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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 82
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 82 |
I've never gigged with BIAB, I just use extensively for practice and song writing. But thanks the slow economy, it's getting difficult to get gigs for a full band. So I've decided to do a gig or two with BIAB playing bass and drums for me. Since I like to do a lot of "piano only" intros, it would be helpful to have a foot pedal to mimic the spacebar so I can start BIAB while I'm playing with two hands.
I used "search" to find an old thread about this, but the pedal mentioned isn't programmable unless you are using on old version of windows. Plus, it's a bit on the expensive side. It looks like PG Music doesn't sell anything like this, and I've searched the net and really couldn't anything suitable.
Any ideas?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
I think it was Mac who posted this link a while ago, seems like they'll make a USB switch that emulates any keystroke: http://www.delcomproducts.com/products_USBFSW.aspThat'll do the trick, or you could put a USB keyboard on the ground in front of you, but that wouldn't look nearly as cool. -Kent
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 82
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 82 |
Thanks! I just ordered it.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
This may sound like a dumb question BUT . . . don't you still have to use your hands to control the mouse, i.e. to select and open files? What am I missing?
Later,
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 82
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 82 |
As far as I know you need to use hands to select files. But you can load the song, play with both hands, and then start the song with your foot. This is all I need to do.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
You can use the Jukebox to play a set, waiting for input (the pedal) to start the next song. If you're using RealTracks, it can get tricky though if you're doing a piano intro.
R
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 82
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 82 |
Why would using realtracks make this tricky? Can't you freeze the tracks now so they don't need to compile?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 118
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 118 |
Here's exactly what you need: http://www.piengineering.com/xkeys.phpGo to the PI Engineering site, look at the "X-Keys. You'll find a foot pedal that is very easy to program. I use the 16 key switch for composition, arranging and live playing and have it programmed to do some amazing things with BIAB. For some arranging applications, I have a single switch programmed to perform more than 130 keystrokes! What you want to do is simple with this product. I use this product on three different computers, Windows XP, Vista and 7. No problems with any of them. I'll be glad to help with any questions you might have. Check it out. You'll be glad you did! Don
Last edited by DonMusic; 03/11/10 06:42 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 118
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 118 |
Looks like Mac had a less expensive solution for you. Missed it the first time.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
Unless the RTs have been rendered into a audio file, there is still some generation time of Frozen tracks. Freezing saves the paticular arrangement of the track, not an audio of the track. Generation is indeed faster, but is not eliminated.
R
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Foot pedal may not be needed for a MIDI keyboardist. There is also the feature in The Conductor of BiaB that will hold the start of a song until you press one assigned piano key all the way down at the bottom of the keyboard.
However, if both hands are busy the whole time, the footpedal is likely the way to go.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491 |
Hi, For what it's worth......if I need to use 'backings' for a live jazz gig, I use BIAB for bass, piano & drums.......then SONAR......add guitar etc....tweak what I want, then record to MiniDisc. I have an MD player adapted for a foot pedal.....cost very little. That means I can change tracks around very easily as needed. Set MD player on pause.....auto stops at the end of the track......use foot pedal to start next item whenever I want. I don't have to look down at any time! From my point of view, contact with the audience is important.  I know it's a 'low tech' solution......but it's reliable for me. Maybe of help to some others. Regards, Joe G.
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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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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!
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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.
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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!
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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)!
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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
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