When I write a song with just one single style I can add new or modify the RealTracks in the mixer-window.
When I write a song which changes the style I can't do this (or at least I didn't find out how) for the second style because the RealTracks in the mixer-window do not change when the style changes.
Should technically be easy to implement (after all, everything you need is already there) and would open a complete new door to amazing compositions...
Edit: just noticed that the second style don't even keeps its own panning and volume settings...when I change those for the first style it just uses those
Hi. Can you provide a bit more detail to how you're building your song? There's multiple ways to implement style changes and BIAB can handle as many as 24 style changes in a song, each with a-b subsections. There's also multiple ways to handle panning and volume setting changes when a style change occurs.
A problem with more than one style in a song, either using Medley Maker or style-change in Bar Settings is that the mixer does not display the instruments of the new style. The mixer only displays the track information for the first style, so I can't see or tweak or substitute instruments for the other style, which I should be able to do. In fact, it keeps the name of the instrument of the first style but plays the new instrument on that channel.
I assume the architecture of the mixer has only room for one main bass/drums/keys/guitars/etc.- of the first style - so it is impractical for it to keep swapping between them on the fly. Of course, with all-tracks-equal, I can manually duplicate a style by separately loading each instrument into a utility track so that they can all be seen in the mixer, and then mute or silence all the bars of each style when the other is playing, but this would be quite cumbersome and laborious, and all the information is known by BIAB to do this automatically.
SUGGESTION:
I'm wondering if when there are two or more different styles in a song, using either Medley Maker or style-change in bar-settings - an option for an automatic button to print the tracks of the new style(s) into utility tracks and appropriately mute both styles when the other is playing.
As already said, the information is available in BIAB, but it just needs to separate the tracks/instrument channels of each style to its own set of tracks (which of course can then be modified or substituted)
A problem with more than one style in a song, either using Medley Maker or style-change in Bar Settings is that the mixer does not display the instruments of the new style. The mixer only displays the track information for the first style, so I can't see or tweak or substitute instruments for the other style, which I should be able to do. In fact, it keeps the name of the instrument of the first style but plays the new instrument on that channel.
I assume the architecture of the mixer has only room for one main bass/drums/keys/guitars/etc.- of the first style - so it is impractical for it to keep swapping between them on the fly. Of course, with all-tracks-equal, I can manually duplicate a style by separately loading each instrument into a utility track so that they can all be seen in the mixer, and then mute or silence all the bars of each style when the other is playing, but this would be quite cumbersome and laborious, and all the information is known by BIAB to do this automatically.
SUGGESTION:
I'm wondering if when there are two or more different styles in a song, using either Medley Maker or style-change in bar-settings - an option for an automatic button to print the tracks of the new style(s) into utility tracks and appropriately mute both styles when the other is playing.
As already said, the information is available in BIAB, but it just needs to separate the tracks/instrument channels of each style to its own set of tracks (which of course can then be modified or substituted)
Hi. Can you provide a bit more detail to how you're building your song? There's multiple ways to implement style changes and BIAB can handle as many as 24 style changes in a song, each with a-b subsections. There's also multiple ways to handle panning and volume setting changes when a style change occurs.
Charlie
Thanks for your reply, and sorry for the late answer, I somehow completely missed your post.
When I use multiple styles I first write the chord progression for the complete song, and when I e.g. decide to change the style for the chorus I left-click on the first bar of the chorus and select the new style via "Bar Settings" -> "Style Changes at This Bar".
Works without problems and the new instruments of that style are used, however as I wrote above in the mixer-window there are still only the instruments of the "main" style displayed and I can't change anything for the new style, like panning or track-settings (both are used globally for both styles), or just see that the instrument(s) have changed. Needless to say that Utility-Tracks are also globally used and not per style.
BTW, the same problem exists when you change a RealTrack under "Bar Settings", the mixer window is not updated with the new RealTrack.
I understand your issue and I agree it would be convenient for the Mixer to update. I don't know why it doesn't or if it can be updated to have that feature so I will Plus 1 the Wishlist request.
You and Thomass manually change Styles and that's fine, the feature's there to be used.
However, that's the most basic way to accomplish the task and BIAB automates Style changes with MultiStyles that can be modified and are also easy to create your own from any existing Style in the StylePicker. There are two variations, a MultiStyle that is a global style or a MultiStyle for use in a specific purposed song. I reference them as the first to be a permanent addition to my StylePicker and the second version I normally discard after completing my project. I use the 2nd version most times.
Like I mentioned in my earlier comment, a BIAB project can accommodate up to 24 substyles in a song, each having a-b sub sections. They are activated using multi colored Part Markers and can be placed at any bar on a Chord Chart. They can be used multiple times in a project. PG Music has developed a large number of pre-made MultiStyles and utilize them frequently in their Demos. My BIAB version has around 9,800 Styles and about 10% of those styles are PG Music MultiStyles. MultiStyles can be used individually or in conjunction with a Master MultiStyle.
A Section Text Layer can be opened to notate MultiStyle instrument changes. Part Markers can be placed at any bar and the 'Part Marker' starts a new line function can be turned off so the Chord Chart doesn't get mis-aligned.
I've found this to be the most convenient and quickest method to use Styles for instrument changes and vary the song dynamics. Once you have your MultiStyle variations, changes can be made by selecting Part Markers.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 11/10/2205:20 AM. Reason: Images added
However, that's the most basic way to accomplish the task and BIAB automates Style changes with MultiStyles that can be modified and are also easy to create your own from any existing Style in the StylePicker.
I read that you can create your own styles, but I thought that was a bit complicated. Changing an existing style should be much easier. And "MultiStyles" are new to me, I think I'll take a closer look at them.
Thanks so much for bringing them to my attention, Charlie!
However, that's the most basic way to accomplish the task and BIAB automates Style changes with MultiStyles that can be modified and are also easy to create your own from any existing Style in the StylePicker.
I read that you can create your own styles, but I thought that was a bit complicated. Changing an existing style should be much easier. And "MultiStyles" are new to me, I think I'll take a closer look at them.
Thanks so much for bringing them to my attention, Charlie!
Yes. MultiStyles are very versatile and it's easy to modify any style into a MultiStyle for use on a particular song. PG Music developers use RT-1152: silence in a lot of their MultiStyles.
To me, it would work good in a workflow where you create your Chord Chart and then decide on the various instruments to use in your song and create a series of MultiStyles using an instrument or two in each new MultiStyle so that you will then be able to change instruments and combinations of them as easily as you can edit the Chord Sheet. You would rearrange instruments by changing Part Markers.
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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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