I know that its hard to please everyone and a lot of people have been crying out for a new GUI for band in a box for a long time. So the best of luck to them that really asked for this feature and I hope they have many happy hours with it.
I myself have fairly poor eyesight (nystagmus) no where near been classified as blind though and to be honest I find the new GUI hard to see, its uncomfortable squinting at it all the time trying to make out the type etc.
I do use a resolution of 1280X960 and I set display to 150%. I found that the old GUI was brilliant in that if you increased the resolution or magnification of monitor, some of the biab icons might disappear but you could easily access them with the > buttons. Everything was so easy to see as well there.
Probably I will use the old GUI most of the time now both in biab and relaband, and just use the new realtracks that kind of thing that came with 2014. I hope I wouldn't be loosing too many things feature wise if I do this.
I might put it on wishlist forum if it would be possible for PG to add a few buttons to one of the older biab GUI so that visually impaired would have access to a few of the added 2014 features but sill be using the easier to see GUI.
This is not a rant or anything, indeed a lot of the other DAW software companies have the same problems for me, a bigger monitor is not always the solution as people with less than perfect eyesight like to sit close to it, and it involves too much head turning in that position.
I would just like to add that when the mixer was introduced a few years ago Dr Gannon and PG team fixed a mixer problem that was relevant to the screen resolution I was using. I was so grateful for that, and the mark of such great customer service that Pgmusic offer
Your comments are worth noting for visually impaired folk, such as you describe yourself. Yes, I can understand that larger screen fonts, icons etc can be a tremendous aid. I also understand that these features can be difficult to deliver without creating undesirable issues elsewhere.
I do hope you can find a suitable configuration of the new version that caters for your needs.
Kind regards
Video Track
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
I THINK I like the new GUI but am disappointed that the "buttons" and gubbins now takes up so much space at the screen top that there is little room at the bottom to put chords in!! I liked the old GUI because it gave me more bars of chords so I could sit and view what I had done without scrolling around. I too have a sight problem but so far havent found the new GUI a hindrance. However - onwards and upwards PG - there are new bits of BIAB in this Release that I'm already enjoying messing with. cheers ian
Old Guys Rule.The older I get,the better I was! BB2023 ULTRA, 1013, Win 7 and 10
If you revert back to 2013 so that you have the old GUI, you should still be able to use all the new Realtracks and Supertracks. As far as I'm aware, no new engine of any kind was introduced in this update.
If I were you, I'd drop support@pgmusic.com an email and ask them. They'll soon let you know.
Peter is aware of these issues and said there will be new user controls coming in a near future update. I don't have any details but he implied it would help this a lot.
To be honest even if it was just to use the old GUI with the 14 biab buttons added or even hidden such as user realtrack buttons would leave me very happy and have confidence to upgrade on a regular basis
Here are screenshots of both the new and the old at resolution of 1280X960 and display set at 150%, as you can probably see a better layout for people with vision impairment on the old GUI, though I do realise everyone is different, most users will love the new GUI
I notice that the old mixer is still available, however it just floats on top of the new expanded mixer. I think a good option would be that if you choose the floating mixer, then the fixed panels also drop off and leave you with the old adjustable toolbars. That would help those with sight issues and also those who prefer the extra working area. Col
I don't have a vision problem, but still prefer maximum space to see the chord chart for live gigging. I just discovered this 2014 upgrade a few minutes ago. My first reaction, before hearing any of the demos, was the amount of stuff at the top of the screen that I don't need or want to see. That's a downer for me. Hope there's a solution for that.
We are adding a patches tab to the Mixer, that displays the patch names in as large a font as possible.
Keep in mind that the previous version (BB 2013) displayed a single tracks' patch name on the main screen, in a small font. This version lists all track's patch names
Also, the last version had no text for most buttons, so there was nothing to squint to read. This version has text for all buttons, and it is the same point size as typical windows buttons.
There is the ability for us to make different skins of this GUI in the future, and a 'easy to read' big font version would be one consideration. Though it is hard to please both sides - "make the toolbars smaller" and "make the toolbars easier to read"
Thanks a lot Peter for looking at this issue. I really appreciate it as I would think many with less than perfect eyesight do on here, your desire to help everyone.
I understand that it is early days yet and more changes are in the pipeline via updates.
In my posted attachment of 2014 a lot of the buttons are missing, perfectly understandable considering that I am using 1290x960 resolution at 150% diplay magnification on windows 7. As long as there is an alternative way to do a certain thing if a button is not able to be shown through a menu or right click then I'm more than happy. The ability to add/remove buttons would be a great help too.
Maybe a "switch to classic GUI view" if it was not too difficult to implement, might be one of wishlist items for people like me who sort of knew and even liked the old GUI.
Thank you very much Peter for all your help and your great software.
I'm running 2013 so I have not seen the new GUI yet. I guess this may have already been mentioned but what about being able to add your own toolbar options according to need? Some prefer this or that while other may not want this or that etc. Customisable toolbars? I know for myself there are many buttons I never use cause I don't understand them yet?
I'm running 2013 so I have not seen the new GUI yet. I guess this may have already been mentioned but what about being able to add your own toolbar options according to need? Some prefer this or that while other may not want this or that etc. Customisable toolbars? I know for myself there are many buttons I never use cause I don't understand them yet?
That also is in the pipeline for future Update delivery.
There is the ability for us to make different skins of this GUI in the future, and a 'easy to read' big font version would be one consideration. Though it is hard to please both sides - "make the toolbars smaller" and "make the toolbars easier to read"
My eyesight is perfect but I'm also having trouble reading the new GUI An easy to read big font version would certainly help
With the next patch (build 376, out later today or tomorrow), we added a feature where the "patches" tab of the mixer (ie press the Patches tab of the mixer) will show the patch names in the largest font possible. That's helpful to read the patch names.
Peter, in looking at your screenshot, why is there anything in the three unused tracks? They say Not Used, Not Used and the Soloist track says Empty. All have a patch name assigned. I noticed this earlier and forgot to ask about it. Where is the patch names coming from if that song and style are not using those tracks? If they're not part of the style why is there anything there at all, shouldn't those tracks be blank until the user decides to add them? To me it clutters up the mixer and causes confusion.
I did not receive my hard drive yet but can anyone please clarify this for me? Does the "chord chart" in the new gui have smaller font than 2013, and if it is can it be adjusted larger?
I did not receive my hard drive yet but can anyone please clarify this for me? Does the "chord chart" in the new gui have smaller font than 2013, and if it is can it be adjusted larger?
Thanks,
Font is about the same size when opened at he default settings, but we also have the same options we've always had in Custom dialog, to set fontsize ourselves selecting from a list of various Font sizes. You can make the Chord symbols larger.
Once you get the program and install it, start a new post to find out the exact commands to do that if you can't figure it out.
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.
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)
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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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