Nigel, are you exporting with tracks centred, no reverb, no EQ? I have that set up in my preferences and, as a result, the tracks need treatment to sound like they did in the box.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Are you saying that even with all tracks centred and EQ & effects off the rendered tracks are still dull?
On another matter - have you noticed that sometimes (typically when you have been trialing and replacing realtracks a lot in a song the volume of the new tracks go down to close to zero volume. Saving the song and reloading does not help. I have to delete the song completely and start from scratch - do you get this?
Best Regards Nigel
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
On another matter - have you noticed that sometimes (typically when you have been trialing and replacing realtracks a lot in a song the volume of the new tracks go down to close to zero volume. Saving the song and reloading does not help. I have to delete the song completely and start from scratch - do you get this?
Hi Nigel,
When styles are created, volumes in Stylemaker are adjusted so that each track is at the "right" mixer volume when the mixer's volume for that track is set to 90. Because some RTs are louder than others, individual track adjustments in Stylemaker vary.
When trialling RTs, if you happen to put a softer Realtrack onto a mixer track that was reduced in volume to accommodate the original instrument in the style, the trialled RT will sound very quite.
In other words, what you are experiencing is a consequence of the base style that you are bring RTs into. (At least, this is my take on it all.)
Dull rendered tracks - how do you avoid this problem?
Hi again, Nigel.
My tracks are always dull when I render them because I always render them without reverb, tone settings and with the pan centered. I do all the modifying in my DAW.
Are you rendering your tracks in BIAB or in the VST plugin?
Are you saying that even with all tracks centred and EQ & effects off the rendered tracks are still dull?
...have you noticed that sometimes the volume of the new tracks go down to close to zero volume.do you get this?
hello again Nigel, From my experience, as recent as yesterday,centred, dry & unEQd is a bit "dull". I exported a drum track twice for a current project - one had slight variations added. I was intending to just cut n paste the changes in as & where I felt they worked and as I started I noticed the two version sounded quite different...one was "dull". I went back & checked my settings and it seems my preference for dry etc had dropped out with the last update giving me the different sounds. It was no biggy to tweak in Reaper to make a match, (though, usually, matching BIAB's reverb is a problem), there was a solid wallop of reverb & a couple of units of top end to get within cooee, but it was a stark difference. In the end I didn't go with the variant sections as I rather like the persistent, insistent plod of my original grab. The volume thing - I've not noticed becasue I spend very little time inside BIAB - I find, export and work in Reaper without paying attention to levels etc in BIAB.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Looks like everybody has the same problem with BIAB rendering dull sounding wav files.
Maybe somebody at PG Music can explain this to us all and what they are going to do to fix it.
Thanks & Best Regards Nigel
Nigel,
I don't think I explained myself well previously so I thought that I should clarify why my rendered audio files sound "dull" compared to when I listen to them in BIAB.
I choose for them to be dull by removing all of PG Music's effects such as EQ, Pan, Reverb and volume balance. I personally like to have raw audio files to work with in my DAW. Once I take the raw audio to Reaper, I then add my own Pan, EQ, Reverb, Delay, etc.
When files play in BIAB, they are usually heard with all of PG Musics adjustments that were added when making a style.
When you render a file, these additions of PG Music should render with the audio unless you choose to render "dry, center, flat" like I do.
they don't sound the same because the tracks have no eq, no fx and no PG music balancing of the tracks that make for the overall sound of the style that created the file.
as you say .......... 'no Band In A Box EQ, no Reverb and no Effects'
that's why i drop and drag files to RB these days rather than open BIAB files in RB because RB does not have the fx and eq
drag and drop exports tracks with the eq and fx - although there is a setting to centre and remove fx
In Band In A Box I remove all panning, EQ, Effects, Reverb etc (everything) from every track and just set all volumes to 90. So all the tracks are completely dry. Then I listen in BIAB - it sounds fine.
However when I export the dry tracks to 16Bit 44.1K WAV files they sound nothing like in BIAB - they sound dull and lifeless. Nothing to do with volume or EQ or Reverb etc - this is just a tonal matter.
I just use the BIAB export function - should I be using drag and drop and if so how does this improve the tonal quality of the rendered tracks?
If it does - how do I drag and drop tracks?
Best Regards Nigel
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
I would like to circle back and go through this in more detail - the 'dull' problem.
My first response would have been as above, to export as flat, dry, centered and make the EQ etc. adjustments in the DAW. But it sounds like you are doing this.
Then I would have made sure you were rendering the tracks in 16 bit, 44.1K at the least. But it sounds like you are doing that.
You are using Reaper, so I can't help with that. Is there any chance there is a gain staging problem, where the volume level going to Reaper is somehow way too low?
Your description of 'dull' makes me think, bit and sample rate, like saving to a 128-quality MP3 or lower, even like 40. So, could you describe the exact steps you take to transfer your BIAB audio tracks into Reaper? Perhaps someone, especially someone who knows Reaper, will see something.
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.
Your export matches one of my usual one Nigel...though sometimes I'll use 24 bit just to suss out if there's a perceivable difference. Other times I'll select the track in BIAB mixer, make sure I've centred etc, & use the track actions (?) from the right click to export one at a time. Other times I've dragged from the DAW plug in (LOTS of problems with that) after the same preparation. I have most faith in the right click method for some reason. I have noted, during a recent collaboration, that the levels on the BIAB tracks were quite low...this didn't bother me but required significant boosting with the collaborator after rendering from REAPER without tweaking volume.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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®.
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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!
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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!
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