Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
J
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
J
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
Hi:

I know how to set my Real Tracks options in the main program...but I don't see any track-quality related settings in the DAW plug-in.

Can someone tell me how I can be certain that I am rendering the highest quality audio when using the DAW plug-IN?

I have the WIN Audiophile 2021 BIAB with all of the updates.

Many thanks for any help.

All the best,
James

https://youtu.be/cFkjJQbtD_Q

https://youtu.be/UvslwBze2UE

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,481
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,481
Hi James,

All you need to do is to set the Realtracks and Realdrums folder paths in "Preferences" to where your Audiophile Realtracks and R/Drums are located. (See image below and follow the 1, 2, 3.) For me, this is my Audiophile USB drive.

This will then use the BIAB wav files (the maximum quality). The specs of these files is 44.1 kHhz, 16 bit.

I suggest that you don't use a program to change these files. The DAW will automatically accommodate bitrate and frequency changes and the final output will be adjusted accordingly.

By comparison, if you increase the 44.1 kHz and 16 bits, you alter the files and this can impact on quality. Then when you render the final product, they'll possibly be altered again. This is two processes and each one can potentially degrade the sound a little. If the files are left at 16/44.1, then the final render will only involve a single dithering and audio degradation is minimised.

Regards,
Noel

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)

MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,228
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,228
I think Noel is pretty accurate with his explanation.
Changing to 24 from 16 may add some noise that you can't hear BUT if you do it to enough tracks it may stack things in a similar way to rendering from 24 to 16 without a Dither master & Noise Shaping master in the chain.
On rendering from 24 to 16 THIS is an excellent explanation of the hidden pitfall...


Last edited by rayc; 03/17/21 12:52 AM.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,500
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,500
I believe a small clarification is helpful here: it is my understanding that upsampling causes no problem. Having your DAW read a 16-bit, 44.1 K file and convert it to a higher bit or sample rate does not affect the audio quality in any way.

Downsampling that same file back to the CD quality, by removing those empty extra bits of an upsampled file, also would have no effect. It is only downsampling by dithering in the case of a higher rate file that does have data in those extra bits, that can affect the file. Thus I do agree with the bottom line, that making conversions that are not necessary is to be avoided, as stated, but only if you have material that was originally recorded at higher rates.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
J
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
J
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
Thanks very much Noel, Rayc, and Matt for your responses, that is all helpful information.

I’ve not been very active on these forums, and I probably should be more clear about what I’m asking.

In the main program, in the RealTracks preferences/settings menu, there is a checkbox option that says “Speed up generation of RealTracks Tempo/Pitch Stretching quality (Reduce on Slow machines)”

When I’m just fiddling around with arrangements in the main program, I like to keep that checked, so the tracks generate quickly and I can see how different instruments sound together, etc. However, when I've settled on an arrangement, I like to go directly into my DAW and generate high quality tracks for my recording - then I don't care if it takes longer to generate the tracks.

So, my question is: Do the settings in the RealTracks preferences menu effect the quality of the tracks generated in the DAW plug-in? Do I need to go back and uncheck the “Speed up generation of RealTracks Tempo/Pitch Stretching quality (Reduce on Slow machines)” box every time I use the DAW plug-in, or does the plug-in bypass these settings and generate the best tracks regardless of the settings?

Thanks so much for your input!

All the best,
James

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,500
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,500
Got it. Excellent question that I do not recall being asked before.

I do not know. We should know.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,010
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,010
My guess is the DAW plug-in follows the main program settings while rendering.

This guess is based on the knowledge the DAW plug-in relies on a background helper program, bbw4, to interface with the main program. I believe the main program still performs the render task.


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 for Windows
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Take a look at the screenshot attached - that's under File > Preferences, in the plugin.

2020 and 2019 versions didn't have that option as I believe they used high quality time stretching at all times.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
plugin tempo stretch.png (72.33 KB, 142 downloads)

I work here
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
J
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
J
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
Thank you, Simon!

That is super helpful!

BTW...is there anyway change bar colors, or put in notes of some kind, to indicate song parts? (i.e. verse 1, chorus 1, bridge, etc.?)

Thanks again!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
No, there isn't a way to do that. You could set a part marker to indicate a new song section - click on the bar number to turn it green/blue/etc - though this does affect Realtrack generation by changing substyle (if changing from substyle A to B or B to A) and by generally adding a drum fill before the part marker (which you may want anyway).


I work here
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
J
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
J
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
Thanks, Simon!

Is there a suggestion box or something where I could ask the developers about that? It seems like it might be a simple enough function to add (...he said, knowing nothing about programming!).

Thanks again,
James

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,064
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,064
Originally Posted By: JamesRNewell
Thanks, Simon!

Is there a suggestion box or something where I could ask the developers about that? It seems like it might be a simple enough function to add (...he said, knowing nothing about programming!).

Thanks again,
James


Yes, there is a Wishlist section at this link.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
J
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
J
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
Thanks, VideoTrack!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Yep, that's exactly what I'd suggest as well, and I personally think it'd be a great idea! I'll put in a feature request.


I work here
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,500
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,500
The verse/chorus etc. ‘song parts’ was just discussed with Dr. Gannon. It appears he will look at the idea.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,481
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,481
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
The verse/chorus etc. ‘song parts’ was just discussed with Dr. Gannon. It appears he will look at the idea.


I will add that the workaround that Dr. Gannon added is not that hard to accomplish and will work until a change is made.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
J
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
J
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
Thanks, Simon!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
J
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
J
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
Thanks, Matt!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
J
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
J
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 42
Thanks, MarioD...where can I find an example of this workaround?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,481
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,481
Originally Posted By: JamesRNewell
Thanks, MarioD...where can I find an example of this workaround?


Here is Dr. Gannon's workaround:

">> about allowing users to relabel Bar Based Section Letters.

We could use the section text layer for this.

Here's what you can do already in BIAB 2021.

1. add section letters (right click on the bar and choose a letter)
2. add section text (using the section text layer, press display button)

What could be added in a future version, is to integrate the
"Song Form" feature with the section text, so that you could label each section, and the labels would show up, for example, if you label
A: Verse
B: Chorus
C: Intro
D: Interlude

then type CAABDABBA it would create a song form that has intro-verse-verse-chorus--interlude-verse-chorus-chorus-verse and label them as such.

And changing the form from 'CAABADBBA' to 'CAABDABBADA' is as easy as changing that string in the quotes, and they'd all be labelled."


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

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
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,001
Posts798,817
Members40,008
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
GTRRO, harshitsharmamusic, PsyChloDelic, obv, obri02
40,008 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 151
DC Ron 114
rsdean 102
Noel96 80
DrDan 77
Today's Birthdays
aefr11, Paul V. Allen
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5