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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2009
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OP
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The RealTracks demo songs linked by Peter Gannon in the first post in this topic are amazing to me. Do you think those demo songs are mostly just the way they were generated by BIAB, or were they probably highly tweaked by accomplished BIAB editors who have a high degree of musical knowledge?
In other words, could the average beginner-musician who just knows a little about chords, scales, etc. create something close to the demos without any further tweaking - just letting BIAB generate it? I mean someone entering chord progressions that are musical and make sense, not just randomly entering chord symbols like someone with no music knowledge might do. But not doing much more than entering the chord symbols, picking an appropriate style, setting up the "a" and "b" sections, and then letting BIAB generate the song.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
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Expert
Joined: May 2007
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The mix may be tweaked by adjusting volumes etc but I see no reason to even do that.
The RealTracks merely follow what chords and tempos have been entered. If you have a lead sheet or book with the chords, you can do it. Your last sentence is right on target. Don't forget the tempo.
Rachael
p.s. And there are RealStyles now that take the guesswork about which RealTrack to use. It's a great starting place.
Last edited by Rachael; 06/27/09 02:02 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
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They are not "tweaked".
Experience in both use of the program and in musicology can make a big difference in results, though.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2002
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As with anything, Mastering is the key. Knowing what you want, and how to get there are also very important. Mac is correct that use of the program and understanding of music will greatly affect the outcome. Yet, I can still take a pretty standard .mgu file and select a good Real Track style to go with it, and am amazed at what comes out.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
Hi,
We don't tweak the demo songs at all. Most are made "while the FedEx guy is waiting" <G>.
Just type in any chord progression, press PLAY, and then press the WAV button to make the WAV,WMA (Windows) or M4a (Mac) file.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I generated the song I'll fly away using the example given by Pg and the song sounded just like the demo. Try it for your self and see if you get the same results. Listen To My MusicRead My BlogMy Web PageReverbnation
My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,486
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Expert
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Hi,
The demo's are not tweaked but the outcome depends on your knowledge of BIAB and of music in general - but even a new and inexperienced user can get results which are pretty good
jazzman
BIAB - RealBand - 2022
Windows 10 64
Zoo computer with 7i processor- SSD 1TB -2TB HDD
Roland keyboards
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2009
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OP
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I should have noted in my original post/question that I have used BIAB in the past (version 7), though not recently. I am aware of the nice job it does with generating MIDI based songs. But the RealTracks sound much better to me, based on listening the demos. Part of that is that my MIDI sound module is mediocre (Korg X5DR), but I also think the generated patterns are better with RealTracks - closer to what I hear on the radio.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2002
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And, of course, not to mention that they aren't MIDI. That, in and of itself, is a huge difference. I have a Korg PA800, and the ONLY MIDI on these songs is the melody lead, the remainder is Real Tracks. Since Real Tracks are AUDIO and not MIDI generated, they'll be the best sounding part of the song. So, even with an older synth, you can still get that 'radio fresh' sound. http://www.catsmeowcafe.com/Music/MP3s/Dream%20Mix.mp3http://www.catsmeowcafe.com/Music/MP3s/NearnessAS.mp3http://www.catsmeowcafe.com/Music/MP3s/Misty.mp3Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 65
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 65 |
Gary, nice songs! Even the MIDI melodies sound good - there must be some good patches on your synth.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
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Yeah, the Korgs have come a ways since the X5D, which was, and is, a great little synth in and of itself. However, the 'RX' sounds just have to be heard.  Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 181
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 181 |
A somewhat-related question: Would it be possible to at some point provide the settings that were used on the demo songs for the midi styles, including what melodist and soloist was employed (if they were), and the various settings/options employed thereof? It would be very informative and educational. Beyond that, is there a way I can determine from the BIAB files I create what melodist and soloist I employed, and the settings/options thereof? It does not seem that such information is maintained in a manner I can access, but I presume it's in there somewhere (at least it was when I did it). Finally, is there a way I can set up some kind of a "solo regeneration loop," such that once I set things as I want, I can audition an "endless" series of generated solos until I hit some button to stop the process and keep the latest one? As always, thanks for this great, fun, and stimulating resource.
www.LawTunes.com: The LawTunes - The Musical Scales of Justice - Original Lawyer Rock & Roll www.SurfChords.com: The SurfChords - The Endless Summer Continues and The Wave Never Ends
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
The best source for information like that is the Song Memo. On the left pane, there is information typed in by us, and the right hand pane is generated automatically, and has things like the names of the RealTracks used.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
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Can you check my post on this in the wishlist and comment. I pick a style with Realtracks, and often have trouble deciding who's playing with me..LOL
John Conley
Musica est vita
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
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Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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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®.
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