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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28 |
Hi again!
WOW!!! I was completely blown away by the response I got to my first post where I asked "What's my best choice?" I was expecting to wait many days for a response, and even then, I expected only one or two replies. What can I say, except to thank everyone: <Greg64(Greg), Ryszard, Mac, MarioD, Danny C, av84fun(Jim), eddie1261, ZerZero, dcuny, TommyC, MikeK, jford, jazzmammal(Bob), flatfoot, and Matt Finley for your wonderful and most welcome replies ... and also a thank you in advance to any other members who may reply after I have posted this.
I included all the names of those above because I wanted to thank you ALL individually, not just for the knowledge you shared with me and the guidance you offered, but for the amount of time you set aside from your busy schedules to help me. Words can't express my gratitude. THANK YOU ALL, VERY MUCH! (Does this sound like an acceptance speech for an Academy Award? I hope not! LOL.
Okay, after hearing what you all had to say and the absolute enthusiasm you all share for this unique program, I am now pretty much darn sold on the whole concept of BiaB and a purchase in the very near future ... (After I mortgage the house and sell the kids, of course! <Hmmm! Tempting idea ... the kids, that is.>)
I have listened to many of the demos on the PG home page and I like what I hear. I actually found myself putting lyrics to some of the demos and my thought processes and creative juices began flowing like melted butter. Very inspiring! And my gut instinct, and that little voice inside me was screaming out ... "Just buy the damn thing, will ya, and start making music!" I will be checking out the user demos over the weekend. I recently located my old version of Kontakt 2 (bought in 2007) that I have never used simply because of other commitments over the years and the need to build a more powerful system than that of my old Apple computer. Owning Kontakt 2 makes me eligible for an inexpensive upgrade to Kontakt 5 if I choose. My new computer systems' OS is Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit, so I'm not sure if my version of Kontakt 2 will work on my system though. I hope it does. If it doesn't, then I will consider the inexpensive upgrade path to Kontak 5.
I know BiaB / Real Band comes with a DAW of some kind, but I have read exceptional things about Reaper. I would like to give this a try. It only cost $60 but apparently is still up there with the bigger names like Cubase, Logic etc. but at a much cheaper price. I would hope one day PG Music DOES decide to incorporate something in its program to accommodate the more classical / orchestral styles of compositions.
I do have a few more questions regarding certain hardware and audio/MID interfaces, but I will leave these for another time to post.
Thank you all again, and have a wonderful weekend,
Kindest regards
Dome
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,512
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,512 |
--> Like.
Reaper is excellent for the money. Just to make sure it's clear, when some of us referred to a sequencer software, we were referring to a DAW. Examples include RealBand, SONAR, Reaper, Logic, ProTools, etc. There is one major advantage of RealBand (besides it being free with BIAB) that is the reason I recommend you start with that first, and the reason is that it reads the BIAB files directly. With any other DAW, you will need to export tracks or do what BIAB calls Drag 'n Drop to get tracks into the DAW, and you will lose the chord symbols. The BIAB song format is proprietary, but since PG Music also makes RealBand, it alone can read this format. There are a few other minor subtleties about this, but for now, until Music XML is fully supported, RealBand is your best bet starting out.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 98
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 98 |
Dome,
You have just gone through a similar situation as my own, just about a week ago. I was blown away by the warm, receptive responses by many folks on here and their sage advice with helping make my purchase decision. They continue to be an invaluable resource and I'm confident you'll have similar experiences. I have to say, one week in, I have no regrets whatsoever. Once you get started, I'm sure you'll find your creativity opening up like you never imagined!
Welcome and congrats on your forthcoming purchase. Now let the good times roll!
Living in The Music City
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,494
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,494 |
Hi Dome, Quote:
I know BiaB / Real Band comes with a DAW of some kind, but I have read exceptional things about Reaper. I would like to give this a try. It only cost $60 but apparently is still up there with the bigger names like Cubase, Logic etc. but at a much cheaper price.
The DAW in the BIAB/RB partnership is Realband. It's unique in that it works exclusively with BIAB-created files and offers a nearly seamless integration with BIAB.
The above being said, I'm a Reaper user, too. My workflow practice is
- Create the song in BIAB.
- Find the best assortment of tracks to use in RB.
- Add instrumental fill-ins in RB.
- Finish off in Reaper (I love the ease of cutting / pasting as well as the extensive envelope control of just about every function that Reaper offers).
While Reaper is $60, you do not need to buy it up-front to use it. It comes as a trial and will still work even when the trial period is up. What it does is to remind you that you are past the trial date; it doesn't stop working or lose any functionality.
Just thought I'd share the above with you for what it's worth.
All the best,
Noel
P.S. My personal favorite is the UltraPlusPAK. I've found that this package provides just about everything one can get for BIAB/RB (i.e. Realdrums, Realtracks, Styles). I keep upgrading to this level and it does me just right.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
I just loaded Kontakt 2 on my Granddaughter's Win 7 laptop and it worked just fine.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Maybe you know this but in case you don't.
The DAW program you use has no influence on the quality of the sound you get. The sound card is what provides the sound.I guarantee, and so does PG,that unless you're doing all sorts of automation etc. RealBand will do everything you need and more. Some of these other progs can be very convoluted.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Ok .. be sure to check out KVR if you are going to get a sequencer - lots of freebie stuff and much of pro quality. It even has free sequencers http://www.kvraudio.com/q.phpCheck out crystal for a free synth and and and.... there are hudreds , even thousands... take care to keep focussed in your new |Virtual Dimension
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,598
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,598 |
BIAB and Reaper are the two main programs I use in my own projects. BIAB is unique and Reaper is, in my opinion, absolutely the best DAW you can find today for the money. It's very intuitive, pretty easy to learn (it comes with a great manual), includes a bunch of great plugins and it's so powerful (and even more) than much more expensive DAWs.
I absolutely recommend both of them.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,458
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,458 |
Welcome, and, yeah, Reaper's pretty darn cool. I should use RealBand more than I do, but I use BIAB all the time. Amazing stuff.
Definitely follow ZeroZero's advice -- KVR is a treasure trove, and a lot of the best stuff is free or inexpensive. As he mentioned, Crystal is way cool. I'm also very fond of the Alchemy Player, AAS Player, synths by HG Fortune, plugins by Variety of Sound, and the free synth Tyrell N6 by u-he. And don't forget Audacity, which is all you'll likely ever need for audio processing.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
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>>>.... Words can't express my gratitude....>>>
Actually you do a real good job of expressing gratitude.
-jdw
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Now how about lenfing me a hundred bucks? 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Now how about lenfing me a hundred bucks?
Um, gave it up for Lenf?
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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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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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®.
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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!
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