Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Cotts Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Just wasted three hours trying to compose a tune with occasional 6/4 bars in an otherwise 4/4 time sig. Utter fail.
BIB leaves blank beats after doing the 'beats in a bar' change as shown in the manual. Wont work by changing two bars to 3/4 either. Still drops the sound from the first beat of subsequent bars..

I could easily solve my problem by being allowed to create a tune in 2/4 and stick in an extra measure here and there..

why can't a 2/4 song be composed? Do y'all hate polkas that much?

Is there a solution?

Thanks,

Dave

Last edited by Cotts; 02/02/21 06:22 AM.

Taylor T5, Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier, iMac, MacBook Pro.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,833
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,833
+1 for all time signatures like 6/8, 5/4, etc.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596
Dave, more info about what steps you tried could be helpful. Without knowing the song or the groove you’re trying to get, I think, based on your clues, I would try alternating measures of four beats and two beats. Use F5 and change the number of beats in certain measures to 2. You also have to change the next measures back to four beats.

Could you post an audio sample or the name of the song and tell us exactly what you’ve tried?

What version of BIAB do you have? Version 2021 for Windows added simulation of 2/2 and 2/4.

I don’t know anything about polkas, but I’m pretty sure BIAB has some. Are they like
Samba and bluegrass, sometimes written in cut time? If so, I think we can help you do what you want.


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.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Cotts Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
I'm on Mac platform running Mac 2020 version so "F5" is a mystery to me..

There doesn't seem to be a way to attach the SGU file of my test 'song'.

Dave


Taylor T5, Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier, iMac, MacBook Pro.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Cotts Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
The crux of the problem: I want to write a 4/4 song with occasional 6/4 bars. I understand that BIB doesn't like adding beats to a bar... Fair enough. The 6/4 could be easily done by changing a bar to 2/4.

But what happens and what I wasted a morning on, is that when I change a 4/4 bar to 2/4 BIB just keeps it in 4/4 and puts in two rests in the last half of each bar...for all subsequent bars. So I get two beats of music and two beats of silence... If I try to change the next bar after the 2/4 back to 4/4 then the first two beats of that bar become rests and then it plays the rest in 4/4 but two beats out of synch with the barlines....

I use the manual's method. Highlight the measure to become 2/4 and use the dialog box to change it to 2/4. I even tried making a brand new song and before entering any chords I highlighted 32 bars and tried to make them all 2/4 via the dialog box. Result is 32 bars of 4/4 with the 3rd and 4th beats as rests...

Could this be peculiar to the Mac version?

BTW the song isn't actually a polka... It's a 2-beat 'feel' country song.....

Dave

Last edited by Cotts; 02/02/21 07:40 AM.

Taylor T5, Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier, iMac, MacBook Pro.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Cotts Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
I doubt Dave Brubeck would approve of BIB...

Dave


Taylor T5, Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier, iMac, MacBook Pro.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596
There’s a lot here. Give it time and we’ll get there.

If by Dave Brubeck you mean his odd time signature songs, all of them that I know can be done in BIAB. It just takes some contriving. As Mario said, this is an area BIAB could improve.

The F5 key in Windows brings up Bar Settings. Find out in Help how to do that on a Mac.

I’m puzzled when you refer to silence for two beats. I think the first step here is for you to find Bar Settings.


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.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067
Cotts,

There are several different ways you can access Edit Settings for the Current Bar, or F5 Bar Settings, in 2020 BiaB for Mac. First you must select the bar to be edited. Then you can use the F5 Bar Settings button on the toolbar, keystrokes of Option + B on your keyboard, navigate to Edit then select Bar Settings or use the F5 keyboard shortcut.

I found this tip in the 2020 BiaB for Mac user manual, page 151.
Quote:
If the F5 key (or F8 key) does not perform the expected function in Band-in-a-Box, you will need to go to the Apple® System Preferences and uncheck the system setting in the Keyboard Shortcuts list.


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1224) RB (Build 8) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Cotts Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
I can't upload an screen grab here?

Anyway, I can access a window from the 'tools' 'settings' in the upper right that offers the chance to alter the number of beats in any bar. this is also accessible with FN-F5 on my Mac.. Just did it. Same screen. And I have described the result. There are literally silent beats as a result. Making a 4/4 bar become a 2/4 bar simply makes the 3rd and 4th beats silent. The beats still exist if you count along 1,2,3,4.... so not even 2/4 in reality..

I can access a different window if I click the blue 4/4 beside the Key icon in the top centre. It offers many choices from 2/4 to 11/4 but it causes the same chord-dropout effect.

and there is still no way to set up a song in 2/4 even if the entire song is to be in 2/4....

Dave

Last edited by Cotts; 02/02/21 09:36 AM.

Taylor T5, Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier, iMac, MacBook Pro.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596
Yes, you can upload a screen grab here. Look for File Manager below.

EDIT: I have been informed that this feature is only available after making 25 posts.
EDIT: and now I have been informed the required number is lower than that. I really don't know. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Last edited by Matt Finley; 02/02/21 04:55 PM.

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.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Cotts Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
25 posts? Well I'd better get cracking then!!!

Dave


Taylor T5, Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier, iMac, MacBook Pro.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

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!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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.

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!

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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,380
Posts804,088
Members40,109
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
SuperMario20, Jonas Karlsson, Johnj, Tod Dickow, steelinatune™
40,108 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 118
rsdean 95
DC Ron 86
vicarn 82
WaoBand 77
dcuny 65
Today's Birthdays
Normand_D, PrMarioAlegria, Rich Chapple Sr
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5