I have read some of the long posts praising RB and counter arguments. I tried falling in love with RB on several occasions. Full disclosure: It's not a piece of software I will be using. Within past 3 years several important features were added to BIAB... In my view, the most significant difference (and probably the loudest argument for RB) was multiriff generation. With new Partial regeneration, it solved that missing piece for me. Couple of "pro" reasons that come to mind is that many users have their projects in RB and they need RB functioning to keep those projects alive. Also "free" is a good price to pay. This is also understandable.
What else? What are unique features that are missing from BIAB that are in RB in working with PGmusic content? If possible, kindly keep it simple. Thanks.
RB can record multiple inputs at once. RB has better routing options. RB has Aux sends. RB has a quick and easy click track feature for manually synching a track to work with adding RealTracks and skip the ACW. RB has batch file conversion. RB makes it easy to create a UserTrack. RB can record Mixer automation in real time. RB has Sub-group outputs. RB can have more than four FX's on a track. RB has insert markers. RB has Track type pre-sets. RB has multiple from/thru range selections. RB can have Templates. RB has scraps feature (ability to select, load and save regions of audio). RB has 3 ways to display time: either bars/beats, time or frames passage. RB has a mono mix button. RB can merge two mono tracks to a stereo track. RB can split a stereo track into two mono tracks.
Most of these have to to with audio, not specifically working with PGmusic content.... There are a couple of interesting items. Specifically these two:
* can record Mixer automation in real time. - Assuming automation of nodes with external controller (for audio AND RTs?).
* makes it easy to create a UserTrack. - I guess that is not very practical in BIAB because of 255 bar limit? I will read on this. I wish there would be a better way to create UserTracks in BIAB. A wizard with various templates, punch in recording, note correction and that kind of stuff. So it guides not only with recording process, but "save" process too. My take, current process confusing people, that's why not too many people creating them. I don't consider myself complete noob, but even I asked pipeline to help assembling couple of User Tracks (that we made public)
This is a good one too: "has 3 ways to display time: either bars/beats, time or frames passage."
This I don't get: "has scraps feature (ability to select, load and save regions of audio)" Well I kind of do... I assume this is mainly for audio, not RTs.
<< Most of these have to to with audio, not specifically working with PGmusic content.... >>
That's correct. RealBand can be thought of as primarily to deal with additional live or pre-recorded audio to create, manipulate, audition, and correlate them with the main BIAB program. It completes the package of BIAB software being comparable to stand alone, digital, multi track recorders.
While the introduction of Utility Tracks in BIAB have lessened the necessity of these features, for older versions from prior to BIAB having Utility Tracks and even the versions with Utility Tracks, these functions and features have the same value in a production project as much as ever.
Mixing user-produced audio with BIAB generated tracks has been an important component of BIAB since its inception. RealBand facilitates the interaction between external audio and BIAB generated audio.
<< * can record Mixer automation in real time. - Assuming automation of nodes with external controller (for audio AND RTs?). >>
No. It records most mixer events made with the mouse during a playback mix. Fader movements, aux send movements, panning, master fader and panning moves and group events. It's track specific and works regardless the content type on the track. It works with audio, RealTracks and Midi. I've never attempted to use a controller with the program.
<< * makes it easy to create a UserTrack. >>
You're right. It optimizes the process in some ways.
<< This is a good one too: "has 3 ways to display time: either bars/beats, time or frames passage." >>
I agree. It also has a convenient large clock display.
<< This I don't get: "has scraps feature (ability to select, load and save regions of audio)" Well I kind of do... I assume this is mainly for audio, not RTs. >>
No. This feature also works with midi, audio and RealTracks. It's a RB convenience feature that's sort of a copy/paste-import/export-save as combination.
I have watched over the years as BIAB has added functionality so that it now does a lot previously only available in RB. However, it's still a lot easier and simpler in RB.
All tracks really are equal and you can see them all at once.
Great work Charlie - RB really does complete the BIAB offering.
To expand on Load/Save scrap... In an RB SEQ file you can select (example) bars 8-24 of multiple audio, MIDI and generated tracks, then 'export' (for lack of a better word) that section by using Save Scrap, and then 'Import' it into another project using Load Scrap, or the same project at a different spot, etc. It's a handy way of handling multiple tracks for a section of a song.
