I'm a long-time BIAB user and I'm loving BIAB 2014 but I have discovered one issue that I need to learn how to deal with or perhaps request a patch for the next update.
I use BIAB as the praise band in my church; I play guitar and sing along with 3 other singers and it sounds great. I use BIAB for drums, bass, piano, B3 organ, and horns sometimes (all RealTracks, of course). On slow worship songs I almost always use strings (MIDI) instead of organ and on the final chord of the song, I allow the strings to sustain through the last held chord (by entering C... for example) but I have always entered F5 for that measure and changed the strings level by anywhere from -10 to -20 (give or take) so they won't be so loud on that last, held chord after a fairly loud final chorus. I need to do this because the other instruments (piano and bass) fade naturally but the strings do not.
However, with the new legato feature, a volume reduction on that final held chord does not affect notes that were already playing. I found I could reduce the volume in the next-to-last measure with the F5>change by... technique but the result is that the strings drop in volume too early, one full measure before the final chord. If I could somehow turn off the legato feature ONLY IN THE LAST MEASURE(S) where there is a held, final chord, that would fix it. A setting that turns the legato effect completely off throughout the entire song wouldn't be my preference as I enjoy the feature except on that last measure...
The reason is simple enough, those held notes have already been intitiated before the change is invoked, they are carrying over from the previous bar, which is the feature itself, actually.
Since it is a RealTrack and not MIDI based, I don't think there is an easy way to stop that inside BB.
Use of RB is another story, there the entire track set is laid out on the timeline and you might be able to invoke Audio Fadeout on the Strings track.
An easier way that stays in Band in a Box might be to simply invoke a Fade out of the strings, using the Bar Setting dialog, and starting a bit further back by a few bars on the Strings track.
One possible solution with BIAB would be to turn off the 2-bar ending, add the fade and get the strings playing exactly as you want them to. Then, once you're happy with how they sound, Freeze the track they're on.
Now turn the 2-bar ending back on and regenerate the song. Because the strings are frozen, they won't be affected by the regeneration. (At least that's the theory. I haven't tried it.)
Mac is correct in that this would be very easy to accomplish in Realband.
I tried this but I've never used this part of the program before. I thought I had figured out how to do it, but sometimes I hear the fade I created with the procedure you outlined and sometimes I don't. When I did hear the fade (which completely solved the original problem, by the way), I resaved the song but upon regenerating or reopening the song, the fade was gone; it's not being saved. I even tried doing the "Save as..." instead of the regular "Save" function, still no luck. I recreated the fade several times and saved it but every time the song is regenerated or reopened, the fade is just not there.
What could I be doing wrong?
Jim Psalm 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.
Thank you, Peter. I guess I could throw in the towel and turn the legato feature off, but that feature was one of the reasons I was excited about BIAB 2014.
I looked where you told me to go for turning it off for a single song, but couldn't find that option anywhere. Actually, if I were going to turn it off, I would rather just turn it completely off for all songs, but I can't find anyplace to do that, either. I do have build 380. Would you please tell me exactly where to find those options?
I'm really much more interested in making VideoTrack's suggestion of fading the strings track via expression controller MSB 11 work right; I can make the fade happen but I can't get it to save. Any help that you (or anyone else) could provide with that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Jim
Jim Psalm 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.
... I'm really much more interested in making VideoTrack's suggestion of fading the strings track via expression controller MSB 11 work right; I can make the fade happen but I can't get it to save. Any help that you (or anyone else) could provide with that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Jim
Hi Jim, the settings save with my song, I just opened up my small test from yesterday to verify. But remember they will be 'hidden' next time you load, until you go back to view the CC 11 message.
Mac's idea to freeze once you get the sound you want is absolutely spot on also.
Regards Trevor
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
Thank you (and Mac and Peter) so much for helping me with this.
I did as you say and called up those settings after saving and then regenerating or reopening the song, but they simply did not save for me. I could not see the fade on the piano roll and more importantly, I could not hear the fade. I wouldn't mind not being able to see it as long as I can hear it.
Yes, I guess I could freeze the track but if I could get the expression settings to save with the song without freezing it, that would be my preference. I rather like the way unfrozen tracks vary a bit each time you play the song. But if I have to freeze it, I will, even though it seems that I shouldn't have to...right? Did you have to freeze it to get the settings to "stick"?
