Hi, I am playing a song in BIAB with style _Diximed.sty. It is a real tracks style. I tried replacing the melody with a real track trumpet rather than a harmonica. However it seems to want to change the melody notes. One time I got it to work but when I saved the file it created SGU instead of MGU (I assume the S means solo and the M means melody). Personally I wish it would make all saves the same extension. However when I brought it back in the trumpet was doing a solo instead of the melody. So can I only change the melody instrument if I am using a midi track or is there a way to force the real track replacement to play the melody?
So where is the video that tells us how to pop in a real track instrument to do melody at no additional cost above and beyond what we paid for BIAB :-)
So where is the video that tells us how to pop in a real track instrument to do melody at no additional cost above and beyond what we paid for BIAB :-)
I think you're joking here right?
If not, you don't understand what Real Tracks are. They're not single notes that will follow a midi file. I'm assuming you know what a midi file is and the difference between midi and audio? Anyway, RT's are prerecorded audio. What you're asking is exactly the same as asking how do you change a track on your favorite commercial CD so it will follow a Biab melody line. Short of using some really sophisticated and expensive high level software, you can't do it.
Btw, to change the subject I'm curious what you wound up using for mixers and stuff for your online jam sessions.
I actually was joking :-) But if the original question had not been answered maybe I would not have been. When I read all the links I was thinking this was all about me buying a product I didn't want so I thought I would ask that question knowing(strongly suspecting) I would not get an answer.
Before I asked the question I kind of thought that maybe BIAB real tracks were individual notes recorded and the program assembled the little tid bits just as it does with the midi. To me (as a programmer) it would make a lot of sense to do that. However I would not be surprised if that could be plagued with practical issues that may make it impossible.
I bought the Behringer UFX1604. We had the first jam last Sunday. The mixer is fine (great is a better word). There is more info on all this in the Real Band Thread where I found out about the UFX1604. After asking a new question on the Real Band forum I was able to pick up the tracks that the mixer recorded then mix the down with Real Band. So I am some day going to be a Real Band expert - in my dreams at least :-) I thanked you Bob in that first Real Band thread. I guess you didn't see it.
Hi Colly, I have version 2016 (438). I set up Jazz Karaoke Jams where we use BIAB for the backing tracks. I am 62 and it gives me something to do :-) The idea is to get people who use BIAB out to a new level where they socialize, are not afraid to make mistakes and get performing experience. BIAB keeps them from speeding up and makes it so the jam always goes on as long as at least two people are there. The songs are preplanned on the web using common fake books to ensure things go well. So currently I am doing exactly what I want to do - having fun :-)
.....I bought the Behringer UFX1604. We had the first jam last Sunday. The mixer is fine (great is a better word). There is more info on all this in the Real Band Thread where I found out about the UFX1604. After asking a new question on the Real Band forum I was able to pick up the tracks that the mixer recorded then mix the down with Real Band. So I am some day going to be a Real Band expert - in my dreams at least :-) I thanked you Bob in that first Real Band thread. I guess you didn't see it.
Okay now I remember you put me on to the Behringer UFX1602 direct to USB Disk recording, so I bought one it should be here very soon !!!! no more laptops for live recording. I will do videos up all day for you !! Thanks.
Thanks Pipeline for the info. I never noticed your example of how to use Sforzando with BIAB until just now. I will check into it (assuming I can use it with my 2016 438 version of BIAB.) I keep my UFX1604 covered in the plastic it came in whenever I am not using it. I want to keep the pots as clean as possible for as long as possible. I am so happy with it I want to keep using it for as long as possible. I was very careful to not rip the plastic when I took it out of the plastic since I wanted it to also protect it against the rain or snow. It is worth being very careful unwrapping it.
"I keep my UFX1604 covered in the plastic it came in whenever I am not using it. I want to keep the pots as clean as possible for as long as possible. "
Yes I will do the same, thanks for that, I hate scratchy pots.
I haven't followed that original RB thread for a bit, been very busy. That mixer looks good.
My comments about audio and midi were not meant to make fun of John or anything like that. It's just that the question about using RT's to play a midi melody line comes up like every day almost. So many have no clue and it just gets repeated over and over and over...
I even jokingly came up with Bob's Mantra maybe ten years ago, here it is:
"Midi is not audio, audio is not midi ommmmm".
Midi is digital computer commands. If it were possible to tap into that with an audio cable it would probably sound like BRAAAkkkakkakakk. What midi does is send those commands to a synth either software or hardware. It's the synth that produces the audio. A midi melody track has absolutely squat to do with an audio recording which is what an RT is.
When you think of midi as a computer command you know why it's so limited. Even the best midi tracks can't sound like a good live studio session player laying down some tracks which is also what the RT's are. If the RT's were broken down into single notes, you have no performance plus that's what a sampler is. If you want a sampler just buy SampleTank 3 or Kontakt or whatever. There's no need for PG to reinvent that wheel by using the RT's as single notes. Also, it would be very difficult to come up with something new as a sampler that isn't patented by someone else.
That's the only problem I have now I can't record midi Drums/Keys with the Behringer UFX1602, so if the Band has Keys or midi drums I need some way to record that without a laptop, ommmmm ????
I will do a tutorial how to create your own Sforzando User Instrument Library, for all the SFZ Instruments you download or create. In the pic I just added them to the PG Library in a User folder, but it's best to make your own Library separate from PG's as they might update it.
That's the only problem I have now I can't record midi Drums/Keys with the Behringer UFX1602
I guess you want to go direct to the mixer with midi then go to a PA amp from there which could not be done. If you can get the midi amplified before the mixer or get it into a amplifier which has a line output tap you would be okay or even just mike the amp. The Behringer UFX1604 has those 4 stereo line level inputs which can also be used with instrument level output with a boost in the input gain. Also I tried sending an XLR mike into the line inputs with a low to high impedance transformer with 1/4 inch phono and that worked (I just had to increase the input gain). My talkback mike comes in through those lines with the input gain increased as well. All 16 tracks get recorded every time. The ones not being used get recorded as empty.
I would just like to be able to record the midi drums midi output rather than just the stereo, with midi I can mix the individual drums after, same with the midi keys if I have the midi I can change the sound. The Tascam had midi input that I recorded to the laptop.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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!
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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®.
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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!
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!
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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.
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!
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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.
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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)
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