|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 43
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 43 |
I've been using real tracks since they first came out to build all of my backup tracks for live performance. I am currently on version 2012, about to install 2012.5. Usually, I either pick an all real tracks style that is somewhat close to what I want, and then change the instrument/performer on specific tracks to create a backup "band" that gives me the effect I want for that tune. Occasionally I have started with a specific midi style and then changed specific tracks to the real tracks intrument/performer as needed. However, I have noticed that when I start with a midi style, if I choose not to use a given track, I need to mute that track/instrument in the first bar, or else the midi instrument on that track will continue to play.
Recently, particularly with the ability to select specific instruments from midi styles, I thought it would be easier to simply start with a "blank slate", e.g., no style, and then build the "band" from a combination of real and midi tracks. I tried this by starting a song with the "BLANK" style as a starting point. However, the resulting song had some serious anomalies in it. I don't remember all of the specifics, but one thing I do remember is that the real drums track just stopped playing part way through the song. I would like to hear what other real tracks users typically use as a basis for starting a new song?
Andy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,612
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,612 |
I normally build my song by selecting individual real tracks and a real drum track, rather than using styles. Once I have a combination I like, I can save that as a custom style.
About the need to mute, if you don't want to do that on one or more tracks after you load a song, one way is to change the volume on that track to zero and then save it. There may be other ways but that's what I do.
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: Jan 2008
Posts: 43
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 43 |
Matt, When you say "selecting individual real tracks and a real drum track", that's what I do also. But the question is, what style is in effect before you start the process? Even when BiaB is first invoked, it comes with some style in effect, as displayed in the Style text box underneath the Song Title text box (I think it ususally defaults to the last style you had in effect when you closed BiaB). Then, as you select your various real tracks, any track you do not use will have the base style's instrument/performer in effect for that track. Also, the style name that was in the text box will remain (which is, technically, misleading), and I have found that some of the logic in BiaB will continue to react to that value, i.e., displaying pop-ups with suggestions or comments re: that style.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032 |
Quote:
Matt, When you say "selecting individual real tracks and a real drum track", that's what I do also. But the question is, what style is in effect before you start the process?
Real tracks, as audio files, are not effected by the Style. Think about that one 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
Quote:
Matt, When you say "selecting individual real tracks and a real drum track", that's what I do also. But the question is, what style is in effect before you start the process?
Real tracks, as audio files, are not effected by the Style. Think about that one
Dan is correct on that one. What a particular RT plays is based on that RT and has nothing to do with a style. You should be able to start with a "blank" style and load each RT one at a time. If this doesn't work it could be some sort of bug that we need to know about. Try it some more. I will also.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Yep. Enter chords for a 12 bar tune. Load the "blank" style.Load RTs one at a time and RDs. Couldn't get the drums to play.Loaded a Style and drums are fine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281 |
That's right,unless you're going to use an specific midi track with an instrument patch, styles have no effect, but if still you need a midi sound you can always use the magic F5 command and mute the midi there on those bars you do not want to use.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
...Recently, particularly with the ability to select specific instruments from midi styles, I thought it would be easier to simply start with a "blank slate", e.g., no style, and then build the "band" from a combination of real and midi tracks. I tried this by starting a song with the "BLANK" style as a starting point. However, the resulting song had some serious anomalies in it. I don't remember all of the specifics, but one thing I do remember is that the real drums track just stopped playing part way through the song. I would like to hear what other real tracks users typically use as a basis for starting a new song?
Andy
Hi Andy,
That particular experience can be frustrating. Sometimes it happens because a Songfile has somehow become corrupted. The only answer I know for that one is to hit New and start entering said song all over again.
Other times, it may be due to a corruption in the program itself, easily solved by going to the Factpory Reset inside BB and invoking same. This is often necessary if, for any reason, bb happened to close down suddenly and did not get time to write to a critical file it needs. Factory Reset will restore that file to known good defaults.
I've had the situation where a RealDrum track stops playing in the middle of a song I'm working on, and it has been due to a loss of resources in the computer, mostly happens when I've been inside BB for a long time and a long session has chewed up resources. When that happens, I close down bb and all other programs and reboot the computer. Good time for a break, and once rebooted bb usually responds a lot better.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 123
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 123 |
@ Jazzmandan & silvertones, I think you'll find that styles DO influence realtracks. I remember having a conversation about this with you (jazzmandan) & posting screenshots about the subject. Even someone from PGMusic chimed in & confirmed if I remember correctly
Last edited by bupper; 09/08/12 11:41 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633 |
Hi bupper,
My understanding is that the way in which the Realtracks themselves play is independent of style (e.g. swing, latin, rock, etc.). This is because they are recordings of live performances and the RT 'style' is set by the original performance. That being said, though, effects such as volume, reverb, panning, etc., are usually loaded with styles. These settings can influence the output sound of a Realtrack.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032 |
Quote:
I remember having a conversation about this with you (jazzmandan) & posting screenshots about the subject. Even someone from PGMusic chimed in & confirmed if I remember correctly
You memory is better than mine. 
I just can't image how Brent Mason would play guitar to a Celtic style with bagpipes and flute. 
I guess we could give it a try and see.
Well, I thought this would be like bringing a gun to a knife fight , but I'll be darned if it didn't sound good.
****** Song Summary *************
File:_HRNPIPE Demo - (ALL REALTRACKS-Hornpipe-AcGuit,AcBass,Bodhran).SGU
Key=D , Tempo 70, Length (m:s)=3:53
No intro. 32 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 32. Repeat x2 choruses
No Melody
No Soloist track.
Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0,
Style is _HRNPIPE.STY (Celtic Hornpipe Swing 8ths[70RS])
Style MIDI Instruments are :
RealTracks in style: 1411:Bass, Acoustic, CelticHornpipe Sw16 070
RealTracks in style: 1412:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm CelticHornpipe Sw16 070
RealTracks in song: 1703:Guitar, Electric, Soloist Country12-8Brent Sw 065
RealDrums in style: BodhranCelticHornpipe^2-a,b:Brushes
Now the question is will Brent's playing be exactly the same over a drastically different style. I'll match tempos and swing/even with this same Brent RT.
Well, I won't try that experiment again. BIAB went nuts on me. I tried a return to factory settings but now looks like a full reboot needed. You guys are on your own on this.. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 123
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 123 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 194
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 194 |
Quote:
I normally build my song by selecting individual real tracks and a real drum track, rather than using styles. Once I have a combination I like, I can save that as a custom style.
About the need to mute, if you don't want to do that on one or more tracks after you load a song, one way is to change the volume on that track to zero and then save it. There may be other ways but that's what I do.
Matt et al,
Do you guys do this in RealBand or with BIAB? Any reason to do one or the other? Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
That thread is very interesting bupper, looks like I will be playing around tomorrow.....
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,438
Posts805,130
Members40,121
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean