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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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HI I am considering buying Biab because I hope it will help me to play jazz better.
But why else would you use this product? Just wondering.
Is anyone using it to compose for live performance, Film, or Musical theater productions? If so, how is it useful for these types of productions?
I compose at home with Cubase. Can I use Biab and Cubase together? Is so, why would I ?
Thanks Jeff
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Complete details of how I use BiaB to make backing tracks and how I use the backing tracks on stage can be accessed here: http://www.nortonmusic.com/backing_tracks.htmlI wrote this page so I don't have to re-type it every time the question is asked. Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Notes, That's quite an impressive workflow, How about a video of the entire process... 
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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PG Music Staff
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Q. Is anyone using it to compose for live performance, Film, or Musical theater productions? If so, how is it useful for these types of productions? I compose at home with Cubase. ==================================================================== THe answer is yes to all of the above of those questions. The best answer to a musical question is to have some musical examples to listen to. The best place to look would be the User Showcase Forum ( http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/postlist.php?Cat=0&Board=usershowcase ), which has about 400 songs composed by forum members (about 100 new songs per month!). These songs were arranged using Band-in-a-Box, and then finished in a DAW (RealBand, SOnar, CUbase, GarageBand etc.). So you'll be hearing Band-in-a-Box tracks + user added tracks (e.g. vocals). If you browse those, and listen to them, you'll get a feel of who is using the program, and for what. Note that the User Showcase is only for original songs, so you wouldn't be hearing popular Broadway tunes for example. >>> Can I use Biab and Cubase together? Is so, why would I ? Yes. You can drag and drop files from Band-in-a-Box to Cubase. You would do this as part of the normal workflow of creating a finished production. Start the song in BB, generate the tracks, move them to Cubsae, then record additional parts yourself (vocals etc) in Cubase, or edit the RealTracks. THere's a video showing the workflow of transferring songs to a DAW on the main Mac BB page http://www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.demos.htm (the video is called ) Band-in-a-Box DAW Plug-in mode.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Thanks for the input everybody. I really appreciate it. Below I have added some questions to Peter’s comments.
So my question here is, why would you not just use your DAW to do your songs? Is it because the groove is better with BIAB or what? I would probably input into Cubase because I have really good sounding virtual instruments. So, if my instruments are better sounding in Cubase then why would I buy BIAB?
I am still thinking that most people use BB as a tool to help them learn to play jazz better. Is that correct? That is what I am interested in the most. But as I mentioned before, I am a composer for film, musical theater, and modern dance. How or why would I use BB to help me create music for one of those productions rather than using a DAW? What is BB giving me that a DAW cannot?
And in general, I am just curious how users of BB are implementing it into their musical lives.
Thanks for the links Peter. When I get the chance I will have a look.
And thanks Notes for your input. I may find that useful if I use backing tracks for a show.
Jeff
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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>>> So my question here is, why would you not just use your DAW to do your songs? Is it because the groove is better with BIAB or what?
Jeff,
Band-in-a-Box creates the tracks for you, You type in chords (Fm7 etc.) , pick a style, and press Play. You then have several tracks (bass, drums, guitar etc.)
Your typical DAW doesn't do that. It requires you to play the parts yourself. If you can play all the parts, and you want to do that, then you wouldn't need Band-in-a-Box. But usually there is at least one instrument that you *can't* play (e.g. pedal steel), that you can get by typing in chords to BB.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Ok , is there a Demo available?
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Quote:
Ok , is there a Demo available?
No, just many videos of the program in action.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
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PG Music Staff
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>>> Ok , is there a Demo available?
It is impractical for us to make a demo, since a large part of BB is content (RealTracks files etc), for which it would be hard to make a demo for those.
Instead of a demo, you can buy the program with an unconditional 30 day MBG. If you don't like it, return it for a full refund.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Quote:
So my question here is, why would you not just use your DAW to do your songs? Is it because the groove is better with BIAB or what? I would probably input into Cubase because I have really good sounding virtual instruments. So, if my instruments are better sounding in Cubase then why would I buy BIAB?
I am still thinking that most people use BB as a tool to help them learn to play jazz better. Is that correct? That is what I am interested in the most. But as I mentioned before, I am a composer for film, musical theater, and modern dance. How or why would I use BB to help me create music for one of those productions rather than using a DAW? What is BB giving me that a DAW cannot?
Hi Jeff,
I don't think that you've quite got your head around what BiaB does. It's very different from Cubase in that it can actually CREATE the tracks for you. With DAWs you can either play all the instruments yourself as audio files or you can use a midi keyboard or similar. But you still have to compose, arrange and input it all yourself. That's fine if you're a competent drummer, pianists, guitar player, trumpeter, sax player, composer, arranger, etc. But few of us are masters of the whole lot. Most of us probably have one or two instruments that we're OK at and not much more than a general idea of the rest.
At the most basic level you can input just a modest chord progression, select the style you'd like it played in, and BiaB will do the rest - compose an entire compatible arrangement featuring drums, piano, guitar, or whatever has been chosen. Of course, you can then change, re-arrange, edit, whatever you like or choose to play most of the instruments yourself, or write in the melody as well as the chords, or ..... whatever. It's very flexible.
For your jazz you could make endless backing tracks in many styles, leave a gap for your input, or copy one of of the parts, or..... anything you like.
Chris
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Ok thanks Chris.
