Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 12
T
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
T
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 12
How do I mute a track for a specific chorus or choruses, e.g. I have a 32 bar song looping 4 times and I want the piano track to be muted for the third chorus?

Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,835
Expert
Online Content
Expert
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,835
F5 !


Biab Audiophile 2026
Beginners Forum
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 836
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 836
To make a change for a bar in a specific Chorus, first unfold your song. You'll find this under Edit | Song Form | Unfold. Then go into the Bar Settings of the bar you wish to start the mute. You can get to the Bar Settings by either right clicking the bar and selecting Bar Settings in the menu. Or as Marco76 use the shortcut F5.


Best,
Chantelle
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,073
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,073
Originally Posted By: TheLoneRoger
How do I mute a track for a specific chorus or choruses, e.g. I have a 32 bar song looping 4 times and I want the piano track to be muted for the third chorus?

There's no need to unfold your song.

Select the bar that you want to mute a track on, press function key <F5>, then select which chorus number you want to apply the mute to. Repeat at the bar for the chorus where you wish the track to return to normal:

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2021-08-27_15-07-56.jpg (97.81 KB, 147 downloads)

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.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 12
T
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
T
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 12
Thanks for all your replies.

Much as I'm impressed with what BiaB does, and I accept that there's no real alternative, I must say the usability leaves something to be desired, imho!

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,073
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,073
Originally Posted By: TheLoneRoger
Thanks for all your replies.

Much as I'm impressed with what BiaB does, and I accept that there's no real alternative, I must say the usability leaves something to be desired, imho!

I hope my answer gave you both a reasonable and the simplest way to achieve your requirements.


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.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
those of us who started with BIAB on floppy discs have seen it grow from a simple program to the incredibly powerful tool it is now. we learnt gradually as new features were added over the years.

coming in fresh like you are is a steep learning curve - you have to learn what we absorbed gradually over the years. there is a lot to learn but that's the price you pay for something so powerful.

stick with it - it's worth it and if you have any further questions - just ask. its often easier than trying to read a manual of several hundred pages!

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513
And as the unfold-or-not and F5 or-click discussion shows, there are often several ways to do things in BIAB. While this can make things seem complicated, I consider it an advantage as you discover the workflow that works best or seems most intuitive to you.


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; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,554
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,554
Originally Posted By: TheLoneRoger
Thanks for all your replies.

Much as I'm impressed with what BiaB does, and I accept that there's no real alternative, I must say the usability leaves something to be desired, imho!


I agree in the sense of a new(er) user.
However, for many of us, once you DO learn how it works, logical workflow 'improvements' become more complicated.
Kinda like Photoshop (and the rest of the Adobe Suite); for me it is a very confusing interface, and it took a while to learn (like BiaB).
But once you do learn it, you can do things other software doesn't.

Just had a thought
It would be cool if there was a 'Basic' interface and an 'Advanced' one .. but that requires development time (and testing) so less other features would be developed in a given timeline. And then updated every year.

We use a certain eCommerce platform for development, and the Admin area has a switch from Basic to Advanced. That is what made me think of this. The options are much more limited for Basic, but it gets you used to how things work. Then when you need more advanced features you simply turn on Advanced access. smile


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,015
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,015
Originally Posted By: rharv
Originally Posted By: TheLoneRoger
Thanks for all your replies.

Much as I'm impressed with what BiaB does, and I accept that there's no real alternative, I must say the usability leaves something to be desired, imho!


I agree in the sense of a new(er) user.
However, for many of us, once you DO learn how it works, logical workflow 'improvements' become more complicated.
Kinda like Photoshop (and the rest of the Adobe Suite); for me it is a very confusing interface, and it took a while to learn (like BiaB).
But once you do learn it, you can do things other software doesn't.

Just had a thought
It would be cool if there was a 'Basic' interface and an 'Advanced' one .. but that requires development time (and testing) so less other features would be developed in a given timeline. And then updated every year.

