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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 326
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 326 |
I think this year may be the very first time I will bypass any update to Band In A Box.
I think each year we see more and more Real Tracks whilst midi seems to lack development. In reality I've never found a Real Track that is able to really be manipulated to write what I'm looking for.
Let's take a look at Strings.
They are impotent at best. No feeling, no counterpoint, backing strings only, no feeling. Imagine opening an 8 bar intro with a stunning fingerstyle and emotional string ensemble. Or maybe a Uilean pipe and Irish whistle intro leading in to a beautiful ballad.
Don't get me wrong. I like pop, rock etc. but todays 'music' isn't music. I admire a rap singers ability to utilise vocal slang in a song but this is NOT music. I can't justify the way digital 'cleverness' can [*****] tracks in the so called Billboard top 100. Who really buys this crap.
Real music comes from the desire to put down a meaningful lyric that is complimented by brilliant musical accompaniment. I know a catchy tune with silly lyrics can also make a poular way forward but it soon runs down the river in to the sea. Look at History. If we really want to listen, write, compose etc. we turn to Claasical or those Artists from the raw 60's, 70's and maybe some 80's. I'd go so far to include the 30's, 40's and 50's too.
I don't know what your looking for but are you getting what you think will help you write what you want with BB?
I'm frustrated by the complexity. If, as I have done., Learned guitar and keyboard, wrote lyrics and put instrumentation together and spent 10 years learning the hard way how to mix and master then I would hope for software that makes that journy easier. Band In A Box goes a good distance toward that but come on guys. Could you please stop throwing yet more and more Real Tracks at us that can only be utilised if we use your brilliant demos.
Crucify me if you must but throw me some constructive also. :-)
Mal
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,263
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,263 |
Mal,
I am trying to understand your frustrations. I will add some thoughts later, but can you clarify a few things.
When you talk about the "strings" are you talking classical, traditional or synth in BIAB?
Strings range from Andy Leftwich to Ed(Oz)...
Have you experimented with 2022 Multiriff and MicroChords features to make Tracks more flexible and to fit better into the idea?
Have you tried Tin Whistle (RTs 3770,3771,3876,3877)?
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What I like about BIAB that they are open to quite a few genres, but to your defense, I do feel that some styles / genres are being way under represented. For example Ska, Reggae, Surf Rock, Tango, Punk, Bossa and others. Also, I do believe some effort could be made in recording extra material specifically designated for intros, bridges etc.
I don't know what you mean by this:
"Could you please stop throwing yet more and more Real Tracks at us that can only be utilised if we use your brilliant demos."
I almost never use premade styles and/or demos. I use them to get a feel of the tracks, or a starting point and then would change them from ground up. Mostly I would just assemble my own "band".
As with anything, there are never "all hits". Almost any good music album will have 3-4 strong tunes, others would be pass throughs. Same here.
I honestly believe you have to put more focus on your request. Be more specific. For example: I want strings in style of Jascha Heifetz or Vanessa Mae, give links to examples. I have seen such requests that got attention from PG team.
As you said, "Band In A Box goes a good distance". Give specific examples of what you think can be done to improve it.
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My biggest frustrations with BIAB was limited number of tracks and unpredictable "generations".
Multiriff feature of 2022 solved unpredictable generations and extra tracks, which still need some work, gave the creative variety I was looking for. Believe me, I do have bag of my "wishes" for improvements, but overall I am happy with what BIAB has to offer. Especially at the price point.
P.S. There is a member on the forum / musician from Japan. He posts his music in the Showcase. What is interesting, sometimes he would offer two versions: One made with BIAB and the other of same composition played by real musicians. To me, most sound pretty close.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 326
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 326 |
Thank you Rusty. You make valid points and I agree with most.
What I'm trying to do is ignite debate that may highlight improvements to unique software, that really stands apart from any other I have ever seen available.
May I say that any one person who sits and opens BB with the intention of creating a song will immediately be confronted with an extremely complex array of possibilities on how to proceed. Could an introduction of some (AI) tools be available to assist in the arduous process of putting together a song? Just as a photographer can use many AI plugins to shorten the process of achieving a successful end result. This is only one idea.
I don't want to draw attention to specific improvements, though they have been given much thought and implemented. I would rather ask those who use BB what they think could be implemented in updates to the software that would make significant improvements in making the programme better than anything else on the market, (I know it to be the best and only software that does what it does), that's why I want to strike a debate for developers. I would hope that includes making it easier to use.
Very grateful for your response.
Mal.
Mal
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,758
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,758 |
May I say that any one person who sits and opens BB with the intention of creating a song will immediately be confronted with an extremely complex array of possibilities on how to proceed. Could an introduction of some (AI) tools be available to assist in the arduous process of putting together a song? Just as a photographer can use many AI plugins to shorten the process of achieving a successful end result. This is only one idea.
I can relate to this. My proficiency with BiaB is probably at a level 4 on a scale of zero to 10, and as you point out there is a complex array of possibilities every time you open the application. The main frustration I experience is having a groove/feel in my head that I just can't seem to replicate in BiaB. So I resort to living with the gap between what is desired and what I can achieve. Don't get me wrong, IMHO BiaB is in a class all it's own and is a fantastic tool. My frustrations may be due to not having the additional add-on paks that are available, so next year I'll probably pay for one of the paks with the hope that I can produce arrangements closer to what I have in my head. But regarding AI, are you familiar with AudioLM recently developed by Google? Perhaps something like this could be incorporated into BiaB at some point. https://ai.googleblog.com/2022/10/audiolm-language-modeling-approach-to.html
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2026 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.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 326
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 326 |
Thank you Bass Thumper.
Yes I am familiar with Google's AudioLM. I find it exciting and maybe a great tool for lyrics too, as well as musical phrases. I was recently trying to extend an 8 bar piece of amazing fingerpicking in Nuendo but it was really hard work. This kind of AI would be able to handle it maybe. As with all new developments I would expect hiccups especially with the art of music.
I have all that BB has to offer but the complexity of putting together songa always leaves me frustrated and I generally just get the guitar or keboard and put things together with my lyrics instead.
I do agree that the new Multiriff and Microchords was a huge leap forward as mentioned by Rusty above. Intros also do need some more thought though.
There is an instrument I would dearly love to see. The Uilean Pipes. I can listen to a Gaelic/ Irish intro and be reduced to tears before the lyrics even set in. That is why I was disapointed to see so many reels, uptempo jigs etc. I hope there never is a Rap Real Track in the pipeline. Not dissing the Genre, it's a clever way of talking slang, rather than real music. That will no doubt cause a stir amongst many.
Seriously though, maybe some of the compilers, coders, would join in the debate, or maybe keep us hanging on in there till Xmas. Those with creativity and imagination in their genes are DIAMOND.
Mal.
Mal
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac 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 100 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 Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. 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 Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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