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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: 6,725
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
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: 24,869
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,869 |
To sum everything up RB is a DAW and BiaB is not.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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: 12,847
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,847 |
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: 22,641
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,641 |
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
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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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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!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
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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!
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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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