Joanne, I took your challenge. Registered with wonderful site, downloaded and installed software... Here is a result.
I think I am done with with it.
vcruntime140.dll is a missing Microsoft file, a Visual C runtime library. You should be able to download it from Microsoft.
It's rather remiss that it's not included in the installer, but I know some installer builders are rather unclear on how to include, exclude, or make web-downloadable some of these things.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Gordon, thanks. I know It should of prompted. I will try it later, since I have it already. But really doesn't matter. I do consider myself an open minded person, but I doubt that this software will inspire me beyond all the tools that I already have and tried.
Layout of MPC (even on their flashy ad, someone is using micro MPC keyboard) Other stuff (progression part)seems very close to Odesi / Captain Chords (which I don't use, but tried and got bored)
I really don't need a software to make music for me. I am enjoying the process of writing / finding my own progressions, nuances, arranging things. No pain - no gain, right? Also, I am into the styles of music that BIAB offers. As far as virtual instruments, loops, samples and special synths, arpeggios, Halion and Kontakt got me covered for years to come I have nothing against new music toys, especially if it brings joy to someone. It's just is of no use to me at this point in time.
What you are really saying is you want to crush the hopes and dreams of all the little children who have been oppressed by Big Music Media and exclude them from finding their dreams of making mixed beats on Soundcloud because you are a hateful elitist who doesn't want this poor company to charge $19.95 a month and get a $2 million pay day in an A series funding round, all because you demand that people be able to whistle a tune before they start singing?
You HATER!!!!!!!!
How DARE YOU!!!!!!!
Wait, did I mis-read you? Did I just overreact and say something totally obnoxious?
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
I also downloaded it but haven't had a chance to use it yet..
That’s the spirit! Let us know how you get on. I didn’t have any trouble downloading it and made a song in about an hour. I sent a support request on how to put chords within the measure and got a very nice, quick response. Maybe I will try and post my efforts here.
I don’t think this tool is aimed at us “maestros” on this forum but I do think it is a very neat tool that has massive potential.
I go back to my canva example. When I started using it a few years ago it was nowhere like it is today. They have slowly developed it to be what it is today…. A very decent tool that “democratises” graphic design. It is not aimed at those who know how to use adobe….
"I would also like to add that only those that have actually tried the tool should be allowed to comment on this thread"
So perhaps you can enlighten us, to how your hands on experience stack up against the question in the topic of OP:
"The Next Band-in-a-Box?"
Is it?
What follows is only my opinion:
The next Band-in-a-Box it is not, right now. BUT you never know where these things end up. It does not seem to be aimed at sophisticated music producers. It has a few nice styles and an easy to use interface that allows you to choose a style, setup your song structure, record your vocals and make and share a video. It took me about an hour to setup and record a song.
I tried it and I think it is absolute garbage. Before coming to BIAB I have tinkered with some composition toys, and still do occasionally, so judging from hands on comparison. Here is a short video to Yamaha Mobile Sequencer released years ago. I used it to sketch several tunes:
Vertical blocks approach looks familiar? Not a $3 app, but for $16 it is gold (for what it is). You can channel it through Audiobus to trigger fancy apps / sounds too. I think this was just a fun experiment for Yamaha aimed at Japanese market.
"BUT you never know where these things end up." We can argue same about anything. Anything can take a different shape and form, and I will agree with you that "you never know"... however there are things that have more potential than others, of course with exceptions.
Sometimes you just get lucky... I purchased a program that analyses chords from an Mp3 about 10 years ago. I think it cost about $10. Reviews I read on it at the time were that most people thought it was complete rubbish. I love it and I use it every single day. I also use a karaoke maker every day. This one cost $40. Then there are also free tools www.simplechordpro.com and Canva that I use every day.
Are these the best tools for the job? I have no idea
People will use what works for them and who are we to judge?
In my opinion, if this crowd gets their marketing right, this tool could work for many people who don't have any experience making music and just want to make a song and a video and share it on social media. If it works and more people are able to make music then more power to them.
I do a lot of online education on Band-in-a-Box and I cannot tell you how many of my clients have simply given up because it is too complex.
Joanne, Don't get me wrong. There is absolutely no harm in loving this tonestone's software. Just in my opinion not "revolutionary" by any means and not aimed at liberating oppressed talents as advertised
Joanne, Don't get me wrong. There is absolutely no harm in loving this tonestone's software. Just in my opinion not "revolutionary" by any means and not aimed at liberating oppressed talents as advertised
Marketing hype is rampant throughout the music tool software marketplace, right? For example, there is this one tool I use where I've purchased the upgrade every year for 10 years even though they make wild claims about 50 new features every year with a few being useful but a lot being...marketing hype! Dunno if you use any tools like this!
If you're looking for something similar but different to Band-in-a-Box check out +++ ChordPulse +++
You build a song using a chord sheet and a style similar to building a song in Band-in-a-Box. The difference are the program is only MIDI, all 183 styles are built-in and the program uses the Windows operating system built-in MIDI sound module.
One feature I really like is you can add chords to the chord sheet while the program is in playback mode.
The program is free to try for 14 days and the website has some freebies.
I purchased a program that analyses chords from an Mp3 about 10 years ago. I think it cost about $10. Reviews I read on it at the time were that most people thought it was complete rubbish. I love it and I use it every single day. .................................... Did this happen to be Riffstation Joanne? a program that I find. equally useful.
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
I purchased a program that analyses chords from an Mp3 about 10 years ago. I think it cost about $10. Reviews I read on it at the time were that most people thought it was complete rubbish. I love it and I use it every single day. .................................... Did this happen to be Riffstation Joanne? a program that I find. equally useful.
No it was some cheapy Winamp plug in. It is called “Chords!” Or something equally original. I don’t even think it is available any more…
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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