this is my fault for not keeping up with changes but i have 2024 latest patch and want to audition styles. the old style picker used to have two options - use the chords of the song or load the demo. the new stylepicker only seems to allow me to use the chirds of the song. i want to play demos how do i do it? wading through the manual i now have more sympathy with new users
If you go into Stylepicker, you'll find a "Demo" button above the list of styles (#1 on the image below). Also, by clicking on the "+" (#2) that's on the right side of the Demo button, you can access a setting (#3) that will allow you to set BIAB so that double-clicking on the style will play the demo.
thanks Noel - trial and error is getting me ther after your advice but i must sya this is a bit clunkier than the old system - is the old stylepicker still available?
Trial and error will always get you there in the end! It's what I use, too. The old Stylepicker is no longer an option. If you have any other issues, please don't hesitate to ask! --Noel
"clunkier than the old system" I am sorry Bob, but I disagree with you 100%. People fail to learn and adopt to more efficient ways, instead asking to keep obsolete methods, which makes program bloated with with unneeded complexity and redundancy, scaring new comers...and then complain about bugs.
Instead of bashing fantastic new feature, I recommended spending 20-40 minutes with it. Here are three items of new way that I am aware of that makes new method not whole: An option to "ghost" play, meaning without affecting original. Option to preserve original tempo. Undo coupled with Undo history. You can easily overcome all these by making a copy of original project and working with a copy. I do hope PGM will address these.
New method benefits: No mousing or scrolling through different menus & jailed pop up dialogs, waiting for memory generations that will not place the style unless you exit and repeat. With new method, unlike old picker you can navigate through the whole project and hear exactly what and how it will sound at a particular place, with your chording , preserving settings and VST instruments you have in your project. You are free to edit project while MTP (Multi Picker Library) is open and switch between the two. You can swap out RT's and other content on the fly without closing MTP. You can quicky audition dozens of styles on the fly with your chordsheet which took 10 times longer with previous way.
I think humans can't keep track of 5000 of anything. Marbles, Kittens, or even BIAB styles. Just too many things.
Perhaps PG Music can switch the approach on styles . Instead of the ever increasing number of a particular style (lets say samba), try the following Offer a single samba style then afford users some control how each musician in the "band" plays that particular stye. There may be some need for a couple more but perhaps less than the 187 that currently exist in biab. (Disclaimer - i have no idea how many samba styles there but there are many)
There are examples of this approach to software based session players. I've used a couple of them. They are quite powerful.
biab2024(Mac) Latest Build Mac OS (Latest) Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram Logic Pro 11 Irwin Vice Grip Fencing Pliers
mrgeeze, That would be a candidate for wishlist. For what it worth, I don't believe I ever used full set of musicians that was offered in a premade style. I would always swap out at least half or more. Styles are just a starting point. With new MTPL (Multipicker Library) and near instant generation it became extremely easy to swap or add tracks on the fly and hear how they sound in context. I made a video few weeks back to show how I use new tools. I will add it here, since it in many ways relates to OP and your posts. I hope it gives you and others some ideas of possibilities new workflow has to offer.
i take youur point Rusty but then you and i differ quite a lot in what we want. i've been using BIAB since the 90s to create backing tracks and as i've said in the past the idea is to replicate the kind of small electric and acoustic bands i used to play with.
BIAB does that admirably almost straight out of the box, and like real life if i want to fire the bass player a replacement is easy enough to find.
Hence what i need is really quite simple. In the old days of midi only i found that moving to PowerTracks made editing and replacing parts easy although that really was clunky. It involved generating a standard midi file as the base track and any extras or replacements meant revisitng BIAB, generating another standard midi file, opening PT and copying the new part to the clipboard to paste into the base track. So much easier now but as my needs are quite simple the amount of editing and changing i neeed to do is quite limited. For my purposes the new stylepicker is more complex than the old one and that results in the extra functionality you find so effective.
Power users such as yourself will find it useful. However, as i've said in the past trying to graft DAW functionality onto BIAB has created a powerful but complicated piece of software. Starting off in BIAB and then doing the heavy lifting in RB or another DAW is the way many of us go and it means that we don't need the grafted on functions that complicate BIAB.
The new functions aren't ones I actually need - BIAB and RB are the ideal solution for my music needs and i haven't yet found anything I need that i can't do. Extra functionality in BIAB does mean a lot to Power Users but makes the program a little more complicated for base users like me but i realise 'clunky' sounds pejorative and my approach to PG Music products is anything but.
I just bought a new car and whereas in the old days i had volume and tuning knobs and push button presets for the four stations I listen to on AM/FM, i now have fifty or so digital stations and a menu that's quite complicated to tune in and save the stations I want. My grandchildren treat that as normal and a breeze and while in the past they've come to me for advice on PCs and software I'm getting increasingly out of date. Compared to pressing a button and turning a knob to get what i want the digital radio is 'clunky' as far as i'm concerned!
.................................................. However, as i've said in the past trying to graft DAW functionality onto BIAB has created a powerful but complicated piece of software. Starting off in BIAB and then doing the heavy lifting in RB or another DAW is the way many of us go and it means that we don't need the grafted on functions that complicate BIAB. .................................
I agree with Bob on this point.
I believe that the answer for both camps is to leave BiaB as a backing track generator for those whom transfer the tracks to a DAW and for PGM to incorporate all of the BiaB functions into RB for those whom want the all in one package. YMMV
PS - I do like the new Multipicker Library.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Bob, I can understand that people get used to certain methods, I do. I just don't agree with the "clunky" part about MTP. You have to spend some time with it to realize that it has a much smoother & faster workflow getting from A>B than previous methods.
Mario: "I believe that the answer for both camps is to leave BiaB as a backing track generator" In a way I agree. With exception that existing features that are still a bit raw should be finished and known issues addressed.
David, You are welcome. I am glad at least you are willing to give it a shot
P.S. It seems most (music) software developers stride to ease workflow with each release. PGM did just that with non modal MTP and several other improvements in 2024. So people have more time to make music instead of poking in hidden menus. I hope more people will try new method(s) to see the potential & benefits it has to offer.
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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