Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
I purchased BIAB Pro 2012 and it came along with Real Band and I suppose some Real Tracks, as I used some in a song already. But, the learning curve on this tool is steep, hey?

Is there any good video or instructions that explain how BIAB, Real Band, and Real Tracks all work? I am basically lost. I want to buy some more Real Tracks, but I am not spending another penny until I understand the basic set up first.

Thanks.


My music can be heard at: The Cracks
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,608
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,608
Hi jptjptjpt

Welcome to the forums

The learning curve is indeed steep. I remember when I first got BIAB, I couldn't believe how hard it all seemed. I persevered and after about a week, I started to see how it all worked. It was WELL WORTH THE EFFORT. The product is brilliant.

If you scroll down to the bottom of the following webpage, you'll find some video archives that will help.

http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htm

I suggest starting with "Welcome to Band In A Box" followed by the "Quickstart Tutorial". There are also a number of video clips on Youtube that are useful.

Hope this helps,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,507
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,507
It's overwhelming at first, simply because there are so many features and it can do so much. But it's actually a very easy program to use - much easier than some other musical apps that I have. Hang in there, take it a little at a time, and before you know it you'll be cranking out some wonderful music.

Notes


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Thanks for tips, links, and support. I appreciate it and I need it.


My music can be heard at: The Cracks
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491
Hi, jptjptjpt .......(or may I call you "jp"?!)
Welcome to the forum. Once you've had a look at a couple of the videos, you'll find you'll proceed very quickly....it really is intuitive. Regards, Joe G.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 288
G Offline
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 288
Most things worth doing or learning are difficult at first, that's why they are great to do. Like most software there are 100 features of which most people learn and use 25 or so, the other features don't apply to how they use the software. I use BIAB more than any other music software and there are many parts of it that I don't need for what I want to do with it, practice and perform.

I remember when I first started to use Cubase, huge learning curve, but now when I look at it, it seems very straight forward and easy to use (again for what I do with it).

Stick with it, we assume you play an instrument, learning that was the tough part, using BIAB will be a snap cause musicians are smart dudes.

One huge advantage we have here is this forum, which for my money is the best and most helpful forum on the internet, and we have many really knowledgeable participants that give a lot of help with good humor and patience.

Here is a tip, pay particular attention to any of Mac's posts. He is the forum godfather here and really know his stuff. Helped me a lot when I was a newbie.

G


Intel i5, 8 GIG, M-Audio NRV10, M-Audio BX8's, Cubase, BIAB, Win 7
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Welcome to the forum . . . regarding a "steep" learning curve, well it is what you make of it. I say this because it really depends on what you want to get out of BIAB (and the others I am sure) as to how steep the learning curve really is. For instance my use is 99.99% live backing tracks, so my learning curve is not very steep at all . . . choose style, choose instruments, set tempo and hit play. Of course there are adjustments and refinements with each of these three steps, but for my use that is basically it. (For my English writing purist friends . . . I know that was a preposition ending that last sentence and I don't care )

Now for me the steep curve comes into play when you start exploring everything each of these programs can do, and I am nowhere near any of my fellow forum members in that respect. And even though I may never be, I know I can come here anytime day or night and ask a question or do some research to find answers to all of my questions, as this is a very helpful place with a lot of goo folks.

Welcome again,

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,845
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,845
Preposition doesn't bother me, Danny, but what are "goo" folks.


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)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300
J
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
J
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300
Yeh, Danny, New word?? heh heh..

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Quote:

Preposition doesn't bother me, Danny, but what are "goo" folks.




These are the folks who make the Goo Goo Candy Bar, a major sponsor for the Grand Ole Opry and are now a few members of this forum (hence the music connection) . . . . OK YOU GOT ME!

Later,

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
jtpjpjpt. How to pronounce that...jetptchpechtrptsejetputtchtpttstt&*#@*%*!shh... Oh, the heck with it.

Give is a first name.

Oh yeah, welcome to the forum, it's not quite as hard as it looks. Really.

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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Thanks everyone. It all started clicking today. I bought some more Real Tracks and it has really moved along nicely.

But there still remain problems. For example, I export my wav files to Mixcraft 5 for mixing. But when I save them, I don't seem to have a choice as to what folder I save them in. I then have to go searching for them in the BIAB files. I am getting a little better at finding them, but still...

Thanks everyone. I'll keep checking in.


My music can be heard at: The Cracks
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808
Take a look at RB, you can open BiaB files directly there, and there is no reason to import them. You might find all you need there.


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
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,081
Yes, I am even finding my wav files easier after a few trys.

I love BIAB!


My music can be heard at: The Cracks
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
If you use the .wav Export Folder Button in the Main BiaB Interface, in the "Render To Audio File" window, at the Top on the Right there is a "Choose" button. Click on that & select where you want the Rendered files to go to.

This is covered in Chapter 11, Page 259 of the Manual, at least in the 2011 manual....

Hope this helps!


i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,608
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,608
Quote:

Yes, I am even finding my wav files easier after a few trys.



What I do is keep each song in its own folder. That way, the wav files are written to the song's folder and everything is in one location.

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,593
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,593
I do what Noel does when I work in SONAR.

I haven't found it necessary to do so in BIAB (yet) because I take files into SONAR for 'finishing'. However, in BIAB, I have tons of folders under two main folders, for Originals and Arrangements (in other words, whether I wrote it or not). Then under Arrangements, there are lots of folders for the work of colleagues and the work for clients. Under Originals, there are folders for Working On This, Finished but Unrecorded, and each CD project I've done. Stuff like that.

One thing you learn in this business (or any business) is that good filing systems are critical, along with good backup regimens.


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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238
And jpjp... it looks like you purchased the basic package... It gets quite expensive if you keep buying more realtracks individually... If you can wait, there is a smoking hot sale EVERY December where you can upgrade to the next year's version and get the UltraPAK Hard Drive(that comes with EVERYTHING!!!) for peanuts literally (i.e $139.00-ish). That's the only way to do it if you ask me. I know most here go for it once a year....

Good Luck.

PS: I am waiting to see when MAC will chime in and tell us his usual wise words abot BIAB leaning curve... LOL

PPS: There is also a mid-year sale... but I don't find them as good as the ones in December... so if you can wait... then wait...


2008 Gibson ES-339 Custom & 2010 Les Paul Traditional. Fender SCXD Amp
BIAB/RB 2015 UltraPAK + Ketron SD2
Windows 7/64 Intel i5 3550 PC, Tascam USB144MKII
Behringer X1204 Mixer
Bose Companion 3 and/or L1 II w/T1 + SM58 MIC
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
By now you guys should be able to say it for me!

And it looks like you have...


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5
Hi all,

I see you guys are using the exporting WAV file features pretty well, but no one has mentioned anything about the programs quick drag and drop exporting WAV features, so here's a quick guide to that shortcut. Enjoy!



A DRAG AND DROP WAV EXPORT TUTORIAL by Ricardo

A quick and easy way of exporting your WAV files from you arrangement without having to deal with saving and searching is to use our drag and drop features.

Essentially, the drag and drop works by dragging any part of your song (i.e your bass track, or piano track per say) into the box in the top left corner labelled "Drop". After dropping the track, the program should take a second or two to render the file(s) then change color depending on your version of Band-in-a-Box. After the color change you can just drag the "Drop" box to any other program or to your desktop to drop the WAV file at your place of choice.

Example: if you drag then drop the box on your desktop you get the WAV file you made in the box created on your desktop. If you drop the box on an empty track on RealBand, or some other DAW, you get that track filled with whatever WAV information you put on the "Drop" box.

A tip for exporting your whole arrangement as WAV quickly is to simply drag the "Combo" track onto the "Drop" box which puts all your tracks in WAV format on the box. Then drag the box to your destination and voila!

Hope this helps!


Regards,
Ricardo

*EDIT* Had to change a couple of spelling mistakes is all, still too early over here, haha.

Last edited by Ricardo - PG Music Inc.; 06/14/12 09:19 AM.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!

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!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

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®!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!

All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!

It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!

The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.

The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,334
Posts803,491
Members40,098
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
amdajones81, TAV, kmmwlton32, Hikes77, guitarharry
40,098 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 123
vicarn 93
DC Ron 83
rsdean 82
dcuny 65
Today's Birthdays
alfstone, DrDan, Oren Fisher, Pete b, soloman
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5