The Dawn 510 speaker system I mentioned in my post was at least partly engineered here in Wichita KS and later sold and is now largely extinct. I have two sets I bought on ebay and put in all new speakers. This unit has a sound dispersion that is fantastic. It has a down shooting woofer with a crossover out to two satellite 5 inch speakers that face up and have dispersion surfaces that nearly equal the Bose L-1. Placed behind the singers there is very little problem with feed back, and you don't need any monitor speakers because the singers and players hear the same thing as the audience. It sounds silly, but I have used this thing in a gymnasium with over 200 people and did not even come close to max power, and there was no distortion. And I have had audience as close as 5-6 feet to the satellites in small venues with not any complaints about volume, even those 30-50 feet away. This system was way ahead of it's time and did not catch on because in the early '70's it was all about big everything. The whole thing including my amp/mixer weigh about 50 pounds, which is nice for an old guy like me.
Curt, I have used an ipad. I convert the songs to individual wavs and they can be played in Garage Band or another program is Multitrack. In either case like the idea of being able to control each instrument/track.
If you want simple, export each song to one wav file and put it in iTunes and set up a folder for each set.
Once I tried exported each song to a single wav and then transferred the songs to my Boss RC3 loop pedal via USB cable. That thing can hold a ton of songs. The instructions in the pedal's manual list how to move from song to song. Worked pretty good but you need to get the songs set at the same volume before you move them to the pedal.
For the ipad, I purchased a Alesis I/o dock. It has a left and right out which I ran to two seperate channels on the board, panned one left and the other right. Nice stereo sound. I also set and armed two channel in the program I was using (multitrack at the time) which created live effects for my vocal and guitar. I could then blend myself with the other tracks/instruments. If you are by yourself, you can hit record during your sound check, lay down a song and then walk the room as you play it back. If you adjust the levels they will remain the same when you play live. Only concern... you need to do this for each song.
Hardware solutions such as the loop pedal are the safest. I always have a back up on my iPhone for each song. Technology has a way of failing when it counts most.
I am now working with Ableton live, which is set up mainly for this purpose.
To use in a live setting, I export from BIAB to a WAV file. Wouldn't want to rely on BIAB for live performance. I'm not familiar with the "looper pedal" or "mashine studio" so I can't comment on that.
I play my backing tracks directly from my laptop on stage. I use a PreSonus USB audio interface which sounds better than my laptop sound card and provides 1/4" outs to go into my live mixer. Using that setup, I don't have any problem with my tracks sounding "computer generated".
If you need more input, ask away.
Good luck.
Ditto. K.I.S.S. principle. Laptop with WAVs, backup files on Ipod.
I use an iPad with BIAB-generated lead sheets as well as scanned-in Realbooks on my iPad, using 'unrealBook'.
I usually play (guitar) with a clarinettist and a keyboard-player, but I've prepared MP3s for the majority of our BIAB repertoire with the melody suppressed, and a default of four choruses (head, clarinet solo, guitar solo, head).
This came in handy when our keyboardist (who supplies bass and drums as well as piano) fell ill and had to go home just after setting up for a gig. I was able to connect my iPad to an amp and run the tracks directly from the iPad with the lead sheet on the screen. unrealBook allows you to link any given chart to an MP3 file copied to the iPad using iTunes in the normal way.
There's no reason why you shouldn't use BIAB live from a laptop - we've done gigs that way too - but although this gives more flexibility than the pre-recorded MP3s it also gives more scope for error - e.g. forgetting to switch off the melody track, or using a file which has been tweaked for practice purposes and inadvertently saved at the end of a session.
My iPad will run for 10 hours on a charge, but if you want to connect one to a charger remember that you might have an earth loop causing hum (as you would with a laptop). Best to try it out on the equipment you're going to be using BEFORE you get to the gig!, and consider getting an isolating transformer (for the mains supply or for the line-out signal).
Thank you for your reply. Could you please briefly tell me the steps in taking a backing track from BIAB and moving it to a WAV file? I am looking in the help section, but I am not super technology minded. I am learning this stuff
My plan for now is to transfer my backing tracks to my BOSS RC 300. I play through that and my effects processor
Go to audio > then to burn an audio cd > DXi - Direct Render (in the box below place a check if you want one file per track or leave it open if you want one file for all tracks combined). The program will take care of the rest.
This is to answer your question "Does anyone use an IPad?"
I play guitar and sing, often at senior homes and private parties.
