I use the Windows version so I'm not sure my comments will apply. If you use "Ctrl+T" it hides many of the toolbars, if that's helpful. Plus, there's even a way to customize what's left, to show only the icons you need.
Otherwise, I don't see how you could simplify it much more. No matter how you use the program, you're going to have to: - pick a style - pick a key - pick a tempo - set the song length - type in the chords
I only use BIAB on occasion, so I don't consider myself a "pro" at it. But once you learn where the buttons are for those functions, it's certainly not hard to type in the chords of a song. I'm guessing there are plenty of users here that, even though they're fairly new, could easily enter a song in under 30 minutes, and some in under 10.
What part of your process in BIAB is slowing you down? Finding the right style? Getting the right chords into the right "boxes"? Let us know, and there's likely people here who can speed up your "process".
If you are just simply generating tracks, there is the DAW plugin version of Band-in-a-Box. It has fewer features than the main program because it is assumed that you would also be using the editing features of your DAW program. So it is similar to a "lite" version.
too many dialog boxes and options. too many non musical decisions.
what I, and probably a lot of other pros want as well, is a simplification.
Maybe if you want it to be simple then don't use all the dialog boxes and options, for goodness sake.
All you need to do is enter chords, and choose a style from the Style Picker if you want to have a song generated for you. How much simpler and easy could it be? There is no need to go any deeper unless you want to fine-tune things, which is what all those dialog boxes and options are for.
I am a new user . I found it very difficult to understand all the functions. Now I understand I use only the basics. This was a painful process !
While the videos are helpful they are not logically presented ( which one to watch first ?) . Many of videos are created using old version, this it makes it hard to relate to current version 2022.
It’s simple to say just don’t use them but when you are new you don’t know what’s important. I have been around computer programs like this for many years. This one is a challenge . I am still finding function that are new to me .
My Korg PA keyboard had a simple function that hid all menus and option other than the basics . This was very helpful for a new user. If you are just starting you don’t need many function like harmonists, Melodist etc.
I think this a wonderful program but it really needs a redesign . I tried to find a flow chart on line on how all the function fit to gather with out luck. It tried draw on my self as I was learning but could not come with anything that helped me lay it out logically.
I would like to know more about this daw plug in version mentioned by Chantelle
snip ... I would like to know more about this daw plug in version mentioned by Chantelle
The plugin is a free standalone application included with all Band-in-a-Box packages. The plugin MUST be installed on the same computer as the main Band-in-a-Box program or it will not work. Version 4 is available for both 2022 Windows and Macintosh platforms. The plugin is available in both 32 and 64 bit formats and follows all plugin standards including VST, VST3, AU and AAX.
+++ HERE +++ is a link to the plugin support page. The plugin page link is also available at the top of each forum page as shown in the screen shot below.
"This one is a challenge . I am still finding function that are new to me ." LOL! After few years, I am too PGmusic packed some pretty cool / inventive stuff that you will discover if you are willing to invest some time into it.
I agree that some dialog menus can be consolidated, simplified and even made non-modal + overall workflow improved. 100%.
If you have not already, I would start, as was suggested with minimalistic view (Ctrl+T). Makes things much cleaner. Also "Mixer tab" on the upper right corner acts as a button and "hides" and "reveals" mixer.
Video - Agreed. There are too many old/new videos intermixed. I think we need a single beginner video covering making basic song from start to export. (perhaps intermediate and advanced later)
PG forum is a great place to get help with BIAB related issues. Usually folks who know software reply within hours if not sooner.
I'm very much inclined to agree with the stated header, +1 on that. Case in point: I gave my dad, a musician of over 60 years himself, a copy of BBox 2020 - He's never even used it once, citing "too complicated" as reason.
I for one would've loved to see the creation of something like "BBox Lite" that would be a highly reduced price, barebone midi only and/or even a trialware (another thing in on itself that is sorely missing!) ... but I'm certainly no longer holding my breath for any such thing or it would've happened decades ago I'm sure
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
I make my living from music, and have for 50+ years. speed and accuracy are paramount. BB slows my workflow down to a crawl. too many dialog boxes and options. too many non musical decisions. what I, and probably a lot of other pros want as well, is a simplification. I mainly just use BB to make mock-ups BGs quickly and non critically. in the end, i'd like to see a stripped down edition with no bells and whistles.... mac friendly.no dialog boxes like there are now. just "input the data" and port to the DAW. the musicianship is wonderful, but the interface is 20 years old. please, a stripped back PRO version.
thanks and regards, robbo.
"..speed and accuracy are paramount.. BB slows my workflow down to a crawl... what I, and probably a lot of other pros want as well, is a simplification... the musicianship is wonderful, but the interface is 20 years old.. please, a stripped back PRO version..."
That is NOT me posting, I swear. Though I have spent the last 13 years here trying to get BB there
Originally Posted By: musocity
The Plugin/Standalone with self contained code playing back tracks direct from the source files each track can open to display the waveform sections that can be all edited non destructively (NDE) the same as other multitrack VSTs and DAWs. If you drag the green WAV button only then will it render the sections to wav. This will give better editing control and faster generation than the main Biab app, so the Plugin Standalone could become the better way to go. Allowing real project time signatures, real tempo maps and 48khz 24bit audio. It can be released at the same time for Win & Mac (not 6 months apart). Band In A Box Lite® a self contained Plugin or Plugin Standalone.
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 .
Yes, I think they should put a copy in the C:\bb root with the bbw64.exe and have a different icon for it. They should do that now before the "new" release.
I've worked as a software designer and remember one of it's inspirational quotes: "A design is not finished when there is nothing left to add, but rather when there is nothing more you can take away." I've been using BB for about 3 years now and it's incredible in what it does but also has suffered a bit too much from adding, if not squeezing, new features into an interface originally conceived decades ago. I can build and export backing tracks rather quickly now and then move over to Ableton Live, but there are numerous times where I can't remember where a certain setting or feature lives and have to click through ten or more popups before I find it or give up.
We may forgive BB because at the end of the day, the output (music) is all that really matters, but first impressions and feedback from new users is something important not to be dismissed. Then again, if I see BB as a best-kept secret then maybe I don't want too many new people discovering it. =)
"A design is not finished when there is nothing left to add, but rather when there is nothing more you can take away."
Nice philosophy.
AFAICS BIAB has had many things added over the years and they're usually "tacked on" to something that already exists in what is reasonably logical way and place at the time, but if often feels like nobody stands back from it all and looks how to rationalise things. The longer that continues, the harder it becomes to do any rationalisation. It all becomes "too difficult", so one lives with the status quo.
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 .
too many dialog boxes and options. too many non musical decisions.
what I, and probably a lot of other pros want as well, is a simplification.
robbo, FWIW I've been using BiaB for about 2 years and when I first started I was overwhelmed with the dialog boxes and menu choices too, so I can relate. And I still consider myself a newbie.
What I have learned with this and other software is to make your progress incrementally. Start simple and ignore all the bells and whistles. Establish a comfort level with the 3 or 4 basic tasks that you need in your workflow. Then ask yourself "I wonder if it can do such and such?" Spend a little time searching for the such-and-such in the program and in the videos. If you come up dry simply ask the question at this forum. There are many friendly experts here that can answer most any question you have. I think you will find that it is a very capable program.
Could the program be simplified? Absolutely, but the key is when you are trying to get something done, stay focussed on that task and don't get distracted by the many "shiny objects" in the dialog boxes. You may also want to type up a series of "How To" sheets so that when you forget something you once knew you just look at your sheet. For me, re-learning something that I once knew how to do is more frustrating than trying to learn it the first time, hence, How To sheets make sense for me until it becomes second nature.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 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 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 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 21 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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
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!
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PGmusic packed some pretty cool / inventive stuff that you will discover if you are willing to invest some time into it.
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