|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647 |
Each year I hope for fixes to the notation, or a better notation functionality, and each year I am disappointed.
BIAB hasn't done much to it's notation functionality since 2004. The new PDF print is nice, but we have all been doing it it with Cute PDF for years. Nothing new there.
There has been chatter on the wishlist for Music XML so that we can move our print requirements to a dedicated notation product, but I don't see that here this year either. BIAB is a great program, and each and every year we get 50 new features and 101 new real tracks, but never a better notation function
Now there are many users that don't want or use notation, but there are many of us that rely on the printed music for our performance. Some of us are still in the midi generation, and couldn't care less about Real Band , Real Tracks, sequencing or any of the other clever stuff. We just want BIAB to create music for us to play along with, and notation that matches what we play.
Perhaps next year. For me there is nothing in 2013 that I can see that would I would even consider spending $1 on. Sorry PGMusic, you missed my boat again this year
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643)
Windows 10 (1909)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,273
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,273 |
Dave:
As a long-time BIAB user, I understand your situation, I just fail to see the problem! (grin).
If BIAB does everything you need except notation, why not just create the song in BIAB, and export a MIDI file into a notation program. Sure it means you have to buy (or use) two programs, but they`re just 2 tools to use to get the project done.
If you were going to build a wooden box, you would need a saw and a hammer.
You wouldn`t try to cut the wood with the hammer nor use the saw to put in the nails.
What you`re asking BIAB to be is a `hammer-saw`,
It is first and foremost a music accompaniment program.
The fact that it also has some notation capabilities is just a bonus.
If those capabilities do not meet your requirements, then I would just use something that does.
If PGMusic spent a ton of time and effort on BIAB`s notation functionality, no doubt there would be similar posts to yours on this forum, lamenting that emphasis and neglecting some other. In software development, you will never please everybody.
For me, I`m just glad to have a reasonably priced program, that does MOST of what I need it to do, from a company that listens to its users and tries to accommodate their requests as best it can. For the few things I find that it WON`T do, I`ll use another `tool`.
Just my 2.1 Canadian cents worth!
LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647 |
The problem is that BIAB does not export chords. Either that or they are not truely a midi event.
Been there, done that, and it's not a viable solution
I can almost buy that it's not a notation program, but they should fix what they have. It doesn't work. Multiple ending, repeats and many of the other function have got 7 year old bugs in them. Although we can vary the number of bars per line, all the bars on that line will be the same size, not dynamically allocated by the number of notes or lyrics.
I would gladly pay for a notation program - in fact PGMusic has a link to one of them on the website - but they won't provide all of the information to allow the song to be properly exported.
The arguements have been the same forever. Often the solution I am given is whiteout and a sharp pencil. I just can't see the audience of Real tracks not complaining if there was a bug, yet those of us that want the notation to work as designed seem to get pushed back into the corner.
If it just worked properly I wouldn't need to compalin every year. And thats my Canadian 2cents as well
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643)
Windows 10 (1909)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
Hi Dave, The new notation features in 2013 are: 1. Print to PDF (direct printout from BB to a PDF, without requiring an external program, and it works with fonts being embedded (which was a problem for some pdf drivers) 2. Leadsheet Window can be resized fully. Previously the Leadsheet Window was a fixed size, so sizing it would only show part of the window. Now the whole window rescales in size, so you can have a small Leadsheet window visible at the same time as other windows. 3. Section text letters now inserted at better position 4. Minor change on printout, positioning of notes better You are correct in that Music XML wasn't added this time. I am not aware of the bug you refer to regarding multiple endings. There was one like that fixed about a year ago (regarding 3rd endings in a song), but if you have an example song, please send it to support@pgmusic.com or make a post here. << Some of us are still in the midi generation, There are lots of new MIDI features added with this version. MIDI SuperTracks were added in 2012.5, and with 2013 we add 50 more MIDI SuperTracks, ability to use a RealTrack as a MIDI SuperTrack (by copying the MIDI to another track and playing it), a SongForm feature for re-arranging your song (applicable to notation as well) and more. And we've added new MIDI sounds, inlcuding some real nice Acoustic Pianos, and Strings, and an easier way to add the MIDI sounds from VST/DXi synths.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,519
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,519 |
Dave, it is not BIAB but the MIDI standard that does not support exporting chord info. BIAB does export chord info into its companion program, RealBand. And the free 3rd party notation program, MuseScore, reads BIAB files, including chord info.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,099
Posts800,212
Members40,035
| |
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