|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 225
Apprentice
|
Apprentice
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 225 |
All I know is, the BIAB GUI looks very old. I don't think it has changed since the very first Windows BIAB, I believe for Windows 3.1. (I started with BIAB before that, with the DOS versions.) Other apps do not look the same as 20+ years ago, but BIAB does. It never even graduated to Windows 95. (In fact, it took quite a while after the long file names feature which began with Win95, to be usable with BIAB.) (Not a problem, but another hold-over from pre-Win95. Win95 introduced the "Program Files" folder, in which since then, 1995, almost all Windows programs have been installed. Except for PGMusic apps, which still install by default in the root directory, as in DOS and Windows 3.1. This change in Windows was made more than 16 years ago, yet PG Music never made that change.) (Not that I mind that aspect (root directory installation), but it is another indication of an app that never modernized.) Even the fact that the default directories are still called BB, RB, PT, rather than Band-In-A-Box, Real Band, and Power Tracks, is a throwback to the short file names days. Yes, BIAB is very retro. (Which could carry a certain nostalgia factor, for the early days of computing.)
Not only the program's GUI, but the documentation looks exactly the same as the very first DOS BIAB. Same thin blue book. One thing I have never found very strong about BIAB is its user manuals, not clear and easy to read, etc. Compare them for example, with the user namuals of Cakewalk and Sonar, which come with much better manuals. (OK, many apps these days do not come with a paper manual at all, but only electronic. But compare the BIAB paper manuals with those of other apps that do include them. ANd even the electronic manuals from BIAB are not as readable as others.) IT is surprising that the form and looks of the documentation has not changed one bit since the very first BIAB.
Not only looks though. Some bugs reported and complained about for decades have still not been fixed--for isntance the ability to have more than one chord change per beat. Limitations like that do not seem to get fixed, but only more features (and hundreds more realtracks) seem to be added.
Yes, BIAB is way overdue for a makeover.
There are some good things about BIAB though, that I am glad never changed. For isntance, for support, one can interact on these forums directly with the creators and programmers of the app, even with the CEO, Peter Gannon. Whereas "support" for many software companies these days, consists of, after calling and waiting for hours on hold, then finally reaching a human being, a person in India or China who is difficult to understand, and who knows nothing about the product. With some companies you have to pay to get any support at all. So kudos to PG, for retaining its good support.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,086
Posts800,011
Members40,031
| |
Most Online44,367 Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|