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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
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(EDITED)
Hi Jim.
I have been thinking about what you said in your most recent post and wondering if my problems with the RealTracks add-on has anything to do with not really understanding what RealTracks are or how they work in anything other than a very superficial way.
Until quite recently, I wasn't even interested in RealTracks. Midi has worked well for me for many years.
Up until now I have just accepted PG Music's marketing hype that you just type in some chords, select a suitable style and press the button for instant music. Perhaps this is the wrong way to look at working with RealTracks. I have been searching the internet including this forum for more information, I found what seems to be a lot of conflicting ideas and get the impression that I am not the only one who is confused. Is it correct to say that with RealTracks, the "old fashion" styles are now obsolete or at least redundant? Does the RealTracks Picker Dialogue replace the StylePicker? Is there a new or better way to work than simply selecting a style and pushing a button? If these assumptions are at all correct it would make what PGMusic are saying about their add-on sets much more understandable.
In my search for information I came across a couple of video tutorials on how to make your own RealTracks which I understand are called UserTracks. These tutorials didn't look too forbidding. I think I will have a go at trying to create my own RealTrack/UserTrack. In doing so I hope to increase my knowledge and understanding of this technology.
Regards
Tim Oddly, Jim and I had a discussion over several hours the other day and covered most of the questions you have today. First, UserTracks that are useful can be quite forbidding. There are limitations that have existed for 6 years that retard their ultimate potential and success. In the UserTrack Forum, active enthusiasts have dwindled down over the past few years and UserTrack development has plateaued. Yesterday I posted a *-l-o-n-g - * comment detailing another type of UserTrack, the Artist Performance Track. I personally think the APT can ultimately be more useful and beneficial to more BIAB users than the more popular UserTrack. My long comment derived from mine and Jim's conversation that APT seem to suffer from unawareness and a lack of understanding to what it is. The fact that a limitation of an APT is perceived to be it's suitability more for a single song than useful across many songs like RealTracks, UserTracks and Loops. I think the opposite is true. Overwhelmingly, users will find greater need and more use for single use APT's. "Up until now I have just accepted PG Music's marketing hype that you just type in some chords, select a suitable style and press the button for instant music. Perhaps this is the wrong way to look at working with RealTracks." Many times this is the wrong way to look at working with RealTracks. The marketing pitch to type in some chords, select a suitable style and press the button for instant music is where a serious project begins, not ends. A great example of this can be found in the User Showcase "Announcing... The Birth of a Song". If you have't watched it, I recommend it. The artist, Floyd Jane begins with a 'scratch' style and during the project, searches, auditions and replaces most of the Style's instruments with RealTracks that he finds more suitable for his specific song and provided stock by the Style. (In his project, Floyd is, in effect, creating APT's specific to his song. In his case, there's no need to take the extra step and convert the tracks to APT's). Learning about APT's streamlines Floyd's personal process and also allows easy tools to share projects and APT's user to user. Since you're just starting your journey with RealTracks and other add-ons, it may be worth your while to spend the few minutes it takes to read my * l-o-n-g * post about "The Case for Artist Performance Tracks" in the UserTracks (and other add-ons) Forum. It may be useful to you knowing that APT's work equally well with midi as they do RealTracks and live performances.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 02/27/20 05:04 AM.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
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Another point to make is that a lot of folks assume the words "Style" and "RealTrack" are the same thing (I guess since the RealTrack is often "in the style of".
RealTracks are individual audio tracks that have been pre-recorded, from which BIAB is able to extract the appropriate snippets that match your chord progression (whether it was recorded for the actual chord you want, or is close to the chord you want, or is transposed from a nearby chord - for example, the RealTrack may have a D chord and and E chord recorder, but not an E-flat, in which case BIAB will transpose up the D chord half a step to get the E-flat).
RealStyles are merely a collection of RealTracks to represent instruments and riffs that fit well together as a somewhat cohesive band. MIDI styles work differently, but the concept is similar. The cool part is that you can start with a style and substitute any or all of the styles tracks with different RealTracks to get a different sound. You can even then save that new grouping as your own stylename, for use later on.
PGMusic sells packages of RealTracks, which as has been explained, includes the style files that contain those RealTracks. But if the other instruments are not part of the pack of RealTracks, you would have to either purchase them separately, or already have them in your configuration - for example, if you have the UltraPak, then you pretty much have all the other RealTracks needed to fill out the style.
If you have N/A instruments in the style, it just means you didn't purchase them (either by buying the UltraPak or the Audiophile Pak, or by purchasing the individual packs needed to complete that style). It doesn't keep you from using the RealTracks you purchased; it just means that if you use a style for which you don't have all the RealTracks, you'll just need to substitute other RealTracks you do have for those particular instruments. But the RealTrack you did purchase will play properly. Clearly, if you do substitutions, it won't sound like the demo of the original style anymore.
I don't think PGMusic ever intended to pull the wool over anyone's eyes; I suspect it is just an issue of miscommunication/misunderstanding. It's been this way for a long time, and Andrew has indicated that they will take a look at how they word the RealTrack purchase page.
That being said, PGMusic also sells style paks (the XTRA styles pak). Some folks have gotten confused here as well, thinking that they will get all the underlying RealTracks represented by those styles, but the web page clearly says you need to already have those underlying RealTracks (either by having purchased the Ultra/AudiophilePak or individual RealTrack Paks) to be able to use the styles.
The style files are just a packaging file with pointers to the needed RealTracks, but not the RealTracks themselves.
Clear as mud?
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
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wilsonts,
First of all, thank you for returning to this thread, continuing to ask questions and taking time to read and consider all responses. I have enjoyed participating in this conversation immensely. It has been an educational experience for me too.
I believe midi is just as valid a source for creating live performance backing tracks as RealTracks. In fact some will insist midi is more suitable because of the precise editing capability and sound engine choices. But, this conversation is about RealTracks.
If you are going to use RealTracks to create backing tracks the most efficient way is to have all of them available for use, that's just the truth. Having anything less leads to user frustration. That's why I see forum members suggest to potential buyers, Pro and Mega PAK users upgrade to the UltraPAK or higher. You need all the RealTracks to be able to produce all the audio backing tracks you want.
Side question, why does the Pro and Mega PAKs exist then? In my opinion for three reasons. One to offer a lower cost entry level product for new users without removing any functions or features. Second to offer products educators can use in a classroom setting. Third to offer a product suitable for music teachers to create audio tracks for students to use to practice their instrument. Notice you changed how you want to use Band-in-a-Box because you changed what you want to do with the output Band-in-a-Box produces. Your goal changed from creating practice songs to producing backing tracks for live performance.
Does that make the midi styles redundant or useless? No. Have you listened to the sound quality of a professional sound module or keyboard? You can use a soft synth like Kontakt, SampleTank but you have to learn how to use the tools.
There's more but that's it for tonight. What do you think so far?
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Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
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.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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!
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Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
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Holiday Weekend Hours
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Saturday, May 16: Closed
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Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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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