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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,312
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,312
Band-in-a-Box 2016 for Windows is here!

Our homepage has an overview and shows off the new logo: www.pgmusic.com.

During the month of December there is special pricing on most Upgrade packages! Plus, when you purchase one of the First-time packages or discounted upgrades you will receive a FREE BONUS PAK, which includes:

1 Artist Video Performance:
-Jack Stafford Sax: Indiana

3 MIDI SuperTracks:
-Piano, Rhythm FolkySwing Sw 110
-Piano, Electric, Rhythm FunkSwing16 Sw16 085
-Piano, Rhythm CountryBentNoteJohn Sw 085

4 Instrumental Studies:
-Bass, Electric, Jazz Funk Poppy, Ev16 110
-Guitar, Acoustic, Folk, 2-part Fingerpicking, Sw16 085
-Guitar, Electric, Blues and Rock, Medium Rock Soloist, Ev 120
-Piano, Acoustic, Jazz and Bossa, Solo-Accompaniment Jazz Stride, Sw 085

Special Pricing and the free Bonus PAK are only available until December 31, 2015.

With the release of Version 2016, there are 201 NEW RealTracks being added to our library! Plus, there are an additional 24 Bonus RealTracks, 2 Artist Video Performances, 8 MIDI SuperTracks, and 15 Instrumental Studies available in the 49-PAK! Learn more about these Bonus items here: www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.bonuspaks_2016.htm.

New Features List: www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.new.htm

New Features Video and Bonus 49-PAK Video list here: http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htm

Information and demos for the 201 new RealTracks released (Sets 228-253): www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.201newrealtracks.htm

Band-in-a-Box 2016 for Windows... New Features:

StylePicker redesigned and enhanced with many new features including:
  • Sizable window by dragging the corner.
  • Selectable font size for texts in the style list.
  • Columns sort. The style list can be easily sorted by clicking a column name.
  • Quick filter. Type a text and/or select a category, time signature, feel, tempo, etc., and you will immediately see the filtered list.
  • Intelligent style suggestion. Just type a familiar song title, and the StylePicker will list styles whose genre, feel and tempo are similar to that song.
  • Automatic intelligent sorting of "best style" for the current song.
  • 4-bar preview of the current song using the currently selected style.
  • StylePicker Options added to set additional display options for the StylePicker.

Chord Sheet enhanced with new look, feel and customization.
  • “Layers" added. Layers are optional rows of information shown above each bar.
    • Bar Lyrics layer is for editable bar-based lyrics (up to 255 characters per bar) that are loaded and saved with the song.
    • Section Text layer is for editable text (up to 255 characters per bar) that is loaded and saved with the song.
    • Both Section Text layer and Bar Lyrics layer will automatically split text (using line breaks) into separate bars.
    • Bar Settings layer shows information about any changes that occur for that bar, as set in the Bar Settings dialog (e.g. tempo changes, key changes, etc.).
    • Additional Chord Display layer shows the chords using an alternative mode of showing root notes. There are 4 modes: Roman Numeral, Nashville Notation, Solfeggio Notation, and Fixed Do (Italy/Europe).
    • All layers can be customized with font and color.
  • Now you see the chord where you are typing it. Previously, chords wouldn’t appear until you hit the Enter key, and sometimes wouldn’t appear at all if you made a typo.
  • Colors for all elements on the Chord Sheet can be customized.
  • Mouse-over indication shows which bar, cell, or part marker you are currently hovering your mouse over.
  • You can now select a region of bars by just using the keyboard.
  • There is now a Superscript option (separate settings for the chords and the Additional Chord Display layer).
  • The number of columns can be customized.
  • The "Extra space between columns (pixels)" option allows you to choose a border thickness between columns.
  • The "New line for every section" option previously required that each section was at least 2 bars long, but now there is a "minimum section" setting.
  • The "Show bar lines" option displays a bar line next to each bar number.
  • The "Show bar numbers" option lets you choose how often bar numbers should display: never, always, only at part markers, or only at new rows.
  • The "Use substyle colors for bar #s, etc." option controls the color of the optional bar lines, bar numbers, and section letters.
  • The "Gray out chords beyond time signature" setting grays out chords that won't play in the song.
  • The "Display ‘2’ as ‘sus2’" and "Display ‘sus’ as ‘sus4’" settings will show suspended chords more explicitly: ‘sus’ implies ‘sus4,’ and ‘2’ implies ‘sus2,’ but you might want to see the full extension name.
  • All of the settings and colors can be saved and loaded as a .csc file.

Audio Edit Window improved.
  • The window now displays stereo WAV files as 2 separate tracks.
  • Horizontal zooming is easier. You can zoom with the mouse wheel, which focuses on the mouse cursor, or with a zoom button, which focuses on the audio cursor.
  • Vertical zooming can be done with the mouse by zooming over the decibel bar, or by holding down the CTRL key and zooming towards the mouse cursor.
  • You can zoom in further than the sample level now, and at these levels you will see interpolation between the sample points.
  • When you perform various editing tasks from the Audio | Edit Audio menu, the Choose Range dialog will automatically use the region that is selected in the Audio Edit Window.

