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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1 |
Hi All,
Happy New Year.
I am keen to get BIAB for Mac this year and start practising standards and jamming Jazz again.
But the only gear I have is a Mac and no musical instruments at all.
I am a Piano/keyboard player and what would be best to start all over again?
My last gear was KX-88, JV80 and MC 500 That was ages ago.
Question:-
Should I get a piano coupled with a sound module (like what PG is recommending a Roland Sound canvas) and the BIAB
so I can practise, jam LIVE with friends and hopefully be mobile for gigs.
OR
get a digital piano (the Casio/Yamaha) type of digital piano and a BIAB just to practise over it.
Your recommendations and inputs will be helpful.
Anything else that I miss or you may find essential.
Thanks for the help and may I wish everyone a great year ahead.
Cheers
Dho
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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,752
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,752 |
Those are personal preferences and either will work. Of course, buy a keyboard that plays to your liking and offers the features that you will use often. You will be motivated to play an instrument you like and enjoy it over one that does not play well or lacks the features essential to you.
BIAB can play midi sounds through a keyboard sound module so it can function the same as a stand alone sound module such as the Roland Sound Canvas.
I opted for a sound module because it provides the quality of the highest priced keyboards and offers many more sounds. The most basic and cheapest keyboard sounds like a million dollars from the output of my sound module. A quality keyboard, although expensive, will also sound great and it will play better than a cheap keyboard. I purchased the Roland Integra 7 which contains all the sounds produced by Roland for the last 30 years. Over 6 thousand total sounds, works as a computer interface and does not tax my computer CPU. I am not a keyboardist and tend to use existing midi files so it made sense for me to invest in just a module. Your needs are likely different.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,059
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,059 |
Hi DHo and welcome to one of the most friendly forum on the Internet.
I would get a Digital Keyboard that has both audio and MIDI outputs. That way you would have the best of all worlds. You could practice, play out, or jam with friends without lugging your Mac along plus you could input MIDI via the keyboard into your computer to include those sounds when using the Mac.
These are a few items I am naming off the top of my head that you may need in the future:
1-good near field monitors for your computer. Computer speakers are really lousy for music creation. With good monitors you can hear every instrument clearly.
2-If you are going to record you and/or your friends you will need an audio interface, one that will record MIDI and audio simultaneously. Remember RealBand comes with Band-in-a-Box and it is a 48 track Digital Audio Workstation. That means you can have 48 different instruments/sounds playing at the same time. The number of inputs you will need on your audio interface depends on how many you will be recording simultaneously, i.e. guitar, bass, vocal, keyboard etc.
3-If playing out you will need a good PA and possibly a keyboard amp.
4-If you are going to record vocals you will need a good mic AND an audio interface. Computer mic inputs are extremely bad for recording. DO NOT buy a USB mic!
5-If playing without the Mac you may need a keyboard amp. You could start out with no amp and headphones if your keyboard has headphone outs.
If I can think of anything else I will let you know.
The above is just my opinion and others may or may not agree.
Basically what I am saying is that you have to build you studio based on what you want to do, both today and what you think you will need in the future. But you do not have to build it all at once. A keyboard and BiaB/RT can last a while as you relearn you playing skills.
I hope this helps and good luck!
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,928
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,928 |
Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of people here that jam with BiaB at home, use it as a practice tool and to create backing tracks to use while performing for a recording at home or at a public performance. I hope you'll find the forum to be a good resource.
I need to correct one of Mario's suggestions. In item # 2 Mario mentions RealBand (RB) is included with Band-in-a-Box (BiaB). That statement is true for the Windows version of BiaB but the Mac version does not include RB.
Many people with Mac computers use Garageband. Garageband normally is not included with the basic Mac operating system but is part of an add on software group available from Apple for a nominal sum.
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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,059
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,059 |
Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of people here that jam with BiaB at home, use it as a practice tool and to create backing tracks to use while performing for a recording at home or at a public performance. I hope you'll find the forum to be a good resource.
I need to correct one of Mario's suggestions. In item # 2 Mario mentions RealBand (RB) is included with Band-in-a-Box (BiaB). That statement is true for the Windows version of BiaB but the Mac version does not include RB.
Many people with Mac computers use Garageband. Garageband normally is not included with the basic Mac operating system but is part of an add on software group available from Apple for a nominal sum. Thanx jim for correcting this. I had forgotten that RB was not included in the Mac version. I apologize for any confusion this has caused.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,928
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,928 |
I had forgotten that RB was not included in the Mac version. I apologize for any confusion this has caused. Sometimes it's easy to forget we Windows users do have something that Mac users don't have.  Our Mac brother-in-arms always have the option to purchase the Windows version of Band-in-a-Box (that includes RealBand) and set up their computer to run a Windows program. 
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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: 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®!
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.
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