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?
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.
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:
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.
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!
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.
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!
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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
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.
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.
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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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?
... 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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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.
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.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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)
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!
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.
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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.
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