PG Music Home Forums PG Music Product Forums Band-in-a-Box for Windows What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved]

Index

Print Thread

Go To

What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] #799700 02/11/24 05:42 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333 B BIABman OP Journeyman
OP BIABman Journeyman B Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333	Over the years I have always used the same method. Input the chords in BIAB. Get a decent version of the backing tracks. Render the tracks individually into .wav files. Open Reaper, import the .wav tracks and work with them there. So I was looking at the top left of the BIAB screen and trying to see which button to press to start this process. I saw the DAW pluggin button and pressed it but nothing special happened. So I watched a YouTube video on the BIAB plugin and followed along with Reaper. I must say I was left scratching my head. Why in the world would I want to install a BIAB plugin inside Reaper so that I can start Reaper and create BIAB tracks inside Repear???? Huh? BIAB is dripping with 1000's of features. Does it make any sense to create BIAB tracks inside Reaper when I obviously will lose most of the BIAB features in doing so? What is the whole point of this BIAB plugin? What am I missing? How difficult is it to do what I just did and have always done? Create the tracks in BIAB and then import them into your DAW? A BIAB user for more than 30 years (if you can believe it) !

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? BIABman #799708 02/11/24 06:25 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 10,971 Winston Salem, NC USA Jim Fogle Veteran
Jim Fogle Veteran Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 10,971 Winston Salem, NC USA	Band-in-a-Box DAW mode was introduced before the Band-in-a-Box plugin. DAW mode shrinks the size of the Band-in-a-Box window and forces the Band-in-a-Box window to always be the top screen. The smaller size and always on top window make it easier for both Band-in-a-Box and a DAW window to both be open at the same time so a user can easily drag tracks from Band-in-a-Box and drop the tracks in the DAW. The DAW plugin can reside inside a DAW and perform some Band-in-a-Box tasks. The plugin allows a user to open a SGU file while inside the DAW. This can be useful when you want to create additional tracks or audition alternative mixes. Some will say DAW mode is obsolete because a user can use the plugin. I disagree because the DAW mode allows a user to utilize all the features of Band-in-a-Box while the plugin does not have all the features of the program. Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in) Clipboard01.jpg (112.07 KB, 196 downloads) Band-in-a-Box DAW mode Clipboard02.jpg (78.47 KB, 191 downloads) Band-in-a-Box Plugin Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1224) RB (Build 7) - Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? Jim Fogle #799709 02/11/24 06:41 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333 B BIABman OP Journeyman
OP BIABman Journeyman B Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333	Originally Posted by Jim Fogle Band-in-a-Box DAW mode was introduced before the Band-in-a-Box plugin. DAW mode shrinks the size of the Band-in-a-Box window and forces the Band-in-a-Box window to always be the top screen. The smaller size and always on top window make it easier for both Band-in-a-Box and a DAW window to both be open at the same time so a user can easily drag tracks from Band-in-a-Box and drop the tracks in the DAW. The DAW plugin can reside inside a DAW and perform some Band-in-a-Box tasks. The plugin allows a user to open a SGU file while inside the DAW. This can be useful when you want to create additional tracks or audition alternative mixes. Some will say DAW mode is obsolete because a user can use the plugin. I disagree because the DAW mode allows a user to utilize all the features of Band-in-a-Box while the plugin does not have all the features of the program. OK thanks Jim. I'm having some success now with that DAW icon in the top left corner. I didn't know I was supposed to drag the tracks right into Reaper. I just did it now with three tracks successfully. It does save a bit of of time. But I wouldn't use the BIAB plugin inside Reaper to create BIAB tracks. Is it going to offer me all of BIAB styles and RealTracks/Drums and basically all of the other BIAB features? A BIAB user for more than 30 years (if you can believe it) !

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? BIABman #799802 02/12/24 10:16 AM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 7,673 Victoria, BC Andrew - PG Music PG Music Staff
Andrew - PG Music PG Music Staff Joined: May 2002 Posts: 7,673 Victoria, BC	Quote Is it going to offer me all of BIAB styles and RealTracks/Drums and basically all of the other BIAB features? Yes, in the plugin you can use ANY style and RealTracks that you have installed. No, it does not have all the same features as the main program - only the basic song/track generation features. Andrew PG Music Inc.

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? Andrew - PG Music #799830 02/12/24 12:50 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333 B BIABman OP Journeyman
OP BIABman Journeyman B Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333	Originally Posted by Andrew - PG Music Quote Is it going to offer me all of BIAB styles and RealTracks/Drums and basically all of the other BIAB features? Yes, in the plugin you can use ANY style and RealTracks that you have installed. No, it does not have all the same features as the main program - only the basic song/track generation features. Thanks Andrew. A BIAB user for more than 30 years (if you can believe it) !

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] BIABman #799832 02/12/24 01:16 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110 M musocity Veteran
musocity Veteran M Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110	Originally Posted by BIABman ..Open Reaper, .. If you have Reaper you have you have the easiest solution, no DAW Plug-In Mode, no rendering, do dragging: Open SGU in Reaper In Biab freeze tracks In Biab Save SGU In Reaper Open SGU

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] musocity #799833 02/12/24 01:21 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110 M musocity Veteran
musocity Veteran M Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110	Also: New GUI script Set-SGU-MGU-single-frozen-track-or-section-to-import-to-selected-track-GUI.zip This allows you to set the current SGU you are working on in Biab and instantly import any frozen track or section, so each time I generate a new bit or freeze a different track I Ctrl+ S Biab first then click the Import SGU in Reaper:

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] musocity #799859 02/12/24 05:10 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333 B BIABman OP Journeyman
OP BIABman Journeyman B Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333	Originally Posted by musocity Also: New GUI script Set-SGU-MGU-single-frozen-track-or-section-to-import-to-selected-track-GUI.zip This allows you to set the current SGU you are working on in Biab and instantly import any frozen track or section, so each time I generate a new bit or freeze a different track I Ctrl+ S Biab first then click the Import SGU in Reaper: Hi Muso thanks for writing here and telling me about your scripts! I started the process and got to the part where it said 'edit'. Then I stopped. This is not easy to set up! And I'm not really sure what it will accomplish in the end that is better than just using the DAW inside BIAB? A BIAB user for more than 30 years (if you can believe it) !

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] BIABman #799862 02/12/24 05:43 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110 M musocity Veteran
musocity Veteran M Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110	The default RT RD path is C:\ and default file type is wma, if you use these already you don't need to Edit. if you have the tracks on another drive like F: set it to the drive: default_tracks_dir = "F:\\bb\\RealTracks\\" the default file type is wma if you are using wma set it to: file_type = ".wma" if you are using wav set it to: file_type = ".wav" then use Ctrl+S to save script and run, it will browse for the SGU MGU.. you can cancel out and close the script then run it from the Action box, just search for SGU and it will show, select it then click Run. Code default_tracks_dir = "C:\\bb\\RealTracks\\" --(for Win use \\, for Mac use / :default directory for RealTracks wav files default_drums_dir = "C:\\bb\\Drums\\" --(for Win use \\, for Mac use / :default directory for RealDrums wav files file_type = ".wma" --{".wma",".wav",".m4a",".aiff",".flac",".mp3",".wv",".ogg"}

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] musocity #799863 02/12/24 06:02 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333 B BIABman OP Journeyman
OP BIABman Journeyman B Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333	Originally Posted by musocity The default RT RD path is C:\ and default file type is wma, if you use these already you don't need to Edit. if you have the tracks on another drive like F: set it to the drive: default_tracks_dir = "F:\\bb\\RealTracks\\" the default file type is wma ... But you haven't said what the script in Reaper is expecting to find? Are you supposed to have completed your song in BIAB so it's ready to go in Reaper? Is your script basically going to import the BIAB song file? Or will it import .wav files or what? What is the script looking for, where is it looking and what will it do exactly? A BIAB user for more than 30 years (if you can believe it) !

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] musocity #799867 02/12/24 07:08 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110 M musocity Veteran
musocity Veteran M Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110	Originally Posted by musocity Originally Posted by BIABman ..Open Reaper, .. If you have Reaper you have you have the easiest solution, no DAW Plug-In Mode, no rendering, do dragging: Open SGU in Reaper In Biab freeze tracks In Biab Save SGU In Reaper Open SGU

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] musocity #799870 02/12/24 07:48 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333 B BIABman OP Journeyman
OP BIABman Journeyman B Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333	Originally Posted by musocity Originally Posted by musocity Originally Posted by BIABman ..Open Reaper, .. If you have Reaper you have you have the easiest solution, no DAW Plug-In Mode, no rendering, do dragging: In Biab freeze tracks In Biab Save SGU In Reaper Open SGU Thanks Muso. Well it kind of worked. What I would add to your instructions are: To get your BIAB song (tracks) into Reaper: In Reaper go to: 1. Actions/Show Action List/ 2. Locate 'Script Import Frozen SGU etc.' and then hit 'Run'. The problem I had was that after the tracks were added to Reaper, I couldn't hear them play. All the wav audio was showing as OFFLINE. Last edited by BIABman; 02/12/24 07:49 PM. A BIAB user for more than 30 years (if you can believe it) !

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] BIABman #799876 02/12/24 08:26 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110 M musocity Veteran
musocity Veteran M Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110	Where do you have your RealTracks and Drums ? are you using wma or wav ? wav files come with the Audiophile Edition. If you right click on a media item > Source Properties it will tell you where the file is it's looking for. Also Action > Peaks: Build any missing peaks You can set in Preferences (Ctrl+P)

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] musocity #799878 02/12/24 08:32 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110 M musocity Veteran
musocity Veteran M Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110	Have a look at you RT RD paths in Biab and they should be the same path as in the top of the scripts (just the script has extra \\ in the path)

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] musocity #799879 02/12/24 08:35 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333 B BIABman OP Journeyman
OP BIABman Journeyman B Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333	Originally Posted by musocity Where do you have your RealTracks and Drums ? are you using wma or wav ? wav files come with the Audiophile Edition. If you right click on a media item > Source Properties it will tell you where the file is it's looking for. Also Action > Peaks: Build any missing peaks You can set in Preferences (Ctrl+P) My RealTrack are here: d:\Music\BIAB\RealTracks\ My Drums are here: d:\Music\BIAB\Drums\ Your instructions don't mention anything about wav or wma files. They just talk about SGU files, which is how BIAB saves my files. Sorry but it seems you are assuming many things before your script will work properly. Again, right now all I have to do is save my BIAB file. Export each track (I choose .wav), and then in Reaper just drag these .wav files right into new tracks. BINGO! Very simple. I mean how much simpler can you get than that? A BIAB user for more than 30 years (if you can believe it) !

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] BIABman #799891 02/12/24 09:31 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110 M musocity Veteran
musocity Veteran M Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110	"Very simple. I mean how much simpler can you get than that?" 100 times more simpler and quicker. I assume if you don't have the Audiophile Edition of Biab it will be wma so in the script: default_tracks_dir = "D:\\Music\\BIAB\\RealTracks\\" --(for Win use \\, for Mac use / :default directory for RealTracks wav files default_drums_dir = "D:\\Music\\BIAB\\Drums\\" --(for Win use \\, for Mac use / :default directory for RealDrums wav files file_type = ".wma" If you are using wma you will need Reaper v6.57 or later.

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] musocity #799957 02/13/24 11:41 AM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333 B BIABman OP Journeyman
OP BIABman Journeyman B Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 333	Originally Posted by musocity "Very simple. I mean how much simpler can you get than that?" 100 times more simpler and quicker. I assume if you don't have the Audiophile Edition of Biab it will be wma so in the script: default_tracks_dir = "D:\\Music\\BIAB\\RealTracks\\" --(for Win use \\, for Mac use / :default directory for RealTracks wav files default_drums_dir = "D:\\Music\\BIAB\\Drums\\" --(for Win use \\, for Mac use / :default directory for RealDrums wav files file_type = ".wma" If you are using wma you will need Reaper v6.57 or later. OK thanks Muso, I've got it working now. I'll have to try it out on a bunch of files in the next little while and see how much time I save with it. I commend you on all the work you put in to make this script! Congrats! A BIAB user for more than 30 years (if you can believe it) !

Re: What's the deal with the BIAB plugins? [Resolved] BIABman #799968 02/13/24 02:29 PM Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110 M musocity Veteran
musocity Veteran M Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,110	I'm glad you got it working ! With the soloist track sections you can lengthen them to add notes that you can't do with a consolidated wav file that you render in Biab. You can also do that with the Drums track to get the exact track you need, then it can be made instantly into Stems. You can instantly change FX <> Direct Input keeping the same riffs. You can add new sections to any track with the other 2 scripts Script: Import single frozen track or section SGU MGU to selected track.lua or the easiest way with the GUI script Script: Set SGU MGU single frozen track or section to import to selected track GUI.lua with the GUI script you just copy all the files in the zip to the Scripts folder then load: Script: Set SGU MGU single frozen track or section to import to selected track GUI.lua

Go To

Moderated by Andrew - PG Music, Callie - PG Music, Catherine, Jeff Yankauer, PeterGannon, pgmoderation

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

January 14, 2026

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!

January 01, 2026

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.

January 01, 2026

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!

December 24, 2025

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

December 21, 2025

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!

December 16, 2025

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!

December 16, 2025

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®!

More News