For Concern #2, if you only need to add "add a crash cymbal at the first beat of the next bar", can you not use the BIAB 2023 feature of "Playable Real Drums", and add the crash cymbal where you need it?
I think that is a great idea. However, as far as I know, not all RealTracks and RealDrums are playable with HiQ patch instrument available. If the drum of the style selected is non-playable, then this method won't work. Otherwise it's a smart workaround to add custom cymbals and beats.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
I think now I have a good grasp on this APT vs APF concept.
APT is basically PG pre-made MGU files with audio tracks attached. Once opened, users can change chords, change styles, to make a new song. Attached picture shows PG pre-made Artist Performance Set folders. In short, APTs are song templates.
APF is a technique. Users can right click any track in the mixer, and convert that track into an APF, which is essentially an audio file. It is equivalent to rendering to a WAV file first, then import the WAV file back to the same project as an external audio file. In short, APFs are exports.
Jim and I had this discussion before: APF is actually a "scalar" file that has lost its generatibilities from BiaB.
APF used to be used as sub-mix files because users don't have enough mixer tracks. However, with the introduction of utility tracks in BiaB 2021, users now have more than enough mixer tracks, and APF is no longer needed or useful that much.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
<< APF is a technique. Users can right click any track in the mixer, and convert that track into an APF, which is essentially an audio file. It is equivalent to rendering to a WAV file first, then import the WAV file back to the same project as an external audio file. In short, APFs are exports. >>
Not exactly. An APF is a conversion process so BIAB can recognize an audio file on another track besides the single audio track. This feature has been expanded to include the 16 additional Utility Tracks. The conversion doesn't involve any exporting or importing. The APF WAV file is saved without rendering. The process is faster than rendering and saving a WAV file.
<< APF used to be used as sub-mix files because users don't have enough mixer tracks. However, with the introduction of utility tracks in BiaB 2021, users now have more than enough mixer tracks, and APF is no longer needed or useful that much. >>
My thoughts about an APF's value is it's now 16 times more useful than prior to Utility Tracks being introduced. It's now much easier to remain in BIAB before exporting to a DAW and in many, if not most cases, eliminates the necessity to use a DAW for a lot of tasks where exporting has previously been utilized. In comparison to the analog world of multi track recorders, BIAB is the equivalent of updating from an 8 track to 24 tracks. All of the multi track editing and recording principles, functions, techniques and processes remain the same.
For users wanting to remain in BIAB as long as possible, learning to implement APF's provides a tremendous advantage.
Is this APF WAV file saved in the same folder of SGU, or saved somewhere else on C:, or just saved in the RAM? How I can find this "conversion" WAV file in the computer?
Quote:
An APF is a conversion process so BIAB can recognize an audio file on another track...
I assume once you converted a RealTrack to APF, it's done, you can not revert back to RealTrack anymore. If you want change a few chords later, the APF doesn't regen, and you lost the original RealTrack. You need to find and insert the same RealTrack again, in order to regen, and re-convert to a new APF.
Quote:
For users wanting to remain in BIAB as long as possible...
Remaining in BiaB for production is always the goal. But probably it's not a good idea to convert any green tracks to orange, otherwise you lose the ability to regen should any changes happen on the way. A simple freeze may seem to be more practical.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
<< Is this APF WAV file saved in the same folder of SGU, or saved somewhere else on C:, or just saved in the RAM? How I can find this "conversion" WAV file in the computer? >>
Yes, it's saved and automatically named in the same folder as the SGU file. An SGU file must be saved before an APF can be saved. If the project hasn't been saved, there's a prompt to save.
<< I assume once you converted a RealTrack to APF, it's done, you can not revert back to RealTrack anymore. If you want change a few chords later, the APF doesn't regen, and you lost the original RealTrack. You need to find and insert the same RealTrack again, in order to regen, and re-convert to a new APF. >>
No. APF's can be undone and RealTracks restored. Rt. click on the track| Track Actions | Erase Performance Track Sometimes you may have to erase the track data as well and select revert back to style instrument. This is done in the Track actions menu also.
<< Remaining in BiaB for production is always the goal. But probably it's not a good idea to convert any green tracks to orange, otherwise you lose the ability to regen should any changes happen on the way. A simple freeze may seem to be more practical. >>
Absolutely. The APF is a tool and use when it's the right tool for the job at hand.
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
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