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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 175
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 175 |
1. UserTracks.
These are like RealTracks. You record a WAV file along to a standard BiaB song (SGU). Put it in a folder (the folder’s name is the name you want for the UserTracks), and then put the folder in the RealTracks\UserTracks folder. You can add multiple sgu/wav songs to the same folder to get more variations. OK, a few questions for Andrew or (Anybody) 1. When I look into the RT folders under (Guitar, Electric .....) I notice some of the 'RTs' files are 4, 5, 6 and up to 10+ mins long as continuous riffs. In most cases it is apparent that they are several riffs strung together to make these long RTs. (As opposed to many short .wav files)Is there a 'recommended' length that would provide the greatest support for the user (variation, lack of instant repetition etc?) A Minimum Length and a Max. Length (For guitar) 2. The 'instructions above' mention to record 'along' with a SGU. Is this simply for reference or do I actually need to 'record' in BIAB? Can't I just take a 'Style" I am familiar with or import one into a DAW for instance, choose a base BPM and record the RTs'? Then create the folder and insert all of my newly created files into it? 3. I know what a .SGU file is, but what is a sgu/wav file as described above? 4. The main naming convention in the BIAB folder for guitars is (eg6156, eg6157 etc.) Are these relevant for BIAB or simply for PG music reference? Also each file has a BTO fill associated with it. Is it needed to create one of those? Many thanks! RG
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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 175
Apprentice
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OP
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5. What is the difference between RTs and 'Artist' tracks? I can see how they differ in regards to how they can be manipulated based on the description, but will there be a tutorial to show the actual differences? Thank you!~
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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 175
Apprentice
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2012
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6. What about sample rate and bit depth? is 16/44.1 the norm for RTs? In other words to play well with other RT's?
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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: Aug 2006
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These are great questions. I am planning on making some UserTRack Oohs and Aahs for backing vocal tracks. It would be nice to see what it actually takes to make one. I am just guessing but i imagine when the rush dies down maybe a tutorial video?
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
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I was actually the first to make one.I put a post on how to make a basic one. You should try that first to get your feet wet.
Making RTs is going to be as complex and in depth as the whole program. BIAB is a very, very easy prog to get results out of. Type in some chords, pick a style and press play. We all know it's more complex then that. making your own Rts is easy but can also become very complex. Start at the beginning. Make a simple on first from my tutorial.
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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 175
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 175 |
I was actually the first to make one.I put a post on how to make a basic one. You should try that first to get your feet wet.
Making RTs is going to be as complex and in depth as the whole program. BIAB is a very, very easy prog to get results out of. Type in some chords, pick a style and press play. We all know it's more complex then that. making your own Rts is easy but can also become very complex. Start at the beginning. Make a simple on first from my tutorial. Thanks John. I sincerely appreciate the tutorial. The 'complex' or depth is what I am prepped for. Looking / listening to the RTs as a whole I can see the intent, approach and mindset behind a full set of custom high-quality well recorded RTs. That part I am genuinely excited about. The basic 'mechanics' behind the application I need to manage. Ill start from the bottom and work my way up, LOL. Cheers.
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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I was actually the first to make one.I put a post on how to make a basic one. You should try that first to get your feet wet.
Making RTs is going to be as complex and in depth as the whole program. BIAB is a very, very easy prog to get results out of. Type in some chords, pick a style and press play. We all know it's more complex then that. making your own Rts is easy but can also become very complex. Start at the beginning. Make a simple on first from my tutorial. Thanks John. I sincerely appreciate the tutorial. The 'complex' or depth is what I am prepped for. Looking / listening to the RTs as a whole I can see the intent, approach and mindset behind a full set of custom high-quality well recorded RTs. That part I am genuinely excited about. The basic 'mechanics' behind the application I need to manage. Ill start from the bottom and work my way up, LOL. Cheers. Once you have confidence that it works then you can start experimenting and implementing more and more. You'll eventually learn the mechanics. I don't think anyone yet knows the total mechanics involved for complex parts.
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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 204
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 204 |
THR, Check out Paul Franklin's take on how he created the RealTracks we hear on BB. Fact or Fiction? Go to The Steel Guitar Forum/Band In A Box/Learning From Paul Franklin Samples. Last post was 10-13.  It is interesting anyway.------Leon
Last edited by Leon Carpenter; 12/06/13 08:23 AM.
