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…
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean