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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
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hi - when I try and create songs from scratch, they don't sound anywhere near as good as the demos...
any quick tips on how to see what exactly is loaded up and playing in the demo tracks (specific patches, real tracks loaded, drums/other elements being used)?
I figure if I can look deep into what exactly's going on in the demo tracks, I can better create new ones from scratch.
my favorite demo so far is the tenor bebop jazz one:
_JZBOPTS Bebop Quartet demo
All-RealTracks BeBop Jazz Quartet with Tenor Sax Soloist being backed by Piano, Acoustic Bass and Drums.
Tempo = 150 - 220
_JAZZBOP.STY. BeBopTrio, Ac.Bass & Pno(190 RS)
All RealTracks. Trio.
RD: JAZZ: a: HiHat b: Ride & Snare :Craig Scott
RT752: Bass, Acoustic, Jazz BeBop Sw 190 , Neil Swainson
RT755: Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Jazz BeBop Sw 190 , Miles Black
not sure how to load up all those things, the 2 RTs and the RD into one song, so it all comes out sounding like the demo..?
thanks -
ken
p.s. I'm still astonished that this program can randomly generate good-sounding real-sounding tenor jazz sax solos on the fly, that's a remarkable feat that should be on CNN or something, it's really incredible. I mean hit GenPlay and get a new randomly generated solo in real track that sounds good....really? i wouldn't believe it if I wasn't doing it here myself. just amazing. brilliant.
Last edited by kenjazz; 05/11/13 03:32 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi kenjazz,
What is it in particular that doesn't sound good?
It would help greatly to narrow it down here, as to what you think is the problem.
For example, is it a case of perhaps a different tonality, fullness of sound, or is it a case where what the instruments are playing perhaps does not seem to fit, etc.
There would be a different approach to each different aspect.
--Mac
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So load a demo song you like, clear out the chord grid and enter the chord progression of your song. The sound you get is all about the style selected; however, the PGMusic demo songs generally have a melody track, so you might also try listening to the demo with the melody track muted, just to see what the accompaniment sounds like. That's the same type of sound you should get with your own songs.
Otherwise, if I remember correctly, PGMusic doesn't do anything to tweak the songs they post. Pretty much just selecting the style, entering a melody and/or sol, then hitting play.
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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That has been my experience also -- the PGMusic demosongs are NOT tweaked or made to sound better via "outside" methods.
However, there may be a setting somewhere that is causing your rendered songs to sound differently and that's where the importance of you coming back here and better defining what it is that is different about your own songs is going to help clear this up. This could be anything from a gain staging problem, easily rectified with some settings changes and better understanding of how to do that, to perhaps selecting the wrong Style file for the task at hand and ending up with some undesired "extra" notes in your chords. Or any one of several other things.
For the record, my own results come out sounding very much as rich and full as the PGMusic Demo Songs do, after understanding and using some of the settings for soundcard, DXi Rendering, the BB mixer, etc. and I don't typically have to change settings from song to song in order to have that happen.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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hi - thanks guys... from what the demo looks like, for example is there multiple styles/things loaded, to make it sound the way it does?
for example looking at the information, it says
song title: All RealTracks - Bebop Quartet
_JAZZBOP.STY. BeBopTrio, Ac.Bass & Pno(190 RS)
All RealTracks. Trio.
RD: JAZZ: a: HiHat b: Ride & Snare :Craig Scott
RT752: Bass, Acoustic, Jazz BeBop Sw 190 , Neil Swainson
RT755: Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm Jazz BeBop Sw 190 , Miles Black
so does that mean to replicate that sound, it's layering, using individually-loaded RT patches for different parts? not sure on how to replicate from scratch that type of sound...
eg Step 1: enter chord progressions
Step 2: pick a style from the style picker (_JAZZBOP.STY)
Step 3: right click on "soloist" at top bar and choose 'select best soloist real tracks' and choose tenor sax, eg 758
hitting the genplay button, it creates a song, but it doesn't play nearly as good as the demo, if you choose "load demo song", so I'm missing something... sorry I'm new to the program, trying to figure out how to get songs set up like the demo ones are.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi Ken,
A couple of thoughts spring to mind as to why the style doesn't sound as good when you generate it. It might be that the tempo is not the best tempo for those Realtracks. It might also be that the chords you have entered are not as adventurous as those used for the demo.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Or it might be that you are unhappy with what the Soloist selected is playing.
I still don't know what the exact problem is here.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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hi - thanks; I'll make a recording to show the difference... it's just operator error I'm sure; I'll keep trying.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi again, Ken.
As I suspect you're already discovering, BIAB is a fantastic program. My experience is that the best way to understand how it works is to get in and get one's hand's dirty (metaphorically speaking).
