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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 101
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 101 |
Hello all,
I recently bought BIAB 2011.5 and I really need some guidance. It seems so overwhelming just to get started even following the manual. The one thing that confuses me the most is the difference between Band In A Box and RealBand. How do I determine which to use just to build a song? One of the first things I remember reading before I bought this program was how simple it is to use but it comes with a 320 page manual. While I am thankful for a printed manual it seems anything but simple. On page 23 QuickStart Tutorial for Band -in-a-Box for Windows states “This tutorial assumes you are already familiar with previous versions of Band-in-a-Box” and this was where I became confused. I'm not familiar with it at all.
I've used daw's for years although I'm not an expert I'm not new to computer related music software. The fact that it has real instruments and not just midi really swayed me to buy it. I have watched all the videos I could find and they help but I am a real newbie at BIAB. I really want to be able to get the most out of BIAB but as I stated I need some help on where to begin.
Thanks so much for any suggestions or help.
Mike
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
http://www.pgmusic.com/howtos.htmLots of help here. It'll take awhile as with any new program. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,622
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,622 |
Hi Mike,
I too found BiaB confusing at the beginning (and sometimes still do!) I was much more comfortable using Realband because it is more like a traditional DAW with the Realtracks as the icing on the cake.
You can generate a whole band (like in BiaB) or generate individual tracks.
Click the chords window and enter some chord profression
Set the desired tempo
Pick a style
Generate all tracks (as BB tracks)
Then you can either regenerate those BB tracks, or use 'Track - make all BB tracks regular tracks' so they act like regular DAW tracks.
Then select a blank track and right-click. There you will the option to generate the individual realtrack or realdrums.
You can also highlite a section of a track (blank or not) and generate just that section.
RB seemed more intuitive to me, but others like BiaB better. Both do the job, just using different strokes. RB is more 'linear' in its approach, whereas BiaB uses repeats and choruses to get the job done a little faster, once you get the hang of it.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
Hi Mike, You should watch the videos for Band-in-a-Box here : http://pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htmfor RealBand here : http://pgmusic.com/videos.realband.htmThose pages also link to User-to-User videos. That'll explain the basics, including the differences between BB and RealBand.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
Hi Mike,
after you watched those videos, try something and watch them again.
While Band-in-a-Box is easy to use, it is not easy to master. The learning curve has a very small gradient angle.
Then write down the questions you have -- and watch the (respective) videos again.
To hint you on your first source of confusion: You start with Band-in-a-Box to create a song. If you need more than that result, RealBand is a good choice. But maybe you would want to refrain from using RealBand for a while until your proficiency with Band-in-a-Box has come to a state where you can open the program and fix a song to your liking (within the boundaries of your abilities).
Welcome to the exciting world of Band-in-a-Box and this here forum.
Guido
P.S.: It is not bad if you put your basic specs in a signature for future posts. Many questions are answered with: Which version do you have and what computer is it?
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
I also recommend watching the videos. Once you get the feel of how the layout and buttons work in Biab, you will be knocking out songs quickly. The most important part of Biab is finding a compatible style that works with your song. Take a look at how the style "filter" works to narrow down your style list search when working on a song. You can use the name of the song, artist, feel etc . . to use as your search inquiry. There is a learning curve to using Biab, but once you see how to layout a song and pick the appropriate style, it is well worth the time invested. The "basics" have not changed since the inception of the program. It truly is a powerful software for making music with. There are no bad questions either, so when you get stuck on something post your question(s) here and it will be answered. Welcome to the PG Family  Trax
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 101
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 101 |
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I really appreciate it and I look forward to learning from all of you.
Thanks again.
Mike
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
Create in Biab, Mix and Master in Real Band is the way to go ! Real Band is just like a lot of DAW's with so much more designed just for Biab . Ton's of help here on either one.
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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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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®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac 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 100 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 Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. 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 Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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.
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