Type of shot The type of shot needs to be either 0 or 1. If 0 is entered, the shot will be used when chords are entered with two periods (shot) or three periods (hold). If 1 is entered, the shot will be used when chords are entered with two or three carets before them (8th & 16th note pushes).
OK, that's some great info. I'll have to get used to editing and snappping to bars in RealBand to finish experimenting with this but I can see what is possible.
Bit of a disappointment that Shots and Holds can't be distinguished from one another.
Next step is what if you want a lead in fill to the next bar? Or is this getting too much to ask? :-)
Put a part maker on the next bar then bring the drums in only on beat 3 of the previous bar C.d then put the next chord where you want the instruments to come back in C or bring the bass in next with the drums C.bd then all C
That's where a custom shot RealDrum comes in handy
DrumShots^01-Custom Shot,1 DrumShots^02-Custom Shot,2 DrumShots^03-Custom Shot,3 DrumShots^04-Custom Hold,1 DrumShots^05-Custom Hold,2 DrumShots^06-Custom Hold,3 DrumShots^07-Custom Push,1 DrumShots^08-Custom Push,2 DrumShots^09-Custom Push,3 then use F5 to change to the RealDrum Shot you need
Type of shot The type of shot needs to be either 0 or 1. If 0 is entered, the shot will be used when chords are entered with two periods (shot) or three periods (hold). If 1 is entered, the shot will be used when chords are entered with two or three carets before them (8th & 16th note pushes).
OK, that's some great info. I'll have to get used to editing and snappping to bars in RealBand to finish experimenting with this but I can see what is possible.
Bit of a disappointment that Shots and Holds can't be distinguished from one another.
Next step is what if you want a lead in fill to the next bar? Or is this getting too much to ask? :-)
Thanks M
Let me know how that works for you, if it works good I'll put it in the Tips n Tracks section as Matt suggested.
One minor correction is that pushes only use one or two carets (not two or three). One caret for an eighth note push and two carets for a sixteenth note push.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
One minor correction is that pushes only use one or two carets (not two or three). One caret for an eighth note push and two carets for a sixteenth note push.
Yes I noticed that, PG will have to correct that on the webpage, it maybe in the manual also.
.... Perhaps PG could be looking at making this automatically easier too?
Cheers M
Yes, but not sure how they would do it as each RealDrums has different shots at the end, some have just a few and some a lot of different ones, there's not a standard reference. RealBand you can highlight the beat/bar/s and regenerate until you get what you need, but BB you have to regenerate the whole track.
Here's another option Custom RealDrum Solos\Hits Mac\Win you can also create an SFZ instrument from the same realdrums and use it in Sforzando VSTi on the midi track you can mute the realdrums on the bar/s with the shots/holds then add the midi notes you need in the piano roll on the bar/s that you need the custom shots/holds, then un-mute the realdrums after the shots/holds.
You can try it first with the PG Library in Sforzando > Drums > Rock Kit.
1. Use F5 to mute the drum track where the shots are.
2. Load Sforzando vst into a midi track.
3. In the Piano Roll view in the same midi track, hold the shift+ctrl and draw in a note, move the note up/down until you get the hit you want (make sure you have ASIO or MME Always On in the Driver Settings), draw in more notes if need be.
4. Use F5 to un-mute the drum track after the shots.
You never know the Rock Kit may be the same kit the surf drums were recorded on in the PG studio. You have some FX in the Sforzando GUI to adjust the sound to match the RealDrums or you can add some FX after Sforzando. You can copy and paste the midi shots if you need them again.
.... Perhaps PG could be looking at making this automatically easier too?
Cheers M
Yes, but not sure how they would do it as each RealDrums has different shots at the end, some have just a few and some a lot of different ones, there's not a standard reference. RealBand you can highlight the beat/bar/s and regenerate until you get what you need, but BB you have to regenerate the whole track.
I think that PG should do the work you have suggested, instead of us, by merging the various kit sounds in some extra shots and holds at the end of the RealDrums files so that the shots and holds generate sounding like, um, 'real drums'... ;-)
BIAB would use these and the single hits would still be useful for those that have the time, inclination and technical nous to customise.
I think this is a bug that has been around since the beginning of RealDrums and I would class as a definite design fault.
I think you have generously and expertly provided them with some most excellent technical re-design suggestions, Pipeline :-)
I have suggested fixes and improvements to give more control of realdrums for years n years n years but there is usually a ten year delay until PG catches on to things. That's why I'm always having to find work arounds for so many things.
I have suggested fixes and improvements to give more control of realdrums for years n years n years but there is usually a ten year delay until PG catches on to things. That's why I'm always having to find work arounds for so many things.
Every year I always ask how many GB of extra RealTracks will be sold in the yearly update without the basics being fixed.
Grateful that you at least provide these detailed workarounds, so well documented :-)
Create a backup 1st then paste this over all the C:\bb\Drums\SurfRockDoubleTwo^ text in X:\bb\Data\PGALLDrumFolderNames.txt (2018) X:\bb\PGALLDrumFolderNames.txt (2017)
In the RealDrum Picker > Rebuild > then choose Shot=Kick or Shot=Snare or Shot=Tom1 you can create many different ones with one type for a shot/hold and another for a push. The above demos just uses the same for push/shot/hold. More can be added to 01 02 03 But to have combined hits the wav file will need to be edited.
Memos can be added to RDPGMemos.txt and info to DrumGrooveNames.txt
For PipeLine: Done, Mr PipeLine, hats off & thanks, it works; behold, you're my man! But to find time to get a grip on this editing work's hows and wheres is a bit beyond my capabilities.
General PS: This is maybe why PG's BIAB is such a success, just like Windows; they leave a lot of client addressable open ends & unfinished business to fix. So every one jumps in to help out, and IMO with PG stuff quite acceptable, as their pricing is really fair. Maybe here's some business for f.i. you or Bob Norton? - F
Just open up the text file inside the different shot folders then scroll to the bottom and you will see all shots are removed but the one being used. The first one still has all the shots at the end of the text file so using that drum you will get random shots. The one with 0 in front is used for shots n holds C.. C... the one with 1 in front is used for the pushes ^C ^^C
So you can just make a copy of the first folder and rename it to the name of the shot and also rename the text file inside to the same name prefix. Then just go down to the bottom of the text file and delete the shots you don't want, if the shot has a ; in front remove it to use it. You can have the same shot for shots/holds and pushes or different just choose the 2 you want to use, one with 0 in front(shot/hold) and one with 1 in front(push).
I have the same problem pretty much universally with holds and shots in all real styles. (Several friends do as well) It seems like the “natural decay” and natural sounding holds in general should be the programs default and something more intrinsic is causing this syndrome- in fact one of the PG music folks uploaded some holds in an example using the same style I was- with a great sounding result out of the box. His all sounded like they should without a bunch of tweaking, weighting or re-building the style. Bass and drums seem to be the big issue. Maybe some master setting about ticks or somethin? It’s hard to imagine that this isn’t a FAQ or a have been dealt with, as ubiquitous as it seems to be for some of us. There must be an easy answer. It’s been maddening for years trying to find it for me though. (Otherwise I love the program so much!)
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!
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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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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!
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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)!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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