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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean