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software companies usually provide the minimum hardware spes for their software but not the minimum user knowledge requirements to get the most benefit from the software
just wondering what this community feels are the minimum user knowledge requirements for a person considering the purchase of biab\rb for these categories
music theory knowledge
instrument proficiency for the instrument you will be using to control the device or software and the instrument sound you want to produce
performance proficiency
computer usage basic knowledge
music production proficiency
did i miss any categories
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
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Mike,
In all honesty, I would recommend BIAB to anyone that’s serious about music and has a basic understanding of computers.
That doesn’t mean they would be able to get the most out of the program, but as their music and computer skills grow, … so would their ability to use BIAB.
BIAB would also be an impetus to furthering their music and computer skills.
Double edged sword.
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Band in a Box can be used by folks at all levels of musicianship.
You don't have to try to be a master of all things that it can do in order to start in using it right away.
And if the program were such that things could all be found and done in a week, well, it wouldn't be anything worth pursuing.
There is the "30-day no questions asked" return policy that is like having a full featured demo that saves work for a month.
What's to lose?
--Mac
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Must still be breathing and own a computer. I let my then 6 year old Granddaughter use my computer with the 2004 version and she had no problem using Biab.
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Journeyman
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Quote:
music theory knowledge
music production proficiency
I think these two disqualifies me! I have always played by ear only, unfortunately NO formal training ...
Who do I contact to give my stuff back?
I'm doing allright for Country Trash ....
I used to care, but things have changed (Bob Dylan)
BIAB 2025W + RB
M-Audio FastTrack C600, Rode NT2-A
Digitech VoiceLive 4
Epiphone Sheraton, Ibanez 12str, Washburn 6str, Cort 6Str Nylon
Yanagisawa Tenor Sax
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I agree with CountryTrash...you guys are way ahead of me in theory, hardware and software. I just follow Dr Gannon's advice and am here to have fun....which I do everyday! So I would say that this is rather remakable software in that it can encompass both the novice and the professional. Quite amazing that a product can have that broad of a market appeal while not alienating either sector.
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2025, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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Quote:
Band in a Box can be used by folks at all levels of musicianship.
You don't have to try to be a master of all things that it can do in order to start in using it right away.
And if the program were such that things could all be found and done in a week, well, it wouldn't be anything worth pursuing.
There is the "30-day no questions asked" return policy that is like having a full featured demo that saves work for a month.
What's to lose?
--Mac
Bump!
Cornet Curmudgeon
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Posts: 263
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 263 |
I'd have to say that anyone with the desire to "make music" will find a way. I needed some way to put music to the songs I was writing and when I chanced upon a copy of BIAB at a dealer at the NAMM show in Nashville, back in 1997 I grabbed it up and started learning. Back then it was pretty simple and the hardest part was learning about computers. I knew a bit about music but nothing about computers. No computer training at all. I have been lucky to follow along with each new upgrade but find the computer part the most difficult.
It is stimulating and challenging but worth every minute of the time you will spend with it even when it stretches the old brain a bit. I would have to say it would have been much easier had I had some basic understanding of the computer first...but we are still learning with each new upgrade that introduces new challenges. In fact after discovering that my new 2013 installation had put the Sample Tank instruments in the wrong folder, I was able to move them to where they needed to be and now my Sample Tank instruments are working correctly. Quite an accomplishment for this old lady! Now if I can just figure out how to configure my new sound card that arrived today. I'll be back in business.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Joined: Jul 2007
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You can get up and running with BIAB in a few minutes. There is a little bit vof set up required but hre guys here will help0 if you run into issues.
Also dont fdrget if you run into any theory problems, or get stuck musically, you can post here, or you can use the internet. I us=ually just google my thoughts and something comes up to help
BIAB has an easy to use interface with powerful stuff going on underv the vhood chiefly
IMO its the best learning tool on the planet for musicians. I use it every day for hours
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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1 At minimum 3 months of using a computer.
2 Understanding that each key has 3 primary chords, so if a person is only able to input C F and G, thats enough to get started with.
Am I the only one though that finds the manuals not a great help and the search function is absolutley terrible, in fact if a beginner was to start reading the manual I feel it would only put them completely off the program.
I find if I put in a search in biab manual and tell it to list the items, it comes up with a whole range of pages that are totally unrelated to what I am looking for.
That said If I do find the page I am looking for, then the info is very good, but getting to that page ....wow.....
Musiclover
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Journeyman
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Posts: 349 |
To quote a famous personality, "I feel your pain."
I have only a very basic knowledge of music theory (can't sight read notes) and usually just play by ear or follow the chord symbols.
That was why I purchased BIAB to begin with.
However I'll have to agree that the printed Manual and the Help/Search manual sometimes gave me a headache and only added to my frustration level.
Many times I wished for a Wizard to guide me through some of the setups when faced with too many buttons or boxes to select from, mayn of which I had no idea what their meaning was (ASIO vs MME for example).
What really helped me were the how to videos and this amazing forum with it's generous members always willing to help with even the "dumbest" of questions.
These not only helped solve my problems but opened up whole new areas of music to explore and appreciate.
It also brings up the fact that the best way to learn something is to try to teach something.
That's why this site is one of my first to visit every day.
Carkins
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Luckily there are lots of tutorials in youtube made by kind selfless souls to help music theory dunces and BiaB beginners like me. On the whole though, BiaB is a rather daunting program, I think I have grasped about 2% of its possibilities. On the plus side though, I won't be needing another programs to help me create music for a long time.
Chris
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Very difficult question to answer. I think it boils down to keeping an open mind, having a good attitude and above all else be willing to learn and recognize it takes some serious effort to learn. A lot of folks think they can jump into Biab with no knowledge of basic musical concepts and no basic knowledge of computers beyond turning it on and checking their email. Then they get completely frustrated, angry and leave in a huff muttering under their breath. That's where the attitude and being willing to learn comes in.
The answer is the more you know up front the easier it will be.
Can you start from square one with no musical knowledge and no computer knowledge and just start picking it up? Sure you can but it won't be easy because there's already a well established and accepted language of music, recording studios and computers you have to learn. Someone who's never recorded a lick in their life knows squat about a compressor or a tag ending. To them a compressor is used to fill up their tires or paint their house. Tag ending? What the heck is that, a skin condition on my butt? That's just two of a gazillion examples I could name.
Attitude, open mind and be willing to do whatever it takes. Basic rules of life including Biab and using computers.
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.
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Journeyman
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 479 |
You'll need to know your credit card number...... Probably your shipping address.  WSS
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interesting question...
to me, it's like asking "How much do you need to know before you can learn something new?"
Every baby ever born started from zero and learned from there.
No matter what you're learning, if you start with the understanding that you don't know it yet, but you can learn with some effort and without giving up... you will make progress. And that's all learning is: progress. There is no final destination to learning.
What makes BIAB uniquely usable in my opinion is that even with no experience or knowledge of music at all, an inquisitive person can go through the demo files, replace a chord here and there, and come up with something new.
On the other end of the scale, those with a lifetime of acquired musical knowledge will find multitudes of theory-based tools for developing their music ideas in BIAB
Whereas a novice might use a hammer to fix a loose board, a carpenter might use it to build a whole house. So, the answer to the question "What's the entry level knowledge required to use a hammer?" would be quite different than the answer to The question "what's the entry level knowledge required to build a house?"
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Quote:
"Do you have to clean up to take a bath?" -Mike Warnke
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Like many here I do not have formal training regarding music and computers alike, but I am now and have been for a while doing quite well with BIAB. With this said I am however very grateful to all my more knowledgeable forum members for the sharing of their expertise in both music theory and the use of BIAB. But there comes a time when as Nike says you just have to do it! I mention this as sometimes we spend so much of our time asking theory, or what do your prefer, or other “what if” questions that there is now way on this good Lord's earth one can have the time to comprehend and apply all of this new gained knowledge. So my answer is (was there a question I don't remember  ) if you want to get involved with making music or as the tag-line says “Just Have Fun” this is hands down the software for you, because if I can do it anyone can! Later,
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Quote:
"Do you have to clean up to take a bath?" -Mike Warnke
I don't know... My wife always says we have to clean up the house before Merry Maids (maid service) gets here.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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Quote:
Quote:
"Do you have to clean up to take a bath?" -Mike Warnke
I don't know... My wife always says we have to clean up the house before Merry Maids (maid service) gets here.
We may be husband-in-laws as I have heard that same remark.
Later,
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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