There was an issue with Reaper not handling wma files well as it was using ffmpeg decoder but the very helpful guys over at Reaper implemented the Windows Media Foundation codec to fix this issue after I asked them and I did some testing, now Reaper plays wma direct accurately on old or new hardware. You will need the latest version from 6.57 It now plays fine on a 1.9GHz Celeron Win7 laptop with a 5400rpm HD. Thanks to the incredibly helpful guys at Reaper this shows what I have been saying about Biab/BBPlugin/RealBand playing source files direct that seemed to fall on deaf ears around here. All this would allow Biab to be used as a Live Arranger that will be a game changer, the Reaper guys saw this, I just hope the Biab guys will also now see.
It will give you way more control of what you need as it's loading the source files directly (wma or wav) into Reaper without waiting and creating wav files. You can easily add multiriffs to any section of Reaper's track instantly without having to render a lot of wav files. You can change any section at anytime. Any item you click on will show what RealTrack section it is allowing you to see what instruments changes there are on any track instantly. Any items can be extended either way to give custom variations as you don't have one consolidated wav file. Shots and Holds for RealDrums can be custom selected by extending/shortening the Hold/Shot section for another variation. Shots and Hold for the RealTracks can be adjusted easily in timing or volume level. RealTracks can be changed from Direct Input <> FX version with one click keeping the same playing. RealDrums can be split to stems (where available) instantly after you have made any custom adjustments to the stereo drums track like adding fills where you want. I don't know why the Stems don't have the shots n holds at the end of the file same as the stereo files ???? so any shot, holds or pushes you have changed you will have to copy from the stereo drum track. The Tracks from Biab will adjust to any decimal tempo map in Reaper. It can have 4/4-3/4 time signature changes. With so many pre made Styles in Biab this allows you to create you own unique Style or pick a RealTrack instrument or Drum randomly that will match the Feel, Time Signature and tempo range it is set to.
Here's your Biab Live Arranger playing wma direct https://www.dropbox.com/s/g28fd8zss4me8h8/Biab-Live-Arranger-WMA.mp4?dl=0 you just need to put it in an easy programmed crossplatform language so you don't spend half the year on Win and the other half on Mac. It just needs to be basic without all the Biab features. When the user loads a style it just loads all the track data for those RTs and plays the user's chord input back direct from the wma/wav source file sections that are referenced in the data. Or you can just wait till Yamaha do it.
This is a very quick way to export tracks, even if the song is 255 bars it will still be quick without having wait for it to render down to a consolidated wav. You can then easily edit and tweak the solo track or adjust the level or timing of a hold, change the drum shot, hold or push level or timing, add fills where you like. Nothing is cast in stone, it's all editable to exactly what you want.
This is the simplest way to use it: Just select the BB or Util track in the floating mixer and hit "Import Selected Mixer Track" or "Import Selected Mixer Midi Track"
Chord Sheet Display options. There are 2 chord view options, Biab type and Studio One type, both are resizable windows. SGU MGU etc can be imported to Reaper regions or Reaper region injected into Biab:
Any item you select will give the name and number of the RealTrack or Drum showing any instrument changes on the track. So if you have F5 instrument or Style change they will all show exactly what instrument change is on the track that you can't see with a consolidated wav file. If you are sending the tracks to another party you can actually write cue markers with the instrument change name into the rendered wav file.
This shows again how easy it is to switch from the original FX guitar RealTrack to the Direct Input version adding a VST FX like Amplitube. You don't need to regenerate the track in a DI version giving you different riffs, this will change instantly keeping the same riffs. You can't do this with a consolidated rendered wav file from Biab.
Super Easy Drum Editing: You can easily edit the drum track how you like as every section will contain the whole drum track, you can select whatever shot, hold or push you want and adjust it's vol level or timing/position or put any fill anywhere, you can use A/B Endings anywhere in the song. You can copy the hits from the end of the track and add them wherever you like, let them bleed, adjust vol level as you don't have a consolidated rendered wav file. It can the be instantly made into stems once you get it how you like without rendering and dragging a whole lot of stems, the only issue being is when they made the stems they did not add the shots, holds and pushes that are at the end of the stereo file, as you can see below in the pic, so you will need to copy them to the stem track from the stereo track wherever you have a hold etc... hopefully there will be an update to fix these.
INSANE. I've not had a chance to read/watch these vids n graphics let alone read and understand but this is impressive stuff from Reaper & YOU Pipeline.THANK YOU.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
After Drums Stems this video will show how you can use different Direct Input guitars on the one track using the same Amp VST to change rhythm patterns during the song, easily adjusting the levels to match. Rather than having a choice of A or B pattern playing you can create custom rhythm changes keeping the same guitar sound.
Live Arranger Here's Live Arranger playing Biab tracks direct from the wma source files. So as the midi chord is inputted each track will go to that chord in each source file.
Here's a video using BBPlugin as a Live Arranger. The song has 228 bars of 14 chords in C, 8 bars each so it will loop the 8 bars unless another chord is enter with the midi keyboard. You can have 2 or 3 BBPlugins to give more chords and endings.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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)
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