How do I change the instrument on a realtrack without changing the notes being played on the track ?
I can change the instrument in the mixer by right-clicking on the patch, so far so good. However, when I press the PLAY button the old instrument is played (despite that the new one is shown in the mixer). If I re-generate the track the new, correct instrument is played, but also the notes which I want to keep.
If I freeze the track neither the notes nor the instrument is changed, an expected behaviour.
What is the correct procedure to change the instrument and keep the notes (melody) ?
This isn't possible. That's not how RealTracks work.
When PG Music hires someone to create RealTracks for them, they provide that artist with a chord sheet and tell them to play "something" in a given style that matches against those chords.
What that artist decides to play is entirely their decision.
So one artist might see a D major chord, and decide to play a flurry of F# notes. A different artist might see a D major chord, and decide to play a single D note.
So you can't just swap out RealTracks and expect to get the same notes.
what is midi and how it works (i.e. you need a synth of some form) what are midi supertracks? what are RealTracks? how do editable RealTracks work?
we keep seeing new users who haven't grown up with BIAB since the midi only days who would find things a lot easier to understand if there was a basic primer
and i'm sure if they knew the basics they would be able to solve a lot of their own problems
Bob Calver, this is a great idea. I really want to understand the limitations of realtracks. Is there any possibility to edit them at all? According to the answer from dcuny I guess the answer is NO.
At least I have now learned from the post "How to: Replace a RealTrack with a MIDI Track in Band-in-a-Box®" (May 12 2022) that I can make a midi from a realtrack which I then can import to my DAW for editing. That's always something
Bob Calver, this is a great idea. I really want to understand the limitations of realtracks. Is there any possibility to edit them at all? According to the answer from dcuny I guess the answer is NO.
At least I have now learned from the post "How to: Replace a RealTrack with a MIDI Track in Band-in-a-Box®" (May 12 2022) that I can make a midi from a realtrack which I then can import to my DAW for editing. That's always something
With those steps it is replacing what the RealTrack plays with a new track that is MIDI. You can find a MIDI track that is the same type of instrument and genre, but the exact notes and rhythms would still be different from what was previously generated for the RealTrack.
How do I change the instrument on a realtrack without changing the notes being played on the track ?
I can change the instrument in the mixer by right-clicking on the patch, so far so good. However, when I press the PLAY button the old instrument is played (despite that the new one is shown in the mixer). If I re-generate the track the new, correct instrument is played, but also the notes which I want to keep.
If I freeze the track neither the notes nor the instrument is changed, an expected behaviour.
What is the correct procedure to change the instrument and keep the notes (melody) ?
I'm using Version 2020, 734
If the RealTrack has RealChart midi you can copy that midi to another track and add a VSTi like Sforzando and choose the instrument you want from the PG Library, this way it will play the same notes but on another instrument.
Well.... there might be a way... but it's not looking like its a direct path, but it does seem doable.
Use a DAW. Export the audio track into the DAW as a WAV. Some DAWs have built in audio to midi conversion tools and others do not.
HOWEVER..... MELODYNE. Found this about Melodyne.
Melodyne allows you to export audio notes as MIDI notes, in order, for example, to double your vocals with a sound from a software synthesizer. The MIDI notes are an exact representation of the audio notes in Melodyne. For each audio note, a MIDI note is created with the same position, length and pitch.
Once you have a midi track that's accurate compared to the audio, you can easily use any synth and get a different instrument.
As far as trying to get a different Real Track to play it.... I don't think that is doable yet. It might be coming in a future version. But for now.... you can convert audio to midi and use a synth with nice samples.
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.
Just my opinion, you shouldn't mention Melodyne without also mentioning the cost. The full polyphonic ie chords, program was around $500 depending on special sales, time of year etc. The slimmed down version for single note lines was about $150 or so.
what is midi and how it works (i.e. you need a synth of some form) what are midi supertracks? what are RealTracks? how do editable RealTracks work?
We do have this info in various places around the site, such as on the add-ons page, FAQs, and video page, but I've gathered what I think will be the relevant pieces and popped them in below for anyone who finds this thread and reads over it looking for help:
What is MIDI track? A "MIDI" track contains no actual recording of sound, but consists of events defined in the MIDI language, such as note on, pitch bend, etc. These events are stored in the track and, when sent to your synth, or internal sound card’s synth, the events will get played back and heard as music.
What Are MIDI Supertracks? Instead of MIDI styles based on C7 chord patterns that get repeated over every chord, the MIDI SuperTracks are based on actual playing by studio musicians. When you play the SuperTracks with your favorite MIDI synth or VST plug-ins, you'll hear great sounds using MIDI. MIDI SuperTracks are an excellent option for those looking for the editing and control capabilities of regular MIDI tracks but a more authentic sound similar to RealTracks.
What are RealTracks? RealTracks replace the MIDI language for an instrument in an audio format on any track, which can be controlled in similar ways to MIDI instrument (such as programming in volume changes, muting etc.). They follow the chord progression that you have entered, so you hear an authentic audio accompaniment or solo.
RealTracks are not "samples". They are full recordings that play in perfect sync with the other tracks you have loaded in the program. You can choose them from pre-made Band-in-a-Box® Styles, or combine RealTracks instruments to make your own band.
How do I know if RealTracks have notation? Some RealTracks have notation available and some do not. To know if a RealTrack has notation or not, first go to the RealTracks Picker. Then look under the Chart column. The "N" means it has notation. Also, "Gt" means that the guitar will display a guitar tab, or if it is a bass then the bass track will display a bass tab.
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)
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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