No absolutely not. For starters you can generate MIDI Soloists #1-361 using this dialog. And you can generate RealTracks Soloists (well, in fact *any* RT) as well using settings like "Solo around melody", "Solo middle chorus", and so on.
Quote:
2. Does the 2023 Partial Regen feature completely replace the need of 2022 MultiRiffs feature?
3. Does the 2023 Partial Regen feature completely replace the need of good old Soloist feature?
4. What are the essential differences between Partial Regen, MultiRiffs, Soloist, and Melodist?
Partial Regen and MultiRiffs are related features but not the same.
F8 (MultiRiff) allows you to specify a few bars of a track and it will generate and preview several riffs - you can back up and listen to previous riffs to compare, and then accept your favorite.
Alt+F8 (Partial Regen with settings) allows you to easily regenerate a region, in a dialog with options.
Ctrl+F8 (Partial Regen) easy way to do a partial reg now with current settings.
Andrew has responded but there is room for additional responses.
Quote:
1. Is the Soloist feature outdated and obsoleted?
No. Each time additional RealTrack and style content is added more content is available for use by the Soloist feature. Plus, more than five hundred user created Soloists can be accommodated.
Quote:
2. Does the 2023 Partial Regen feature completely replace the need of 2022 MultiRiffs feature?
Users will likely develop a habit of using one more than the other and the two features are somewhat similar but one does not completely replace the need for the other. For example MultiRiffs offer multiple choices to choose from at a time while Partial Regen offers one choice at a time. If I'm wanting inspiration I might choose to use MultiRiff while if I want something very specific I might choose Partial Regen.
Quote:
3. Does the 2023 Partial Regen feature completely replace the need of good old Soloist feature?
No. Simply put, they each draw from different databases.
Quote:
4. What are the essential differences between Partial Regen, MultiRiffs, Soloist, and Melodist?
You're likely not going to agree with my response. Intent. What do you intend to do? What do you hope to achieve?
Sidetrack for a moment. What's the difference between a song melody and a solo in a song? To me the difference is hard to define but I do know there is a difference between a song melody and a solo. Sometimes a solo closely follows a melody but sometimes a solo is almost completely separate from the rest of the song.
Perhaps the best answer is the Soloist window has a setting where "Melody Influences Solo" can be enabled or disabled.
Partial Regen and MultiRiffs work with song structure while melody and solo work with what makes a song memorable. Nobody hums or whistles a Partial Regen or MultiRiff but everyone remembers a melody or solo.
No. Simply put, they each draw from different databases.
This is my biggest concern.
Correct me if I'm wrong. My understanding is, when you install the RealTracks 001 to 429 on your computer, you own all of them, and can use them however you want.
Meaning, for any backing/solo/melody source material, you can put it on any style track or utility track, you can generate the sound regardless of what method you use.
In other words, if you put a Soloist RealTrack on a utility track, it should give you the same result, no matter if you use Partial Regen, MultiRiffs, or Soloist method to generate. The final results are RT based, not method based.
This is what I believe: When you use Partial Regen or MultiRiffs, you can access to all RT source material, including Soloist and Melodist RTs and MIDIs.
Unless I'm wrong. What did I miss?
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
This is what I believe: When you use Partial Regen or MultiRiffs, you can access to all RT source material, including Soloist and Melodist RTs and MIDIs.
No, MultiRiffs and Partial Regen are for RealTracks only (any of the three RealTracks types - Soloist, Background, or Rhythm). I see your point though someone might want to use it for a MIDI track.
The Melodist is a separate thing. It generates unique chord progressions and/or a (MIDI) melody. It can also choose a style to play the song and the style can be a MIDI style or one with RealTracks in it. By themselves RealTracks do not generate chord progressions, they generate parts that play over your existing chords.
when you install the RealTracks 001 to 429 on your computer, you own all of them, and can use them however you want.
When used within a song I would say that is correct. However, if you were to use them in another way, for example isolate the raw tracks of a RealTrack to use as a source to create samples for use in a third party product I would say no. For such a use I recommend consulting with an attorney and having the attorney review PG Music's License agreement (page 2 in both the Band-in-a-Box and RealBand user manual) before proceeding.
Quote:
Meaning, for any backing/solo/melody source material, you can put it on any style track or utility track, you can generate the sound regardless of what method you use.
I agree you can generate a sound.
Quote:
if you put a Soloist RealTrack on a utility track, it should give you the same result, no matter if you use Partial Regen, MultiRiffs, or Soloist method to generate.
Disagree for multiple reasons. The Melody and Soloist tracks follow different rules and are less constrained than other tracks. At this moment, Utility tracks follow different rules than other tracks. A good example of the type of rules and constraints that maybe available on the Melody or Soloist tracks is the UserTracks Development window. The UserTracks Development window can be accessed by pressing F5 at any bar and then selecting the UserTracks Development button at the left, bottom side of the F5 Bar Settings window. My thought is each feature has the same pool of material to draw from but each draws from different parts of the pool so each will obtain different results. Which track you're using can somewhat influence what pool of materials is used.
Quote:
The final results are RT based, not method based.
I agree somewhat. When you select a RealTrack you are partially defining the size of the pool of material you want to use. However the method may also define how large the pool of material is to draw from. For example lets say you select one of the twelve Cory Pesaturo Accordion RealTracks. Chances are all twelve were recorded at the same time, in the same studio while using the same instrument so all twelve RealTracks should sound extremely similar. It is possible all twelve RealTracks can be used as source material. The method could include all or some of the RealTracks.
Quote:
This is what I believe: When you use Partial Regen or MultiRiffs, you can access to all RT source material, including Soloist and Melodist RTs and MIDIs.
It's possible but it is also possible there are constraints that say "only use these bars in a solo" or "only use these bars in a melody". The only published guide we users have is the UserTracks Development window. I believe there are more rules and constraints in place than we have know of.
I understand Melodist is a composing tool to generate chord progressions and melodies for the song. This is clear and easy.
But I'm still quite confused with Soloist.
As I checked the installation folder, for RealTracks, I have exe files named from 001 to 429.
But in addition, I have Soloist exe installers named from 2 to 20, plus two files named Andy, Jeff.
Q1 - What do these separate Soloist exe files install?
Q2 - Andrew said MultiRiffs and Partial Regen can only access to RealTracks. Can I assume MultiRiffs and Partial Regen can not access/generate MIDIs and Super MIDIs?
Q3 - Is there a difference between, (a) Generate a MIDI or Super MIDI solo using Soloist; (b) Insert the same MIDI or Super MIDI to a track, then using full track regular gen and play?
Q4 - Andrew mentioned MIDI soloist 1 to 361. Can these MIDI be accessed using regular RealTrack picker, and then generated in a regular way?
Q5 - Jim mentioned database material constraints. So, if I use MultiRiffs or Partial Regen, will there be any RealTrack material that I can not access, but only Soloist can? If I use regular gen & play, will there be any MIDI material I can not access, but only Soloist can?
Q6 - Which tool gives the best result on day-to-day production work for generating electric guitar solos for rock/pop/ballad?
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
Beliefs ought to be based on one's knowledge and experience. For one to have established a belief, (likely a misnomer when current knowledge, recent experience, as yet untethered expectations etc. would suffice), about a very complicated piece of software one is relatively new to and about which one asks many, many questions seems rather like placing the baptism before the birth.
Last edited by rayc; 03/08/2305:22 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I have no idea about the answer to your questions.
Could you at least share a bit of personal experience on during cooking your own music, when you would prefer to use Soloist, when you would prefer not?
To be honest I don't care much about 'why' a pro like you does it. I only care about 'what' a pro does.
It was never my intention to stress out a guru with secular details. My only purpose of existence is to absorb a guru's vision and mindset, so that I can achieve spiritual awakening and reach nirvana.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
<< Q2 - Andrew said MultiRiffs and Partial Regen can only access to RealTracks. Can I assume MultiRiffs and Partial Regen can not access/generate MIDIs and Super MIDIs? >>
True that multiRiffs and Partial regen only work with RealTracks when creating, but using the Artist Performance File feature, multiRiffs and regens can be bounced with Midi and SuperMidi tracks merged as a mix of these different audio media types.
<< Q3 - Is there a difference between, (a) Generate a MIDI or Super MIDI solo using Soloist; (b) Insert the same MIDI or Super MIDI to a track, then using full track regular gen and play? >>
Doing this is counterproductive. No need to generate a solo w/ soloist feature if you're going to then regenerate a full track. The solo will be overwritten.
<< Q5 - Jim mentioned database material constraints. So, if I use MultiRiffs or Partial Regen, will there be any RealTrack material that I can not access, but only Soloist can? If I use regular gen & play, will there be any MIDI material I can not access, but only Soloist can? >>
MultiRiffs and Partial Regeneration material is based on the original data of a highlighted track region and chords contained in that region. However, users can also create MultiRiffs and partial regenerations selected from any RealTrack and replace the original RT instrument with any other instrument. For instance, an electric guitar can have a fiddle replace several bars in any selected region of the electric guitar track.
<< Q6 - Which tool gives the best result on day-to-day production work for generating electric guitar solos for rock/pop/ballad? >>
To create a electric guitar solo, I would use the MultiRiff feature.
Could you at least share a bit of personal experience on during cooking your own music, when you would prefer to use Soloist, when you would prefer not?
I seldom use the features we are discussing. That is because I generally am satisfied with the results Band-in-a-Box provides without resorting to using Partial Regen, MultiRiffs, the Melody or Solo features. But, some might say I'm easily pleased!
I find your questions and our discussions interesting. You ask questions about features I seldom use but do want to learn more about. Your questions provide me a good reason to research and learn more about the subjects of your questions.
I learn by watching PG Music tutorials, searching the user manuals, creating test songs and remembering past discussions.
What I find REALLY interesting about the questions in the threads you've started is you keep bringing up subjects of interest that are rarely discussed in the forum. Also the thread subject headings are fairly specific so the responses stay on point.
Other than this PG Music forum, what other music forums do you visit and post on a regular basis?
The reason I'm asking is because I was shocked on how much juicy contents can be buried under an old school BBS type of forum.
I was not impressed, at all, with this PG forum. It doesn't support mobile device, texts are too small to read on mobile, high resolution pictures can't be displayed, etc. I didn't like this forum.
Until I realized each day and every day how a rediculous amount of people posting a rediculous amount of content on this forum.
Not only BiaB related topics, but also everything else about music: workflow, mixing, VST, NFT, AI, Melodyne, monitization, marketing... imagination is the only limit.
Much more engaging than any other forums on the planet.
(PG Music has a Facebook group, but seems to be a barren wasteland, compare to this forum)
That's why I'm asking if you know any other music forums exist, just as juicy as this one.
Other than posting some technical questions, I currently spend ten times of my time searching and reading older off topic posts. There is just too much juice for me to handle.
So if there's another place as nutritious as this forum, I will definitely be interested in checking it out.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
Well, you didn't ask me, but I understand what you are saying and asking. My other favorite haunt in terms of music forums is https://vi-control.net/community/. Friendly and informative for all thinks "virtual instruments" including composing and music making.
Hmm, the forum does support small screens. Check "My stuff " preferences --> "Enable mobile support". Should default to TRUE but worth double-checking.
There are three I frequently visit and one I visit a few times a month. You are aware of the PG Music forum so I will skip this one.
+++ Cakewalk by Bandlab +++ is my full featured DAW of choice. The Cakewalk forum has a nice mixture of professional versus hobbyist users. Some of the software developers frequently participate on the forum. Since Cakewalk by Bandlab is based on the mature framework of Sonar and the developers were part of the Sonar development team the institutional knowledge and DAW knowledge in general is deep.
I have a paid membership in +++ The Steel Guitar Forum +++ because my elder brother played pedal steel guitar and was a charter member of the forum. Through this forum I've come to know many steel guitar players that knew my brother and gain new insight into life as a professional touring and/or session musician. Unlike the PG Music or Cakewalk by Bandlab forums that are supported by a business, the Steel Guitar forum was created and maintained by a private individual. The membership fee is $5 US for lifetime membership.
The +++ Mix Challenge +++ forum provides monthly challenges to mix a song project. The competition is made for novice to professional musicians and mix engineers alike. In addition to the mix challenge there are also a remix and mastering challenge as well as a songwriting competition. The forum always needs new song projects to use in the contests. This forum has the most professional atmosphere of the forums I visit.
Hmm, the forum does support small screens. Check "My stuff " preferences --> "Enable mobile support". Should default to TRUE but worth double-checking.
I can confirm this is not working.
Attached a screenshot from a Chrome browser in an Adroid mobile phone.
Reason? If someone upload a picture in a post, the whole thread loses its mobility view.
Solution? Log out. Once logged out, picture can't be seen. Mobility view comes back.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
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!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
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.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
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