Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
Hello Forum Folk & PG Staff,
I started work on a song yesterday.
I wanted to use drums stems to address a particular need, (the frequent issue of cymbals being too loud in a stereo Real Drum track).
I pulled up my list of Real Drums with stems and selected the best sounding fit.
When I imported the stems into my DAW, (Reaper), they were ALL mono. I changed my dry/centred setting selection and the stems still arrived in mono.
The MIX of drums inside BIAB, (with the stems muted), doesn't sound mono.
How can I recreate a kit when the overheads, toms and room tracks are mono?
Am I doing something wrong?
Musocity showed his extractor pulling stereo from a stem set but I would think BIAB would do this.
Has this been addressed in V2024?
This is important to me as I want more stems but not the associated problem.
Yes, I tried the search section but there were not matches for mono with stems or drums, I did a visual search of my own to no avail and the A.I. was unhelpful.

Last edited by rayc; 12/15/23 06:07 PM.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,618
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,618
I don't know. Let me try an experiment.

ps I counted 124 drums with stems in audiophile 2024.

EDIT: OK, I loaded a new drum style with stems. While most are panned to the center (0), some are not, particularly the hi-hat which makes sense to me. Of course I can adjust the panning of any stem.

Otherwise I'm not sure how to test the stem to see if it's stereo. I suppose I could audition an individual file in /bb/drums.

Reading this in your question: "I pulled up my list of Real Drums with stems and selected the best sounding fit.", I assume you also panned the stems to your liking, and the problem is not hearing them in stereo in BIAB; the problem is exporting the panned settings (while not flat & centeres) to the DAW. Is that correct?

Last edited by Matt Finley; 12/15/23 07:10 PM.

BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Originally Posted by rayc
I keep finding all of the stems in a kit are in mono...hard to recreate the mix if the overheads, toms and room are in mono.
I tried changing export settings to no avail.
The source files should be stereo for the room and overheads but Biab shows them as mono like in the Tracks view now the Drums show as mono. If you use the Reaper ver6 BBVST you should get the stereo source files.

[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in] [/quote]

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Also you can just Freeze the stereo drum track in Biab, save it as a "new song drums only frozen.sgu" then open in Reaper with Open SGU in Reaper then select that track and run Stems from Strereo RealDrums (Reaper)

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
The one and only thing you need to do is install 2 scripts, no modifications, no complex installations:

[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
I'm using Reaper 6.4.
I've been exporting from BIAB via the Audio - Export song as Audio - process - individual files etc. etc..
I do this becasue the BIAB VST can be quite flaky with regard to generating files - I often get half completed tracks or similar.
I'll try using the VST tomorrow morning and hope it resolves the problem.
If not I'll attempt the other tow processes you out line Musocity.
My biggest issue is that BIAB ought to do this without a problem.
THANK YOU.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
Originally Posted by Matt Finley
...the problem is exporting the panned settings (while not flat & centeres) to the DAW. Is that correct?
Thanks Matt, but no, the problem is that the stems arrive, after exporting as MONO strems. Usually Overheads and things with movement across the sound stage, like toms, are stereo tracks.
Exporting via AUDIO or Track Actions delivers mono tracks.
Building a stereo image from stems usually starts with matching the panning placement of individual elements with their position in the overheads and then tweaking levels, EQ, etc. to get the sound desired. I can't do this if the overheads are mono. I CAN work on the toms by panning automation but that's lot of effort & time that ought not be required IF the stems that should be stereo were..
I've raised this problem a couple of times and BIAB staff don't seem to pick it up as an issue to address.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Originally Posted by rayc
I'm using Reaper 6.4.
you need v6.57+ release if you are using wma files
https://www.reaper.fm/download-old.php?ver=6x

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
Originally Posted by musocity
Originally Posted by rayc
I'm using Reaper 6.4.
you need v6.57+ release if you are using wma files
https://www.reaper.fm/download-old.php?ver=6x
Ah, well, I suppose it's time to update Reaper. i don't incrementally update as I like to know what I have works and I have the machine off line.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
I updated Reaper & had no luck.
I downloaded the liked scripts and tried to install & edit them but received error messages when trying to run them.
I have BIAB in the supplied drive at G....
UltraPAK (G:)
I have the current SGUs in the Reaper Media folder for the current project/song
Data (F:) >Documents and Settings > ray > My Documents > Reaper Media

