<< To be honest, I have always been confused with Artist Performance Tracks (APT) and Songs Lessons Pak (SLP). What exactly does each of them offer? Are they simply some pre-made SGUs/MGUs, aka pre-made styles with chords already entered? Do they have same contents overlapping each other?
I understand that SLP is included in Ultra+ but not Ultra version, in other words, SLP is basically the "+". On the other hand, APT is included in both Ultra and Ultra+ version, usually from the 49 Pak and Bonus Pak. The question is, what are they and how do I use them? >>
Artist Performance Tracks are the recorded audio files attached to any SGU/MGU project. They are the artist's accompaniment performance for a lesson or demo. Current example are the vocal tracks on the Vocal Demos. BIAB and Users normally would create Artist Performance Files in a project. My BIAB software program has hundreds of demos and lessons dating back to 2009 that contain Artist Performance Tracks.
Artist Performance Files are custom audio User Tracks attached to any BIAB project that can use every sound medium BIAB recognizes like RealTracks, SuperMidi Tracks, MIDI and audio. The Artist Performance Files feature permits and empowers BIAB to convert audio files so they can be copied and moved to any BIAB Mixer Track. An Artist Performance File can be a single instrument, a mixture multiple instruments and can consist of any combination of sound media recognized by BIAB. It's a very versatile and powerful tool for BIAB. Several years ago I posted more information about Artist Performance Files *Here*
A note of interest; 100% of the Artist Performance Tracks in Demos and lessons, every one of them, are finalized and saved as an SGU/MGU type file. Although many of these files use recordings that originated in RealBand or another DAW, edited, effects added, multiple tracks comped, routed and bused in the DAW and that audio was exported from the DAW and imported into a BIAB project and mixed and rendered from there with the finished imported DAW audio saved in a folder with the BIAB SGU/MGU file. None are finalized and saved as a RealBand or DAW file.
It's an interesting conceptual reversal of a DAW track export to BIAB rather than exporting BIAB tracks for a DAW project. Recording a project in this manner is much faster, easier and allows for a more complex arrangement because 100% of every BIAB tool, technique, function and feature remain instantly available for use in the song rather than only having a few BIAB/RB generated tracks available with 0% of BIAB tools, techniques, functions and features available to the DAW project. Artist Performance Files are a critical component of accessing this composition toolbox and turn BIAB into a very powerful, robust, digital multi track recorder.
There some samples of things that don't work correctly at the moment, with the V5.0.9 plugin version included in the build 1006 update:
- when re-opening a DAW project, the plugin comes always 2 bars late. The song has to be re-generated first, before it is in sync again. And it will forget once I closed and re-opened the Daw Project again. That's not specific to any DAW, it happens with Samplitude, Reaper, Cubase and Studio One. - e.g. inserting a bar at the chord sheet creates a mess with the song structure, other than with the standalone application. - the "paste special" function does not work - re-opening an already generated song in in Reaper with the DAW the plugin, it always shows a tempo mismatch - Whatever I try to set in the plugin preferences or e.g. count-in in song structure seems to be ignored. - worst of all: since recently, the plugin consumes some 28GByte of Ram when opened (checked via the task manager). That's some 25 times more than what the BiaB standalone would use, opening the same song. This leads to a freeze of my computer and the plugin won't respond anymore, for some minutes. The memory is not freed-up anymore until I kill the session. There seems to be some kind of memory leak with the VST3 plugin.
Interestingly enough, the BiaB standalone application works fine in the 2023 version.
Interestingly enough, the BiaB standalone application works fine in the 2023 version.
I'm so glad to hear this. I'm 100% using on the standalone version and never use the BBPlugin, so all these bugs you mentioned won't apply to me.
In my opinion, I always feel the standalone version is like an iPhone, where the BBPlugin is like an iPod. You may be able do a things or two on the iPod for fun, but when it comes to more serious tasks, you never want to do them without an iPhone.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
I have read your Artist Performance Tracks post written in 2020. The post was more of a feature introductory than a step by step tutorial.
Could you give a bit more details on how you and your brothers use the APT/APF in real life productions?
Quote:
Artist Performance Files are custom audio User Tracks attached to any BIAB project...
My understanding is APF is just a WAV/WMA file being mapped by the chord structure inside a SGU template with the same file name. This WAV file, can be a single instrument, or multi instruments, or a song, or external recordings. If a chord is later used but not pre-made in the SGU template, BiaB will use its zPlane Elastique engine to pitch shift to the nearest chord.
As I've searched, there's no video tutorial on YouTube specifically talks about using APT/APF. So How do I open a factory made APT/APF in BiaB? What exactly are the functional differences between an APT/APF and a regular RealTrack?
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
<< Could you give a bit more details on how you and your brothers use the APT/APF in real life productions? >>
Artist Performance Tracks and Artist Performance Files operate in BIAB similar to the RealTracks/UserTrack relationship. APT's are made by PG Music and APF's are user developed. PG Music's Bootcamp video where Tobin takes an existing PG Music vocal demo and completely creates a new mix is a good example.
How I use APF has changed over the last couple of yearly version releases. PG Music developers have used APF's to perform functions automatically that were manual operations prior to the introduction of Utility Tracks. Before Utility Tracks, I used APF's to enhance the BIAB Mixer into a very robust and powerful digital multi track recorder. With APF's there was no 8 track limitation to BIAB. An APF could be configured to function as a virtual track, a group, a sub-mix, a comp track, an aux track and a bounce track. Of course, being digital, there was no loss or degradation of mixed audio, no matter the number of routings used in a project. With PG Music adding the 16 Utility Tracks made these processes more visible and simplified the process. It's not complicated to produce a 50 track song in just a few minutes using only BIAB and APF's. Using APF's in conjunction with the RealTracks Medley Maker and MultiStyles makes creating very complex arrangements very quick. Instrument replacements and regenerations can be made without changing or losing the arrangement.
The main functional difference between an APT/APF and a regular RealTrack most obviously is how they generate. APF's will not regenerate to adjust to chord changes. That has to be done manually. APF's will follow key signature changes and tempo changes but don't adjust to bar changes such as adding or deleting measures or rearranging sections. They do not respond to Part Markers. I view them as an advanced track freeze option. A static track.
A user converts a track to an Artist Performance File with a Rt click on the track using the mouse, open Track Actions, Save track as Performance File (Wav/M4a). Saving an APF is different and faster than saving a WAV file. The audio file is automatically named and the track labels change to orange to show the track is an Artist Performance File. APF's can reside on all 24 tracks and are edited in the Audio Edit Window and can be accessed by the Audio Button at the top of the screen for additional functions and commands. This can be quite useful because for example, there are 18 different ways to modify volume control once a track is converted to an Artist Performance File.
<< " So How do I open a factory made APT/APF in BiaB?" >> The easiest way to open a factory made Artist Performance Track would be to open a Song with Vocals demo SGU/MGU or a Song Lesson. My current BIAB version has hundreds of these dating back to 2009. There are no Pre-made APF files.
Here's the Moveable Audio Edit. It should not be hard to implement. You can have an option to display multitrack or single track. It will also have vertical zoom.
This shows BiaB with a set tempo map (as it can't do decimal tempos) Rewired to the slave Reaper, Reaper has a varying decimal tempo map but it syncs to Biab constant tempo 120bpm map by adjusting the playback rate to follow BiaB. The same way BiaB can have a sync vst to slave it to any DAW and follow it's tempo map. All files dragged out of BiaB will have acid info to fit the DAW tempo map.
Here's the Moveable Audio Edit. It should not be hard to implement. You can have an option to display multitrack or single track. It will also have vertical zoom.
Band in a Box has the Moveable, sizable Audio Edit Window. MultiTrack is likely coming in the future but a Moveable Audio Edit Window is here now.
Both pics have the icon but the title bar name is missing "Audio Edit" yet the moveable Notation has "Notation" and the moveable Piano Roll has "Piano Roll"
APT refers to additional audio content PG Music offers...
PG Music offers many different Add-ons and Paks, and many of them have overlapping songs/styles/tracks/contents. When you install all these different Paks to the same C:\bb folder, is system going to generate duplicate files when overlapping contents are installed?
In Windows, installing the same program/content to the same location will result in one of the two possibilities:
(1) Same folders/files were replaced/overwritten, which is the most ideal, because the destination folder will be clean. (2) A new folder/file is created and renamed by the system, making a mess. For example, previously a file exists called "MyFile", when being installed again, system creates a new file in the same folder called "MyFile (1)", therefore it will have duplicate files existing in the same folder.
So, when install all these paks and addons, how to avoid the same file being installed twice causing duplicate folders/files in the bb folder?
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
So, when install all these paks and addons, how to avoid the same file being installed twice causing duplicate folders/files in the bb folder?
Because everything is installed in uniquely named folders. Because of this, there cannot be any duplication:
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
... Also, if the same .exe installer is installed twice by accident, is it going to make a mess?
Historically, that has never been a problem. Running the same installer twice, or running a later installer over the top of an existing install simply updates whatever is required to be updated. It does not create duplicates. This is by design.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
More of a mock up of what's possible. Currently, there's no advantage to show multiple tracks in the Audio Edit Window because it's a single track editor and the menu's, functions, and edits are all single track. With the introduction of Utility Tracks and audio being able to load on more tracks than just the Audio Track, this is changing over the last few years and Multiple track edits are a reasonable expectation for future updates and enhancements.
In the multitrack audio edit whatever track you focus on is the track you edit. It works the same way as selecting the track in the drop down but can display all tracks. This can give you an instant visual of all tracks where you have volume automation or where instruments come in. Actually it would not be that hard to code.
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
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.
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