So if I just want to practice Jazz, is the cheapest version of BB going to be enough?
thanks Jeff
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Quote:
Notes,
That's quite an impressive workflow, How about a video of the entire process...
Thanks.
No time nor the software for a video. Too busy writing new styles, sequencing new songs for my duo http://www.s-cats.com and running the day-to-day operations of Norton Music http://www.nortonmusic.com
I've been using BiaB since the Atari/DOS/Motorola Mac days, and I find it a very useful program. The output is better than a lot of bands I've heard, but not quite as good as the best bands (yet).
The output by it's nature is also a bit generic. And it has to be. I wrote a style specifically for the song "Don't Be Cruel" and what I found out was that if you put song specific licks into a style, the style is good only for that song. Generic styles are more versatile.
That's why I export the data from Band-in-a-Box as a MIDI file, import the MIDI file into a sequencer (Master Tracks Pro, Sonar, Cubase, etc.) and put the finishing touches on the song there. This turns the very good output of BiaB into something that rivals the most excellent bands.
You mentioned using BiaB as a tool to practice jazz. Having the BiaB band is an excellent way to practice. You can mute any of the instruments you want, you can change the key and tempo independently of each other, change the style, and even change the arrangement.
While the 'music minus one' disks (like the Jamey Aebersold products) may have better, more song-specific arrangements, with Band-in-a-Box you get the flexibility of not only what I mentioned in the above paragraph, but the ability to practice to almost any song, as long as you can find the chord progression. The "M.M.O." disks are limited to the availability of titles published and the keys and tempos of the songs.
Of course both have their pros and cons, but for me BiaB is the ultimate practice tool.
If you want auto-accompaniment software, I don't believe you can do better than Band-in-a-Box.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Quote:
HI I am considering buying Biab because I hope it will help me to play jazz better.
So Jeff, it appears you compose and arrange for which BIAB is a unique tool for you since it provides the music and sound you need for your compositons. However, when you say "...help me to play jazz better " , do you play an instrument?
I have just spent the last hour running scales and arpeggios on my guitar over a I, vi, ii, V progression I entered into BIAB. Played alone with a Bass, Drums and piano rhythm section in multiple keys at multiple tempos. this kind of woodshedding is one of BIAB's strengths for improving your Jazz play and feel.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Quote:
Ok thanks Chris.
So if I just want to practice Jazz, is the cheapest version of BB going to be enough?
thanks Jeff
First you are going to need all the Jazz Real Tracks at $420 :
Jazz Real Tracks
Then you could likely get by with Mega Pak at $269 or the Pro pak at $129
Mega Pak
However, a better value will be the UltraPlus Pak at $469 since if will include the Jazz RT's and all other RTs.
UltraPLus Pak
Just do the Math and buy as much as you can. Hint - wait for the holiday sales...
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Hi , yes I play the........French Horn. That's right, unusual but it's what I do best.
Ok I am hearing good responses. I think BB can be helpful to me learning jazz better.
But would the Cheapest version be ok for just practicing jazz? Or do I need some other version?
Thanks
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Sorry I didn't see you response about which to buy. Thanks again to ALL!
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Jazzmandan, why do I need the Jazz Real Tracks?
Is the basic version just very poor sounding with no realism?
jeff
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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The basic version is called "Pro". It comes with 200 MIDI styles (out of 1700 total). There are lots of jazz MIDI styles in there, maybe 50 or so. In terms of realism, the "RealTracks" styles are much better sounding, because they are actual audio recordings of top musicians. For example, in the jazz category, the bass part is typically played by Neil Swainson (George Shearing's bass player), Drums by Terry Clarke, guitar by Oliver Gannon, piano by Miles Black. Or for Smooth Jazz, you have Elec. Piano by Jeff Lorber, sax soloing by Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea's sax player). In terms of jazz only, the Pro version has these 2 "bands" Jazz Swing 140 Medium-Slow Jazz Quartet 110 In terms of jazz only, the Mega version has the same bands as the Pro version, plus these additional ones: JazzBallad 85 Jazz Bebop 190 Jazz Waltz 140 SmoothCool Jazz 100 THe UltraPak has over 600 RealTracks, compared to 70 in the MegaPAK, and 20 in the Pro version. The UltraPAK has about 200 Jazz RealTracks (200 Country, 200 Pop/Rock). Compared to the Mega, the UltraPAK has many more jazz styles (Ballad 60, Bossa, Gypsy, more Smooth Jazz, Modern Jazz, more soloists etc.) You can hear the Jazz and other RealTracks demos here http://pgmusic.com/realtracks.audvid.win.htmSo, as an overall answer to your question: the Pro version would be a great starting point for someone learning jazz. You can use RealTracks for your swing tunes (since you have 110 and 140 RealTracks, they should work well for swing from a wide tempo range (about 70 to 190). As mentioned there is a 30 day MBG. As well, you can upgrade to a higher package within 30 days and not lose any money. For example, if you get the Pro version, and then wish you had got the Mega instead, you can update to it for the difference in price.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Hi thanks Peter. It's sounding like something I can use. And the money back guarantee is good too. I am looking forward to it. Perhaps I will try the Pro Version and then update to Mega.
Thanks to all. Jeff
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I have been using BIAB approx. 25 years since the Atari 520/1040 ST days. The program has improved beyond leaps and bounds. Petter G. and the BIAB company are great. The only way to venture into this great artificial intellectual realm is to get the demo, by the program and go for it. Out of all the musical help programs on the market they are the best. Just do it!
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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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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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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!
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