Hi everyone, I’m a musician who plays saxophone, keyboards and loves to sing but I’ve never recorded anything.
My brother has a copy of Band in a Box that he says he can lend me but I don’t even have a computer. I only use my iPhone and occasionally my husband’s work computer. We don’t even have internet here but I’ve learned I don’t need it to use this.
I DO however have a great Roland keyboard, amplifier and microphone.
I’m an experienced player but not very computer savvy.
Could I get some ideas or suggestions and what to get and why.
I’m so excited to finally be able to make my own music.
If you never recorded anything...., but ok with iphone, My suggestion:
Get an MultiTrack DAW app for iphone or similar. The one that can record multiple tracks. You can get multitrack apps from $3-$10.
Get a simple interface like iRig (looks like AA battery, slightly bigger) that you connect to microphone and the other end to iphone. Or even skip the interface and microphone and record multiple tracks using iphone mic, just to see if you are ok with it.
I would say that would be your easiest and cheapest way to get into the magic of recording audio.
If you feel comfortable, and you want to learn more, you can use same interface (if you get one) for PC and explore the endless galaxy of computer world accompaniment / recording software and peripherals.
<< Could I get some ideas or suggestions and what to get and why. >>
First. You don't need to borrow your brothers copy of Band in a Box. It requires a computer and it would be useless to you. I'm not sure if it's even proper for him to loan the program. That may violate licensing agreements he's made when he purchased the program. Although PGMusic makes an IOS product, it works in conjunction with a copy of BIAB installed on a computer I think.
Your solution is to provide your brother a list of songs you'd like to play and sing along to and have him make a CD for you or alternately they can be loaded onto your iphone play list. You have everything else you need to record yourself singing and playing. Rustyspoon's suggestion to use an irig adaptor will provide a great interface for recording to your iphone. As Rustyspoon also said, it's not required or necessary to get excellent recordings. You can record the output of your amplifier speaker using the built in mic's of your iphone. The only obstacle is you will need some type of device to play the BIAB created backing tracks other than your iphone since it will be unable to play tracks and record at the same time. I suggest purchasing an inexpensive Olympus or Sony voice recorder available at Walmart, Target or any music store. They are less than $50 and your brother can put thousands of songs on the device. Most modern amplifiers have line inputs so you can connect the device directly to a line input on your amplifier. It may also be able to connect to your Roland Keyboard. Place the iphone very close to the amplifier speaker, make sure the input of the iphone is not set too high so it distorts, and your iphone can record the backing tracks, you playing your sax or singing along. If you record a backing track onto the voice recording and play the sax and record it using the microphone, you can play that recording back through your amplifier and sing along with that track that now consists of backing track + sax and add your vocals to that. Record and play that back using the same process and you can sing along and add a harmony vocal part.
You are using analog recording techniques to digital recording media.
If you want to get into recording and not be dependent on your brother to provide backing tracks for you or go to the expense of buying computers, software and other accessories you need to digitally record your singing and playing but still have BIAB to create accompaniment tracks, a Digitech Trio uses BIAB to create bass and drums accompaniment, loops and effects you can record yourself playing along with. No computer necessary. No internet necessary. You can also use it to play live solo gigs and for family and friends get togethers.
There are relatively inexpensive digital multi track recorders by Tascam, Zoom, and, on the higher side, Roland. These are four and eight track units that will take you a long way in the area of recordings to backing tracks, Karaoke. It does raise an interesting question, though, and that is, "Are there Band in a Box backing track producers out there who will produce tracks on demand or have tracks available? Once you enter the magic world of BiaB, it's not easy to back out. I'm afraid that does not answer your question as to how to break in to the computer music field. It also opens the door to your making your own companion tracks.
If you can visit your brother and he can assist with running the program, you can record your voice, saxophone etc directly into Band In A Box. That might get you going quickly and easily. There should be no need for separate Mixers, DAW's etc.
This one might be useful as a starter. Don't be concerned if it looks difficult, he'll be able to help you for sure:
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
As far as the BIAB question, that is licensed to one user, and that one user has three activations to cover three computers (not used at the same time).
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Thank you so much for your input. It’s much appreciated. I will have to research all this to even correspond back as it’s all gone ‘way over my head,’ but I WILL do so as I REALLY want to do this.
Perhaps I can ask questions as I’m learning. I think I will learn a lot here.
Feel free to ask questions. There is no such thing as stupid questions here (maybe some stupid answers from time-to-time ), but your questions will be well received, no matter how simple or how complex.
We'll do our best to help.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
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.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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!
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
), but your questions will be well received, no matter how simple or how complex.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean