Just listened to the Johnny Hiland Styles/Real Tracks & there is something badly wrong. I can't exactly say what the problem is but they sound out of tune - what do you think?
Plus they sound like they were recorded in the next building - way too much reverb which means they cannot be added to a mix.
Best Regards Nigel
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
I just listened to RealTracks solos of 'ChickenPickinTrainJohnny' (3297), and I hear the discordance, but I'm not sure that this is or isn't deliberate. Like this song at the 1:23 mark.
'ChickenPickinWesternSwingJohnny' (3298) sounded OK.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Just checking to be sure, but is the tempo of your song and the Real Track you're trying to use compatible? Generally speaking you get some wicked artifacts if you go too far outside the intended tempo range of the Real Track. The slower the tempo the more noticeable it is when trying to add a RT with a faster tempo. That's not always the case but I've found it to be so more often than not. When you say out of tune or discordant, that's what it makes me think.
I was right the first time - _CROSS and _BYROAD styles - the lead guitar is hopelessly out of tune regardless if you play the songs in their nominated BPM or not and also regardless of the key.
I continue to be amazed at the BIAB community - virtually none of them can hear errors in the real tracks and even when they do they don't comment, complain or even mention it. They also never complain when PG Music completely and totally ignore their requests for new Real Tracks.
This is pathetic and almost funny except when you remember you've just paid NZ $250 for these styles/real tracks.
Not that I expect PG Music to do anything about it as they have not rectified any of the faulty real tracks in the last 18 months.
Deeply dissapointing!
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
I did spot check Johnny Hiland RealTracks earlier and didn't encounter the problem that you seemed to be hearing. I didn't know from your description if it was something really subtle, or actual wrong notes, or what. Will check those specific styles that you mention. Any other specific details would be welcome. We update RealTracks on a regular basis. Every patch has updated RealTracks files.
I was right the first time - _CROSS and _BYROAD styles - the lead guitar is hopelessly out of tune regardless if you play the songs in their nominated BPM or not and also regardless of the key.
I continue to be amazed at the BIAB community - virtually none of them can hear errors in the real tracks and even when they do they don't comment, complain or even mention it. They also never complain when PG Music completely and totally ignore their requests for new Real Tracks.
Nigel, perhaps a little unfair. I took some time to explore and provided you with what I found. I even searched and found an example of what might have been what you experienced in the audition. I took quite a bit of time to do this.
Perhaps you need to be reminded that when you were right "the first time", you never even bothered to mention the names of any of the styles. Now you identify them. Why didn't you name them originally? You could save yourself some frustration by simply including specifics of your problem. It's not that hard.
Perhaps I am amazed at how this unpaid volunteering community is sometimes treated by other users.
There. I feel better.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
1. Subtle or just some notes - every note is wrong - it is like Johnny Hiland is playing in a completely different key to the rest of the band. 2. "We update RealTracks on a regular basis" - excellent - which Realtracks have been been updated for the 2020 release? 3. "Every patch has updated RealTracks files" - I'm not sure what this means - please explain in more detail.
Thanks & Best Regards Nigel
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
I ran the demo you mentioned and soloed the bass and lead guitar. Johnny is certainly all over the place, but not really in a bad way. Its blues! I did near some sour notes in a few places with a critical listen. So I ran it over into melodyn to see the individual pitches. For the very most part Key of E as claimed. Mostly major blues, with the occasional G (flat 3rd) A#(b5) C(b6). Take a look. Nothing really unusual for a blues player in my (limited) experience. But "hopelessly out of tune" - not what I heard.
Thanks for your analysis of the Johnny Hiland solo. I have re-listened to his _CROSS & BYROAD Style solos and included in the mix Real Tracks 3248 by Sol Philcox and 422 by Jack Pearson. As you will hear for your self there is night and day between these two guitarists and poor old Johnny's efforts.
I think I will just have to put it down to someone trying to play the blues who is simply not familiar with the genre. There are quite a number of Real Tracks that suffer from the same fate e.g. 3257 by Jim Clark and 3211 and 3292 by LD Miller. These Real Tracks don't have specific bugs in them but they simply don't work at all because the musicians are being asked to play in an unfamiliar genre.
The answer is to get some bone fide blues musicians into the Studio - Guitar - ask Buddy Guy, Horn Section - ask Roomful of Blues or the Fabulous Thunderbirds Horn Sections, Blues Harp - ask Kim Wilson.
Best Regards Nigel
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
OK, that is a quite a bit different than "...out of tune". You are certainly permitted to have a personal preference for the playing style of any of the artist. That is why there are so many to chose from, but we can't ($$) have them all.
Buddy is a Chicago guy. I run into him occasionally at his bar. He is 86 and still is seen playing, but I don't believe he is up for a trip to the west coast of Canada to record in the PGM studios. - but I do like where you are going with this - keep the fresh talent coming and we can sort it out with the yearly download of new RT's.
I ran through the same exercise as Dan this morning, including the Melodyne dump, and agree with his analysis. I did find a few places where a solo line resolved to the right note but that note was a few cents flat, which bugged me.
I do understand Nigel's last points: This RealTrack doesn't come off sounding very musical to me. And I KNOW Johnny can flat BLISTER a fretboard. But for whatever reason this one doesn't quite work.
There are a few things in BiaB that I just don't use for similar reasons. But I use BiaB every day just the same, and each year I get the Audiophile update on the first day it's offered. Awesome program.
The only thing possibly more awesome than the BiaB program is the BiaB forum. By far the most helpful community of people I've run into on the net...
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
The only thing possibly more awesome than the BiaB program is the BiaB forum. By far the most helpful community of people I've run into on the net...
Thanks DC Ron, you've restored my faith
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
1. "We update RealTracks on a regular basis" - excellent - which Realtracks have been been updated for the 2020 release? 2. "Every patch has updated RealTracks files" - I'm not sure what this means - please explain in more detail.
Thanks & Best Regards Nigel
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
About 200 RealTracks have had updates since the release of 2019, not including the new RealTracks released in 2020. These were included in the regular Band-in-a-Box patch updates during 2019, and are included with 2020. Typically the updates are in the ST2 database. The recorded audio rarely needs to be replaced. I'm not saying that the blues soloists can't be improved, I'm only clarifying that updates are ongoing unlike what you said earlier.
I look forward to checking out the Johnny Hiland Styles/Real Tracks mentioned when I get my 2020 upgrade (from 2018) next month.
Yes, Johnny is one of the best players around at the moment, I'm also looking forward to hearing his realtracks in a week or so. I always wait to do the upgrade until after Christmas (but before the end of the year so I can still get the good price
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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- keep the fresh talent coming and we can sort it out with the yearly download of new RT's.
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