|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
BIABGuy you're using 2011. A lot of these comments but not all, are referring to the just released Biab 2014.
You asked about the reference to User tracks. That's brand new for 2014. When I said above I could have a bassist friend over to record some bass tracks that's what I was referring to. Read the latest blurbs on the homepage about that but basically yes you can take a prerecorded audio file and use it as your own Real Track but only for the new 2014 version.
The Roland VST came out in the 80's and hasn't been upgraded since and it doesn't work on 64 bit systems. It was decent at the time but not now.
The references to the Hi-Q Sampletank sounds does not apply to your 2011 version but a regular VSTi instrument plugin will work like the regular Sampletank or other software instruments like Garritan or Kontakt. Like Mac said lots of folks use a hardware synth module like the Ketron or in my case a Roland Sonic Cell.
Time to upgrade and get familar with all the new features and then revisit this topic because it's really difficult for us to make suggestions for such an old version of Biab.
Bob
Last edited by jazzmammal; 12/10/13 02:51 PM.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673 |
Thanks Mike. It's a pity the demo bass download is not working for me.
BIABguy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673 |
BIABGuy you're using 2011. A lot of these comments but not all, are referring to the just released Biab 2014.
You asked about the reference to User tracks. That's brand new for 2014. When I said above I could have a bassist friend over to record some bass tracks that's what I was referring to. Yes I realized that. 
Time to upgrade and get familar with all the new features and then revisit this topic because it's really difficult for us to make suggestions for such an old version of Biab.
Bob
Thanks Bob. I am prepared to upgrade if I need to. I will investigate the midi samplers (hardware/software) more and see what I can do with my current system.
BIABguy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673 |
Thanks Mac for all of your information in your various posts in this thread! I listened to the Midi clip you linked to above and it was quite decent overall for 1998. I wonder what links you could give me to hear current midi acoustic basses? Maybe some forum here on PGMUSIC?
BIABguy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
You can go to the various websites and listen to demos but there's one very important thing to keep in mind and that is the midi controller being used to produce that demo.
Biab is a GM based program so basically all you get for midi control is volume, sustain, pitch bend and modulation. That can help a plain bass sound a bit but the best bass synths use way more controls than that to access some slap, some fret noise, slides and other stuff that adds realism. The person playing that controller can also use velocity and aftertouch to access various layers in a multilayered sample. Biab can't do that so that midi demo you heard that sounds so good suddenly doesn't sound so good in Biab because it takes a real player using that controller in real time to make the bass synth sound that good. That's another reason the bass Real Tracks are so popular because they are in fact "real". All that ambience and performance noises a bass player puts out is all there because that's the way it was recorded in the studio.
But as you know, since a RT is prerecorded lines you can't write a specific bass line for a Real Track unless you have 2014 and either you or someone else records it and you plug it in as a User RT.
Bob
Last edited by jazzmammal; 12/10/13 05:03 PM.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673 |
You can go to the various websites and listen to demos but there's one very important thing to keep in mind and that is the midi controller being used to produce that demo. Thanks Bob. I just visited Trillian from Spectrasonics. I listened to a piano, bass, drum track that sounded very good. Unfortunately even though my WinXP system can play back the track with no problems, the software won't install on my system. $300 also might be a bit rich to pay for a midi bass sound that, as you say, BIAB wouldn't be able to replicate. There were a lot of nice bass slides and such that GM midi wouldn't be able to achieve with BIAB. I guess I'll keep searching. BTW I found a cool BIAB thread on this topic from three years ago. At that time this is what Matt Finley said in reply to the following question: "Can enough data be captured and stored in Midi messages that would sound like a RealTrack given a good synth? " "How good can Midi acoustic bass sound" Matt Finley 11/26/10 "That's a thought-provoking question. For me, the answer is no. My Roland Fantom is one of the acknowledged better-sounding hardware synths out there. While I do use the MIDI bass, it's only on the Soloist track while doing unison or ensemble parts where I temporarily mute the RealBass track. I'm so spoiled by the nuances in the bass playing of the Real Tracks that I can't bring myself to listen to the MIDI playing while comping, even if the sound quality is acceptable. " So Matt wasn't sold on a midi bass solution in 2010.
BIABguy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673 |
Hi, i use very often the acoustic dynamic bass from Sonivox http://sonivoxmi.com/products/details/dynamic-acoustic-bass($19.00), with it you have different presets to use.You can hear the "twang" and the fingering of the strings. Pair that wit a good bass midi and I guarantee you that you'll be very satisfied. Hi Mike. I was just able to listen to the bass demo now and it sounds quite good. So what would I need to do to get this plugin (I assume that's what it is) to work with BIAB so I can input my own midi bass line and have this sonivox bass play it back? TIA
BIABguy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,625
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,625 |
Three years ago! Yikes, that's a long time in software years. My answer is still the same, unless you take a long time manupulating MIDI. RealTracks are just so good and so easy to use though, so I still use them except in an occasional place where I need the bass to play precisely what I wrote for it.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The only amount of time it takes for me to create a MIDI bass track is the time it takes to set up the keyboard controller, the chosen MIDI synth, Arm a Track and play it in to the click. THAT method works very well, even with the so-called "limits" to MIDI standard commands. Beats the heck out of step-entry as to amount of time, but also as to many of the subtle timing and touch nuances as well, all in one or two passes. Like Recording Audio, playing your non-electrified instrument into a Mic. And correcting the occasional mistake is a breeze in MIDI as compared to audio, as well. You can tap in basslines with one of those tiny octave and a half MIDI keyboard controllers like the good old Oxygen and others. Controller buttons, knobs, wheels already come programmed for the GM commands on most of them, and are also user programmable for those "special" MIDI output options as well. Another thing one can do is only use the MIDI Bass option on the parts of the song where the bassline must play a specified line, and still use the Band in a Box autoaccompanied RealTracks bass for the rest of the tune. I've learned that the MIDI acoustic basses and the RealTracks acoustic basses can match up in sound better than I thought they could in many cases. All depends on the MIDI samples you've got along those lines. Those kind of small sonic differences often go unnoticed, even among the golden eared musicians, if you don't tell them before they listen. There's a lot of presuggestion involved with Audio. Ethan Winer can teach one a lot about that kinda thing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYTlN6wjcvQ --Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 673 |
The only amount of time it takes for me to create a MIDI bass track is the time it takes to set up the keyboard controller, the chosen MIDI synth, Arm a Track and play it in to the click.
THAT method works very well, even with the so-called "limits" to MIDI standard commands.
... I've learned that the MIDI acoustic basses and the RealTracks acoustic basses can match up in sound better than I thought they could in many cases. All depends on the MIDI samples you've got along those lines. Those kind of small sonic differences often go unnoticed, even among the golden eared musicians, if you don't tell them before they listen. There's a lot of presuggestion involved with Audio. Ethan Winer can teach one a lot about that kinda thing:
--Mac Thanks Mac you've given me a lot to ponder. I appreciate it.
BIABguy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
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!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
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.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,493
Posts805,674
Members40,133
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean