|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28 |
Based on my own research & what I've read plus the positive comments from this forum... I've decided to purchase the Mega Pak 2012...I noticed it doesn't come with tutorials.. Why is that? Are we supposed to learn by trial & error or this forum?...can we purchase tutorials separately?..also, can anyone suggest a good simple interface...is there anything that is a "must have" that doesn't come with the Mega Pak? I'm using win 7x64 6mg mem & 1.5 t hard drive......not a lot of other mem eating apps on my pc....thanks very much
BAIB 2012
Studio One 2 Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Rethink this. You don't get Real Tracks or Real Drums either. It's a MIDI only package.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,458
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,458 |
To actually answer your question (and welcome to the forums -- love your user name!), there are a great many online tutorials right here. And, the very basic functions really are easy -- it's literally: - Set up your MIDI -- the Help file should have that in great detail
- Pick a musical style from the Style Picker (the button that says "Style" just below and to the left of the name of the song) -- if it says it has to rebuild, click Yes
- Input chords (up to four in each bar) -- e.g., C, D7, Am, Bsus, whatever. If you want two chord changes in a half-bar, separate them with commas
- Click "Play"
That really, really is all you need to do. And we promise, we answer questions here, and we don't bite. Much.  As to the other stuff... as silvertones says, getting RealDrums and RealTracks will give you a quantum leap in sound quality. And they work together seamlessly with MIDI. And your computer sounds plenty beefy enough. (I too have Win7/64 and 6 GB RAM -- what processor do you have?) Interface: What precisely do you want to interface with, i.e., what are you using with BIAB -- a keyboard controller, a hardware synth...? Give us a little more info, if you could.
Last edited by filkertom; 02/20/12 07:11 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28 |
Thanks, glad you mentioned real drums & real tracks....I just want to play around & record guitar/voice with biab arrangement...not really intending to go public...I'm near raleigh....any other tips you can suggest will be appreciated...which interface do you suggest?
BAIB 2012
Studio One 2 Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28 |
Thanks, my pc is equipped with AMD FX-6100 six-core processor [3.3GHz, 6MB L2/8MB L3 Cache]....I want a guitar/mic interface so i can record guitar & voice...sorry to sound so naive but I'm just getting into this recording stuff..was gonna go with pro tools then a friend mentioned biab and from what I've read I like it...my user name is the name of my 2 female boxers...again thanks for your input
BAIB 2012
Studio One 2 Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,518
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,518 |
The MegaPAK certainly does come with some RealTracks and RealDrums. It has a basic package with 160 RealTracks and sets 1 through 6 of RealDrums. See http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htmThis gives you to opportunity to experiment with RealTracks and RealDrums, so you can decide if you wish to purchase more. There are currently somewhere around 1,000 RealTracks and 29 sets of RealDrums.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,458
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,458 |
Quote:
Thanks, my pc is equipped with AMD FX-6100 six-core processor [3.3GHz, 6MB L2/8MB L3 Cache]....I want a guitar/mic interface so i can record guitar & voice...sorry to sound so naive but I'm just getting into this recording stuff..was gonna go with pro tools then a friend mentioned biab and from what I've read I like it...my user name is the name of my 2 female boxers...again thanks for your input
Kewl, beefier than mine indeed. There are many possible interfaces out there -- the cheapest and easiest are from M-Audio, both the Fast Track (which hooks up to your computer through one of the USB ports) and Audio Buddy (which plugs in through the sound card). I have them both, and I actually use Audio Buddy more. (Any other suggestions on USB interfaces, crew?)
Pro Tools is What Everybody Uses (Except For All The People Who Use Other Stuff), y'know? You've already got BIAB and RealBand; for your purposes, that should honestly be enough.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
The MegaPAK certainly does come with some RealTracks and RealDrums.
It has a basic package with 160 RealTracks and sets 1 through 6 of RealDrums. See http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htm
This gives you to opportunity to experiment with RealTracks and RealDrums, so you can decide if you wish to purchase more. There are currently somewhere around 1,000 RealTracks and 29 sets of RealDrums.
But there combos? Not sure what that's about.Can you still use individual RTs?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28 |
Yes Matt, it does say it comes with 1-6 drum sets but there is no demo for set 1.....does anyone know what set 1 is?...I play mostly classic rock & blues would be nice to know what set 1 is before purchasing...I called PG and they just said set 1 was a combo. thanks
BAIB 2012
Studio One 2 Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,518
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,518 |
Hi John. Not sure what you mean by 'combos'. RealStyles? Or if you mean 'RealCombos', this FAQ will help: http://www.pgmusic.com/salesfaq1.htm#45We have always been able to select individual RealTracks for any instrument. I still do it that way, rather than looking for any assistance from groupings.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,518
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,518 |
gypsyrosegracie, this page shows what is in each RealDrum set. http://www.pgmusic.com/realdrums.php?os=winSets 1 through 6 (see the bottom of the page) already come with the MegaPAK.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 28 |
Matt, yes the link you posted shows realdrum sets except for Set #1...all pg was able to tell me is set #1 is a combo set...I play mostly classic rock & blues set 2-6 doesn't list either...how do we know what is in set 1?...looks like I need set 21...or maybe im confused...thanks
BAIB 2012
Studio One 2 Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,518
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,518 |
Oh, I see what you mean now; the specifics are not listed for that one.
I think perhaps they mean that Set 1 is a collection of various styles; that's what they meant by combo, as opposed to emphasizing one or two styles of music as the later sets do. If I recall correctly, and it's been many years, that first set of RealDrums had a little of everything; sort of like a sampler.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
Oh, I see what you mean now; the specifics are not listed for that one.
I think perhaps they mean that Set 1 is a collection of various styles; that's what they meant by combo, as opposed to emphasizing one or two styles of music as the later sets do. If I recall correctly, and it's been many years, that first set of RealDrums had a little of everything; sort of like a sampler.
Right. I'm just not sure if those RT Combos are somehow locked as Combos only or if you can use the individual RTs that make up the Combos. Just want the OP to get what's best.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,729
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,729 |
Hello, RealDrums Set 1 includes: BossaBrushes JazzBrushes RockEven8 RockEven16 You can see a list of the other RealDrums here: http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.ultra.htm#rdlistQuote:
..I'm just not sure if those RT Combos are somehow locked as Combos only or if you can use the individual RTs that make up the Combos. Just want the OP to get what's best.
You can use each of the individual RealTracks, just as you are used to. Rather than including a random assortment of RealTracks with the Pro and MegaPAK versions, we combine a few RealTracks together to make a band, and make an .STY, and that's a RealCombo that we include. So while you only have a fraction of the total # RealTracks available, you still have the instruments needed to form complete bands in various genres.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 581
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 581 |
If you can possibly swing an extra $200 go for the UltraPlusPak on the external USB hard drive. If not, get started and upgrade later. But at some point you WILL want those extra real tracks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,093
Posts800,146
Members40,033
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean