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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
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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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: 12,893
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Joined: Dec 2002
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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: 22,539
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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: 8,730
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730 |
Bob that sounds a bit like a personal problem!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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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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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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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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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!
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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®.
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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
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