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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2 |
I am trying to find someone that has a knowledge of some basic things in BB. I jsut want to do a basic recording of my piano playing and have spent to many hours trying to navigate the program and FAQ's but none to address the specefic thing I want to do. I know it can do a lot of amazing things but I am not in need of that yet. I just am trying to do some recording from keyboard to bb to populate the sheet music and change chords etc for my band etc. and convert to MP3 or wav.
I was not sure if there are teachers out there for BB in the Central Illinois area. Tech support is helpful but I seem to still hit a brick wall when I get to a certain point and then there are just more questions that just get sent to another chase for FAQ's. I'm not even sure if this post is going to make it. I posted a few minutes ago and it never showed up on the board so not sure if it goes to be approved first or what.
Thanks so much.
Ed
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199 |
Ed, A lot of it has to do with exactly what you want to do. I guess the first question is do you know and understand what Band In A Box is designed to do? Understanding the concept of what BIAB does is important. Once you know what it does, then of course you have to know if it will do what you want it to do. If you are looking to input a chord progression from your computer, and then play along with that from your keyboard and transcribe MIDI information, BIAB can do that. If you're looking to input a chord progression from your computer, and then play your keyboard and record the audio from the keyboard, you can do that, too. If you're looking to play your keyboard and have BIAB figure out the chords and melody and transcribe them, you're going to have some problems, since that isn't what it does. Specifically, can you give us more details on exactly what you want. This forum is a wealth of knowledge, and a lot of people will be willing to help you, and answer your questions. Patience runs deep here, if the person posing the questions is willing to listen to the answers. Also, we appreciate the comment 'I know you've just explained a whole lot to me, and 95% of it just went over my head!' What experience do you have with computer music? What about MIDI and Sequencers? We'll ask you about your computer, and detailed answers about your computer are very helpful, such as what Processor you have, i.e., an Athlon 64X2 3800+, two separate hard drives, not one partitioned into two drives, what kind of sound card, i.e., a Creative Labs Audigy 2, or a RealTec onboard sound chip, how much RAM, like 2 gigs or 512 megs. That sort of information is always useful to the person who is trying to help you. We can get you through this, although it might take a while, but you can learn this here, on this forum. We'll be looking for questions, we have the answers.  Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,625
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,625 |
Hi Ed. Welcome to the forum!
FYI, there is no review of posts when posted. Of course, like any forum, some are removed for cause, but that does not happen often.
There are several here who know all about connecting and recording keyboards. I'm sure you can get the help you need from right here.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Hi Ed,
First, more info about your setup would be in order.
What *kind* and type of piano? MIDI keyboard or acoustic piano? This is important as only the MIDI-fied piano keyboard can create the notes on the staff for you.
Second, what type of piano playing do you want to notate?
Third, what type of music sheet are you after? A fake chart, which is melody line plus chords, is likely the easiest thing to create in BIAB. More complex charting is possible, but can get rather clunky to accomplish, depending upon what kind of charts and for what kind of instruments.
Finally, the task will go a lot easier if you record to the metronome inside BIAB rather than trying to do it while counting on your own. Playing to the metronome will guarantee that the notes get printed in the right places in the right bars from beginning to end.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2 |
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I do understand what Band in a Box is and does. I had it years ago and never really got off the ground with it because It was so complicated and I spent more time trying to figure it out. However, I just upgraded to the latest and greatest so at least I should be up to speed on the software itself.
As far as the computer....yes it is big enough to do what it nees. I have an AMD 3500 2.21 GHZ with 1 gig of ram and 1 terra byte of space so the computer is not the issue at all. Being a photographer I have machines that can handle tasks especially with photoshop etc.
The first two things you mentioned are exactly what I am trying to do. I am not trying to have it transcribe etc. Just play into it and do it to the metranome and have a melody line and chords.
Lagacy sound card is what I have. As far as midi and Computer music I have a basic understanding of what Midi is and the tracks and channels etc. I have Audition and had other programs in the past of the like. I know Audition is a powerful program and have not mastered that at all but someday. I had cakewalk before too and did sequencing with external devices.