A few years ago my setup was playing "live" using BIAB backing tracks straight out of my laptop into my Peavey PA system. And I'd have to bring several binders of music which was a bit of a hassle if someone requested a song, and I'd have to locate it in one of the binders.
I now use an IPad, which has all of my backing tracks and all of my sheet music. It's very convenient. I connect the IPad to the PA system via RCA connectors.
I use an App called SetList Maker. With this App, it's easy to go from song to song, start the backing tracks with a push of a button, and start scrolling the sheet music with a push of a button. If someone requests a song, it's fairly easy to find it with the search function.
The backing tracks are BIAB files exported to M4a files. They are then loaded into the SetList Maker app when syncing the laptop using ITunes. The sheet music are pdf files which are also loaded into the App when syncing.
If you are not concerned with recording your own audio tracks, but are concerned with just using Band in a Box live for backing, the laptop's internal sound playback via the earphone jack, connected using a proper mini stereo connector that breaks out to the proper connect to your PA works very fine indeed.
--Mac
First, welcome to the boards, although we're a bit late with that.
We fully agree with what Mac said. We keep our projects simple and use very little equipment other than BIAB (2104 Everything Pak edition). We use Real band a bit but not much as we usually get what we're looking for in BIAB. Good luck with everything!
Don't think you're missing anything except you don't mention some decent speakers - I'd use what you have right now. the beauty of using BIAB 'as is' is that you can alter the tempo, loop the song, change the feel etc. to keep the gig going well. We've looped the intro of a song on gigs when our singer sin't quite 'ready' and other times we haven't - can't do that if you've made your backing tracks into a cd, or put them on an i player etc. Also, not that your public would notice, but I like the fact that each time I generate a tune, the real tracks are slightly different from the time before, which adds interest for us musicians! Finally, if you found a cracking bassist for a gig, simply mute that instrument and they can 'step in' - next time, if it's just you, un-mute it and off you go!!
Yep, what Paul said! We're so fortunate to have so many people willing to share both their knowledge and their experiences with the rest of us. To me, that's a huge bonus we get that's not substantially mentioned in the sales promos by PG Music. That makes the purchase even more intrinsically valuable.
I'm late to the discussion, but here's a point or two that hasn't been mentioned yet:
When deciding on a delivery method for backing tracks, the simplest answer depends on what functionality you need.
For example:
1) if you just want background music to play along with, the simplest delivery system is an MP3 player. (in all of these cases, I assume you will be sending output to an amp or PA system)
2) if you need to see sheet music, lyrics or other visual cues, you'll benefit from a device with a screen.. either an IPAD or a notebook computer
3) if you want to control lights, MIDI devices in synch with the music, then you'll need to play the song from sequencing software such as RealBand, Sonar, etc. Because the MIDI commands needed to control external devices can be embedded in the sequence file. This also requires a notebook or IPAD in conjunction with sequencing software.
Of course, even if you only need music to play along with, you can still use the device that is capable of more functionality. That way if you want to add functionality later, you will already have your set list in sequence files.
The nice thing about using an MP3 player is that they are cheap and you can always have a complete backup in your other pocket in case the first one dies.
I use a Boss RC 500. I play back the verse or chorus etc through the laptop and record directly into separate tracks in the looper. This allows me to be more flexible with the arrangement of the song. You could also record the complete song straight in, easy!
The Dawn 510 speaker system I mentioned in my post was at least partly engineered here in Wichita KS and later sold and is now largely extinct. I have two sets I bought on ebay and put in all new speakers. This unit has a sound dispersion that is fantastic. It has a down shooting woofer with a crossover out to two satellite 5 inch speakers that face up and have dispersion surfaces that nearly equal the Bose L-1. Placed behind the singers there is very little problem with feed back, and you don't need any monitor speakers because the singers and players hear the same thing as the audience. It sounds silly, but I have used this thing in a gymnasium with over 200 people and did not even come close to max power, and there was no distortion. And I have had audience as close as 5-6 feet to the satellites in small venues with not any complaints about volume, even those 30-50 feet away. This system was way ahead of it's time and did not catch on because in the early '70's it was all about big everything. The whole thing including my amp/mixer weigh about 50 pounds, which is nice for an old guy like me.
I realize this is an old thread. I really can't contribute much to this conversion. I don't do gigs, but build drum and bass guitar backing tracks with BIAB for my own entertainment. I have a Dawn MI510 speaker system and was glad to see another BIAB user also has a Dawn 510 speaker system. It's a great little unit.
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.
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!
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.
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)
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