Hello all. Can a user set a default for the number of bars and choruses one wants when he/she opens a new song or do these aspects have to be set manually each time? For example I want to make a number of quick down and dirty practice tracks with 12 bars and no repeats. Do I have to enter those parameters each time I produce one of these?
I suppose a work around would be to make a template song to open each time and then change the chords or key.
Yes a default for song measures and repeats can be setup. Not at my computer right now, but take a look under Options...Arrange tab...I think what your looking for is there.
BackingTrack, your suggestion of making a template song is a good idea anyway. Load it, rename it immediately, then continue. That's a common technique in lots of software.
The BIAB option that Jeff and Jim mentioned is indeed new in BIAB 2022 and was a direct answer to user requests. The good news is that the default now is one chorus, but for those of us who liked it as it was, we can set that using the dialog Jim showed. Everyone wins.
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 good news is that the default now is one chorus
That one likely was due to customers contacting support asking why their song keeps repeating - it can certainly be confusing to new customers.
And not just support. Many times that question got asked here on the forum pages too
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.
My comment was taken out of context, so it might be useful to point out why I liked it the way it was. I’ve been a pro jazz player since the early 1960s. BIAB began as a tool to play jazz fakebook songs and the three-chorus model (where chorus = once through the tune) was well-suited for jazz. As BIAB evolved way beyond just jazz users, norms like this one began to be less appropriate. There were many requests to change the defaults and even the terminology to accommodate verse, chorus, bridge etc. But for those who liked it as it was, such as me, it’s now a user setting and anyone can have it the way they like it. That’s the right way to handle something like this.
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.
You’re welcome. Where I grew up, we used to have to walk to and from school, uphill both ways, for five miles in 8 feet of snow. You young whippersnappers have it easy.
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.
You’re welcome. Where I grew up, we used to have to walk to and from school, uphill both ways, for five miles in 8 feet of snow. You young whippersnappers have it easy.
Whereas I'm a millennial so I have everything easy and eat avocado toast every day, which is of course the reason why I can't afford a house.
In all seriousness, Matt's contributions here are absolutely invaluable. I learn a lot from you here on the forums (particularly about BIAB history), and I work here. I mean, I'd probably have learned more by now if we were in "normal" circumstances, but I started here during lockdown last May and I still haven't met about 2/3 of the company in person - including PG himself!
Thank you, Simon. Many of us have already commented how terrific it is that you participate actively here. It really has made a difference.
I have a background of building all my own PCs since 1983 but even so I’ve picked up some good tech info from you. I hope you do get to meet others in your company because you have some great ones working there. We had no idea all of you were not together.
Pat Marr even proposed a BIAB reunion a few years back, and Victoria BC was considered. We wound up at my place on Lake George NY with three total to go to my concert, but it was great fun. Maybe someday we all can go to western Canada?
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.
I remember a time when Dr. Gannon offered a get-together in or near Vancouver island, but it never materialized. Its one thing to arrange a road trip and get 20 people to agree to meet you as you pass thru town. Its quite another to get the same number of people to make travel plans to show up at the same place and time. There are so many things that make demands on peoples' time, trying to arrange a group event is outside the realm of my skill set.
Thank you, Matt, for hosting that great weekend in Lake George! I totally enjoyed your show! Meeting Mario and his dear wife was the icing on the cake. I had already met you and your wife in Virginia on another trip (as you already know... but I mention it for the sake of anyone reading this.)
I just bought a new car, so maybe its road trip time again. I have internet friends in Vancouver & Vancouver island I've never met in person, so don't be surprised if I show up at PGMusic headquarters and ask for a nickel tour.
After Simon’s comment, I wonder about what and who would be in Victoria, at least until the pandemic is under control. I’m having trouble imagining a world of work where I’ve never even met most of my coworkers, and am saddened if that’s the new normal. There are occasional newcomers here who wrongly think I’m against change, but on this, they might be right. If I worked with someone as knowledgeable and helpful as Simon, it would be inspiring.
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.
Thank you, Simon. Many of us have already commented how terrific it is that you participate actively here. It really has made a difference.
I have a background of building all my own PCs since 1983 but even so I’ve picked up some good tech info from you. I hope you do get to meet others in your company because you have some great ones working there. We had no idea all of you were not together.
Pat Marr even proposed a BIAB reunion a few years back, and Victoria BC was considered. We wound up at my place on Lake George NY with three total to go to my concert, but it was great fun. Maybe someday we all can go to western Canada?
Aw shucks, you're gonna make me blush
Thank you though - I've been actively trying to make a difference , and I'm glad my efforts are noticed!
Originally Posted By: Pat Marr
don't be surprised if I show up at PGMusic headquarters and ask for a nickel tour.
Nickel tour is about right - there's not much to tour, being that the office is quite small, and most of us work from home now anyway.
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
After Simon’s comment, I wonder about what and who would be in Victoria, at least until the pandemic is under control. I’m having trouble imagining a world of work where I’ve never even met most of my coworkers, and am saddened if that’s the new normal. There are occasional newcomers here who wrongly think I’m against change, but on this, they might be right. If I worked with someone as knowledgeable and helpful as Simon, it would be inspiring.
Yeah it's definitely strange not knowing who I work with. So far I've met in person less than 1/4 of the company. I personally think that working remotely is something that should be embraced by society, as it provides a lot more opportunity for people who have physical challenges with workplaces, and thankfully the pandemic has proven that it can work for businesses
Again, thank you for your kind words Matt, always a pleasure.
Working from home has many benefits but so does working in an office space. Department meetings, training and even the office Christmas party supports and builds social bonds and a company's culture. I believe most businesses will realize a mixture of the two works best for most employees and the business itself.
Chatting whilst making coffee or at the water machine or the printer. It can be about work or social or about whatever else seems appropriate. Chatting cross-discipline.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
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.
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.
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean