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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 86
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 86 |
Now that PG Music has created Real Band, will PT be continued/improved, or eventually dropped, since RB seems to do everything- I'd like to see a checkmark comparison listing, showing what can be done- even BIAB can now record an audio file.
Also, I can't seem to find a list of all the Real Band instruments- not styles, but the instruments-drums,guitar, sax, banjo, etc.
Thank you!
Rusty
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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PT12 can do everything that RealBand can do except for the obvious, which is the autoaccompaniment engine derived from Band in a Box.
In fact, RB is actually PTW with the BIAB section added onto it. All else is identical in look, feel, underlying engine and operation. I like having everything in the same place, makes switching one to the other a breeze with no real learning curve or that moment of searching for something that "used to be right here but isn't" as with other softwares.
PGMusic has assured us in the past that Powertracks will remain in the lineup. Some folks are likely not to be interested in autoaccompaniment and just want a good reliable MIDI/Audio sequencing software and PTW fills that bill.
--Mac
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Dec 2000
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Hmmm... RealBand can do everything PowerTracks can do, plus more. The engine is the same and the interface is basically the same (other than accommodating the new features). So, in my mind, what's in a name? I think if they took RealBand and put the BIAB tracks in their own separate area (so you don't get confused between the auto-generating tracks and the ones you do yourself) and increased the non-BIAB tracks to 48, added some more of the features people have requested for PowerTracks (and even RealBand), you would have the next version of RealBand/PowerTracks/whatever you want to call it. Are we looking for the name or the functionality? Maybe call it PowerBand (and leave the "Real" moniker for the instrument sounds).
For me, once RealBand came out, the only thing I used PTPA for was the TC-Helicon harmonizer, but now that TC is available in RealBand (sort of, by way of PowerTracks, ironically), all I need is RealBand. It does everything the PowerTracks did and more.
But to each his own...
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126 |
Rusty, Around about the time PowerTracks version 9 was current, I had become very comfortable with this digital audio workstation, and it would do everything I needed to record and manipulate audio on my computer. Not having much use for specific MIDI applications or VST/VSTi technology, version 9 was just about right for my needs. When version 10 was released, some of the methods I used to get results with the program no longer worked, and the new features introduced didn't enhance the performance of the software - for my purposes. So, it was a matter of developing new workflow habits... The same applied to versions 11 and 12 as they were introduced. I made a suggestion on the wishlist forum that a "classic" version of the program be released that allowed those of us who were already happy with the way it worked to enjoy a functional version of PTPA that was periodically updated, but without all the new "bells and whistles". Now, it looks to me that PTPA12 has become just that ! You want trippy features: go with RealBand. You want basic digital audio processing (with a few neat toys thrown in  ) - PowerTracks is your tool. When I work in Windows (rather than in Linux), PTPA is my DAW of choice because it works . 
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
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Rusty - For myself, I can't see giving up using PT. I've spent 15 or so years using PT and BIAB together. My PT version is PT build 12. I don't even use a couple of the newer PT bells and whistles - I still use the Classic view Tracks Window. Now if they could sort out some RT "saving" issues on the BIAB side of things I'll be happy - I'll keep using PT as it is - I echo Oren's sentiments especially when I read the RB Forum and read some of their problems.
If change comes, it does - until then I'm happy with my status quo.
Ian
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 86
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 86 |
Mac,
OK, PTPA12 is what I have. You said it will remain in the lineup, BUT, will new versions of it be coming out-13,14...? Or is PTPA12 THE ultimate version of that program? Will PG MUsic now do updating to Real Band features and not the two separate programs? Sounds to me like they've made their lives a lot more complicated! That could be part of "the plan" to prevent any downsizing- "We have all these programs to change and improve!"
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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I have no inside information on that subject.
However, again I state that development has told us, right on this forum back when RealBand first came out and people started sounding the death knell for Powertracks that they would continue to support Powertracks. I would assume that would mean upgrades, but only time will tell for sure.
Preferring to be an optimist, I'm the "bottle is half full" kinda guy.
--Mac
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,711
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"I'm the bottle is half full kinda guy", So does that mean you drank the first half and did'nt even share?!?!?
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Veteran
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Posts: 38,502 |
To me it means we still got a half a bottle of it no matter who drank the first half.
An optimist shares because we figure that if we share, others will return the favor.
--Mac
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,711
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Certainly! So Pass that thing over here!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 61
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 61 |
I must confess that though I love PT12, I rarely use Real Band! If I want to hear how a new song might sound, I certainly play around with the styles in BIAB (now using 2009.5) and I might end up importing something into PT for further meddling ... but I've never been much attracted to Real Band. I have tried using Real Band, but it didn't seem as useful as either BIAB or PT for the things I needed to do.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,497
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That is funny ..