It would be great to hear your recording. That will help a great deal with understanding your issue.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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hi - thanks; I'll make a recording to show the difference... it's just operator error I'm sure; I'll keep trying. That's the spirit, kenjazz. Over the years, I have found out that Band in a Box is like learning a completely new and different "instrument" in and of itself, and the same sort of problems arise that one would encounter if they were to try adding a new and different musical instrument to their arsenal. Imagine the things that a consummate reed instrument player would have to contend with when picking up, say, a guitar and attempting to make music with it. In one aspect, the reed player would be ahead of the game, in the sense that things such as notation, counting, rhythmic figures, etc. would be things that are already developed. But on the other hand, the kind of things that would be necessary to master about playing the completely different instrument are going to take some time and repetition, study and understanding before that new instrument becomes a dependable asset. There is a forum regular around here for many years who recently passed away who said it best: If Band in a Box could be mastered in a day or two, the program wouldn't be worth the purchase price. (I'm paraphrasing here, the late John C. had his own wonderful usage of the English language in these forums, but that is the gist of it.) When I first had an early copy of Band in a Box, way back when pgmusic had not even added Audio to the thing, a MIDI-only auto-accompaniment program, I did not really use the program very much if at all. Tried it out, didn't get results that were good sounding enough and left it to languish. It was not until some time later, maybe more than a year, that I decided to sit down with the program and try to really make it work for me, entering the chords to a particular song that I needed to woodshed. That began the true learning curve for me, as I got enough of what I needed out of the program at that time to have an auto-accompaniment in order to streamline the practicing of the particulars, to include working out the improvisation of solos. I then started trying to make that happen for other tunes and along the way learned quite a bit as to the methods, features, tips and tricks needed in order to become a seasoned PGMusic practitioner. And, the learning never ends, it seems, as PGMusic manages to come up with so many New Features to add to this wonderful music tool, every year. Sometimes every half year. Take your time, work with it, play with it, don't let the frustration of self-imposed "deadlines" get in the way. Sometimes putting the thing to bed for awhile and coming back to it makes all the difference in the world. And, as I found out many years ago here, this forum is a dynamite place to share the experience, making the learning of this New Instrument much more fun than trying to scope it out on my own. I hope you find out the same. The most important aspect, IMO, is Peter Gannon's own motto: "Have Fun," Having FUN with Band in a Box is likely the best path to getting past initial learning curves, moving into "user" status and continuing on to "superuser" status IMO. And after working out and having fun with this marvelous program for a bit, you will likely enjoy the looks on the faces of the *other* cats you've been playing live with when they hear the differences in your playing and soloing from the bandstand. --Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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outstanding insights, Mac... much appreciated. I'm completely impressed with the software, i guess just trying a lot of stuff would be the way to go, and follow along w/all the tutorials.
my main reason for getting it is to make backing tracks I can mix in cakewalk/sonar with my live sax playing, to make youtube videos...and do it with copyright-free arrangements I've "authored" on my own by typing in chords into biab and having it generate real-track guitar/piano/drum backing, for bebop/classic jazz tunes... it's the perfect program for that, to export .wav files I can do audio mixdowns with, as the base, to play via headset as I record sax bits into a mic, then mix it all w/reverb/compression in sonar/vegas/whatever.
i remember back in the day using my commodore-64, 30 years ago, with some basic midi program, and how much fun that was. now biab with it's ability to spontaneously generate fresh tracks that sound good, for use as backing, is a huge move forward... looking forward to getting up to speed on it... thx for the insights :-)
Last edited by kenjazz; 05/13/13 05:50 PM.
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Ken,
If no one has said this already, welcome to the community. You've gotten advice from the best of the best here, mainly because you are musically literate and are asking great questions. We look forward to watching and helping you grow. Adding BIAB to your arsenal may take you and your playing to another level, as it has for me and countless others.
Some thoughts on workflow. BIAB is in many ways the ultimate shiny thing. I recommend trying to learn one thing at a time, BUT take notes as you go as far as what you might want to learn next, because answering one question will raise many others. Then prioritize what you come up with and continue on your merry way. Of course, put to use what you learn as you learn it so it 'sticks.'
BIAB is an amazingly deep program which, if you didn't know experientially, a cruise through some of the menus, submenus, and sub-submenus would confirm. It is VERY easy to become distracted. Having ADD myself, I have gone as far as writing down particular goals and keeping them in front of me as I work so that I can stay on task. Over time you will find what works best for you.
HTH,
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi Richard, thanks so much for the encouraging words, I really appreciate it. Agree it's amazingly deep, tons of features to learn... and well worth it.
Good point about goals, one action item I'm going to do is create some biab tutorials w/camtasia for youtube, as I learn it, to document how to do simple tasks, like "set up a 12-bar blues progression and "trade 4s" w/realtracks type of project.
Looking forward to the journey... the older I get if I don't record it/write it down, if I step away for a couple months I'll totally forget it, so that's why i'm going to make a series of 6-12 video tutorials, which will help w/memorizing it, how to do things.
thx,
Ken
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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)
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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- 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!
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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!
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Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
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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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