It's a unique way to grab a chunk of a song and save it for later or use in another project. AND you can load any MIDI, Audio or seq chunk that way and it will adapt to the current tempo. (Time-stretch etc, if I recall correctly).
You can use the actual Import function for WAV or MIDI files and get pretty much the same result, but not a single file with multiple tracks of varying types. That's where the Scrap feature shines.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I personally love the simplicity of Real Band, and the layout.
I do ALL recording and most track generation there, and ALL editing and splicing there--sometimes using BIAB for export if it is a very simple song.
(I do outline the song in BIAB first, though, then open in Real Band.)
Once all tracks are generated, edited, recorded, spliced, whatever, I export and then move to Cakewalk for mixing, where I have more than 1000 VSTS I think now.
But Real Band is where it all starts for me.
I love Real Band.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
Hey boys, you are wondering to the side. I understand that some people have a passion for that program. I am not questioning your choice
The question is really this: What are unique features that are missing from BIAB that are in RB in working with PGmusic content?
Seems that Scraps feature is a Big one that is missing from BIAB. Sounds interesting how rharv described it:
"It's a unique way to grab a chunk of a song and save it for later or use in another project. AND you can load any MIDI, Audio or seq chunk that way and it will adapt to the current tempo. (Time-stretch etc, if I recall correctly)."
I don't know most of the features and functionality of BIAB or RB - but I just need/want to create a song and have the software generate multiple instances of the Real Tracks I've chosen. After that I move to another DAW.
But I should probably learn about Multi-Riff and/or Partial Regeneration.
Mike, That is one cool song or band name: The Basement where Analog Goes to Die love it!
-------
olemon, If I understand the whole philosophy behind "multiple instances of the Real Tracks I've chosen"... to get parts you want out of X number of tracks generated from single RT
To me personally this method is obsolete with new Partial regeneration. Because instead of piecing something out, you are generating as-you-go and get exact parts where you need them in a single track.
Well, even though it's a partial generation, which I'm assuming is just having a particular RT generated for certain bars or sections of a song, the generations still won't always work, will they?
But at some point they do tend to repeat so generating a larger number of instances may not yield much variation. Mostly I'm talking about lead instruments - maybe generating a half dozen instances for each depending on the arrangement - typically within all of that audio I can find something that works.
I need to check out PG Music's tutorials on the subject.
Expert opinions needed in regards to the video posted by Rustyspoon.
1. What's going on? How come the ACW window becomes the Audio Edit window?
2. Looks like the ACW window perfectly docked underneath the chord sheet. Can ACW be resized while remain docked, so by lowering ACW window gives more space to chord sheet?
3. Does this 2023 Partial Regen feature completely replace the need of 2022 MultiRiffs feature?
4. Does this 2023 Partial Regen feature completely replace the need of good old Soloist feature?
5. What are the essential differences between Partial Regen, MultiRiffs, Soloist, and Melodist, in the context of real life music production?
6. What is your weapon of choice?
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
MV 1)It doesn't become... It is in a way audio edit window. Has other purposes, but that is how I use it (even for node editing) as waveform is large enough. I use it because you have access to both: Chord sheet and Waveform at the same time.
2)It is docked. I don't believe you can un-dock it. Unfortunately. I hope that will change one day.
3)2022 feature didn't went away (In theory, it should) but ALT+F8 is NON-modal, so that is a blessing as you can do sooo much without jail box of previous 2022 partial regen. In my opinion all features should be combined and made into one non modal tool.
6) This non-modal partial regeneration tool.
I will leave 4,5 for those who can answer them better.
2)It is docked. I don't believe you can un-dock it.
When it's docked, are you able to drag the top edge of the ACW window down, so the waveform becomes smaller, while the chord sheet gains more estate?
Quote:
3)2022 feature didn't went away (In theory, it should) but ALT+F8 is NON-modal...
Explain the word "Modal". You said this word many times in different posts. F8 is MultiRiffs, Alt+F8 is Partial Regen, Ctrl+F8 is Quick Partial Regen. They all seem to generate a portion of a track, so why they are different?
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
*You can't pull it up or down. Not that I know. Maybe Charlie F. knows a secret.
*Modal restricts actions to function of that specific box menu. Like you are in jail, until you exit. With Non-modal (Alt-F8) you are not jailed to the that menu box and can do other things in GUI, tools, etc.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
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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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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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)
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!
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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.
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