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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 175
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 175 |
THR, Check out Paul Franklin's take on how he created the RealTracks we hear on BB. Fact or Fiction? Go to The Steel Guitar Forum/Band In A Box/Learning From Paul Franklin Samples. Last post was 10-13. It is interesting anyway.------Leon Thanks Leon. Sure, that is exactly as I would presume, or some variation of it. As a career musician it is easy to hear the 'find and retrieve' indexed/cataloged etc.. method that BIAB is doing to create audio phrases. The lack of consistency or themes in the 'musicality' in a longer progression is always apparent. Still, this is no detriment to the progress of the program IMO. There are few 'solos' that would actually be pieced together, crafted in the real world like the ones created by BIAB. PG has created a method by which this works pretty well as a bonafide musicians/songwriter 'support' tool and IMO has done some very creative and groundbreaking audio bending with BIAB. This 'connecting' the pieces could only be possible by approaching the recording of the BIAB instruments with this forethought. I am positive massive hours of R&D took place to determine how to record phrases for the program to best utilize the written code. That in itself is what impresses me. When I heard we could record our own RTs, I was excited because I personally can 'reverse' engineer the pre-recorded RT files and create my own to match. I understand the intent even if i do not have the details. But as is, I was mistaken to some degree. The method by which 'user tracks' will be recorded and implemented seems less complex and actually a different function altogether. That is speculation, but it seems that way. Anyway, I appreciate PG music, BIAB and the massive support it offers. It has been massive contribution to this world of songwriting and musicianship. I feel for anybody who has been a part of this great process and yet feels the need to diminish it in anyway. They are missing the point and the genius behind the product and the contribution they made to it IMO. Cheers!
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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 109
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 109 |
There are few 'solos' that would actually be pieced together, crafted in the real world like the ones created by BIAB. PG has created a method by which this works pretty well as a bonafide musicians/songwriter 'support' tool and IMO has done some very creative and groundbreaking audio bending with BIAB. Absolutely true! It is very rare that one can generate a satisfactory solo in a single take. I always generate 3 to 5+ tracks and then cut, paste and move things around in my DAW to arrive at something I like. That said, being able to make my own 'Real Tracks' is reason enough, by itself, to upgrade.
Boyd
Win10 - 16GB-RAM - BiaB 2019 - Mixbus 4 - Slate Bundle - Komplete 10 - Ozone 8 - Neutron 2 - Waves Gold
Ample Sound Guitars & Basses - Pianoteq 6 - SSD5 - SD3 - JamStix 4 - Omnisphere - UVI Falcon - EastWest Play
Sonarworks Reference 4 -
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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 791
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 791 |
1. When I look into the RT folders under (Guitar, Electric .....) I notice some of the 'RTs' files are 4, 5, 6 and up to 10+ mins long as continuous riffs. In most cases it is apparent that they are several riffs strung together to make these long RTs. (As opposed to many short .wav files)Is there a 'recommended' length that would provide the greatest support for the user (variation, lack of instant repetition etc?) A Minimum Length and a Max. Length (For guitar)
The only restrictions on recording length would be the same as any Band-in-a-Box song, because a matching chord chart for each .WAV file is needed. maximum bars: 255 bars (x number of choruses) minimum bars: 1 bar
2. The 'instructions above' mention to record 'along' with a SGU. Is this simply for reference or do I actually need to 'record' in BIAB? Can't I just take a 'Style" I am familiar with or import one into a DAW for instance, choose a base BPM and record the RTs'? Then create the folder and insert all of my newly created files into it?
Yes, the .SGU is just for reference, so you do not need to record in Band-in-a-Box although it might be convenient to record along to a chord chart. The .WAV files can come from anywhere, such as any DAW, or files that you already have.
3. I know what a .SGU file is, but what is a sgu/wav file as described above?
"sgu/wav" just means a .WAV file and a .SGU file with the exact same name in the same folder. This would be an example inside your UserTracks folder: C:\bb\RealTracks\UserTracks\MyUserTrackFolder\song1.wav C:\bb\RealTracks\UserTracks\MyUserTrackFolder\song1.sgu
4. The main naming convention in the BIAB folder for guitars is (eg6156, eg6157 etc.) Are these relevant for BIAB or simply for PG music reference? Also each file has a BTO fill associated with it. Is it needed to create one of those?
Those file names are for RealTracks which are not the same thing as UserTracks. With UserTracks, you can name your files however you like, eg: song1-majorchords.wav song1-majorchords.sgu endings.wav endings.sgu otherchords.wav otherchords.sgu
5. What is the difference between RTs and 'Artist' tracks? I can see how they differ in regards to how they can be manipulated based on the description, but will there be a tutorial to show the actual differences? Thank you!~
If you mean Artist Performance Tracks - these are recorded songs by various artists. They do not generate over chord progressions like RealTracks do.