Error messages attached.
I know enough to be dangerous...prove that yet again.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
import frozen error.png (50.76 KB, 159 downloads)
create stems from erro.png (5.68 KB, 158 downloads)

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
"Install SWS Extensions to set Biab 2 bar count-in offset www.sws-extension.org"

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
You don't need to freeze all the stem tracks, just freeze the stereo main drum track then load it, select the track and run the Stems script.
I have updated the script so it plays over varying tempo maps smoother.
Import-frozen-SGU-MGU-realtracks-drums.zip
just replace the scripts in the script folder.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1
R
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
R
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1
When I check the Mix vs the Overheads or Room tracks inside the Audio Edit window in BIAB, the latter 2 already show as mono only, while the drum Mix track, or for example piano tracks show as stereo wave files. So it looks like BIAB simply does not generate stereo tracks for Overheads or Room tracks, never mind the export to your DAW...

[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
If you have the Stems generated in Biab then freeze the Mix track you will get all the Stem tracks in the frozen SGU also, and you will get the original stereo source files but you won't get the Stem name:

[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

If you just generate the normal drum track only (and provided you have the Stems for it) then freeze that track you will get the stereo drum track that can be converted to stems with stem names:

[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
I'll have a crack tomorrow...I've just shut down my computer as the rooms getting a bit hot and there's a bit of thunder about.
I thought I may have not edited the scripts properly.
The only changes I made were to insert G for C.
Okay I need to.
a) freeze the "Mix" tracks in BIAB, (easy enough as the stems won't "freeze"
b) Save the SGU as frozen to somewhere I can get to with the Action
c) call up the action, run it, select the SGU and all will be well?
I've sent this to support as an issue as it really is silly that the stems aren't properly useful.
It's one of many things BIAB need to address.
I know the program has been significantly upgraded for 2024 but I'm less inclined to spend the money if I can't do what I ought to be able to do.

Last edited by rayc; 12/18/23 01:08 AM.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
Thanks for your help so far musocity,
I'm a slow learner when it comes to scripts.
I had another crack at it today.
I started in BIAB. I tried to remove all but the stems & drum mix from the project but that doesn't seem to be easy.
I muted everything but the stems & drum mix.
I froze the drum mix
I saved the song with a diff name
I opened Reaper,
I removed the PG VST
I reinstated the PG VST
I opened the new song file
I ran the ACTION scripts one at a time and all three came up with error messages.
Two had, essentially, the same message after selecting the SGU file
The third didn't get that far and threw up its message ASAP.
You see, I'm a klutz, this is why I try not to get into this side of things.
Here're the error messages...

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
error2.png (43.8 KB, 119 downloads)
next error.png (71.56 KB, 119 downloads)

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
I just tried "Live Chat" and the chap there had no idea - even suggested I pan them in the mixer!!! He had no personal knowledge of a "workaround". I did mention that musocity has a script but then the chat magically "timed out".


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
It gives you a notification to Install SWS Extensions for Reaper from https://www.sws-extension.org/

I updated the script in the previous message, you can swap the new ones with the old by just replacing them in the script folder.
You don't need to generate up Stems in Biab just the normal drum track then freeze the SGU and open in Reaper,
then run Script: Create stems from selected realdrums stereo track.lua

If you have generated up stems and froze the Mix track it will automatically import all drum stem tracks and you won't have to run Script: Create stems from selected realdrums stereo track.lua

Is it importing any tracks, there is no pic of Reaper tracks ?

You don't need the PG VST to load the SGU track/s in.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,309
Nothing happens after the error messages.
I'll try the replacement script tomorrow.
I suppose it's pointless generating the tracks with the VST as they'll come up mono again won't they?
Thanks.
I'm a work in progress.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
You will get it sorted, don't worry. You are helping me out as I can iron out any issues.

The PG VST is not working right at the moment I only get 2 stems, if it was working it would give the stereo tracks if you send the track data method, but if you render it would probably give mono:

[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

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
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.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

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!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,454
Posts805,306
Members40,125
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Zoltan Bekesi, kmmkelsns874, Goodmanje, AlfredoR616, Jerry Gerber
40,125 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 135
rsdean 91
DC Ron 90
WaoBand 67
Today's Birthdays
jm12947, Morais
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5