Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 62
U
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
U
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 62
I am really angry. No updates and bugfixes since July!!!
Providing a manual, which itself is not complete, with a bad chat clone is no help.

As a customer I feel ripped off!!!!!!!

I have only seen software in such an unstable state among amateur programmers.

Melodist jukebox still doesn't work!
Some melodists play harmony voices even though disabled!!
Window handling doesn't work properly!
Instrumentalists who don't take endings into account and just keep playing!
Function-based standard paths are constantly changing!
Audio and program performance are not up to date and bad!!!!
The standard procedure for errors is to reset to factory settings? Are you serious?
Anyone who seriously expects a faulty program to work without errors when reset to the standard settings is an idiot.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,733
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,733
Uwe,
difficult day? smile

BIAB is a pretty complex software, so I think it is overly optimistic to expect it to work flawlesly. I am actually surprised how stable it is. (Comparing with crashes in other software). I agree that it has quite a few bugs and strange aproaches, but I think the wise thing to do is to provide 1-2 sentence for each issue you are having with example (track that you have issues with) so people can replicate them and confirm. A lot of bugs (not all) get fixed when discussed here.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,033
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,033
You probably know that, historically, a new upgrade is released each year around the beginning of December. An update right now makes little sense.

If you would like to seek solutions to these issues, may I suggest you start a separate post for each and give a good description. We can identify if an item is solvable now, or if it belongs as a separate request in the Wishlist. If it's a serious bug, some of us can make sure the developers know about it right away.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,570
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,570
I agree with Rusty and Matt.
Start by proactively creating a thread for your biggest single complaint and provide sufficient detail including how you think the software should work vs how it's actually working. Folks here will work with you. Then rince & repeat with your other issues.

I have found that the better you can articulate your issue, the better folks here can help you; screen shots, like pictures, are worth a thousand words.
If they can't help you, but agree that it's a valid concern, it will certainly be brought to the attention of the developers.


https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677
BiaB 2025 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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,681
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,681
Originellement posté par Bass Thumper
I agree with Rusty and Matt.
Start by proactively creating a thread for your biggest single complaint and provide sufficient detail including how you think the software should work vs how it's actually working. Folks here will work with you. Then rince & repeat with your other issues.

I have found that the better you can articulate your issue, the better folks here can help you; screen shots, like pictures, are worth a thousand words.
If they can't help you, but agree that it's a valid concern, it will certainly be brought to the attention of the developers.

He's been doing it for years, haven't you ever read it?


Biab Audiophile 2025 11.28 Win
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,790
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,790
Originally Posted by Uwe Schwarz
I am really angry. No updates and bugfixes since July!!!
Providing a manual, which itself is not complete, with a bad chat clone is no help.

As a customer I feel ripped off!!!!!!!

I have only seen software in such an unstable state among amateur programmers.

Melodist jukebox still doesn't work!
Some melodists play harmony voices even though disabled!!
Window handling doesn't work properly!
Instrumentalists who don't take endings into account and just keep playing!
Function-based standard paths are constantly changing!
Audio and program performance are not up to date and bad!!!!
The standard procedure for errors is to reset to factory settings? Are you serious?
Anyone who seriously expects a faulty program to work without errors when reset to the standard settings is an idiot.
Your points are valid! (You'll notice no one argued against any of your specific complaints because we all suffer with them as well as many more; I guess we have a kind of BIAB Stockholm syndrome!) After more than 10 years of struggling with BIAB's bugs, GUI and documentation, I finally reached the understanding that it will always be so. Now, I use it just enough to get access to those sweet, amazing RealTracks! I avoid "advanced" features and most new features until they've had a year or two to debug them.

But in spite of the issues, I am delighted to send my money to PG Music every December because the RealTracks have absolutely changed my music life!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 62
U
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
U
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 62
Originally Posted by Rustyspoon#
Uwe,
difficult day? smile

BIAB is a pretty complex software, so I think it is overly optimistic to expect it to work flawlesly. I am actually surprised how stable it is. (Comparing with crashes in other software). I agree that it has quite a few bugs and strange aproaches, but I think the wise thing to do is to provide 1-2 sentence for each issue you are having with example (track that you have issues with) so people can replicate them and confirm. A lot of bugs (not all) get fixed when discussed here.

https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=97232&Number=723644#Post723644
Yes, it was a hard day.
All errors are still there!
I don't want to be a beta tester!
Cubase Pro is much more complex and gives me less headaches. That is not an excuse!
MelJoplin.st2 Melodist always plays with harmonies!
I think the melodist is not that important and doesn't care?
Windows appear in the background, not on top....
Unfortunately, I don't have the feeling that errors will be fixed quickly.
It's a real shame, but the amount of errors make working with this program a challenge that kills my creativity.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 621
B
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
B
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 621
Where can we send a box of tissues?


Byron Dickens

BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency.

https://soundcloud.com/athanorsoundlabs
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 62
U
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
U
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 62
Hi Matt,
I have already tested the advice to simply buy the next version in 2022. I bought an update to 2023 for around 300 euros and the same problems! (Cubase 13 Pro update costs 99 euros!)
At BiaB I'm only interested in the melodist to get new ideas. Unfortunately, as is well known, it is associated with a number of problems. Some, like loading a melodist in the edit area, have also been fixed. But a lot of things are still shaky.
And that after 2! years.
Hi Bass Thumper,
Thanks for your input. I thought I had already done that.
https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=764088&#Post764088
Hi John,
BIAB Stockholm syndrome LOL.
If PG had cared a little more about program maintenance, I would have immediately been inclined to continue supporting her!
However, all of my experiences advise me against it!
Hi Byron Dickens,
Just bring it on. send it to me via an email attached.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,033
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,033
Your post about the Melodist is very well done. I can’t help on that particular topic; I’ve never used it. Let’s see who responds and how the thread develops.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2
B
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
B
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2
I totally agree! I know all the fanboys on here won't like it but what if I decide to not upgrade to 2024? Are you telling me that I need to buy the next version to get fixes addressed. I probably won't go for 2024(I'm on 2023) because I'm suspicious of what kind of support I'll get in the future.
Oh, and by the way I did have a very good day today thank you very much!

Last edited by Badspike; 11/13/23 09:23 PM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
I have been here for 14 years fighting to make it better and it's getting there slowly, I know only too well there are many issues but as JJJ said it's worth it just for the RealTracks.
I'll buy you 2024 and if you don't like it nothing lost.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2
B
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
B
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2
Well, I'm sure PG will be happy with your response and no problem with that. But the way I look at it is that a relationship needs predictability. I've used BIAB for the last 6 years and what I've really liked about it is the timely fixes of issues. That's not there anymore! Obviously! It makes me suspicious that the investment in the product isn't being supported as it should be. We all do what we want and hey I love BIAB! But the relationship is being strained to say the least.

Last edited by Badspike; 11/13/23 10:18 PM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
I remember when Biab/RB was released bi-annually but then they made the Mac version and a lot of time is spent on that as apple keep changing things so apps don't work anymore when they have weekly updates and upgrades. You also had the BBPlugin that uses Biab in the background so that has to be maintained when features and functions are added to the VST to communicate.
Hopefully the new BBPlugin will contain all the generate code and won't need Biab or the Biab programmers giving more time back to them to fix the main Biab issues when not working on the Mac version because of apple's screw ups. At least Biab is not totally neglectedware like RealBand.
EDIT: also there could very well be lots of time going into the 2024 version because of big changes ???

Last edited by musocity; 11/13/23 11:56 PM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,733
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,733
I admit, despite all the issues and shortcomings, I am a fanboy of BIAB. Simply because it does what I need it to do (for the most part) and of course yearly dosage of Rt/Rd/Midi content. But I do understand folks who are trying to use it primarely for a very focused task(s). Certainly, some items need improvement.

Well... There is option to wait until version is released and ask if a particular option was solved before upgrading, or buy the program, and if particular issue still persist, ask customer service right away for a solution. If not addressed in 29 days, ask for money back.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,960
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 6,960
Wow, the anger is wild.
It's imperfect.
Some folk as far too sanguine about "progress" and others want it all & want it last year....SwingBaby was, and sometimes still is, an example of the latter.
My problem is that I don't require the program to be everything, in all places at all times so I work with what works when it arrives if it "works" for me.
The prog seems to have been BETA'd reasonably well but bugs pop up and are usually addressed fairly quickly.
As Musocity stated - it's worth it for the RealTracks alone.
He's also the sort of person who puts personal effort, skills and creativity into bringing the baby up.
I find things like the melodist pretty useless in the 1st instance - always too busy, too many notes and, realistically, it's isn't style flexible.
Then again I'm not into midi much so taking the melodist track and editing it to get something to suit me is something I could do but can't be bothered with - I just build from chord tones & extend a little bit.
I buy an update when it has the RTs I'm interested in plus some extra functionality that works for me. I've not bothered when the updates were more MIDI based and have, in that instance, bought the RT packs after the release to, again, get what I want.
The slower run of fixes does suggest something has taken priority and may be something significant.
There's nothing wrong with waiting beyond the discounted early bird deal time frame and there's not always a NEED to update.

Last edited by rayc; 11/14/23 03:05 AM. Reason: Finishing train of thought.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,499
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,499
Well said Ray, BiaB does have some bugs, but what software doesn't. let's face it this software does more than half a dozen other programs rolled into one. Does it do everything perfect. Heck no! can you name one that does? use it for what it does well and find away to do the other things until that issue is addressed.


HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 225
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 225
I'm also a big, huge fan of BIAB. And yes, I also find bugs and problems, very often. But I still keep using and buying it because of all the amazing things that BIAB can do.
Now, having said all that, I wish that PG Music would take a sort of "sabbatical" year, for example, version 2025 would be:
- no new features (at all !!!)
- just bug fixes, interface improvements, streamlined workflow etc
- maybe (if possibile) new realtracks as usual, but that should NOT be the priority
- obviously, cheaper upgrade to the new "streamlined" version
One year to fix all the issues, streamline the interface, clean up everything. I would gladly pay for that.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 128
L
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
L
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 128
Originally Posted by Jon Thomas
streamline the interface, clean up everything. I would gladly pay for that.

Yep, exactly that for me too. It's just been a cluttered mess since the beginning and continues to get worse.
Better filtering to find styles and realtracks for a start. Anytime I want to find something I'm pretty much presented only with the option to click and audition from a choice of hundreds, maybe thousands of irrelevant styles. Genre categories mean little and you can't filter them, despite the menu option giving you the impression you can.
Too many unnecessary menu options etc, the list goes on. I'd do a lot more with BIAB but sometimes just can't be bothered.
Giving us more realtracks as the main update feature is not going to attract me, it will just add more to the mess.
Although, if regenerate drums is in 2024, then maybe I'll be tempted smile

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,214
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,214
I agree with both Jon and Lee.
I get out of BiaB as soon as I can because the menu system and the fact I can do things much easier in my DAW; remember I work with MIDI.
Unfortunately for me RTs are PGM cash cow. I believe the majority of BiaB/RB users use them, some exclusively and I find no fault with that. But they will live with BiaB/RB as it is right now because of those RTs. YMMV


Whenever I get something stuck in the back of my throat, I dislodge it by drinking a beer.
It's called the Heineken Maneuver.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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

Join the conversation on our forum.

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.

Reference this forum post for One-Stop Shopping of our Band-in-a-Box® 2025 Mac Videos — we’ll be adding more videos as they’re released!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.

If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 Italian Version is Here!

Cari amici
È stata aggerate la versione in Italiano del programma più amato dagli appassionati di musica, il nostro Band-in-a-Box.
Questo è il link alla nuova versione 2025.

Di seguito i link per scaricare il pacchetti di lingua italiana aggiornati per Band-in-a-Box e RealBand, anche per chi avesse già comprato la nuova versione in inglese.

Band-in-a-Box 2025 - Italiano
RealBand 2025 - Italiano

Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!

Bonjour à tous,

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music

Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:

BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation

Voilà, enjoy!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Die deutsche Version Band-in-a-Box® 2025 für Windows ist ab sofort verfügbar!

Alle die bereits die englische Version von Band-in-a-Box und RealBand 2024 installiert haben, finden hier die Installationsdateien für das Sprachenupdate:

https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025.exe
https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025RB.exe

Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!

Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Stay up to date—get the latest update now!

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,298
Posts777,442
Members39,614
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
weedindubai, Claudio Paolini, bjornen71, CATBELLOU, Banjopotamus
39,613 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 148
zedd 120
DC Ron 106
nonchai 104
WaoBand 102
rsdean 86
Today's Birthdays
timbalera, WineRider
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5