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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53 |
Thank you in advance for a few minutes of your time. I just bought Band-in-a-Box 2013 and it looks amazing, exactly what I think I need.
This will be my first ever attempt at doing a single. My #1 question is that would it be best to keep my projects as BB audio tracks in my mini computer or to use midi tracks? I am familiar with both, but I do not want to spend hundreds of hours of preparations of my backing tracks only to find I started off down the wrong path. What do you think will sound the best and be the most reliable to use live? (I have already made the investment in mini modules, soft synths, Sonic professional software, etc. It won’t cost me any more to go in either direction.) One thing I do want is to be able to turn off instruments when friends come to sit in with me on the gig, so just mp3 music tracks are not a good option for me.
Thank you all for your time.
Carl Roberts
Blues Guitarist
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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 |
Welcome.
BIAB tracks come in both midi and Audio types. The most authentic (in most peoples view) are the audio tracks called Real Tracks. These feature real musicians and are not MIDI tracks. In a BIAB song you might have a mixture of Audio and MIDI tracks.
Why not simply keep them as BIAB songs? A song is a BIAB style and a chord sequence. If you want to export them to a sequencer you can export Audio. If the song is MIDI you can export that too, but of course when you load it into a sequencer you will need to be playing back the same MIDI sounds from the same MIDi device to get the same sound.
Many people use RealBand for sequencer type work. I don't so others can comment on that.
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: Mar 2013
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53 |
Thank you for your input. I was already leaning towards BIAB Audio tracks only
and skipping the whole midi/sequencer rig this time. I did that over 20 years ago with mixed results and the Audio tracks seem better. It sounds like the Audio tracks will sound much better and more natural.
First thing tomorrow I am going to input my first blues set into the Audio Chord Wizard and see what I can come up with. I am open to other opinions why midi would be a better choice for live gigs. No matter what, BIAB will be my choice of music programs for the stage.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 110
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 110 |
When it comes to live performance I prefer having a WAV file. I just want to be able to start and stop a song. I don't want to worry about hitting the wrong button during a performance and having the track regenerate itself. I've used midi files for quite a few years, but always convert them to WAV for a performance.
Since you want to be able to turn individual instruments on and off, you might try exporting your BIAB files as individual WAV tracks and importing them into Audacity (or some other audio program.) This would allow you to mute any instrument you want. BIAB 2013 has the ability to export directly to a WAV file so this option should be pretty easy.
Rich
Windows 10, 64 bit | BIAB 2019 PlusPak | Studio One 2 Artist
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 204
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 204 |
Carl914, You have a P.M.-------Leon
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Carl,
if you create the song in BIAB, then reopen the saved file in RealBand, all of your parts will be on individual tracks... which can be muted or enabled one at a time or in any combination.
And since RB is a sequencer, Playing the songs through Real Band also gives you the opportunity to send MIDI to other devices if the need should ever arise to do that.
If you want to start out with the format that gives you the most options going forward (so you never have to switch horses in the middle of the stream) I think RB is the perfect hybrid between BIAB and plain audio files. It allows you the ability to include audio and/or Midi, keep individual tracks or merged tracks, you can use it for recording and/or playback.. it's the closest thing to a one-stop musical solution I've found.
If you decide later that you want to use MP3s, just export the songs as MP3s! Easy as that!
my 2 cents. I don't see where RB obstructs any future direction you may want to take. (And it directly imports anything you create in BIAB! How cool is that? No other sequencer does that!)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53 |
Thank you all so much. With each comment I feel that BB was the right choice for what I need.
As I approach retirement, I had to admit all I wanted to play was blues for the rest of my life. (If not now, when?) I have less than 50 songs chosen, but most have a repeating hook riff.
I just tried to choose the arrangement I liked of 20 variations on ITunes, plug them into the Audio Chord Wizard, let it do the hard work, and tweak it to my needs. This is my totally unproven plan. Real Band seems to be where those files finally land. Can you see any glaring issues with my simple idea for a little money and a lot of fun?
Thank you all again.
Last edited by Carl914; 03/10/13 11:08 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
Can you see any glaring issues with my simple idea for a little money and a lot of fun?
Nope. That's my retirement plan too.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
I have less than 50 songs chosen, but most have a repeating hook riff.
Biab is not going to give you those hooks because all of the style tracks whether midi or Real Tracks are generic backing tracks. They sound great and can really rock the house but they're still generic. If you're looking to create exact blues cover tunes then there's a lot more work to be done, you can't just plug in the chords and hit play. If you're a decent guitarist then you need to play the hooks yourself like the riff in Satisfaction for example. If you can't play them yourself then you need to work with specific midi files not Biab songs. You can create or buy very good midi files of anything you want and that's what lots of gigging single musicians do. Many times mixing elements of a good midi file with a few Biab generated Real Tracks is a killer combo.
This is where you get to be creative if you're a decent player. A lot of us don't like buying midi files because where's the fun in that? Biab and RB are great tools for creating your own tracks but you have to be a player to do it. If you can't do that then no, Biab is not able to create those song specific tracks for you, you have to get them from somewhere.
In the Tips & Tricks forum our guru Peter Gannon himself posted some good suggestions about this.
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53 |
I have no problem playing the hooks on my guitar, its trying to do them on my midi keyboard controller. One friend of mine just offered to give me his complete Charvel midi guitar system and that is super great. I have heard him do B3 and piano/strings with it and its like your ears and your eyes were out of sync hearing that come from a guitar player. In the mean time I might just buy a small mono pitch to midi box made for guitar for $99 from GC. That is really all I need at the moment.
I might also try to just play all the hooks on the keyboard during the song and hope for one perfect one. All I need is one and then I could transpose it, copy, and paste it. I am a little rusty, but once upon a time I was pretty good with midi. My last album was all midi except for vocals and the guitars. I just don't want my final product to be midi this time. I want to use audio tracks.
I still feel that this BIAB system is just what I need at this point in my life. I just need a bunch of quality time to get it down.
Thank you everyone for your help and input.
c
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032 |
Before you buy anything check this out. It really needs to be played to be believed. http://www.jamorigin.com/midi-guitar/
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53 |
Thank you, I downloaded the software from your link and I want to give this a serious try between now and Sunday. One way or the other I want to be makin' tracks by Sunday night.
Have a good weekend everyone.
c
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53 |
Quote:
Before you buy anything check this out. It really needs to be played to be believed.
http://www.jamorigin.com/midi-guitar/
I don't know why, but this link worked great on my little notebook, but so far I have spent hours trying to get it to open on my main computer, the real one I use all the time, and all I get is Windows error messages and they will let me know when they find a fix. (Not holding my breath on that reply.)
Have you seen an alternative to "Midi-Guitar" that I might have better luck with? I still have not bought the little $99 Sonuus guitar to midi converter box, but might throw in the towel and do that tomorrow.
Thank you all for your help.
c
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 53 |
I know now that what you said is true, BiaB does not do the hooks. I bought a little guitar to midi box. Its mono, but that is all I need for the hooks. I plan to double the hooks live, so its all positive practicing for me in getting ready to put those hooks in first.
Thank you for your input.
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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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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!
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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!
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There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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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!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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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.
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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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-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
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- 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®!
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