First and foremost- I'm not trying to score meth for my drummer.
As I gain proficiency with BIAB I'm trying to vary backing track arrangements to provide more interest. I work entirely with Real Tracks- no midi. I have no investment in midi gear.
To date the Bar Settings (F5) have been extremely useful. I mute and vary volume of a multiple instruments throughout pieces. For example, its great to kick in a piano or something at a low volume for a few bars to let me know my solo is coming to an end.
Now the drummer comes under my gaze.
I would like to vary which drum instruments are played during certain bars. Sometimes I might want only a bass and ride cymbal. Other times simply a closed hi-hat and a snare.
I've started working with Multi-Drums to add capabilities to a single track. That is interesting but appears additive not subtractive at present.
I am also aware of some differences in A/B settings.
Is there anyway I can gain the control I'm after using Real Drums in BIAB? If so, can you point me to videos or support links
Hope I've provided enough info. If not ask away
Thanks,
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build Mac OS (Latest) Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram Logic Pro (latest or pretty close) Blue and White Sea Star
I'm still a novice user, but I think you can't do it since it's an actual recording of a drummer. You would be able to do it using midi, but I don't think there are any midi tracks like that in BIAB.
You still could import the midi information, and just use the softsynth that comes with it. Even then it would be best to do that in RealBand I think.
I use a drum VSTi or you can use some audio loops to fill in those parts.
There is also the embellish setting that might help if set to simple.
Windows 10 build 16299 2018 Ultra Intel i5-3550 @ 3.3GHz p8z77-v pro RAM: 32GB Roland V-Studio 100 Alesis VX49
I think you can change/swap out the RealDrum track multiple times during the song if you found several that seemed to match up and do what you want. But you cannot control individual parts of the drum track.
I those cases when I just want drums to be there and sound good, I turn them on and I don't have to worry about drums again. A real drummer playing along without any instruction from me or effort on my part.
In other cases when I want to have the drums do something special and I am prepared for all the effort needed to make them such, I turn BIAB drums off and open up EZDrummer 2 or JS version 4.
The only way I can do that is once I get the song into a DAW. I have a collection of Audio drum sounds I can piece together to create simple drum parts for parts of a song I don't want the full kit. I know of no way of doing that in BIAB.
Rich
Windows 10, 64 bit | BIAB 2019 PlusPak | Studio One 2 Artist
I could see doing it in my daw, Logic Pro X. It has a drummer (midi - sort of). Any tricks to linking tempo's between BIAB exported wav tracks and a DAW drummer? Thinking about matching bpm and syncing biab tracks with logic drummer on beat 1. I'm new to this
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build Mac OS (Latest) Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram Logic Pro (latest or pretty close) Blue and White Sea Star
Any tricks to linking tempo's between BIAB exported wav tracks and a DAW drummer? Thinking about matching bpm and syncing biab tracks with logic drummer on beat 1. I'm new to this
Best I remember, that has been on the wish list for many years. No direct way to run any VSTi in BIAB which is dependent upon the time\rhythm parameters. As a result it was always necessary to export out to a DAW.
Any tricks to linking tempo's between BIAB exported wav tracks and a DAW drummer?
Technically we're suppose to be able to drag and drop sections of BB or RB into a DAW. I can't believe that I'm the only BB user in the world that can't get sections out of either one of them. Midi works fine, it's just the audio will ignore section markers and drop the entire track.
You could also export an acidized wav, if your host doesn't have the ability to figure it out. I have MC8 that uses Élastique to calculate the info.
No direct way to run any VSTi in BIAB which is dependent upon the time\rhythm parameters.
I'm assuming I could do the same thing in BB I do in RB. I use the Strike drum VSTi, but you can probably use any drum/sampler type VSTi that will let you loop. Then just insert the notes where you want to trigger it.
Just make sure to insert enough triggers to make sure it doesn't lose sync.
Windows 10 build 16299 2018 Ultra Intel i5-3550 @ 3.3GHz p8z77-v pro RAM: 32GB Roland V-Studio 100 Alesis VX49
I can't believe that I'm the only BB user in the world that can't get sections out of either one of them. Midi works fine, it's just the audio will ignore section markers and drop the entire track.
That just don't sound right. Ya, sometimes it is not smooth as butter, but dragging and dropping Audio and or Midi into Reaper is my primary workflow. Don't give up on this, I swear it works. I assume you have some "threads" detailing the problem. Let me take a look...
No direct way to run any VSTi in BIAB which is dependent upon the time\rhythm parameters.
I'm assuming I could do the same thing in BB I do in RB. I use the Strike drum VSTi, but you can probably use any drum/sampler type VSTi that will let you loop. Then just insert the notes where you want to trigger it.
Just make sure to insert enough triggers to make sure it doesn't lose sync.
Your are welcome to try. But I will warn you. Others have come and gone before you and no full solution to implementing any syncing with a drum type VSTi has happened. It literally has driven some MAD and never to be seen again. [Oh, the drama of it all....]
Many of the RealDrums audio tracks have individual hits of each percussion instrument in the drum kit. The hits are located at the end of the audio tracks as seen in the screenshot below.
You can import an audio file into a DAW or wave editor, locate the hits then copy them. Then you can create a midi file to play a sampler and create the beats that you want.
The resulting audio would sound like the rest of the RealDrums track because the audio came from the same kit and recording session. You likely would not want to do this for too many bars since you're only using single hits but it would be effective for creating custom fills.
I think Jim had the best idea with the individual hits at the end. I know it doesn't sound right, but there are also problems for me with midi thru. It just got worst with each update. I'm sure most of it is user error, and that's why I haven't been too vocal about it.
I've been working with midi for about three decades, but we won't get into that now. I'm not saying that I'm a wizard, but I do know my way around it.
I still don't see why I couldn't get it to work in BB, but since I'm not using it as my main DAW, I'm not going to worry about trying to set it up.
Most of your rhythm type plugins should be able to sync up with the host anyways, so then it's just a matter of getting the triggering right. I started to use that technique in RB, but switched to a DAW with a clip based approach.
Probably the easiest way to do it, is to generate the midi tracks, then edit out the parts you don't want. Then if you really wanted the drum sounds, just sample the individual hits, then use the midi tracks to drive the sampler.
Windows 10 build 16299 2018 Ultra Intel i5-3550 @ 3.3GHz p8z77-v pro RAM: 32GB Roland V-Studio 100 Alesis VX49
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®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
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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!
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.
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)
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!
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