I compose a song in BIAB. Instruments are: Guitar 1, Guitar 2, Piano, Bass, Drums.
Bar 1 is set in Bar Settings (F5) to mute all instruments, except Guitar 1. Bar 3 introduces Guitar 2. Bar 5 adds in Piano. Bar 7 drops in Bass.
And finally, Bar 8 plays All instruments, including Drums. (I may be wrong about the exact sequence but you get my drift. It's a gradual build up).
It plays as expected in BIAB. It renders out as expected as a WAV file.
However, when I Save A$ an SGU file and then import the SGU into Cubase (12 Pro) using the DAW plugin, and export as multiple Audio files, All instruments play from Bar 1.
I am stumped. Anybody smarter than me let me know what I'm doing wrong, please?
You have a good and clear problem description here. I can't help with this question, but I suggest this might get better attention in the appropriate platform Plugin forum.
Also, are you still running BIAB 2019 as it says in your signature, and tell us if you have a Windows version or a Mac version. What build #? You can find that in Help, About.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
The BIAB-VST has not always honored the F5 (bar setting changes) in .sgu files. This has changed on and off over the years, I suspect your version is one that does not.
Look for 2019 in the list and the only update listed is 644 .. this must have been the most stable and updated one for 2019 If you already have 644, then it likely won't help much, but if not, maybe there is a fix in that update.
Last edited by rharv; 06/15/2211:32 AM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
My workflow is to move everything, all tracks and all measures, into my DAW and use animation there to accomplish what you are trying to do. One reason is because of the little things like you are experiencing although I have not had that problem, but more important I have more control. If I change my mind about what order to introduce the tracks into the song I can. If I want to blend some tracks together during their introduction I can. I can change individual volumes. I can have very smooth introductions. Etc, Etc.
This is just the way I do things and it may or may not work for you.
I haven't lost all of my marbles but there is a small hole in the bag someplace!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
It didn't seem logical for there not to be a method to retain BIAB arrangements when opening a BIAB file in RealBand or the VST. It turns out there is a way to accomplish the task and BIAB arrangements can be done from the Bar Settings Menu, saved and subsequently opened and displayed correctly in the DAW VST or RealBand.
I'll share with any who may be interested, how to use Bar Settings in BIAB, save the project and open it with the correct arrangement in either the VST or RealBand. I successfully tested this process in both RealBand and the VST Stand alone.
I'll describe one track and a user will duplicate the steps for each additional track. Because the Drums aren't RealTracks, that track is done differently.
The Steps for the Bass to be muted on tracks 1-7 and begin on Bar 8:
* Mouse click on Bar 1 * Open Bar Settings (F5) * Select the RealTracks Button * Highlight Bass Track * Type 1152 in the "Change RealTracks to" Box and Ok to close the window * Click on Bar 8 * Open Bar Settings (F5) * Select the RealTracks Button * Highlight Bass Track * Type in 921 (or whatever your Bass instrument index number is )in the "Change RealTracks to" Box and Ok to close the window
When generated, this programs BIAB to have the Bass Track playing the '1152:silence' RealTrack for Bars 1-7 and transition to the original 921 Bass RealTrack at Bar 8. BIAB recognizes RT1152 as a RealTrack and also reads ahead and recognizes the transition between the two RealTracks and selects appropriate audio clips to create smooth endings and beginnings for a smooth transition without awkward or abrupt endings or beginnings.
Repeat the process steps for each additional Track as necessary.
Drums are not RealTracks so they do not respond to the RealTrack silence option located in the RealTracks menu.
To silence the Drums Track for Bars 1-8: Edit the RealDrums using the Audio Editor to silence Bars 1-8 and Save the file. This automatically Saves a WAV audio Track and names it in the same folder where the SGU file is located.
When the SGU file is opened in either RealBand or the VST, the entire drum track will be generated but the saved Drum Track arrangement can be imported into the RB or DAW project.
I've attached a photo from RealBand so forum members can see the generated tracks from a BIAB saved SGU file and how the BIAB 8 Bar opening has been retained.
Thank you all for the helpful suggestions. I managed to get it working as hoped.
I am much more comfortable using Cubase, to be honest. I simply loaded in the tracks as they were output from Realband, and then used the track volume control in Cubase to bring in each instrument over time.
Super simple. Super fast. Should've thought of that first.
Excellent, you found a workaround. Welcome to the club. Unfortuantley, that means simply not using the BIAB-VST!
I stand by what I had said, the BIAB-VST over the years has changed in its operation. So the version you are using is important in regards to being compatible with any of the F5 features, including changing a style, in BIAB.
Oh I still need to use the Realband(?) plugin to transfer the tracks across. It's just that it's easier to finesse the volume from within Cubase, rather than getting my knickers in a twist trying to get it sorted in BIAB. Thanks again for your helpful input.
OK, call me Doubting Thomas... Charlie does have some skills, but did this work in your case?
The strangest thing happened Dan. Mr. Henry has recently put out a new tutorial that demonstrates how this process I described above works in BIAB. The only difference is you select the RealTrack 1152 in the location you want muted.
This should work for everybody and there are benefits of using a RT rather than the Bar Settings Mute option. It's been verified in the past by PG Staff that using RT1152 causes the BIAB algorithm to recognize the transition and select audio clips to make "smooth transitions" (PG Music's term for all the things BIAB can do automatically using this process rather than the Bar Settings Mute)
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