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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: 12,950
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950 |
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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XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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.
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