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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 66
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 66 |
This is nuts.Why does one need a Real Band program when he can do the same stuff with BIAB? If you want to playback real tracks you can do that in BIAB.So what is the purpose of Real Band but another gimmick?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 581
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 581 |
Sorry, but you sound just a tad grumpy this morning...
Real Band is a better tool to use if you plan to add 'live' players to your songs. It's also better for mixing all the tracks down to a stereo .wav or .wma file.
If you don't need to use it, just ignore it. It didn't cost you any extra $, right ?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
As Mitch pointed out many users of BIAB use Realband for a truckload of reasons, none that I can offer as I don't use it (yet) but hey it did not cost any extra so one of these days I might get around to getting more involved with Realband myself. Until then, do what I do, enjoy BIAB and ignore the Realband desktop icon.  Regarding "a gimmick" I hardily think PG Music is so desperate they have to sell product by confusing the consumer with any gimmicks. Later,
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
Hi rd151 Welcome to the forums. Lots of useful info here and experienced people always willing to help. Sometimes the learning curves can be frustrating with any new programs and these forums along with the excellent PG Music support staff can solve pretty much any problem you might have. I like to suggest to newbies to check out "Song from start to finish - BIAB, RealBand, & Reaper" videos located here: http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.user.htmIt will give you a good overall view of some of the capabilities of BIAB in conjunction with RB and their use with other DAW's, in this case, Reaper, to bring your musical ideas to reality. Best wishes, Carkins
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
here's why *I* like RB:
1) you have MUCH more flexibility to PLACE sound, both audio and MIDI, exactly where you want to in a track
2) you have MANY more tracks available
3) you have multiple MIDI ports available (BIAB has 1)
4) you have more MIDI resolution if you want it
5) The ability to pick and add instruments as needed without loading a whole style at once is (in my opinion) easier in RB (although ver 2012 made it about as easy in BIAB)
6) The use of loops is more convenient in Real Band
7) You have more control over effects (maybe not empirically, but it seems more intuitive to me in RB)
8) if you are already used to other DAWs, RB's paradigm is pretty familiar already...
9) audio effects that make it easy to fade in and fade out instruments according to taste
10) many more tracks on which you can record your own playing (BIAB only has 2)
11) since many people take BIAB projects and develop them further in a DAWQ, RB is the perfect one to use because it is included with BIAB, and it natively reads all the same proprietary file types (not true of other DAWs)
I could go on, but my wife is looking over my shoulder waiting for me to take her shopping... But that's a brief overview
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,330
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,330 |
To sum everything up RB is a DAW and BiaB is not.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
To add to the rest, you can import a midi file and edit some or all of the parts and print out the related notation. I even use it to cut and paste mp3 files.
I bought Mixcraft to use as a DAW, but mostly use RB instead.
Cornet Curmudgeon
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,818
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,818 |
Quote:
This is nuts.Why does one need a Real Band program when he can do the same stuff with BIAB?
That's not a true statement. There are many things RealBand does that Band-in-a-Box doesn't do, and vice versa. The two complement each other. And again, if you don't need it, don't use it. It's just part of the package.
I don't use Microsoft Publisher, but it came with Microsoft Office. No big deal.
Click on this FAQ link to find out more about the differences between the programs.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,471
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,471 |
It's funny, I've seen users ask the exact opposite - "if RB can do all this why do I need BiaB?"
Learn them both, and you'll be twice as amazed at the deal it is to get both of them included. 90% of my work happens in RB; I used to think I was an exception (and I probably am) but I see a lot more RB ethusiasts lately.
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: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
This is nuts.Why does one need a Real Band program when he can do the same stuff with BIAB? If you want to playback real tracks you can do that in BIAB.So what is the purpose of Real Band but another gimmick?
Another gimmick. Right. Spoken like a true ignoramus who doesn't have a clue...
Why is it always the ones who don't know anything about anything who make these kinds of statements?
Real Band and Biab are two entirely and I repeat entirely different programs. They do NOT do the same "stuff". Under certain condidions and circumstances yes, they're similar. Jeesh. That statement alone shows you have no clue. How many different midi instrument tracks does Biab have? No, you have to look it up. Real Band has 48. You never do any live audio recording? How many audio recording tracks does Biab have? Look that up too. RB has 48. Start with these two and do some reading. Oh yeah, ever tried to create a really long song in Biab? What's the maximum number of bars can you use? Look that up as well. Don't worry, there's more.
It may be true YOU don't need all the different functions in RB, maybe you only work with small 4 or 5 piece arrangements but that doesn't make your post any less ignorant.
What's the matter with simply saying nicely you don't understand Real Band and could someone please explain how it could work with Biab?
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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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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The only thing similar between the two is that they both play back music.
A rickshaw and a Corvette are both wheeled vehicles that will get you from point A to point B but they are not the same thing.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300 |
Quote "It may be true YOU don't need all the different functions in RB, maybe you only work with small 4 or 5 piece arrangements but that doesn't make your post any less ignorant.
What's the matter with simply saying nicely you don't understand Real Band and could someone please explain how it could work with Biab?"end quote
Excellent analysis... I totally agree with your answer.. I have yet to learn RB, & am looking forward to using it, & it's certainly not a gimmick on PG Music to sell BIAB.. They have a money back guarantee if a person doesn't like it or if they feel they were coerced into buying it,.MHO
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583 |
Like others, I'm one of those long-time BIAB users in a live setting and have never messed with RB. However, I hope to get around to it. I'm working New Year's Eve with a 4-piece group, with BIAB as the main rhythm section. Recently, I got the PreSonus Studio One software for multitrack recording. Never done that on a computer. Have always used stand-alone recorders. Got 3 of 'em. Probably should have looked at RB first; but, I needed a good interface that came with the program. Maybe rd151 said what he said just to get folks started.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 84
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 84 |
Oh my, so much grouchiness in one little thread  For play-along, BIAB is all you need. I use it to practice and to investigate new arrangements. The odd time I wish to record my guitar or (god forbid) my voice, I use RB. I could record in BIAB but it just isn't as flexible and the results are less editable. Now smile everyone. Get with the spirit. Spread the love via PG Music  John
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
We're all smiling John and there's plenty of love for PG Music around here. If one guy wants to simply ask some questions about the differences between Biab and RB all of us will certainly help him including me.
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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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 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!
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
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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