Import Audio feature improved.
  • The dialog now has a "chorus" option so you can be more specific about where you want the audio to go.
  • If the audio file contains Acid Loop or Apple Loop info, there is an option to set the Audio Base Tempo of the current song to the tempo of the audio file.

Now you can convert the audio track from stereo to mono, or vice versa, by going to menu Audio | Edit Audio | Convert Channels (mono/stereo).

Load and save MusicXML files.

Main menu redesigned/re-organized.

Automatic track names now include a number if there are 2 tracks with the same name. For example, "Guitar_1" "Guitar_2" will show instead of "Guitar" "Guitar."
Yellow hints over the one letter track buttons in various windows show detailed information of the track name and other data. Notation, Big Piano, Guitar, Piano Roll and Lead Sheet windows show these.

Guitar Window improved.
  • Now resizing the Guitar Window dynamically resizes the fretboard.
  • Guitar Capo support added. Set a capo value, and capo gets drawn and guitar display reflects the capo setting.
  • Tablature in Notation Window will adjust the fret numbers based on the capo setting in the transpose menu.

Plus...
-Lists in various dialogs can be copied to a spreadsheet. This includes StylePicker, RealTracks Picker and RealDrums Picker dialogs.
-Legato Melody function improved, increasing legato of the notes in Melody or Soloist track by N ticks, avoiding next note by M ticks.
-Staccato Melody function added, reducing the length of notes by N ticks, preserving a minimum of M ticks duration of notes.
-Notation Window displays an improved system of Bar Lyrics, Section Text, Bar Settings, and additional chord mode above the Standard chord.
-Log of flash messages enhanced, recording more message types.
-Style demos redone with even volumes. Previously, the demos varied in volume from MIDI to RealTracks.
-Download Manager to automate download of Band-in-a-Box add-ons in background, accessible from inside the program.
-Setting the "Track Type" to bass now shows a tab and the bass clef.
-Loops are now saved with the Save Current Song as Style feature even if a loop was already embedded in the previous style on that track.
-Changing a dB value in the StyleMaker for a track with loops now works.
-[No Loop] button added to the Loops dialog.
-RealTracks pushes now happen a little later, sounding more musical, and the timing is tempo dependent.
-Options (no transpose, no slash chords) added to RealTracks.
-Woodshed feature improved. When the tempo reaches max, it stays there.
-C7+ is not in holds, C+ is, so it should remap them.
-Option for relative note says b7 instead of 3b, 5b, 7b.

...and more!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Mus Offline
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'-RealTracks pushes now happen a little later, sounding more musical, and the timing is tempo dependent.'

Is there a fix to Holds generally to make them sound more musical? Also more often than not on drum Holds all I get is just get one solitary tom or HH or snare or BD hit...

M

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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JEL Offline
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J
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Posts: 98
Question:

If we use the new internal download-manager, can we still backup the downloaded files?

Or does it install the downloaded items automatically and throw away the files we would backup when using a 3rd party download-manager?

Thank you.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Posts: 21,057
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My download option gave me links to a complete set of downloadable files which I saved and copied to one of my Distribution Drives, and then from there I launched the required downloaded files to install the latest versions. I still have the complete downloaded distributions safely tucked away.


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 for Windows
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JEL Offline
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@VideoTrack; thanks smile

Yes, that's also how I did it with BIAB2014 using a 3rd party downloader (the one suggested on the website)

But I was wondering if the new internal download-manager, inside BIAB2016, works in a similar way.
Or if it just updates the install-files in their installed locations and doesn't save any files we can back up.

Also, in the future when updates are pushed through the internal downloader... will these updates be something we can backup, or how does that whole thing work?

I ask because, if we can NOT backup files fetched by the new internal downloader, then I would use the 3rd party method so I got files I CAN backup smile
But if the internal downloader gives the option of backing up things, then I would prefer using that one for convenience.

Last edited by JEL; 12/07/15 10:36 PM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Jel

We are of course only members of a User Forum, and cannot control some of the requirements / features etc

You might be better off to make a request for the best way to achieve your requirements through PG Music Support. Their contact details are on the PG Music main page

They will be able to give you an accurate answer to your request





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.
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JEL Offline
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Thanks for your answer. Maybe somebody from the staff will see this thread and chip in smile

I'm not really requesting anything. I'm just curious as to how this new downloader thing works, and just figured that either some of the staff that posts here, or some of the new BIAB2016 users, might perhaps know about it.

I don't post often in this forum myself, so I don't really know which types of questions are usually answered best in here and which are better asked directly to support, so I'll give it some time before emailing them.

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PG Music News
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

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The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

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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!

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