Realband is as useful to me as BiaB AND PT .. combined!
The only BiaB features I use are inside RealBand (the realtracks and drums)
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 693
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 693 |
When I upgraded PT, the salesperson verified my intentions of doing so, stating that RB would provide the same functionality. I'm glad I went ahead and upgraded.
I turn to PT to accomplish recording quickly. I like RB, but it's a new pair of shoes to me, not quite broken in and a little quirky yet.
Joel
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,296
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As a strict soloist pianist, that arranges everything, PTPA provides everything I need.
Now that I'm talking about PTPA, several years ago, someone published a list of keystroke shortcuts for editing commands - like Slide, Quantize, Velocity Dynamic, etc. Does anyone have a list of these - I lost mine.
Glenn
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,497
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I will admit - we use PT exclusively at Barry's place (the big studio room)
It is stable as can be and never fails us.
..but when at home and working I tend toward Realband just for the convenience.. all its missing is the Harmonizer in most versions, and I like the additional right-click options available in RB that are not available in PT at this point
couldn't find those shortcuts for you Glenn .. tried; I remember that post too, I thought it was by Andrew of PG staff, but could be wrong
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2000
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RB can use the Harmonizer from PT12 if you have that installed on your machine.
--Mac
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2000
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Only the most recent version, which is why I said 'in most versions' ..
Leaning on that one (harmonizer) less and less these days
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,475
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I like to keep my sequencing and auto-accompaniment separate.
I use BiaB for auto accompaniment then export to MIDI
I use Master Tracks Pro for MIDI sequencing. It handles multiple MIDI ports so I can run all my sound modules on different MIDI ports (channels 1-16A, channels 1-16B, ... to ... channels 1-16P) without a MIDI patch bay. Plus it has the easiest interface I've used - everything is available from a drop down menu - no sub menus (YMMV). Note: The most recent version of MTPro is buggy, and has been for a long time. The new owners are not very responsive so I cannot recommend it. I'm still using the last version Passport produced.
Then I use PTPro to record Audio.
To me, when auto-accompaniment, sequencing, and audio recording get combined into one program, the menus get too large and there are too many sub menus and sub-sub menus which really slows my work down. Since I use auto-accompaniment, MIDI sequencing and audio recording at different times, it just seems to me that there is no need to combine the programs so that I'm slowed down by mousing a bunch of sub-menu choices. But of course, not everybody works like I do so I can see where many people would like them combined.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
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Noticed that with the advent of 2010 BIAB - PT was NOT listed in the "drag and drop track" feature . . . unless it is indirectly included under "...and more." Funny it wouldn't be listed next to RB in the promo material.
PT to be marginalized??
Ian
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 234
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 234 |
Shortcuts: I found them under "Function Keys" in the Manual Andrew Function Keys & Hot Keys The function keys provide quick access to some of PowerTracks Pro's commands. The following is a list of each of the commands that you can access via the function keys. (Note:this isn’t a list of every shortcut in PowerTracks.) F1 On-line Help F2 Open a new Event List Window ALT+F2 Open a new Notation Window SHIFT+F2 Open a new Big Lyrics Window CTRL+F2 Open a new Audio Edit Window CTRL+ALT+F2 Open new Lead Sheet Window CTRL+ALT+P Open a new Piano Roll Window F3 Open file F4 Save file F5 Tempo CTRL+F5 Preferences F6 Go to Time F7 From = Now SHIFT+F7 Open Next File SHIFT+CTRL+F7 Open Previous File CTRL+F7 From = Value ALT+ F7 Now = From F8 Thru = Now CTRL+ F8 Thru = Value ALT+ F8 Now = Thru SHIFT+ F8 Open Next File SHIFT+CTRL+F8 Open Previous File F9 Panic F11 Run .DLL or .EXE Shift+F11 Select .DLL or .EXE Ctrl+1 Tracks Window Ctrl+2 Bars Window Ctrl+3 Chords Window Ctrl+4 Tempo Map Ctrl+5 Comments Ctrl+6 Sysex Window Ctrl+7 Guitar Window Ctrl+8 Mixer Ctrl+9 Meter Map Ctrl+M and Ctrl+U will let you mute/unmute a track in the Mixer and Bars windows. [ and ] hotkeys change the tempo by 5. Ctrl – (Ctrl Minus) changes playback speed to half speed Ctrl = (Ctrl Equal sign) changes playback speed from half speed to full speed P – Play CTRL+P Play from Start R – Record Ctrl+ R Record from Start S – Stop W - Rewind
Andrew Lloyd
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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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PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
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Happy New Year!
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Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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