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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 320
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 320 |
I think this year may be the very first time I will bypass any update to Band In A Box.
I think each year we see more and more Real Tracks whilst midi seems to lack development. In reality I've never found a Real Track that is able to really be manipulated to write what I'm looking for.
Let's take a look at Strings.
They are impotent at best. No feeling, no counterpoint, backing strings only, no feeling. Imagine opening an 8 bar intro with a stunning fingerstyle and emotional string ensemble. Or maybe a Uilean pipe and Irish whistle intro leading in to a beautiful ballad.
Don't get me wrong. I like pop, rock etc. but todays 'music' isn't music. I admire a rap singers ability to utilise vocal slang in a song but this is NOT music. I can't justify the way digital 'cleverness' can [*****] tracks in the so called Billboard top 100. Who really buys this crap.
Real music comes from the desire to put down a meaningful lyric that is complimented by brilliant musical accompaniment. I know a catchy tune with silly lyrics can also make a poular way forward but it soon runs down the river in to the sea. Look at History. If we really want to listen, write, compose etc. we turn to Claasical or those Artists from the raw 60's, 70's and maybe some 80's. I'd go so far to include the 30's, 40's and 50's too.
I don't know what your looking for but are you getting what you think will help you write what you want with BB?
I'm frustrated by the complexity. If, as I have done., Learned guitar and keyboard, wrote lyrics and put instrumentation together and spent 10 years learning the hard way how to mix and master then I would hope for software that makes that journy easier. Band In A Box goes a good distance toward that but come on guys. Could you please stop throwing yet more and more Real Tracks at us that can only be utilised if we use your brilliant demos.
Crucify me if you must but throw me some constructive also. :-)
Mal
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,735
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,735 |
Mal,
I am trying to understand your frustrations. I will add some thoughts later, but can you clarify a few things.
When you talk about the "strings" are you talking classical, traditional or synth in BIAB?
Strings range from Andy Leftwich to Ed(Oz)...
Have you experimented with 2022 Multiriff and MicroChords features to make Tracks more flexible and to fit better into the idea?
Have you tried Tin Whistle (RTs 3770,3771,3876,3877)?
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What I like about BIAB that they are open to quite a few genres, but to your defense, I do feel that some styles / genres are being way under represented. For example Ska, Reggae, Surf Rock, Tango, Punk, Bossa and others. Also, I do believe some effort could be made in recording extra material specifically designated for intros, bridges etc.
I don't know what you mean by this:
"Could you please stop throwing yet more and more Real Tracks at us that can only be utilised if we use your brilliant demos."
I almost never use premade styles and/or demos. I use them to get a feel of the tracks, or a starting point and then would change them from ground up. Mostly I would just assemble my own "band".
As with anything, there are never "all hits". Almost any good music album will have 3-4 strong tunes, others would be pass throughs. Same here.
I honestly believe you have to put more focus on your request. Be more specific. For example: I want strings in style of Jascha Heifetz or Vanessa Mae, give links to examples. I have seen such requests that got attention from PG team.
As you said, "Band In A Box goes a good distance". Give specific examples of what you think can be done to improve it.
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My biggest frustrations with BIAB was limited number of tracks and unpredictable "generations".
Multiriff feature of 2022 solved unpredictable generations and extra tracks, which still need some work, gave the creative variety I was looking for. Believe me, I do have bag of my "wishes" for improvements, but overall I am happy with what BIAB has to offer. Especially at the price point.
P.S. There is a member on the forum / musician from Japan. He posts his music in the Showcase. What is interesting, sometimes he would offer two versions: One made with BIAB and the other of same composition played by real musicians. To me, most sound pretty close.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 320
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 320 |
Thank you Rusty. You make valid points and I agree with most.
What I'm trying to do is ignite debate that may highlight improvements to unique software, that really stands apart from any other I have ever seen available.
May I say that any one person who sits and opens BB with the intention of creating a song will immediately be confronted with an extremely complex array of possibilities on how to proceed. Could an introduction of some (AI) tools be available to assist in the arduous process of putting together a song? Just as a photographer can use many AI plugins to shorten the process of achieving a successful end result. This is only one idea.
I don't want to draw attention to specific improvements, though they have been given much thought and implemented. I would rather ask those who use BB what they think could be implemented in updates to the software that would make significant improvements in making the programme better than anything else on the market, (I know it to be the best and only software that does what it does), that's why I want to strike a debate for developers. I would hope that includes making it easier to use.
Very grateful for your response.
Mal.
Mal
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,574
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,574 |
May I say that any one person who sits and opens BB with the intention of creating a song will immediately be confronted with an extremely complex array of possibilities on how to proceed. Could an introduction of some (AI) tools be available to assist in the arduous process of putting together a song? Just as a photographer can use many AI plugins to shorten the process of achieving a successful end result. This is only one idea.
I can relate to this. My proficiency with BiaB is probably at a level 4 on a scale of zero to 10, and as you point out there is a complex array of possibilities every time you open the application. The main frustration I experience is having a groove/feel in my head that I just can't seem to replicate in BiaB. So I resort to living with the gap between what is desired and what I can achieve. Don't get me wrong, IMHO BiaB is in a class all it's own and is a fantastic tool. My frustrations may be due to not having the additional add-on paks that are available, so next year I'll probably pay for one of the paks with the hope that I can produce arrangements closer to what I have in my head. But regarding AI, are you familiar with AudioLM recently developed by Google? Perhaps something like this could be incorporated into BiaB at some point. https://ai.googleblog.com/2022/10/audiolm-language-modeling-approach-to.html
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 320
Journeyman
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|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 320 |
Thank you Bass Thumper.
Yes I am familiar with Google's AudioLM. I find it exciting and maybe a great tool for lyrics too, as well as musical phrases. I was recently trying to extend an 8 bar piece of amazing fingerpicking in Nuendo but it was really hard work. This kind of AI would be able to handle it maybe. As with all new developments I would expect hiccups especially with the art of music.
I have all that BB has to offer but the complexity of putting together songa always leaves me frustrated and I generally just get the guitar or keboard and put things together with my lyrics instead.
I do agree that the new Multiriff and Microchords was a huge leap forward as mentioned by Rusty above. Intros also do need some more thought though.
There is an instrument I would dearly love to see. The Uilean Pipes. I can listen to a Gaelic/ Irish intro and be reduced to tears before the lyrics even set in. That is why I was disapointed to see so many reels, uptempo jigs etc. I hope there never is a Rap Real Track in the pipeline. Not dissing the Genre, it's a clever way of talking slang, rather than real music. That will no doubt cause a stir amongst many.
Seriously though, maybe some of the compilers, coders, would join in the debate, or maybe keep us hanging on in there till Xmas. Those with creativity and imagination in their genes are DIAMOND.
Mal.
Mal
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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.
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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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