6. What about sample rate and bit depth? is 16/44.1 the norm for RTs? In other words to play well with other RT's?
Yes, 16bit 44.1kHz is the playback bit depth and sample rate of Band-in-a-Box (including RealTracks), so it is best to use this format for UserTrack files.
Blake
PG Music Inc.
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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 175
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 175 |
1. When I look into the RT folders under (Guitar, Electric .....) I notice some of the 'RTs' files are 4, 5, 6 and up to 10+ mins long as continuous riffs. In most cases it is apparent that they are several riffs strung together to make these long RTs. (As opposed to many short .wav files)Is there a 'recommended' length that would provide the greatest support for the user (variation, lack of instant repetition etc?) A Minimum Length and a Max. Length (For guitar)
The only restrictions on recording length would be the same as any Band-in-a-Box song, because a matching chord chart for each .WAV file is needed. maximum bars: 255 bars (x number of choruses) minimum bars: 1 bar
2. The 'instructions above' mention to record 'along' with a SGU. Is this simply for reference or do I actually need to 'record' in BIAB? Can't I just take a 'Style" I am familiar with or import one into a DAW for instance, choose a base BPM and record the RTs'? Then create the folder and insert all of my newly created files into it?
Yes, the .SGU is just for reference, so you do not need to record in Band-in-a-Box although it might be convenient to record along to a chord chart. The .WAV files can come from anywhere, such as any DAW, or files that you already have.
3. I know what a .SGU file is, but what is a sgu/wav file as described above?
"sgu/wav" just means a .WAV file and a .SGU file with the exact same name in the same folder. This would be an example inside your UserTracks folder: C:\bb\RealTracks\UserTracks\MyUserTrackFolder\song1.wav C:\bb\RealTracks\UserTracks\MyUserTrackFolder\song1.sgu
4. The main naming convention in the BIAB folder for guitars is (eg6156, eg6157 etc.) Are these relevant for BIAB or simply for PG music reference? Also each file has a BTO fill associated with it. Is it needed to create one of those?
Those file names are for RealTracks which are not the same thing as UserTracks. With UserTracks, you can name your files however you like, eg: song1-majorchords.wav song1-majorchords.sgu endings.wav endings.sgu otherchords.wav otherchords.sgu
5. What is the difference between RTs and 'Artist' tracks? I can see how they differ in regards to how they can be manipulated based on the description, but will there be a tutorial to show the actual differences? Thank you!~
If you mean Artist Performance Tracks - these are recorded songs by various artists. They do not generate over chord progressions like RealTracks do.
6. What about sample rate and bit depth? is 16/44.1 the norm for RTs? In other words to play well with other RT's?
Yes, 16bit 44.1kHz is the playback bit depth and sample rate of Band-in-a-Box (including RealTracks), so it is best to use this format for UserTrack files. Blake! You are brilliant, thank you for the reply. Now you have opened up a great interest and possibilite with one of your replies. I have a specific question: You said Yes, the .SGU is just for reference, so you do not need to record in Band-in-a-Box although it might be convenient to record along to a chord chart. The .WAV files can come from anywhere, such as any DAW, or files that you already have. So how is this possible without a .sgu to match it? In other words if I have a progression to follow in a DAW outside of BIAB, how do I import that so that it is understood by BIAB as a 'User Track" if my imported .wav does not have a .sgu associated with it. The best way to record excellent user tracks is outside of BIAB. Once I have (or currently have) a .wav that is following a song progression and tempo, can I create and save a .sgu that matches it and then import the .wav file into the same folder with the same name as the .sgu? Hope that makes sense. Many thanks again! I need to go upgrade tonight! Cheers.
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Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 791
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 791 |
So how is this possible without a .sgu to match it? In other words if I have a progression to follow in a DAW outside of BIAB, how do I import that so that it is understood by BIAB as a 'User Track" if my imported .wav does not have a .sgu associated with it.
The best way to record excellent user tracks is outside of BIAB. Once I have (or currently have) a .wav that is following a song progression and tempo, can I create and save a .sgu that matches it and then import the .wav file into the same folder with the same name as the .sgu? Hope that makes sense. Many thanks again! I need to go upgrade tonight! Cheers.
You DO need a .sgu file to be associated with every .wav file. If you have a .wav file without a matching .sgu, then you need to make a matching .sgu and save it with the same name as the .wav file.
Blake
PG Music Inc.
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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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
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Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
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- 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!
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