Originally Posted By: Greg Tango
I know this might sound like whining, but I need to say it.

Band in a Box is up to 120 gigabytes of sound files for all kinds of styles. But many of the workflow features seem primitive.

I am looking forward to using the VST version, this is a nice advancement in workflow. But way past due.

There remains many seemingly obvious workflow and usability features that are left unchanged for decades.

How about allowing song structure with verse, chorus, bridge, intro and outro, and having two endings to the verse? I have used BiaB since almost the beginning and still I cannot structure a song. How about cleaning up the ending so you have more control over it? Really there is very little control over the song ending. Same with breaks and stops. How about a timer display that looks like it there on purpose? How about the ability to print chord sheets with lyrics in a manner that actually functions, so you can hand out chord sheets to your band? How about an Android playback version for use in live performances? How about adding features I can't even think of and surprise me?

Why does PG Music come so close to these features, like the printing function, and then does not complete the equation? I guess this is my biggest frustration, the opportunity lost when they could do these things but instead spend their resources on more styles in the database. I really wish they would adopt an aggressive and progressive attitude about adding workflow features that really are advanced and cutting edge. It would be great to be pleasantly surprised instead of frustrated when you want to do something like print a song.

When Cakewalk went out of business I was forced to move from Sonar to the newer and more progressive Presonus Studio One. It really opened my eyes on how workflow, usability, "look and feel", and stability have progressed in the world of DAWs. Why not PG Music?

Until lately Band in a Box was the only game in town. But now Ireal Pro is available for 13 bucks and in many ways is more progressive. For instance it has the ability to have ending one and ending two to a verse, and it is not difficult to do. It is my sincere hope that PG changes its outlook and starts surprising us with new workflow and usability features.

I generally agree with you. Things like track naming was never implemented throughout the program so I just turned it off. I never bothered with UserTracks since there were so many issues and limitations discussed here on the forums. And the VideoTracks idea was a great example of a "feature" with limited to no practical application that certainly consumed lots of dev time and now has apparently (and appropriately ) been dropped. The jury is still out on the new VST but based on what I've seen so far it seems like a lot less than I would have predicted as a cool new feature.

I'm not sure they are able to implement these complex feature. With that said, they are incredibly talented at implementing new RealTracks every single upgrade. I am blown away every single time and mostly, the RealTracks are now why I upgrade.

So I'll respectfully disagree with your proposal and suggest they continue to focus on a big batch of new RealTracks for every upgrade! If they can split the time between RealTracks and fixing existing features and bugs that would be fantastic. But if a new release comes out without new RealTracks, I for one will definitely not upgrade!

Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 12/23/18 11:25 AM.