I guess there are just so many things that I never took advantage of before and I want to use it to the fullest. I have a band and often times just want to take some charts and change Chords where needed and even learn how to place note for a lead sheet etc. I'm sure it can do all of that but with all of the menu options and sub menu drop downs you just get lost as well as the icons and what they do.
I also wanted to get a resource of MGU songs where I can browse and open Standards charts like Misty, Satin Doll and the miriad of other Jazz standards. I was told that there are people who have a ton of not just Midi files but also BB songs that have the melody etc.
So, that is the latest to your questions back to me. Does that help? I appreciate the input and hope to get off the ground and start recording. I know that the midi set up and clicking the right boxes is a challenge because there are so many options. I also have a keyboard that does not have midi anymore but does have usb....does that work with this program or just midi keyboards?
Thanks Gary...They tell me you are the best. :-) I just wish there was someway to go to a workshop and get the hands on and learn. I am definately more of a visual learner rather than flipping through manuals and the like. Some people can do well with ready volumes of directions and figure it out.
Are any of the video tutorials decent and really show you or are they all over the place?
Thanks!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 99
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 99 |
Hi Ed, I'm a beginner too and I would recommend watching the videos - in particular video tutorial pak volume 1 and video tutorial pak volume 2. They'll give you a basic understanding of where the important stuff is and help to start you off. If you want to be able to play your keyboard and record it into biab, you'll need to use a midi interface - midi out on the keyboard - midi in on your soundcard. Check your keyboard instructions to see if there's a midi out. Check the inputs on your soundcard to see if there's a midi in. If you haven't got midi, you could still input melody and chords - but you'll have to do it by using the mouse for the melody - drawing the notes in via the notation window. The chords - you type in chord symbols into chord window. Both of these things are shown in the video tutorials. To print out leadsheets with chord symbols etc just go to the leadsheet window and click on print. Again the videos show you where this is. To listen to the vast array of files, simply go to File/open and rootle through the bb directory - load them in and take a listen. I know it looks daunting and initially seems like a festoonment of buttons, but I think it's well worth the effort at the beginning to sit and watch the vids. Especially if you're a visual learner! Good luck! 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I have an old Roland keyboard and the Ultra Pak on an external usb drive. I also have the Ketron sd2. On my main computer which is a new big monster hp running 10 gigs of memory and two 500 gig harddrives I have a mini usb from Edirol 1 in and 1 out. Works on xp and vista no problems I did not even have to download a driver for Vista which surprised me. Plug and play.
I run the left and right out of the Roland to my powered mixer. I route the midi into band in a box and use the Thru connection to use the Ketron as part of the mix, running the other end of the usb midi to the ketron and it has left and right to another channel on the powered mixer.
I have a second setup now using either my Sony Laptop and a non powered mixer and a keyboard amp, and use that upstairs with the accousitc piano. I also use that setup with my our Acer Asipre running on an Intel Atom. All of them work, once you get comfortable with the configurations. I eventually decided I did not need to see the notes I play, they are seldom the same. I make leadsheets for Brass Quintets and Quartets, and ususally export them to a music score software, for although Band in A Box will make me a 4 part harmony I often want to change notes, especially passing notes etc....
I am probably best known for a statement that the easier it is to learn a piece of software,the sooner you will tire of it and the simplicity inherent therein, and the software becomes quickly redundant.
Good Luck, tackle one piece of the problem at a time, watch the videos, then post your questions...help is available.....
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928 |
I think a "BiaB University" would be a great idea.
Though I'd hate to have to fly across the continent to BC to attend it.
Or a local BiaB teacher.
Anyone available in Northern Virginia?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1 |
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,128
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,128 |
Alfie, Welcome to the forums. You revived an eleven year old thread - maybe a record! Do let us know how we can help. Tell us a bit more about your setup, and ambitions. There are lots of people here to assist.
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.
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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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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®!
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