Maybe I need more detailed instructions? Here's what I did: I clicked on Piano Roll view, selected the S button for strings, clicked on the Control button, then selected "11 Expression MSB" and then in the lower box, I drew the diagonal fade line from the top left corner of the first measure where I want the fade to begin (measure 48 in this case) to the bottom right corner in the middle of measure 49 where the song ends. Measure 48 has for the final chord "E...d" (the drums are muted) then in the middle of measure 49 I have "A." to end the hold chord on beat 3. But after drawing the fade line, I don't see anything else to do except click on "Save" (or even "Save As.." and then replay the song. When it replays without regenerating, the fade is there but not if I regenerate the song or open another song and come back. Am I leaving out a step or something?
Jim Psalm 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.
Here's some tips that might help resolve: 1: When you select S for Strings, are you seeing notes on the piano roll at the place where you want the fade to occur?
2: If you play the track immediately (before saving etc) do you hear the fade occurring? (You shouldn't need to save before being able to review the changes)
If not, maybe your midi device doesn't accepts these control change messages (highly unlikely).
3: What midi device are you using for strings?
4: Presumably, the strings track is in yellow or light blue on the Mixer Windows? (i.e. it is definitely a midi track)
5: There's two(2) S buttons. The right-most one is the Soloist Track, not the Strings Track. Just checking.
6: What is the Channel set to (could be All, but make sure it matches your Strings Synth)
7: In Notation view, if you select the # button to view the Event List, do you see the Expression Events for that track?
Hope these tips help regards Trevor
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
1. Yes 2. Yes - if it doesn't regenerate in order to play the song. (Sometimes it does even though I click on Play, not Generate and Play. 3. Internal - VST/DXi 4. Yellow 5. S button on the left for Strings 6. All 7. Don't know. If I hit #, it automatically switches to M (melody). Couldn't make it stay on the strings track.
I appreciate your help, but I've spent all the time on this I can. I give up. I'll freeze the track - that does work. I don't like it frozen, but if that's what I have to do, I'll do it. I've never used this technique for fading before and I'm really glad you suggested it.
Thanks, Jim
Jim Psalm 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.
1. Yes 2. Yes - if it doesn't regenerate in order to play the song. (Sometimes it does even though I click on Play, not Generate and Play. 3. Internal - VST/DXi 4. Yellow 5. S button on the left for Strings 6. All 7. Don't know. If I hit #, it automatically switches to M (melody). Couldn't make it stay on the strings track.
I appreciate your help, but I've spent all the time on this I can. I give up. I'll freeze the track - that does work. I don't like it frozen, but if that's what I have to do, I'll do it. I've never used this technique for fading before and I'm really glad you suggested it.
Thanks, Jim
Jim Your answer to 7 is probably correct, you can only edit the Melody or Soloist Track
I believe that you cannot change the midi on the Strings Track
Can you record your own strings onto the Melody or Soloist Track and then perform the edit? That would work I'm sure.
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
If cc11 isn't sticking, try using cc7 Volume on just the string track instead. Won't sound any different at that point, since you are Fading Out and not wanting to make the strings louder than the original cc7 setting.
I think I have figured out something. Maybe I should have known it all along, but I didn't.
If I draw the controller 11 fade on the final held chord in the strings track in the Piano Roll view and click on "PLAY" (or hit the space bar which does the same thing), the song will almost always regenerate (because of the change that's been made, I guess) but in the process of regenerating, it loses the fade completely. Virtually every time.
Here's what I have just discovered: after I draw the fade, if I then double-click on the bar # while still in the Piano Roll view and play from that point, it won't regenerate and the fade stays intact. But if I then just save it, then play another song, then come back to the one with the fade, it's gone again. The only way to lock it in is to draw the fade, double-click on the bar # where it starts, play from that point in the song, then save it, AND THEN FREEZE THE TRACK. It seems to me that this exact sequence of steps is the only way I can keep the fade. I can live with that (but I still wish I didn't have to freeze it).
Note to Peter (or anyone who knows the answer): I don't think I ever saw any further instructions on your suggestion to turn off the legato feature, either per song or globally. I have looked and looked but can't find any place to deselect, turn off, or uncheck it.
Jim Psalm 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 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 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 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 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.
If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean