Rustyspoon, I don't have "concrete bugs" for you but I do have 10+ years of experience with this software and many more years experience writing and selling software.
I don't understand your hurry in removing essential functionality before the BIAB Annual Paid User Beta Testing is completed!
And removing large chunks of code is never something to be done casually. Have you ever wondered why computer game producers leave all their test code (cheats and Easter eggs to us gamers) in the released product? The reason is, to remove that code may cause more harm than good.
"before the BIAB Annual Paid User Beta Testing is completed" LOL
I don't believe request is premature. This is a wishlist, and I have no doubts,if it will be considered (removing obsolete pickers), it will be no earlier than we will get VST3 support, which I hope we will receive by the end of February.
In my humble view, one of the biggest issues with BIAB is redundancy / unwanted and unneeded complexity that comes with maintaining obsolete and unfinished features. Previous pickers are perfect example of that. Another (from newer ones) is F8 vs Alt F8. When Alt+F8 was introduced, it should have been completed with a few remaining tools of F8, and F8 put to rest and replaced by non-modal version. There quite a few examples of that nature. New MTP Library is a big step in the right direction, given several known issues are fixed, it is pretty much complete. Why carry all the weight and scare new customers with all other pickers? -----------------------------------------------
The point of this thread is to identify shortcomings (if any) of new MTP Library compared to all previous pickers and have constructive discussion pointing developers making right decisions based of user wants/needs, not on hypothesis of what "might" happen. That is their job to worry about programming.
"The point of this thread is to identify shortcomings (if any) of new MTP Library compared to all previous pickers and have constructive discussion pointing developers making right decisions based of user wants/needs
I like that goal a lot more than the thread's title "Please remove all previous pickers."
Old habits die hard for some. I think that the simplest solution is to keep the current buttons in place, but redirect them all to the appropriate tabs in the new Multi-Picker.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
JJJ, As soon as those issues are identified and addressed, it's my wish for previous pickers to be GONE - GOODBYE!... and thank you for your service. ----- Charlie, new users are scared by unneeded complexity. "Operation issue" is an issue! I I don't believe that accumulating old code and maintaining about 30% of useless menus is a "good thing". Bugs, user confusion, should I continue or you know what I will say next? We (humanoids) are not robots to keep memorizing redundant multiple ways of doing one thing & unorthodox workarounds. Likely some find joy in it. Not me.
Bashing might not be the right word. Disagreeing without a specific reason. That is what I meant.
" can't say what bothers me specifically" When you do, post it. If reasonable/beneficial, I will gladly support it.
" it's still not done very well" Explain. That is what the Wishlist is for.
Honestly, I'm just taking a bit of a breather. I had high hopes for this update but, while everyone else seems happy, I'm completely unenthusiastic with it. I need to calm down a bit before I hate on it too much so that I can post my thoughts in a less angered manner.
Fwiw, I am absolutely 100% behind your idea to remove unnecessary items and I'd take that a lot further than just the pickers. I just don't want this to happen unless the alternatives are as good, preferably better.
I'm quite clearly the odd one out who despises putting anything behind unnecessary mouse clicks. Compare the previous realtracks picker to the one in the multipicker and a whole bunch of stuff, which was right there on the page, is now behind more clicks.
I'm impatient and I want everything to happen and be accessible as quickly and easily as possible. This isn't normal DAW type software, as we all agree. I don't know how others use it but I use it as an ideas pad where I can trial things quickly without multiple clicks and drop down menus when they aren't needed. It wasn't quite so bad in the past but now we have so much to choose from we can spend a long time trialing and regenerating many many times over. This should be click listen, not click click menu sub-menu search click click listen.
Add to that we have a search and filter that is almost pointless - nothing new there, it's been that way forever but it's just becoming annoying now. What often takes half an hour should be able to do in minutes.
I will post more about my frustrations but like I say, I just need to take a breath so that I don't unintentionally offend anyone.
Last edited by Lee N; 12/12/2305:10 PM. Reason: spelling
Lee, Ohh it will take quite a lot to offend me Please don't worry about that.
New Multipicker Library is far better than everything what we had before. Sure, it does have a few known issues, hopefully they are fixed in no time. You mentioned "number of clicks". Take your time pinpoint exactly where you need more clicks and write it here when you are ready. Filtering it seems the same as with previous pickers, and while I am not in "love" with it, it works as expected. We would all benefit from "nested" filtering, but that is good topic for another thread. ---------- You mentioned: "I don't know how others use it but I use it as an ideas pad where I can trial things quickly without multiple clicks" Me too. And new 2024 version is better than anything that we had before. I am a bit sick now, but I will record a better video when I get better. Meanwhile, please watch my short clip. Maybe it will give you some ideas of workflow using new MTP Library: https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=788290#Post788290
Me too. And new 2024 version is better than anything that we had before. I am a bit sick now, but I will record a better video when I get better. Meanwhile, please watch my short clip. Maybe it will give you some ideas of workflow using new MTP Library: https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=788290#Post788290
I'm sure it is better. I'm just a bit deflated and also not had much time to play around. The first thing I did was test out partial regen for drums (one of the main reasons I upgraded) only to find out it doesn't work. With that I gave up and will try again when I'm more inspired to try again. I'll give your video a watch. Thanks
While I support the idea of removing things to streamline the program, mightn't this have the potential to impact significantly on the effectiveness of the community of helpers in the Windows/Mac forums, etc?
For example, if someone has a problem with BIAB 2016 (say) and I ask them to describe the process they go through that causes the problem, I can presently re-create their actions step by step (mostly). If things change too much, though, that would not be possible. Similarly, if I give a set of diagrams and step-by-step instructions on how to solve a problem, those solutions would be based on my current version of BIAB and if the change between my version and a user's version is too great, my solutions would have limited value.
Explanation-type problems that arise due to a lack of consistency between versions can already be seen in some posts in the "Tips and Tricks" forum where present versions of BIAB don't have an exact relationship with past versions.
For example, the below set of instructions regarding plugins is relevant to BIAB 2018.
The system is now completely different. If a user of BIAB 2018 had a plugin problem, solving it becomes much harder if the solutions are based on BIAB 2024 as the reference version.
Ahh, Noel, It is absurd thinking and philosophy that those who spend their hard earned money yearly, supporting progress should suffer from redundancy and unnecessary complexity that "possibly" can occur for somebody who doesn't (support the progress and PGM music in general).
Out of good will, and simply because you are a nice person, you can surely help someone who for one reason or another didn't upgrade IN YEARS but make everyone else suffer for those reasons is flawed thinking in every possible way.
Sorry Noel, I feel this one belongs to: doing good deeds on other peoples backs.
Since I agree with both Noel and Misha maybe the answer would be an either or option, much like control T for the GUI? Maybe even tie the old picker to the old GUI? Or have it a separate option?
Just my two cents.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
But it seems to me that all the functionalities of the previous selectors are not included in the MP? I've noticed several over time. Which means no, it's not a good idea.
Mario, I think you are confusing backward compatibility vs redundancy and simply outdated features. I do understand the need for older GUI as some people's vision degrades with age and big buttons are something that they are more comfortable with, but something like new MTP Library, which makes things so much easier in every way and has everything that older picker offered with same familiar layout, I simply don't see a single valid argument to keeping those which makes program more confusing than it already is.
---------
MoultiPass "But it seems to me that all the functionalities of the previous selectors are not included in the MP?"
What is that you are missing? Explain. Just throwing words out mean little. I am asking, because if you are "missing" something, you argument should look like: I om Ok with request If A and B is added from X Y pickers, otherwise No.
That way we can make those specific requests to PGM and try to persuade a change of making program cleaner, instead of more cluttered with redundant and outdated items.
I'm just showing you the old Rt selector. I use each of these buttons. In the MP you have to look for them in the right-click submenus. If you hide all the options in right clicks, people will no longer use them and we will lose freedom. Right click or buttons, the most meaningful for me is the button.Why make it complicated? If you only use the new one, that's up to you. But don't penalize others.
Moultipass, so the "missing" functions are there, and not missing (per your initial post) except for convenience of several buttons that you are personally (and likely few other users) are used to? Correct?
I don't agree with your "penalize others" comment. I think it is far more damaging to software and ultimately users leaving huge chunks of redundant code just to satisfy a few "convenient" buttons. Instead of trying to formalin specimens, put forward idea(s) how to make new MTP library better - to suit your needs. In my view many popular, well supported ideas from this section of the forum do make it to yearly release.
Removing old / outdated / redundant GUI elements is all about simplifyng the GUI, simplify documentation, simplify software manteinance, reduce bugs, reduce clutter, avoid confusion for new users, improve consistence between GUI elements, improve ease of use and enhance user experience.
I don't really see any strong reason to maintain those old, outdated pickers, but I do see many benefits for the program if the developers decide to remove them.
I agree - remove the old reduntant stuff from the GUI. I have not found any functions in the old menus that are not also available in the new Multipicker. If the old stuff is kept, then the gui will never improve just become more cluttered. One of the more confusing things I know is when the same function appears in several places. It makes me wonder why? Is there something that differs between these functions in these places? I have never seen any other software that keeps the old gui stuff when improving the gui.
BIAB 2026, Studio Pro 8, Song Master Pro, Win11 Home. i7-9700K CPU, 32GB, ESI MAYA44eX, ZOOM UAC-2, Guitar Pro 8, Transcribe, (EZKeys2, EZD3, SD3, EZBass, EZMix3) Amateur: fiddle, guitar, vocal, beginner on bass.
I think it is absolutely obvious that we are heading straight towards this simplification, which will take time since everything is nested in Biab and each action can be done in 3 different ways. I simply noticed that with a release on 5/12, asking for such a deletion on 6 could cause some users a form of frustration. But you would really have to be blind not to imagine that we are necessarily going to simplify the whole thing.
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)
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!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
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.
Please don't worry about that.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean