|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 34
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 34 |
I know this is probably been stated a zillion times but I went back 15 pages and didn't find it so if it has been stated, then consider this a bump.
The most frustrating limitation of BiaB for me is the chord entry screen itself. We are limited to a maximum of 4 single chord entries per measure. In most cases that has been sufficient for my needs and I'm sure for many others as well.
However, chords don't always change "on the beat". Sometimes we want a chord change on an upbeat, for example. I find this especially true more for rests than for actual sounded chords but it applies either way.
I would love to see the GUI reworked to allow for at least 1/8th note chord entry. Sixteenths would be cool too but eighths would be great. Most sequencers allow for this kind of event entry and honestly would it be so difficult for PG to rework the GUI to do this? To keep things clean they could even maintain the current look but allow the user to click into a measure and have it to expand further in another window or something.
And yes, I know you can get creative and play with the tempo and double-time features, etc to get around the limitations but how much easier would it be if you didn't HAVE to?
And what about accenting the beats? That would be helpful as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,039
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,039 |
Welcome to the forum!
Yes, the ability to have more than four chords per bar has been requested many times so the desire is well known. Place my vote on the side of the line that would like to see it happen. I also believe it will happen somewhere down the road.
But, to play devil's advocate for a moment, I don't agree with your reason why. While I agree most DAWs have eighth or sixteenth note capability, so what? BiaB is not a DAW, it is an auto accompany tool. PowerTracks is PG Music's DAW.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,096
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,096 |
... PowerTracks is PG Music's DAW. And so is RealBand!
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,039
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,039 |
... PowerTracks is PG Music's DAW. And so is RealBand! So very true VideoTrack.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 34
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 34 |
Thank you for the welcome. I appreciate it.
I wasn't really referring so much to DAWs as sequencers but old-fashioned sequencers themselves. While I know such features as Real Tracks aren't MIDI, I think if such chord entry is possible on such archaic machines, then surely PG can find a way to make it happen in 2016.
Besides it really shouldn't be so hard to replace the current 4 bar entry system with an 8 bar one. The only snag I can think of (since I'm not sure of the algorithm in the first place) is that it may conflict with some of the previously-released Real Tracks. I'm not sure how tightly the marriage is between the GUI and the algorithm that creates the WAV files for the RT.
Either way a technology company that has created such amazing software should be able to find a solution since so many of their users have requested it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647 |
Do we really need more than 4 chords per bar, or just the abilty to put them in different places.
As a guitar player, I cringe at music the expects me to change chords 4 times in a bar, i just don't see that it would be possible to do 8, and for sure, never 16.
However pushing the chord is more meaningful. So allowing 8 possible locations, but 4 chords per bar might be realistic.
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643)
Windows 10 (1909)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,715
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,715 |
I'll bet that you have played four chords per measure before. If you have played the blues or rock songs, especially those from the 50s, you must have played something like A-A6-A7-A6 in one measure.
I think using 16th notes as place markers for chords would work. For instance you are playing the song I'm a Man you need to place chords like this: E for each 1e+,a,2e+,a,3e+,a beat, a D on the 4e+ and A for beat 4a. That would be 8 chord strums and three chords per measure.
Note one beat consists of 1e+a or one eee and a with the chords on the beats being held 1e+.
I hope this is not too confusing.
[edit] for typo
Last edited by MarioD; 01/11/16 10:34 AM.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647 |
I certainly have played 4 chords per bar, but i can't imagine playing even 6, especially if they are 'different'
C-Am-F-G7-C-F-G7-C would be horrendous, unless it was at 30bps. But 4 chords with 8 strums is possible, or shifting the chord change off the beat, but never 8 chords.
I leave that to the drummer.
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643)
Windows 10 (1909)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
8th note resolution would give you the ability to have up to 8 chords per bar. I can't imagine needing more than that, and with pushes, you can move a beat a 16th note to the left (wouldn't need 8th note pushes, since you would have 8th note resolution anyway). I also wish they would implement (for lack of a better term) a pull, which moves the chord a 16th note to the right. That allows for many combinations of two chords to sit next to each other.
I would think that implementing such a thing would just require identifying a file as an older, legacy file (by some flag present), and then just remapping accordingly when you open it and then when you save it back, it's in the new format. Yes, it won't be compatible with older versions of the software, but occasionally you have to let go the need to be backward compatible with version 1 twenty years later.
It would seem that the RT/RD/MIDI engines to generate the arrangements would mainly have to be adjusted to perform the appropriate math to get everything to land on the correct beat (or off-beat).
Even Jammer Pro 6 offered 8th note chord resolution back in 2005.
Of course, I could be way off-base here as to the complexity (or lack thereof) of doing this.
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 Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647 |
I am still not convinced that we need more than 4 chords per bar, but I can understand the they need not be exactly on the beat.
Looking at note entry as an example, could we look at "triplet" resolution? You can plce the chord before, on, or after the beat. But still only 4 chords per bar. That i think is both a pull and a push.
I can't believe that it would make any difference to me but I am sure some people think it would actually be useful.
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643)
Windows 10 (1909)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
When most us are talking about 8th note chord entry, it's not because we want 8 chords in a measure, (only in rare cases), we want to be able to enter in ie; the and of 4 to beat one of the next measure. Currently we can only enter a push to beat one and no chord on beat one, unless you use one of Bob Norton's styles or double your tempo. A case where I might want 8 chords in a measure would the the second measure of "Sophisticated Lady". I would play II-Vs on each beat for the melody line. In Ab second measure: Dbm7-Gb7, Cm7-F7, Bm7-E7, Bbm7-Eb7. Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,572
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,572 |
Dave, if we could do both a pull and a push, it would go a long way toward what Ray correctly identified as the problem. Even then, as far as 4 chords being enough per bar, here is a simple but common pattern I wish I could do with chords:
4 eighth notes in a row, an eighth rest, an eighth note, an eighth rest, and an eighth note. There could be a measure rest following, or a shot on beat one of the next bar. It's a common pattern that we can't do now, and even if we could, requires more than 4 chords per bar. Just one of many possible examples.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
It is not unusual for church hymns to change chords each beat and then throw in a few on the "and" of a beat, resulting in 5, sometimes 6 chords in a bar. I also have quite a number of songs that have a chord change on the "and" of beat 4 and then on the downbeat of the next bar, so it may not have more than 4 in the bar but the issue is how to place them properly.
The problem with the push is you can only push from the beat and then you can't have another chord immediately following it on the beat once you push.
I would think that 8th note chord resolution would fix 98% of the problems.
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,219
Posts802,026
Members40,070
| |
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