songs really quickly, but the deeper you want to go below the surface, you quickly realize just how much there is to learn.

So my advice is to take the time to learn what it CAN do and then start building on that foundation and learn the unique things you want it to do. Sometimes, yep, it's going to take a bit of out of the box thinking to get things done exactly like you want. But that's what you need to do. Don't throw in the towel before you even get below the surface on this. If you do, that's your loss and you'll likely spend a lot more time looking for the answer elsewhere verses the time it would take you to learn to do what you need to do here with BB.

When you have issues and problems, ask here. THere's a good chance you're not the first to encounter it.

Any way...... hope this helps....


100% plus 1 to what Herb said above... 100%


BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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
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!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

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!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,449
Posts805,258
Members40,124
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
kmmkelsns874, Patrick McMillan, Goodmanje, AlfredoR616, Jerry Gerber
40,125 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 134
DC Ron 93
rsdean 90
WaoBand 67
Today's Birthdays
jm12947, Morais
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5