|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 108 |
hey all,
I am back from a break from biab....
As I was re learning the app...its amazing how much you can forget when you step away from it for a while...
I ran into a couple of questions and saw some oddness on the program
question: Is there a way to make a real track to only play certain parts? what I mean by that is a real track may go on playing a certain chording arraignment through a couple of measures then flip over to a variation in the same key. Sometimes I may not like the variation or it fits, but not what I wanted it to play. Is there a way to weed out that variation in the real track and save it as a user track or style?
something odd I saw:
I started a song with a country_ish like style with real tracks, but didn't like it so I changed over to a rock style, and refined the song with another style change (similar rock style), next I went to add a real track for the a solo....
the real track picker was showing me the best fit for my rock style was country styles, not the rock style.... what gives on that one????? I actually ended up picking a rock blues solo that fit perfectly but the picker was saying the style should not fit......
Biab 2019 ultra pack
Dell laptop I7 running windows 2010
Midi keyboard
Roland BR600 8 track recorder
Sonar X3 producer
flstudio 20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,621
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,621 |
Hi bostonx. Is there a way to make a real track to only play certain parts? what I mean by that is a real track may go on playing a certain chording arraignment through a couple of measures then flip over to a variation in the same key. Sometimes I may not like the variation or it fits, but not what I wanted it to play. Is there a way to weed out that variation in the real track and save it as a user track or style? It's not possible to force Realtracks to play particular melodies or riffs. The only thing a user can do is to regenerate and keep on regenerating in the hope of obtaining somethings that suits. The best alternative is to use Realband. This allows users to regenerate only those regions of notes that they want to change. (BIAB, on the other hand, regenerates everything.) It's also possible to use copy and paste in Realband so that if you like a particular riff, simply copy and paste it into similar regions of the song. I started a song with a country_ish like style with real tracks, but didn't like it so I changed over to a rock style, and refined the song with another style change (similar rock style), next I went to add a real track for the a solo....
the real track picker was showing me the best fit for my rock style was country styles, not the rock style.... what gives on that one????? I actually ended up picking a rock blues solo that fit perfectly but the picker was saying the style should not fit...... What BIAB suggests is only ever that, a suggestion. If you have a look at some of the best songs in the User Showcase, it can be seen that it's possible to use tracks from genres that seem to have nothing to do with one another yet the sound obtained is terrific. I've found that it always pays to be open-minded when selecting tracks. Just because one may be labelled "rock" doesn't mean that it won't work with "country" or "blues" etc. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,847
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,847 |
BIAB's recommendations (as best I can tell) aren't from the arbitrary labels or categorization of styles and tracks, but more based on things like: tempo, feel (swing or straight), 8th vs 16th note resolution, and time signature.
Also, certain RealTracks are designated as "soloist" tracks, so obviously the list you get would include those, and not the rhythm tracks. And for MIDI solos, it's based on the internal soloist definitions as to what you get.
That being said, PGMusic has put a lot of work into figuring out which RealTracks sound good (which of course is subjective) with other RealTracks.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,942
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,942 |
To weed out parts... use a DAW. Drag the tracks into a DAW and use envelopes to control the volume.... also use cut/copy/paste to remove parts and copy other parts in that you do want to play in a given section of a song.  I use these production chops in that manner ALL THE TIME. It's how I get my songs finished and sounding like I want them to sound.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 108 |
Hi bostonx.
It's not possible to force Realtracks to play particular melodies or riffs. The only thing a user can do is to regenerate and keep on regenerating in the hope of obtaining somethings that suits.
The best alternative is to use Realband. This allows users to regenerate only those regions of notes that they want to change. (BIAB, on the other hand, regenerates everything.) It's also possible to use copy and paste in Realband so that if you like a particular riff, simply copy and paste it into similar regions of the song.
What BIAB suggests is only ever that, a suggestion. If you have a look at some of the best songs in the User Showcase, it can be seen that it's possible to use tracks from genres that seem to have nothing to do with one another yet the sound obtained is terrific.
I've found that it always pays to be open-minded when selecting tracks. Just because one may be labelled "rock" doesn't mean that it won't work with "country" or "blues" etc.
Thank you very much for your response I really value the responses and opinions users and staff give on here  It helps a lot. first response: That is too bad... every time I go into real band I last like 5 min then give up... I don't know why I despise it so much... maybe I need to grit my teeth and muck on through..... second response: I understand how the real track picker works  what I am pointing out is the menu is not refreshing when I change a style. I experiment with different styles of real tracks all the time... In a saved song If I start with a rock style, then go to real track picker it defaults to showing me the best rock real tracks by tempo that would fit, followed by others that may not.. or different styles that may or may not fit. but in the same song, if I switch my song style to a completely different style say jazz, make chord changes ect... then go back to the real track picker I would expect it to default to show me the best jazz real tracks to fit my new style, but it still defaults to my original rock style... I find that odd.....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 108 |
To weed out parts... use a DAW. Drag the tracks into a DAW and use envelopes to control the volume.... also use cut/copy/paste to remove parts and copy other parts in that you do want to play in a given section of a song. I use these production chops in that manner ALL THE TIME. It's how I get my songs finished and sounding like I want them to sound. right I totally understand, I was just trying to do some pre track work before I brought the tracks into another application ....fix if possible to save editing later. especially because i tend to do most of my arraignment work in flstudio in the piano roll not in sonar... I have been getting away from a regular daw because sniff.. my doctor told me I can't play guitar anymore.... I developed bad arthritis in the knuckles in my left hand which numbs out my hand, and I am horrible piano player so this last 6 months I have been focused on doing arranging in the piano roll in flstudio as I have to do each note manually...... now I am back in biab and trying to merge everything...its a work in progress.....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,393
Posts804,278
Members40,110
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean