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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4 |
Need a style suggestion for the song SOBER by Little Big Town. I have been through quit a few styles but there are literally 1000's of them. Was wondering if anyone has come up with something close. Thanks
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,876
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,876 |
Thanks Mr. HaryB. I'll make a posting later today detailing how I downloaded a video, used BIAB ACW feature to determine the chord progression, key and tempo. With those items in my BIAB chord chart, it was on to the Stylepicker. I'll explain the way I located a similar 'band' to the LBT band seen on stage and heard in the audio. (not seen, electric guitar and organ predominantly) as well as finding a solo mandolin part. I'll explain how I used the audio from the video imposed over the BIAB generated tracks to audition my search from within the Stylepicker hearing the video audio mixed with the styles I'm auditioning. Using search filters in the Stylepicker guide me quickly to appropriate styles for the song as well as locating proper instruments. Not knowing the version of BIAB, I located an alternate foundation style that is older than the best style I found in Xtra Pak 5 from 2016.
I have to be away from the computer for a few hours but will get back with the details as quickly as I can. I'll share up front with you, the above steps took me minutes to do and not hours.
Charlie
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, 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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,876
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As promised, I’ll post the details of my process to quickly find a suitable style for a BIAB generated backing track cover of “Sober” by Little Big Town. I use Audacity set to record what the computer hears and download the YouTube video audio track. Settings are 16/44.1k resolution. I record the audio at a low volume (18-12db) to avoid distortion or clipping. I use Audacity effects to lightly compress the downloaded audio and then normalize the track. I export a stereo WAV file to my desktop and using the ACW button on the main screen, import the audio into BIAB. I process the audio through the ACW using F8 to align the beats as necessary. F6 should be used to set the first beat before processing the audio. Once I have processed the audio with the ACW, I export the track and it is imported into my BIAB chord sheet. My BIAB version defaults to the style being disabled. I play the song through correcting the chord progression and verifying the tempo is tracking the song correctly.
This was a good song to use because on my machine, the ACW did a fairly accurate job with the chords and tempo. It correctly calculated the key signature of < G >. That should mean for those less experienced with the finer points of the ACW, they should get a fairly accurate rendition like I did. I had to adjust a few chords but the tempo map was only 0.15 beats over an average of 155 bpm so the chords and audio matched up ok to set the BIAB chord chart to 156 bpm. With the chart complete, it’s time to head into the Style picker and find a suitable initial backing track.
My version of BIAB has more than 5,000 styles. I use three tools to help reduce the styles to a more manageable search. The first tool is to use the function to search for the song, by name, artist and similar song of the particular song I’m working with. In this case, the song couldn’t be found. I filtered the song the following way. I manually entered the parameters of 4/4; ev8; 155bpm; and left the category and type blank so other styles than country would be displayed as well as midi styles. This yielded a quite manageable total of 755 styles. Additional filtering could have reduced the total even more but I found this total to be sufficient to manage.
755 is still a substantial number to deal with but I was searching for a style that would be an accurate feel and vibe to the original. Many styles could be passed over by genre.
I go about matching the feel of the song using the two different audition play options. One option plays the demo of the style while the other plays the selected style to the chord chart sheet. The latter plays in the correct key, and also provides the capability to set the exact tempo of your song. You can speed your search by choosing the 4 bar option.
This is where the magic happens. There can be a dramatic difference between the style demo and the style playing over your chord chart. I have learned that I cannot listen to the style demo and get an accurate feel to how the style will play over my chord chart. I want to stress this point. The two options can yield dramatically different feel between the two.
I get an accurate audition how a style will sound to my particular song I’m working on by doing the auditions in the style picker of a mix between the downloaded audio and the style playing together. I turn down the audio to the point that the BIAB style is more prevalent than the audio track. I can hear the vocals or lead instrument but with the style louder, I can quickly tell how the beats, rhythm, bass/drums mesh. Styles that may work instrumentally can be quickly eliminated because the style and audio are not in sync. I can tell instantly when they do sync. I only had to audition 3-4 tracks before I found a great match.
Sober has a lead mandolin, strumming acoustic guitar, electric bass, electric guitar and a background organ as the necessary predominant sounds.
The BIAB style _Bramble from 2016 Xtra Pak 5 was the style I chose. It provided everything but the mandolin, organ and electric guitar. _Bramble has two strumming guitars and a fingerpicked guitar. I replaced one guitar with the mandolin and with the last available clear track, I placed the organ and alternated the track between the organ and electric guitar on the same track.
I was able to quickly locate suitable mandolin, electric guitar and organ the following way. After importing _Bramble style into BIAB chord sheet and generating the song, I saved the file to my desktop. With the file saved, I returned to the style picker and entered searches for organ at 155bpm, ev8, 4/4. I typed the search word organ in the search box located above the other perimeters. This returned a list of styles with suitable organs. I repeated the auditions using the style playing my chord chart and chose the best fitting organ. I noted the RealTrack number. I repeated this process for the mandolin and electric guitar.
Returning to the chord display page, in the mixer I replaced and imported the RealTracks my search yielded.
At this point, I can either use the audio track as a guide to place my lyrics into the chord chart or erase the audio track and my backing track is ready to be generated and used.
This process did not yield a note by note pure copy but did produce an authentic cover version that precisely and accurately reproduced the chord progression in the right key at the right tempo that would be similar to what any cover band would play live. Hope this helps.
Charlie
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, 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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4 |
Hey Charlie
Thanks for the reply. It looks like you have spent a lot of time on this issue.
I will walk through the steps and try to master your technique. At first glance it looks daunting but doing it a couple times will make it easier.
Will let you know how I get along
Thanks again
Harry
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,876
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,876 |
Hey Charlie
Thanks for the reply. It looks like you have spent a lot of time on this issue.
I will walk through the steps and try to master your technique. At first glance it looks daunting but doing it a couple times will make it easier.
Will let you know how I get along
Thanks again
Harry It looks harder than it plays out. The three keys to getting everything to mesh is to have the recorded audio track down in the mix but loud enough to be able to compare how the style being auditioned plays over not just your chord progression but over the groove of the audio track. A guitar strumming a wrong pattern can throw the whole thing off. That leaves with a style that will work if you mute that guitar or change it out for another RT. Another key is using both of the play options. Some demos will sound like they will work but don't when you play the demo over your chord progression. Don't forget to correct the demo tempo to match your chord progression. Finally, Use the filters even if you can't find one by using the song/artist title search. You will have the necessary search parameters of the count, feel, tempo and style from the ACW processing. I have fun with this process using it to create re-mixes of actual commercial recordings where I can find isolated vocal tracks of the celebrity artist. I have created unique covers of Paul McCartney, The Temptations, The Beach Boys, Kenny Chesney and many more. Charlie
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, 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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4 |
Hey Charlie
Sorry for delay in getting back to you. Computer crashed and have been rebuilding.
That method seemed to work. I wasn't sure Bramble had the right feel. Haven't had much time playing with it yet but I think it's the drums that are bugging me.
Will spend a bit more time trying to figure out what the problem is.
Will have to look into making my own style based on one that is closed. Haven't got into that feature yet.
Thanks for all the help
Harry
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5 |
I use YTD Video Downloader https://www.ytddownloader.com/This will download any Youtube video (you frequently have to update the free version, declining the paid update if you wish) for all files to download...maybe once every few months. It saves the whole video on your disk but then has a convert tool to make an MP3 out of the video. That seems much easier than what you describe to get the audio file for the ACW.
Embarked devotee of "Band in a Boat"
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 179
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 179 |
Freemake.com has all your downloading and conversion needs......and it's all FREE.
BIAB 2017 Everything, RB 2017
Lenovo All-in-One. i5, 8gb Ram, 1 TB SHDD, Windows 10
Presonus AudioBox,Studio One 3, Behringer Xenyx302,
M-Audio Axiom 61, Samson Graphite 49.
Lenove Flex 15, i3,Windows 10
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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 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!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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!
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)
- 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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
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.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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