I just found a video on YouTube showcasing BIAB and I was wondering if this software could help me a little bit. As there doesn't seem to be a trial version, I thought I'd ask you so please excuse my lack of knowledge or if my questions sound stupid.
I'm a media composer. I mostly work for TV in the various cinematic orchestral genres. Sometimes synth-based underscores, sometimes (but rarely) pop and hip-hop. I normally work with insane deadlines (think 4-5 mins of fully orchestrated, mixed and stemmed music from scratch per day) so anything that can help me is welcome. Also, I work on Mac exclusively so all my questions are related to the Mac version in case there are any differences.
1. Can I import a MIDI melody into BIAB? 2. Can BIAB suggest chords based on an imported melody? (That's the most important feature for me.) 3. Where can I find a list of all the instruments available in BIAB? I work mostly with the full symphonic orchestra, from the strings, brass, woodwinds to the percussion and choirs. 4. Can BIAB export MIDI? 5. Do you see any feature of BIAB that could help me with my job?
I compose for big band jazz, chamber orchestra and (rarely) full orchestra. I'm glad I don't have your deadlines.
BIAB is "a" tool you can certainly use. I do, along with many others.
1. Yes 2. Yes (using the Reharmonist feature, which is fairly new; you can then even have it suggest alternate chord progressions). 3. I think your question might mean, can BIAB use VSTi so you can use your own libraries. Yes. There are 24 tracks and you can mostly put most instruments on these. Huge improvements here recently should continue. 4. Yes. And even better, Music XML 5. Tons. I love the quick melody entry by mouse since I don't play keys. It can analyze keyboard input and suggest what chord you are playing. Over 100 harmonization choices for a melody are available, really useful in arranging. I make jazz backing tracks with BIAB and use them in my notation software, Notion 6, or my DAW. This is just a few of the ways I use it daily. It can also generate a melody, a song title, or even a movie soundtrack of a specified length.
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.
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.
Welcome to the forums. Definitely Matt's answer should give you valuable feedback on what you can achieve.
I do believe it would be an excellent tool. My only additional advice is to start with the highest Pak version you can afford. Do note that the 'Pro' is a starter pack with very limited track sound options.
If you need commercial quality, consider the Audiophile version.
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.
You have received good answers to your questions so I will add to question #3. BiaB's included sounds are General MIDI (GM)and as you know they are at the bottom of good sounds' category. So here is my workflow using BiaB.
Construct a chord progression and sometimes a melody using the included GM then transfer them to my DAW. BiaB has a number of ways to transfer your song so that is not a problem. In my DAW I will use my much better sounds.
Note I find it much easier to work in my DAW than in BiaB but others do a lot and sometimes all of their work in BiaB. It is a personal choice. I add this as I assume, based on your initial post, you are using a DAW and good sounds so it might be easier for you to do a lot of your work there.
I should note that I work almost exclusively in MIDI.
I hope this helps.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I don't work with midi very much. However, using BB to create the midi tracks, and then exporting them to your DAW should be relatively easy and quick. MarioD says he works with midi a lot and drags them to his DAW. Just drop in your favorite VSTi and load the sample you want and you have exactly what you need.
As you pointed out, there is no trial version. HOWEVER.... PG is very generous in their return policy. Right on the main page.... Unconditional 30-Day Money Back Guarantee on all products purchased from PG Music Inc. Try it and if you don't like it, you can return it. Chances are good it will help you with your track creation. I believe there are a few orchestral styles in the program that may or may not help you get a jump start on writing. AT the very least, it should give you a basic track list and then you can add the unique tracks you want to fill out the score you're working on.
I have used it to create a few tracks that were used in film and TV a few years back. SO it has the potential to be a good writing tool.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I forgot to mention in my previous message that many RealTRacks have MIDI charts accompanying them. That means you can take a RealTrack and load it as a MIDI file into your DAW. Yes the MIDI chart track will lose many of the RT's audio nuances but you can do your MIDI magic with them This will give you many new MIDI track options.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
AnthonyMueller, Welcome to the forum and hopefully to Band-in-a-Box!
Band-in-a-Box is a great tool for creating combo and small ensemble music. It's strength is in quickly combining small instrument groups to create popular music in such genres as country, folk, rock and jazz. Select a style, the style creates a combo, enter chords and the combo will follow the chord sheet.
Band-in-a-Box has not focused as much on obtaining the tools needed to create or reproduce television and movie scores or orchestrations.
Anthony, give us some feedback if this is helping.
I was going to add to #3, and I see Mario and Herb have done so. Another way to talk about virtual instruments is that, for me it's not relevant as I do not use BIAB as my DAW. BIAB has many DAW-like features, and comes with the free RealBand if you have Windows; RealBand is a simpler DAW with a major advantage that it reads native BIAB files. [So does MuseScore 3 notation, by the way.] But I prefer to compose in BIAB and then move the MIDI or audio tracks to a DAW for finishing. So I do not use any VSTi sounds in BIAB; I use my Roland hardware MIDI synth. But, you could; I just cannot comment because I've never done it. Hope that clarifies.
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.
Thanks everyone! I'm floored by all these detailed (and fast!) answers.
I will then go for it and see what happens! In any case, I will report back in this thread with my findings :-)
That's great.
If you have any questions feel free to ask. You have stumbled onto the friendliest site on the web. You will never get a read the freaking manual here. We all started like you, most all of us have asked questions, and now many if not all of us answer any question. The only dumb question is one that is not asked.
Have fun and keep us posted.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Thanks everyone! I'm floored by all these detailed (and fast!) answers.
I will then go for it and see what happens! In any case, I will report back in this thread with my findings :-)
That's great.
If you have any questions feel free to ask. You have stumbled onto the friendliest site on the web. You will never get a read the freaking manual here. We all started like you, most all of us have asked questions, and now many if not all of us answer any question. The only dumb question is one that is not asked.
Have fun and keep us posted.
Thanks a lot! I will most likely go through the manual because I really plan to make the best out of this software (just finished downloading, went for the UltraPak+.) Today, I've received a pop-rock brief with a fast turnaround for a scene and I'll try to use BIAB for that.
(and yes, the community definitely seems friendly. I've been reading the forums for a while. It's a breath of fresh air when you are used to deal with people on VI Control and Gearspace!)
"Today, I've received a pop-rock brief with a fast turnaround for a scene and I'll try to use BIAB for that."
BiaB's RealTracks will be perfect for this one. In the style window search for pop, rock, and/or pop rock and you will get a number of styles. You may not need any MIDI for this one.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
While I definitely support Band in A Box to deliver at least some of your requirements, another program that is not a competitor by any means, but may have usable features is SonicFire Pro from SmartSound
It creates royalty free music in very little time, and has many sound library options available including Cinematic scores. It is specifically designed to create customized music for adding to video.
I have many of their libraries, and use them for music soundscapes to go with video.
You don't need to have the video loaded to use it, you can just set the length you want and style details etc, and export the audio for adding to your own NLE if required.
There's a short video presentation available also:
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.
Also, I work on Mac exclusively so all my questions are related to the Mac version in case there are any differences.
Noting the above, any references to Realband in previous responses will not apply (only Windows based versions include this) That said, I DO think you will find it a valuable tool in your toolbox. Keep us posted, we like to help
Last edited by rharv; 02/20/2207:36 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Also, I work on Mac exclusively so all my questions are related to the Mac version in case there are any differences.
Good pickup rharv. Yes, RealBand is not an option for the O/P.
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.
While I definitely support Band in A Box to deliver at least some of your requirements, another program that is not a competitor by any means, but may have usable features is SonicFire Pro from SmartSound
It creates royalty free music in very little time, and has many sound library options available including Cinematic scores. It is specifically designed to create customized music for adding to video.
I have many of their libraries, and use them for music soundscapes to go with video.
You don't need to have the video loaded to use it, you can just set the length you want and style details etc, and export the audio for adding to your own NLE if required.
There's a short video presentation available also:
Thanks. Actually, SonicFire is defintiely not the tool for me. This one lets you browse a list of royalty free music, buy a license and edit the stems to your video. My job is to actually write the music, much like composers write music that is then sold through SonicFire. I kinda do the same as what the software does... ...except that I'm the one writing custom themes to the visuals :-)
Also, I work on Mac exclusively so all my questions are related to the Mac version in case there are any differences.
Noting the above, any references to Realband in previous responses will not apply (only Windows based versions include this) That said, I DO think you will find it a valuable tool in your toolbox. Keep us posted, we like to help
Thanks! I figured this out while reading about BIAB so that's why I mentioned that I am on Mac :-)
Now, BIAB is fully installed. Where should I start to get a thorough tutorial on it? There are so many menus and sub-menus! I already figured out some stuff, exported stems in my DAW to mix them, etc. For example, I couldn't figure out how to arrange a song. For example, I'd like an intro, a verse without soloist, a chorus with a soloist, back to the verse, then a bridge with a different scale, etc.
Really happy to be here. I'm quite amazed at the quality of the tracks produced and the flexibility of BIAB :-)
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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