We use a certain eCommerce platform for development, and the Admin area has a switch from Basic to Advanced. That is what made me think of this. The options are much more limited for Basic, but it gets you used to how things work. Then when you need more advanced features you simply turn on Advanced access. smile

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Clipboard01.jpg (115.83 KB, 93 downloads)
The modern interface is pretty basic and you can customize it.

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
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,073
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,073
Quote:

Just had a thought
It would be cool if there was a 'Basic' interface and an 'Advanced' one .. but that requires development time (and testing) so less other features would be developed in a given timeline. And then updated every year.

Lots of merit in that suggestion. +1


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.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513
The basic versus advanced interface has of course been discussed at length before (without a consensus, as I recall) but here we have a new justification: the difference in development time. However, I am not sure it would make any difference. I think the two interfaces would likely be created as the advanced first, then decide what to remove to make it easier to work with. Doing it the other way risks introducing errors. But that's just my best guess as a programmer.


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; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,015
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,015
The modern interface can be as basic as you want, it's essentially the chord sheet and audio mixer.

As Matt pointed out shortly after the modern interface was introduced, the custom tab allows the user to decide what icon buttons are easily accessible. The audio mixer can be hidden with two keystrokes leaving just the chord sheet in view.

What else would you eliminate or change for a "basic" interface?

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Clipboard01.jpg (81.91 KB, 76 downloads)
Modern view with hidden mixer.

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
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513
Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle
... What else would you eliminate or change for a "basic" interface?

Boy, that sure is the question isn't it. The revision of the GUI in (I think) 2018 went a long way to at least giving the appearance of a more streamlined program. If I recall correctly, it's the menus that were the focus of the effort discussed before, and I do have some sympathy for that approach.


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; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,073
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,073
Yes, a difficult question indeed, and one with a thousand answers.

Seeing you asked, I would simplify menus, and separate out features like Melodist, Soloist, Harmony, ACW, Audio Edit, User Tracks Development, Melody Embellisher, Ear Training, Practice, Conductor etc. All of the functionality would still be available, but not included in a streamlined, simplified presentation format.

The simplified view would be an 'auto-accompaniment' music system. A 'Band-In-A-Box'. Enter the chords, choose a style, and play along. New users would surely find this less bewildering, and can migrate to advanced functions whenever they wish.


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.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,567
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,567
Originally Posted By: VideoTrack
Yes, a difficult question indeed, and one with a thousand answers.

Seeing you asked, I would simplify menus, and separate out features like Melodist, Soloist, Harmony, ACW, Audio Edit, User Tracks Development, Melody Embellisher, Ear Training, Practice, Conductor etc. All of the functionality would still be available, but not included in a streamlined, simplified presentation format.

The simplified view would be an 'auto-accompaniment' music system. A 'Band-In-A-Box'. Enter the chords, choose a style, and play along. New users would surely find this less bewildering, and can migrate to advanced functions whenever they wish.


I agree. Condensing like things under one tab would help also IMHO. For instance putting all chord functions under a tab called chords would help and streamline the GUI. YMMV

The new GUI is a start in the direction. I haven't used the old GUI since the new came out.


Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647
D
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
D
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647
I have been a user for for more than 20 years, but would welcome a simplified "auto accompaniment" version. I do like the real tracks / drums, but I have never used Real Band, track freezing, recording etc. I do use the melodist from time to time, mostly to audition styles or even instruments. I probably should investigate the custom tab, but I seem to know where all the buttons are that I need.

But I would rather PGM spend time fixing problems - especially those that have been around for ages. I can live with the existing GUI, but decluttering the GUI and all the drop down menus would be a "nice to have"


BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643)
Windows 10 (1909)
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

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
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.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,086
Posts799,999
Members40,031
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
misoprostol, roshan2121, Din, AurealiusB, sam31985
40,031 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 153
DC Ron 95
rsdean 92
WaoBand 86
DrDan 70
Today's Birthdays
CeeDee, SethMould
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5