Today, let's talk about the operation experience of SOLO and MUTE.
Both functions are fine. However, I feel more comfortable in other DAW software. For example, in STUDIO ONE, there are five tracks, I want to hear drums and bass, I only need to click the drum and bass twice to SOLO. Because it is impossible to open MUTE and SOLO at the same time in the same track in STUDIO ONE
But that's not the case in BIAB. In BIAB, if the MUTE of a drum track is turned on, at this time I click the SOLO of the drum track, then its MUTE is still turned on. So this time I click SOLO on this drum track, I still can't hear the drums, and I need to click MUTE on this stock track again. In fact, it doesn't have to be so troublesome, just click SOLO on the same track and MUTE will be automatically turned on. Because I hit SOLO, definitely for the SOLO of this drum track.
Next, I want to listen to SOLO with drums and bass. If it was in STUDIO ONE, all I had to do was hit the drums and the BASS SOLO, then I could listen to those two tracks. Clear thinking.
Not at BIAB. On BIAB's MIXER, it's OK for me to click the SOLO of the drum, but if I click the SOLO of the BASS again, then the SOLO on the drum just now is automatically canceled? It turns out that BIAB thinks SOLO is SOLO, and I will automatically cancel other SOLOs for you, so why not cancel it? Need to hold down SHIFT? I think this is complicating simple things. Some people say it's not complicated, what's so complicated about holding down SHIFT? Let's continue to see, on STYLEPICKER, for example, if I want two tracks of drum and bass to be SOLO, then I can't do it if I set two tracks to SOLO, because there is only one SOLO by default, so how to solve it? I need to MUTE all the other tracks.
In fact, the same problem, there are similar in BAR SETTING. For example, if I want to make INTRO only the sound of BASS, then I have two operation methods. The first is to MUTE all other tracks. The second method is to mute all the instruments first, and then set the BASS to "BACK TO NORMAL".
After a long time fumbling around with BIAB, I have found a solution myself. But I am still confused by these designs. This design makes people feel uncomfortable. Confuses users. The uncomfortable feeling, of course, can be adapted, but it can also be improved. Make more people feel comfortable. We often refer to this uncomfortable feeling of operating software and hardware as "anti-human design", as if it is the opposite of human operation logic and inconsistent with many software operations.
If it is convenient, I hope you can feel the SOLO and MUTE designs in STUDIO ONE, which are very reasonable.
You can use the right mouse click for multiple and one left to cancel all other solos. But yes Biab is like that.
The problem of MIXER is basically solved. I don't know if there are more convenient and quick SOLO and MUTE solutions in the lower left corner of StylePicker?
I have asked for solo mute buttons in the Style Picker, I asked for solo/mute buttons in the BBPlugin VST and that took years of fighting to get. Biab has so many dialogs you are stuck in like a jail and cannot access the main interface.
As much as the work around that Pipester mentioned (and thanks for pointing that out for folks) I still think it would be better if it conforms to standards in the DAW world.
Last edited by Rob Helms; 01/26/2209:16 AM.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
Then you still have no control of the volume, and the Style may have Utility tracks. The main problem with these windows is you don't have access to the main GUI while stuck in these windows, it is the same with the new F7 Tracks window and the new F8 Multiriff window, you have no control of the mixer or scrolling of the Audio Edit track to see the generated sections or be able to play easily section.
Then you still have no control of the volume, and the Style may have Utility tracks. The main problem with these windows is you don't have access to the main GUI while stuck in these windows, it is the same with the new F7 Tracks window and the new F8 Multiriff window, you have no control of the mixer or scrolling of the Audio Edit track to see the generated sections or be able to play easily section.
Yes. Probably this is an unsolvable problem.Just got used to it temporarily.
I'd rather the general bugs n instabilities be fixed and it continue as its own beast rather than conforming to DAWS and retaining instabilities. CORE CODE needs work.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I'd rather the general bugs n instabilities be fixed and it continue as its own beast rather than conforming to DAWS and retaining instabilities. CORE CODE needs work.
Yep, I totally agree. It needs a complete rewrite.
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
Yes and no. It’s a fine dance. Yes this program is deep and rich with powerful features it is also confusing and complicated. The menus and submenus are redundant. A deep clean up is warranted. A complete rewrite, hhmmm that could take years and tie up valuable resources. I think a year of less new feature coupled with a tracked bug repair system again coupled with menu/functionality update. Would be epic
Since new features would be mostly halted. Just refine those obvious one from this year, then release a few more RTs and styles to continue to drive sales.
First refined features:
1. All tracks equal! Complete this feature
2. Bar settings, song settings, chord settings, micro chords, multiriff, etc. Clean these up and place them under structured menu to clean up and simplify the workflow. G
3. During the cleanup process locate redundant feature options and eliminate them.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
+1 all of the above ! lol Mario said it before I could. But I think it will just keep going how it is. Yes rewrite could take years but on the other hand the BBPlugin could be the new Biab as the development is very quick with a Win and Mac version released at the same time that are identical. The thing that holds it back is waiting for the back end bbw4 (Biab running in the background) that it talks to. Once the generate code is translated from the old Delphi bbw4 code into the new BBPlugin code one function at a time, this will be all new code so any limitation from the 90's will not be brought into the BBPlugin. As the BBPlugin develops with the Direct Play function it will be quicker than Biab. All this will then go into the Standalone BBPlugin that will be easier to use and learn without any limitations of the old Biab (current) like tempo maps, time signatures and 255 bars.
At the moment I have to make AutoHotkey scripts for Biab to get pass the limitations and restrictions (like the Style Picker). That's why I asked for a Scripts menu like other audio apps have, so anything you can't do or takes too long to navigate through the menus and dialogs to do, you just run a script from the Scripts menu and it does it all instantly.
We as soon as multi riff and the rest came along on 2022, everyone was praising BIAB for a wonderful product - again.
In fact, I rarely use this riff in the main program of BIAB.
Because I first used BIAB to make a rough one. Secondly, it is generated by BIAB VST, and then put into other DAWs to continue production. If we need to improvise, we can use BIAB VST to generate several. Then put it into the DAW editing operation.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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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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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.
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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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