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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693 |
Quote:
I think a wish list is that the RT data is also recorded as "MIDI" or accessible in the same way that other tracks are. After all, if you can see the notes in the window, it would help to have the data, even if the actual RT track can't be manipulated. For example, I could take those notes and double the notes using some other instrument and triggered via MIDI.
RB is a DAW and it's easy to confuse RB with RT and then not be sure what is what. They probably should change the name of RB to something else, IMHO.
You're getting it Hink. That's a close enough explanation of how the RT's work. As for the midi part, the midi data is there you just have to jump through a hoop to use it. These RT's had to be manually transcribed the old fashioned way from the original audio files in order to create the notation because the program has to get the notation from midi data. But, it's note data only no program change for an instrument, volume or velocity data. If there were velocity data then the program would play it along with the RT and that would cause mass conflicts. So, you have to take the midi data and play with it a little bit in order to hear it but people do it all the time. I can't tell you exactly how that works because I have no interest in that and haven't done it.
As for the names of this stuff, I think the only reason it's confusing is because we all love to use abbreviations because we're internet geeks  . RB instead of the full name Real Band. If we used Real Band and Real Tracks all the time instead of RB and RT, no confusion. And don't forget the Real Drums or commonly known around here as RD. So now you have RB, RT and RD. What's the problem with that, you can't read? Jeesh
Here's an experiment I want you to try. Take a favorite midi file and open it in RB, not Biab, RB. We don't know what you're using for synths but figure out how to assign different synths to the tracks or if you have one good one then just use one synth for all the tracks. Hit "edit" to the left of each track and assign some plugin's for effects. Play around with that stuff a little. Now, go into the chord grid and correct the chords because RB will analyze any midi file and give you what it thinks the chords are. It's usually fairly accurate but it won't be perfect because of the instrumentation on some midi files. Note, chord info is not part of the midi standard, this is a bonus you get with both Biab and RB. Anyway, put A and B part markers where you want drum fills on the chord grid. Then go to an empty track and generate a Real Drum part using a style that's compatible with your song. Then go to another empty track and generate another RD part using a different style, then do it again for a third style. Doing this you can stack, layer or cut and paste parts from all those RD tracks and come up with a killer drum track plus you still have your original midi drum track too. You can't do that in Biab. If you have a good midi synth, the midi drums will blend in pretty well with the RD's. I use Jamstix for this. A basic midi drum kit part layered with a couple of latin percussion RD's really sounds great with some songs I've got. The reason for keeping the original midi drum part is it usually has those song specific fills and punches that the RD's won't have so I will use those punches and fills only layered with the RD tracks. All this can get tedious but you can really create a studio quality drum track with some effort.
Since drums are one of the most difficult things to create in a midi file and make them sound good, the RD's were the first Real Tracks PG came up with and they caused a sensation around here. Just that, a RD track in an otherwise mediocre midi file can transform it. Just play around with various RD tracks in RB for now, you'll see what I mean.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Hi hink,
Welcome to the fun!
The one thing about Band in a Box that no other music making program I know emulates is that BiaB is much more like picking up a musical instrument that is new to you than any of the rest of the programs.
If you view the program in that fashion, then all the same caveats apply. A person brand new to a brand new guitar is not going to be very likely to sit down and rip off "Giant Steps" on their new flattop guitar, but they may indeed be able to memorize three basic open string chord patterns and strum along to accompany the singing of a simple song. As they practice daily, perhaps take some lessons or at least study using printed materials and the internet, of course their ability with the instrument should improve.
Band in a Box is an instrument.
When first confronted by the program, the ease with which one can get something up and running belies the fact that it will take some time exploring and experimenting with the program to become someone who can bring the best out of it.
Don't get in a hurry and don't get discouraged.
One of the best things a new user can do is to open up the Stylepicker, pick any style that interests you at the time, for whatever reason -- and use the Play Demo Song button to load the pgmusic supplied Demo songfile for that Style into the main chord grid and then watch BiaB perform while listening to the song. A very good way to see how things like Shots, Holds, Rests, Fills, Repeats, First and Second Endings, Choruses vs "One Long Song" (durchcomponiert), and many other things are implemented.
And always keep the sessions short enough that you can enjoy Peter Gannon's infamous BiaB motto:
Have Fun,
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 7
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 7 |
Oh no!!! My rather long post to you all somehow didn't make it here despite it seeming like it did with a confirm page. I'll respond yet again later - thanks much to all of you for GREAT suggestions.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,293
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,293 |
Quote:
Oh no!!! My rather long post to you all somehow didn't make it here despite it seeming like it did with a confirm page. ....
I hate when that happens! 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179 |
I notice it getting long, I highlite and copy it just in case ... been there myself.
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: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,506
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,506 |
Bob that sounds a bit like a personal problem!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 7
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 7 |
OK... this forum does not work as well as others in my experience. I have no idea why it doesn't refresh and show you the post instead of have a "you posted successfully!" page, which is eventually followed by a "NOT!" What I was saying was that I've heard all sorts of sampled rhythm guitar and it seems that nothing approaches the realism of RealTracks, at least IMHO. There are some great loops but that is all they are. RealTracks is far more than a loop and provides the slight variations and subtleties that one might expect in a real player. No, it's not perfect and there are times that I want to use it exactly as some of you suggested -- muting out the autogenerated track and replacing it with my own, e.g. a specific fill for four bars that may go to a cappella. I was originally told that you cannot access any MIDI from any Real Tracks because they aren't MIDI - even though there are charts. I said I didn't understand this at all since the data seemed to be there. I guess there is a convoluted way - but it is useful (even though I know I can't edit the Real Tracks as if it were MIDI.) Anyways... I thank you guys so much for helping me understanding how to approach BIAB and RB. It seems like the perfect tool for musicians to do "rapid development" and then fine tailor the parts to your need after generating what you need. Much in mastering will be in the approach. All these great tips so very welcome. 
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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 |
Quote:
I was originally told that you cannot access any MIDI from any Real Tracks because they aren't MIDI - even though there are charts. I said I didn't understand this at all since the data seemed to be there. I guess there is a convoluted way - but it is useful (even though I know I can't edit the Real Tracks as if it were MIDI.)
The MIDI note data found along with RealTracks that are underscored in their trackname to indicate that notation is available, was placed there merely for the notation ability. The Velocities and Durations may be quite a bit off from what the actual RealTrack plays because all that is needed or originally intended are those notes on the staff. This was really done so that players could read along and play along with the RealTrack players, as in a practicing aid.
While it may be possible to load the MIDI created for RealTracks into a sequencer and assign a Patch to the thing, be careful there, it may not sound like the original RealTrack does. Might, might not. Might work as you suggested above, as a source of Note On data for layering along with a RealTrack for an interesting sound occasionally, but that is the type of thing that I would place under the "specialty" heading, meaning I don't think that it is someting that one should do very often but reserve for special occasions as an effect.
--Mac
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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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Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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.
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