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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3 |
Hi all Band-In-A-Box users! I first heard about the concept of RealTracks in BIAB a week ago, so the last days I've been trying to figure out what's realistic to expect from this new feature. Here's a few questions that hopefully some of you can help me with: a) It seems like you can enter more or less any chord you like!? Do they all sound equally good? I quess they haven't recorded every single possible chord (at least for guitars), so there must be some pitch-shifting going on in the background. Is this noticeable? b) How much can you alter the tempo before it becomes too much? My experience with loops is that it´s easier to speed things up than slow down... c) Do some instruments sound almost the same, even though they are in different styles? In my book that's a good thing because it makes it easier to create more variation. The actual sound can usually be shaped with effects afterwards. d) The styles are roughly 2-8 measures long and have 2 variations, right? Do you sometimes wish for more variation when you´re making a complete song? e) Which improvements would you like to see for realtracks in the future, besides more styles? Ok, I should better stop now before you all fall a sleep  Personally I think the demos on the web sound great, but it´s of course interesting to hear what you users have to say!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199 |
Hi obladi_oblada,
I've been using BIAB for a few years, now. In my opinion, RealTracks are nothing short of brilliant - especially when one couples assembling the tracks and parts of tracks into an arrangement using RealBand. Below are my thoughts regarding your questions/concerns.
a) I have used a vast repertoire of chords through multiple keys and have always got good results. Sometimes, sound artifacts appear in a track generation. When this happens, I use RealBand to regenerate the region where the artifact(s) occurs. Generally, though, once the whole band is playing nothing unusual usually stands out.
b) From my experience, around 10 to 15 bpm below recommended tempo and 20 to 30 bpm above recommended tempo sounds ok.
c) There are many styles that incorporate common instruments. You can also choose to add any RealTrack instrument to any style.
d) In BIAB there are sometimes 4-variations and it is possible to build styles so that have 4 variations. At this stage, RealBand only accommodates 2 variations. Personally, 2 variations suits me fine. I augment variations by shaping instrumental volumes - bringing different instruments into the foreground, etc. This is another reason that RealBand is important to me. Using RealBand, it is also possible to add a heap of other tracks (RealTracks and MIDI). This gives one the potential to make a huge number of style variations. In this regard, the 2 variations simply become the foundation for an arrangement.
e) I cannot imagine what changes the future will bring. I have learned, though, that PGMusic have the ability to surprise and amaze! At this point in time, RealTracks suits me perfectly.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35 |
Hi Noel,
Great songs thanks for sharing, I really like the vocals on 'Dreaming 'bout Dancing' Would be awesome if you would let us know a few of the song titles that include tracks from BIAB and include in short form how you used BIAB along with your live instruments and singers to create these songs. Giving general examples of how the process works using BIAB may help ignite the creative process for musicians and show how BIAB can be incorporated into their song writing skills. Sometimes I use BIAB to generate the drum and bass tracks and add rhythm guitar, guitar solos and vocals later using another multitrack recording DAW.
On another note kind of off subject: Loop oriented music making software is great, but there is somethings BIAB offers that is not really found in these softwares.
BAIB helps you realize melody, and if you have problems coming up with one for your chord progressions BIAB can make one for you helping you to better understand how melodies are played over chords. BIAB helps guitarist like my self break out of three chord song writing.
BIAB helps you develop an ear for what other instruments are doing in the song by building drum beats, bass lines, fills, chorus etc. BIAB is not simply a drum machine that you program a simple 4 bar beat and let it go, it will do intro's, endings and everything in between.
BIAB is customizable, you can make your own music styles and apply them to your songs even multiple styles in the same song and never miss a beat.
There are books with just about every chord played by man, for guitar, piano and everything in between, but sitting down with one of these books strumming each chord on the guitar once or twice and trying to fit the chords together might not be of great a benefit if you never heard how they are played in a complete song. BIAB fits the bill because it can generate a complete song in any key you pick no sweat and show you how chords fit together and sound played in a professionally scored song and If you would like to hear how your song sounds in a different style, go from Country to Bossa Nova to Rock and everything in between BIAB can do that too, change keys? Print out sheet music for the band? its a breeze. And if you want to learn the guitar chords or the cool bass line BIAB came up with, no problem with the Guitar Window. BIAB also prints out tablature for guitar and bass along with guitar chords, staffs, lyric sheets etc.
BIAB helps you get your songs into printed sheet music that can be passed down for generations to come. I really like this feature!
BIAB is a great investment and a great ear training and music teaching program and many of the Guy's and Gal's on this form are top grade professional musicians that know their stuff and are very helpful to BIAB newbies.
Warren
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
What he said. Very good synopsis, Noel. Since you covered most of the good stuff, here's some bad or not so bad depending. The biggest one is the endings. Biab or RB will both implement holding a chord or note just fine when it's midi but the Real Tracks are audio files. It's impossible to take a quick strum or piano chord and make it extend out 3 or 6 beats like an ending. There's a lot of complaints about this but right now there's nothing that can be done except to do that last chord in midi using a good sounding synth and hope it blends well enough with the sound of the Real Track. Other than that, there are programmed endings for the styles, they just may not be what you're looking for.
The other thing is trying to create a real arrangement with breaks, definite bass lines, drum fills stuff like that. You're limited with what you can do just using the RT's or RD's again because they are prerecorded tracks. A question that comes up over and over is why can't I use the Sax or Guitar soloist RT to play my own solo or melody part? The program can take an RT soloist and chop it up and put it back together in interesting ways using your chord changes but it's not going to play your own part back note for note. You have to do that with midi.
Those demo's are real, no funny stuff going on. As you noted, a lot of them really sound fantastic. You can load most of these demo songs into Real Band and play with them yourself.
In spite of these limitations, these tracks are awesome and I wouldn't be without them.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3 |
Thanks for the feedback guys! Yeah, very good vocals on 'Dreaming 'bout Dancing', definitely not generated by BIAB It´s reassuring to hear that you like the sound of the chords. Steinberg used to have (still have?) a product called virtual guitarist, which sounded good but sometimes lacked certain chords. That could cause an unwanted "hole" in your song that was difficult to fill... I read a thread that gave me the impression that the RealTracks consists of recordings of progressions in three different scales. That suggests they only have to pitch stretch up and down 1-2 semi-tones, which seems acceptable to me. I must admit I'm a bit worried about the hold issue though. If there are short chords in fast style I guess that could be a problem. Sometimes it´s possible to create longer notes by time stretching or looping in a sampler like Native Intstruments Kontakt, but for some material it's not easy...like distorted guitar chords. I would probably try this after exporting the tracks from BIAB. At the moment I´m not sure what to do, maybe wait and see how RealTracks develops or put an order right now?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493 |
My two cents worth -
Order it now and get to know it, and I suspect that it won't be long before something is done concerning the holds issue. It is a pain sometimes, but when you have a song that doesn't need them, wow, the real tracks are great. Not perfect, but great. I won't ever go back to the days without them, and when I have to have a hold, the old midi still works pretty well.
Good luck.
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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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Forums57
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