|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 563
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 563 |
Maybe it would be interesting to share what applications/software BIAB users find most satisfying when it comes to “Usability and User Experience” ranked for their top 2-3 software packages.
“So while the goal of usability is creating a product that's easy to use, the goal of UX is to make the user happy before, during, and after using the product. This is no small feat. That's why UX design is an iterative process of researching, planning, testing, and refining every touch point of the user journey”
Mine top 2 would be:
1. Tonetrack series EZDrummer3, EZKeys2,,, (clean GUI, intuitive and supportive of the workflow at hand)
2. StudioOne pro 6.5
Both these are examples of software that get my work done efficiently and makes me happy before, during and after using the product.
BIAB 2026, Studio One 7 Pro, 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,778
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,778 |
Mine top 2 would be:
1. Tonetrack series EZDrummer3, EZKeys2,,, (clean GUI, intuitive and supportive of the workflow at hand) Both these are examples of software that get my work done efficiently and makes me happy before, during and after using the product. Ditto that, In the VSti music making world could not agree more. Both are number 1.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,267
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,267 |
Mine top 2 would be:
1. Tonetrack series EZDrummer3, EZKeys2,,, (clean GUI, intuitive and supportive of the workflow at hand) Both these are examples of software that get my work done efficiently and makes me happy before, during and after using the product. Ditto that, In the VSti music making world could not agree more. Both are number 1. Another ditto that and Studio One Pro!
Last edited by MarioD; 11/21/23 08:19 AM.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 625
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 625 |
I agree with both of them, I use all of them and they just have great UI that just works for me.
BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Fender Studio Pro 8, Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Luna Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,267
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,267 |
Although not in the field of music On 1 Photo Raw, https://www.on1.com/products/photo-raw/has a very easy to use and customizable GUI. It is very easy to use and in fact I believe that one can go very deep into the program without reading the manual. You might want to look at it and if you're into photography you might want to give it a spin. There is a 30 money back guarantee.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 563
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 563 |
Yes I have the 2023 version ON1 Photo Raw. I will probably upgrade to 2024.
BIAB 2026, Studio One 7 Pro, 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,873
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,873 |
the goal of UX is to make the user happy before, during, and after using the product. YES! A tool like these should be FUN to use! Every time someone reports an issue with BIAB and a long-time user provides a helpful but obscure and difficult work-around I am reminded of this! That's why UX design is an iterative process of researching, planning, testing, and refining every touch point of the user journey Many companies skip this process entirely and it shows in their products. But it is an expensive and difficult process. EZDrummer3, EZKeys2,,, (clean GUI, intuitive and supportive of the workflow at hand) Agree 100% on these two!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,443
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,443 |
I'll keep my answers to music software.
From my older software, these are the standby winners: Adobe Audition (ever since it was Cool Edit Pro); Studio One 6 (I rarely need the manual); Notion 6 Desktop is my notation software, chosen because the workflow is SO much better than others.
But for design and usability I nominate new stuff: Pure Limit by Sonible (and their other modules like Pure EQ, Pure Verb, Smart Gate, etc.) is great design and makes what could be a tedious task very easy. AI gets you very close to great in short order. It's all the fun of Ozone by Izotope but much easier.
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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110 |
This will solve most issues related to PG products and bring them into the realm of the other software mentioned: Re: When will Band In A Box be available for iOS ...Any development underway for us? If they are looking into to this now behind the scenes as suggested it would be a good way to go: JUCE is the most widely used framework for audio application and plug-in development. It is an open source C++ codebase that can be used to create standalone software on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, as well as VST, VST3, AU, AUv3, AAX and LV2 plug-ins. JUCE allows developers to focus on the most valuable parts of their software by taking care of the differences between operating systems (both desktop and mobile) and plug-in formats. With JUCE’s library of digital audio processing (DSP) building blocks you can quickly prototype and release native applications and plug-ins with a consistent user experience across all supported platforms. Using JUCE also future-proofs your products against operating system and plug-in host updates. With their current programming language PG spend 6 months on the Win Version then the next 6 months on the Mac version let alone iOS.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,623
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,623 |
Hmm, Usability and other experience.
Friday I was trying to put together some playlists for some practice sessions and a gig. 56 songs, quite a few of which are new to me and were supplied as PDF leadsheets.
I assembled the leadsheets into three playlists in MobileSheetsPro ready for the sessions and set about assembling the same for my own practice before meeting the others. I felt rather under pressure because there were so many new pieces to organise. So often when I try to create songs in BIAB, it seems hard work, particularly when there are intros, codas and so on and I have to set up the playlist.
I changed strategy. For the first time in ages I went back to iRealPro. Nope, it doesn't sound as good. Yes, it's more restricted on styles. But here's the rub ... I did it quickly and had a decent time to practice. I spend too long messing around in BIAB just trying to get the job done.
BIAB will certainly give a better experience once I get to play, but I spend too much time building the songs and too little playing.
I need to think about that and about what I'm trying o do here.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,594
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,594 |
Hmm, Usability and other experience.
BIAB will certainly give a better experience once I get to play, but I spend too much time building the songs and too little playing. +1
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,006
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,006 |
That's a reasonable statement Gordon. Yes, BiaB will deliver fantastic goods but to get great sounding arrangements, sometimes it's a little more than just typing in the chords and pressing play. Your situation was rather unique that you needed to get some output quickly. Of course you can then use BiaB to work with and improve your arrangements.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,623
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,623 |
That's a reasonable statement Gordon. Yes, BiaB will deliver fantastic goods but to get great sounding arrangements, sometimes it's a little more than just typing in the chords and pressing play. Your situation was rather unique that you needed to get some output quickly. Of course you can then use BiaB to work with and improve your arrangements. I think the main differences are that iReal offers far fewer style,. but they're OK and they'll stretch more than 10%, the handling of repeats and codas and the playlist handling. On iReal, pick an approximate style, set the BPM and go. Set lists are easy on iReal, though for sessions and performances I'll usually use MobileSheets, which does similar for PDF lead-sheets. MobileSheets set list handling is better still, I think. BIAB can be a real pain with setting up a song as I refuses to allow first and second ending or tabs on a single chorus song, which can make the setup frustrating. Then there are very many styles to trawl through just to get something that's OK. The Jukebox(set list?) plays either alphabetically or random. I can fix that by prefixing each song with, e.g., a number 000, 001, 002, but iReal orders them as I enter them and lets me slide them around to adjust the order. I have to say that with 50+ songs in the set list that's not totally painless, but it's certainly better than having to number or renumber 50+ files. When playing, swipe left to get the next song, tap it, if wanted set the repeats/bpm/key and tab play play. Some background: although I continue to get better, I'm still struggling a bit with the depression caused by the [redacted] with whom I used to work, and I was beginning to find practising a challenge. The less painful route from the PDF set list I received to iReal made that easier. I practised, rather than giving up. For once in a while now, I enjoyed it rather than procrastinating. Of course I'm normally using these just as a practice tool, not to produce a performance, but I've now realised just how much for me the process was hurting the purpose.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
I'm honestly surprised nobody's mentioned Apple's software yet - honestly they've always been about user experience. It's why I switched to Mac over a decade ago and never looked back, not to mention that their hardware is almost always good. Not that they haven't done a LOT of things I dislike, of course...
I'm still one of those holdouts that avoids streaming services and still buys music (mostly digitally), and iTunes is invaluable in keeping it organized. It's simple and straight to the point, and I can zero in on one song out of 20,000 quickly and easily. It's also why I still use a nearly 20 year old iPod lol.
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110 |
Apple's software is great !
But when it comes to other software it's not allowed to keep working as the apple os changes every week to something new and developers have to work overtime to update an app version to work on this weeks apple.
We see that regularly in the Mac BB forum (when will a patch be available ?). That's why I gave up on it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
Apple's software is great !
But when it comes to other software it's not allowed to keep working as the apple os changes every week to something new and developers have to work overtime to update an app version to work on this weeks apple.
We see that regularly in the Mac BB forum (when will a patch be available ?). That's why I gave up on it. I agree, but that's why I don't update my OS on my music machine until I know everything's compatible. Still running Monterey for that reason.
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110 |
How do those 32bit apps run on Monterey, if we had a Mac that would run every app how good would that be ? I'll just stick with the Macs that come with coke and fries until then: ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=25540&filename=bb17-23.png)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,705
Posts795,100
Members39,937
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean