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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11 |
I am a long-time hard-core user of Band-in-a-Box (BIAB). I started in the late 1980's when it was a PC-only DOS program with no graphics. I have upgraded nearly every year and have watched the program grow and mature. I have recently, in the past 4 or 5 years, used the real tracks to create Pro Tools backing tracks which I have taken into a professional studio and record with great efficiency - as many as 4 or 5 songs in an afternoon.
For perhaps the past 20 years, I have periodically sent in suggestions and requests which have never been answered. I am truly interested in the continued improvement of this wonderful program. But one thing has bugged me, nearly from the beginning, and I keep crying out for change for the better. It concerns the user interface. The program is much better than its user interface would lead serious musicians to believe, in my humble opinion.
I was taking a Pro Tools certification course and brought in one of my arrangements created with BIAB-Pro Tools and recorded in the studio. The professor really liked it - especially the pedal steel guitar part that I had used - BIAB real tracks. When he asked me about the arrangement, I told him that I had used BIAB to create it and then mixed and mastered it and added vocal in Pro Tools. His reaction was - Band in a Box - that is a toy program for amateurs - I never knew it could do that! Now those are not my words - they come from an expert who records, mixes and masters for the San Jose Opera Company and is a certified Pro Tools instructor at a local college.
Obviously he was misinformed and unimpressed by BIAB's utility and power. I would submit that one factor more than anything, contributes to this misinformation / misunderstanding. And that factor is the user interface.
Many will disagree with me, for sure, but to me the user interface of BIAB looks like some kind of video game - something for kids to play with. The garish array of icons and the colorful busy screen contributes to this perception. If you compare BIAB’s interface to Pro Tools which is the industry standard for professional recording, the difference is stark. When you open Pro Tools, the PT interface is clean, uncluttered and uses a minimum of colors yet allows the user to use colors to group tracks according to the user’s preference. It uses pull-down menus to group related activities to do everything – plus keystroke equivalents for every conceivable function. In addition, there are numerous discreet icon buttons which blend in with the basic color scheme. It has a professional look. (It has a very steep learning curve and is far more complex than BIAB. Nevertheless, it is taken seriously by most professionals).
My question is – what can be done with the user interface to make more professionals take BIAB seriously and still not alienate its large base of loyal users? My suggestion would be to offer users a choice of interfaces. Those who are comfortable with the current interface can continue with it. Those who would like a less cluttered, perhaps more refined look (which might win over their professors and other professional colleagues) could chose a different interface during installation or with a simple mouse click.
I will continue to be a loyal user of BIAB whatever happens, but I sure wish I could deal with a less cluttered and distracting user interface.
Many thanks to Peter Gannon for creating this very useful and fun program. It has helped me immensely in my songwriting.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
I agree with you Bob, to a degree...
There has been a bit of work on the interface, in fact I would say that that it has been a focus of development. Its not been very impressive though, the implementation of a basic mixer, and about a decade too late the provision of actual names of instruments (wow). We now have immovable toolbars back a restrograde step.
There is a general lack of imagination in the development department and I would hope they can pay for some new experienced completely fresh designer eyes.
However, just addressing the GUI is not enough, they have been doing this for a while now, and under the hood there are countless anomolies that also need a rewrite
IMO
Z
Last edited by ZeroZero; 01/04/15 08:04 AM.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11 |
I agree with your last statement completely - I was just limiting my comments to one thing at a time.
Band-in-a-Box started out as a simple DOS program with a handful of simple styles ("built-in"). It was not exactly a user-friendly program by today's standards. Then they ported it to Windows and started adding in not "built-in" styles.
Each year they have added 50+ "new features" in a real attempt to improve the program – unlike some other software that issue “upgrades” every year which consist of trivial, often cosmetic changes to the program, without correcting some of the bugs that should have been corrected years ago (I am specifically thinking of Finale). In contrast, Band in a Box has constantly added value to the program over the years.
But it seems to me that each year they seem to kluge on features without really integrating them into the program. Several new icons appear on screen which becomes more and more complex. They add an external metronome, another plug-in, now something called J-Bridge. We have the melody maker, the harmony maker, the style maker, the solo maker, the guitar neck window, the drum kit window, the piano roll window – all of these seem to be acting separately, probably because they were created at different times and added on separately, without really integrating them into a unified structure. Even after nearly 25 years of using this wonderful program, it still confuses me at times – I am sure I use less than 50% of its capabilities.
Where BIAB has really succeeded in improving the product is in the use of the Real Tracks which can be transposed and varied in tempo to afford realistic sounding accompaniments. It wasn’t until about 5 years ago when I started using Pro Tools that I really appreciated this feature (I used to be an all-MIDI guy). This feature has allowed me to prepare complete backing tracks and bring them into the studio and prepare demos of my songs rapidly. Sometimes I replace some of the Real Tracks with real musicians, sometimes not. But it gives me a workable arrangement that I can use to teach the musicians what the song sounds like, thereby saving hour of time. Most of them already have Pro Tools, so I can give them the arrangements in advance and they can learn it.
I have long been suggesting that they ought to bite the bullet and re-program Band-in-a-Box with an eye to integrating all these wonderful features into a logical coherent and user-friendly menu structure that allows easy access to all the features in an understandable way – the multicolored icons could stay for those who find them useful – perhaps in a floating window that could be closed for those who don’t want to see the icons. I am all in favor of artistic freedom, but BIAB acts like no other Windows program I know – to some degree Pro Tools is like that too. But a great deal of simplification of the menu system, using sub menus to group related functions would make the program more elegant in design. I’m not suggesting that BIAB buckle under to the tyranny of Microsoft Windows or the Apple OS, but the functions could be grouped in a more accessible way – but I am afraid that that would require a reprogramming effort from scratch.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Well put Bob,
I also think (usually flamed here), that there is no need for two programs. When in BIAB why not grant access to sequencer like features if they already exist?
The trick is to do this in a more coherent way, shielding the user from complexity where possible.
This needs a total rethink, its time for new eyes, people that specialise in the design of music interfaces looking at it all and rethinking...
Lateral thinking, as in "Beyond Yes and NO" by De Bono.
Last edited by ZeroZero; 01/04/15 07:46 PM.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11 |
Hey Zero - De Bono inspired me back in the early 1970's - I love his story about the man in the ambulance and the flock of sheep and how to get by them. It has been a source of inspiration in my work as a scientist in drug discovery. Totally off topic with respect to Band in a Box but I am glad that someone appreciates his work. 
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Yes I know this story, it's similar to the tale about the man that was being chased by a Polar Bear, he suddenly realised you don't need to outrun the Polar Bear, you just need to outrun your friend. Z Maybe that applies to antibodies too? 
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167 |
Time for rewriting the code for better UI and audio process
WIN11 OS build 23H2, 16MB, 1TG SSD.
BIAB2024, build 1113, MegaPaK
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167 |
The UI has improved with recent version but it still looks old-fashioned (win 3.11 anayone?). And the horrible 8bit image of a drum set shown in drum window makes me think about my old Commodore 64 days.
But for some reason PG Music has added dumn-n-bass stuff, loops etc. Which "cool" digital artist will choose it if it looks like his grand daddies FM radio? They really should hire some younger guys to recreate the UI.
Band-in-a-Box, BiaB-plugin, Reaper, Win10 64bit, i7-8565U, 24GB RAM (always latest versions)
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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 End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 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!
Season's Greetings!
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.
Team PG
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)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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