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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I had BIAB 12 which I used to create some bass and drum tracks that I would pull into Cakewalk and build tracks from there. I recently upgraded to BIAB 2015.....wow! things sure have changed. I have watched all the videos and played around a bit but I am still climbing the learning curve. I am surprised there isn't a "newbie" section to this forum so that is why I am posting this here. I am working on a duet act with my SO and she plays keyboard and I play guitar/guitar synth. I want to make backing tracks that are mostly bass and drums with some added instruments to fill out the sound....don't want to go overboard so it sounds too fake. I have been using free midi files and many of them work okay but can't find all that I want.
Finally to my question what is the best workflow to make backing tracks for a cover tune? Import already done MIDI file or type in chords by hand? Use basic midi sounds to pick a style first?
Just interested in how the experienced BIAB user goes about creating backing tracks for cover tunes. I got the basic upgrade and it looks like I need to upgrade to the Mega any reason to get more than that for what I am doing?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772 |
Honestly, if all you are doing is using BIAB as a glorified MIDI player to extract an already created bass and drum part, then I'm not sure why need BIAB at all.
You do realize that RealTracks sound great, but they won't play MIDI notes, because they are already recorded phrases.
And in the MIDI realm, the styles are the strength of BIAB, but they won't sound like the riffs in the song you are doing the cover for. Which brings you back to using BIAB as a glorified MIDI player.
Now, if you are looking for a more original sound, you can use BIAB to generate unique parts until you find something you like, and then enhance it with a MIDI melody or solo over which you have full control, as well as RealTracks and RealDrums, etc..
Maybe provide a little more information as to exactly what you are trying to accomplish. Are you looking for your cover songs to sound just like the original, or are you looking to put a more personal spin on them?
And by the way, BIAB will create the chord progression for you (not perfectly, but very close) when you import a MIDI file, assuming there are enough notes to establish the chord. It has to analyze the notes being played to figure out the progression. It does NOT have a database of progressions based on the song title.
Give us some more info and we can help you out.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
This all started when I was looking at the Digitech Trio which is a all in one pedal that uses BIAB to create drum and bass patterns. You play chords in and it "learns" the chords and builds a bass and drum part. Except for the entry method BIAB will do everything that the Trio will do and much more.
I am not looking for exact copies of the songs but don't want to venture off so far that it not recognizable. If all I use is bass and drums we will play the parts that make the song. It would be nice to add some embellishments like strings, pedal steel, etc. I have full version of SampleTank workstation so I have plenty of sounds. The Real tracks sound great and I can think of plenty of uses for them.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,659
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,659 |
Good question since using BIAB is all about establishing a "workflow".
Unfortunately, it is something you have to discover on your own. In my case as guitarist, I comp the chords to standard jazz tunes so I need at minimum bass and drum. The piano sounds always find a place in my mix since they are just to good to do without. I may switch to lead for the melody or solo and let the piano cover the chords for a bit. Then trading fours with a horn can add a nice touch.
I almost always enter the chords and adjust the arrangements.
Over the years I have had many "workflows". The discovery is half the fun.
Good luck.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I have been playing around with some simple tunes and I am loving what I can do with BIAB. The reason I went for the BIAB upgrade is I watched someone do Sultan's of Swing and the backing track done was really nice and with the proper lead lines and vocals. My expectations aren't for perfection just reasonably close. The other thing I noticed is the Real Tracks are really great. I got the standard upgrade but I went ahead and upgraded to the mega pak.....is it going to be painful to upgrade?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697 |
"I watched someone do Sultan's of Swing". I saw that video too, I thought it was an outstanding video. As for upgrades: http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htmor contact PG Music for a quick answer. The higher the upgrade, the more you get. DE
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Short term memory is getting shorter.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
OK I am about a month into this now and I have gone thru all the tutorials and bought the tutorial videos. I am getting pretty good results but I want to get better. Workflow wise it seems easier to build the song in BIAB then import it to RB? So here is the question: I was working on a specific song (Old Time Rock and Roll)and pretty much have it all together as it is only a three chord song. How would you guys handle the intro? I could record it as an audio file and then put it in at the beginning of the song. I can play the piano part with my guitar synth but I think if I added the notes with a bass that would keep me in time with the song start and wouldn't be that noticeable.
Is this easiest to do in RB? Also is there anyway to insert drum fills without putting in a part marker? For this song the intro is the most recognizable part after that what I have will work fine.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,386
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,386 |
Is this easiest to do in RB? For my workflow; yes, most definitely. is there anyway to insert drum fills without putting in a part marker? Highlight the section in RB and regenerate to your hearts delight. Better yet, highlight it and generate new drum parts on another empty track until you get what you are shooting for. Or use the Multiriff feature to regenerate multiple takes at a time .. then choose what you want and cut/paste to fit. When in the 'generate selection' window pay attention to the options on the right side; sometimes more options are available than the standard A/B part marker offers, and can be implemented selectively here ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157 |
I had BIAB 12 which I used to create some bass and drum tracks that I would pull into Cakewalk and build tracks from there. I recently upgraded to BIAB 2015.....wow! things sure have changed. I have watched all the videos and played around a bit but I am still climbing the learning curve. I am surprised there isn't a "newbie" section to this forum so that is why I am posting this here. I am working on a duet act with my SO and she plays keyboard and I play guitar/guitar synth. I want to make backing tracks that are mostly bass and drums with some added instruments to fill out the sound....don't want to go overboard so it sounds too fake. I have been using free midi files and many of them work okay but can't find all that I want.
Finally to my question what is the best workflow to make backing tracks for a cover tune? Import already done MIDI file or type in chords by hand? Use basic midi sounds to pick a style first?
Just interested in how the experienced BIAB user goes about creating backing tracks for cover tunes. I got the basic upgrade and it looks like I need to upgrade to the Mega any reason to get more than that for what I am doing? Just in case no one mentioned this; You can freeze your Biab instrument parts and they won't regenerate when you press the play button. If you have midi files that you like, you can simply use them or add in some Real Track parts or fills and play along with them on a gig. Once you've got your song where you like all the parts, freeze the tracks and save each as a file and it should be good to go on a gig. Good luck and YES, Biab 2015 is AMAZING now. Trax
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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 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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
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