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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2 |
I am trying to find someone that has a knowledge of some basic things in BB. I jsut want to do a basic recording of my piano playing and have spent to many hours trying to navigate the program and FAQ's but none to address the specefic thing I want to do. I know it can do a lot of amazing things but I am not in need of that yet. I just am trying to do some recording from keyboard to bb to populate the sheet music and change chords etc for my band etc. and convert to MP3 or wav.
I was not sure if there are teachers out there for BB in the Central Illinois area. Tech support is helpful but I seem to still hit a brick wall when I get to a certain point and then there are just more questions that just get sent to another chase for FAQ's. I'm not even sure if this post is going to make it. I posted a few minutes ago and it never showed up on the board so not sure if it goes to be approved first or what.
Thanks so much.
Ed
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199 |
Ed, A lot of it has to do with exactly what you want to do. I guess the first question is do you know and understand what Band In A Box is designed to do? Understanding the concept of what BIAB does is important. Once you know what it does, then of course you have to know if it will do what you want it to do. If you are looking to input a chord progression from your computer, and then play along with that from your keyboard and transcribe MIDI information, BIAB can do that. If you're looking to input a chord progression from your computer, and then play your keyboard and record the audio from the keyboard, you can do that, too. If you're looking to play your keyboard and have BIAB figure out the chords and melody and transcribe them, you're going to have some problems, since that isn't what it does. Specifically, can you give us more details on exactly what you want. This forum is a wealth of knowledge, and a lot of people will be willing to help you, and answer your questions. Patience runs deep here, if the person posing the questions is willing to listen to the answers. Also, we appreciate the comment 'I know you've just explained a whole lot to me, and 95% of it just went over my head!' What experience do you have with computer music? What about MIDI and Sequencers? We'll ask you about your computer, and detailed answers about your computer are very helpful, such as what Processor you have, i.e., an Athlon 64X2 3800+, two separate hard drives, not one partitioned into two drives, what kind of sound card, i.e., a Creative Labs Audigy 2, or a RealTec onboard sound chip, how much RAM, like 2 gigs or 512 megs. That sort of information is always useful to the person who is trying to help you. We can get you through this, although it might take a while, but you can learn this here, on this forum. We'll be looking for questions, we have the answers.  Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578 |
Hi Ed. Welcome to the forum!
FYI, there is no review of posts when posted. Of course, like any forum, some are removed for cause, but that does not happen often.
There are several here who know all about connecting and recording keyboards. I'm sure you can get the help you need from right here.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Hi Ed,
First, more info about your setup would be in order.
What *kind* and type of piano? MIDI keyboard or acoustic piano? This is important as only the MIDI-fied piano keyboard can create the notes on the staff for you.
Second, what type of piano playing do you want to notate?
Third, what type of music sheet are you after? A fake chart, which is melody line plus chords, is likely the easiest thing to create in BIAB. More complex charting is possible, but can get rather clunky to accomplish, depending upon what kind of charts and for what kind of instruments.
Finally, the task will go a lot easier if you record to the metronome inside BIAB rather than trying to do it while counting on your own. Playing to the metronome will guarantee that the notes get printed in the right places in the right bars from beginning to end.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2 |
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I do understand what Band in a Box is and does. I had it years ago and never really got off the ground with it because It was so complicated and I spent more time trying to figure it out. However, I just upgraded to the latest and greatest so at least I should be up to speed on the software itself.
As far as the computer....yes it is big enough to do what it nees. I have an AMD 3500 2.21 GHZ with 1 gig of ram and 1 terra byte of space so the computer is not the issue at all. Being a photographer I have machines that can handle tasks especially with photoshop etc.
The first two things you mentioned are exactly what I am trying to do. I am not trying to have it transcribe etc. Just play into it and do it to the metranome and have a melody line and chords.
Lagacy sound card is what I have. As far as midi and Computer music I have a basic understanding of what Midi is and the tracks and channels etc. I have Audition and had other programs in the past of the like. I know Audition is a powerful program and have not mastered that at all but someday. I had cakewalk before too and did sequencing with external devices.
I guess there are just so many things that I never took advantage of before and I want to use it to the fullest. I have a band and often times just want to take some charts and change Chords where needed and even learn how to place note for a lead sheet etc. I'm sure it can do all of that but with all of the menu options and sub menu drop downs you just get lost as well as the icons and what they do.
I also wanted to get a resource of MGU songs where I can browse and open Standards charts like Misty, Satin Doll and the miriad of other Jazz standards. I was told that there are people who have a ton of not just Midi files but also BB songs that have the melody etc.
So, that is the latest to your questions back to me. Does that help? I appreciate the input and hope to get off the ground and start recording. I know that the midi set up and clicking the right boxes is a challenge because there are so many options. I also have a keyboard that does not have midi anymore but does have usb....does that work with this program or just midi keyboards?
Thanks Gary...They tell me you are the best. :-) I just wish there was someway to go to a workshop and get the hands on and learn. I am definately more of a visual learner rather than flipping through manuals and the like. Some people can do well with ready volumes of directions and figure it out.
Are any of the video tutorials decent and really show you or are they all over the place?
Thanks!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 99
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 99 |
Hi Ed, I'm a beginner too and I would recommend watching the videos - in particular video tutorial pak volume 1 and video tutorial pak volume 2. They'll give you a basic understanding of where the important stuff is and help to start you off. If you want to be able to play your keyboard and record it into biab, you'll need to use a midi interface - midi out on the keyboard - midi in on your soundcard. Check your keyboard instructions to see if there's a midi out. Check the inputs on your soundcard to see if there's a midi in. If you haven't got midi, you could still input melody and chords - but you'll have to do it by using the mouse for the melody - drawing the notes in via the notation window. The chords - you type in chord symbols into chord window. Both of these things are shown in the video tutorials. To print out leadsheets with chord symbols etc just go to the leadsheet window and click on print. Again the videos show you where this is. To listen to the vast array of files, simply go to File/open and rootle through the bb directory - load them in and take a listen. I know it looks daunting and initially seems like a festoonment of buttons, but I think it's well worth the effort at the beginning to sit and watch the vids. Especially if you're a visual learner! Good luck! 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I have an old Roland keyboard and the Ultra Pak on an external usb drive. I also have the Ketron sd2. On my main computer which is a new big monster hp running 10 gigs of memory and two 500 gig harddrives I have a mini usb from Edirol 1 in and 1 out. Works on xp and vista no problems I did not even have to download a driver for Vista which surprised me. Plug and play.
I run the left and right out of the Roland to my powered mixer. I route the midi into band in a box and use the Thru connection to use the Ketron as part of the mix, running the other end of the usb midi to the ketron and it has left and right to another channel on the powered mixer.
I have a second setup now using either my Sony Laptop and a non powered mixer and a keyboard amp, and use that upstairs with the accousitc piano. I also use that setup with my our Acer Asipre running on an Intel Atom. All of them work, once you get comfortable with the configurations. I eventually decided I did not need to see the notes I play, they are seldom the same. I make leadsheets for Brass Quintets and Quartets, and ususally export them to a music score software, for although Band in A Box will make me a 4 part harmony I often want to change notes, especially passing notes etc....
I am probably best known for a statement that the easier it is to learn a piece of software,the sooner you will tire of it and the simplicity inherent therein, and the software becomes quickly redundant.
Good Luck, tackle one piece of the problem at a time, watch the videos, then post your questions...help is available.....
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928 |
I think a "BiaB University" would be a great idea.
Though I'd hate to have to fly across the continent to BC to attend it.
Or a local BiaB teacher.
Anyone available in Northern Virginia?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1 |
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,104
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,104 |
Alfie, Welcome to the forums. You revived an eleven year old thread - maybe a record! Do let us know how we can help. Tell us a bit more about your setup, and ambitions. There are lots of people here to assist.
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.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
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.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
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!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
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