The Direct Input, or "Dry" Realtracks are designed for use with guitar amplifier/cabinet simulator plugins such as the included Amplitube plugin.
Rather than have "only" the kind of sound that was recorded by the original artist, using their preferred amplifier, speaker and effects, which can limit the kind of sound available for a particular song project, the Direct Input tracks plus the amplifier simulator (Amplitube) allows for you to dial in the kind of sound you desire for your song. Things such as Overdrive/Distortion (or for that matter, NO distortion, as in a "clean" guitar sound), Reverb type and amount, EQ or Tone settings, even the kind of speaker cabinet used, can make for a myriad of different sounds from the same basic Realtrack performance.
It also works well for the Rhodes Piano Realtracks where we can get a host of different sounds in much the same fashion as used with the original analog Rhodes Piano. For example, a Rhodes played thru a Fender Twin Reverb has a much different and cleaner sound than one jacked into, for example, a Marshall stack.
These Direct Input tracks are duplicates of the other tracks of the same name that already have the amplifier and settings as dialed in by the pro when making the Realtrack, so if you like what you get from those, no need for the above. But it is very nice to have this option, especially for those who use the bb program as their autoaccompaniment band for backing tracks, or mult-track recording production, etc.
As to whether or not an, "ordinary user" -- whatever that is -- needs them or not, well, I'd have to leave that decision up to each "ordinary user" to make for themselves. To some, the sound of the guitrar is *everything*. To others, it may well suffice to say that, "if it sounds good, it IS good" and leave it at that.
i know this is a very old post and sorry if i am bringing up a dead horse but......i wanted to personally say this is one of the most awesome features of band in a box.....easier to use with the newer versions as you can just select "direct imput" on many of the tracks.
its really great for really fine tuning your sound.....with plugins like guitar rig 5 pro or the included ampitube or other 3rd party amp and effects it really makes a world of difference vs the non-dry versions as you really can shape and craft the tone you want.
thanks for having this feature for a sound designer/producer it really is awesome!
I've been trying to figure out how to extract the guitar DI out of BIAB for about an hour. Is this feature hidden? I exists according to this thread. I can't find any videos or posts on how to. Am I dense? I can usually find out how to do this kind of stuff with a quick search.
Thank you very much for the reply! I dragged and dropped the track name from the Mixer and also from the top bar and both ways I get the guitar part with effects (specifically distortion), not DI (dry). Any other ideas?
Thanks for the info! For future newbies like me the file is exported to Drive:\bb\DragDrop (not obvious). I'm using _PUDDLE. I export Guitar 3 and it has no reverb but the distortion effect still remains. I want to get the DI only with no effects including distortion.
In the YouTube video () "Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows® - Everything you need to know in under 8 minutes!" at 10:58 it says "...also includes the direct input of the guitar" and you can hear the DI clearly with no distortion or any other effects. But it doesn't say how to achieve said direct input. I have 2024 and haven't upgraded to 2025 yet. Is that the problem?
Also, MoultiPass, I have no idea how to get to the screen that you generously shared. I'm pretty new at this. Sorry. I don't know where the Realtracks button is. I apologize for my stupidity.
Now MoultiPass' screen shot is gone. Sorry, I probably offended. Apparently he has removed himself from the tread. Sorry. Honestly I rarely post to this forum because I can usually find the answers to my questions, but this one has stumped me. Apparently I've only succeeded in getting people frustrated with me. Sorry for bothering people. Grateful for your attempt to get thru my thick skull.
If you right click on the track name > Select RealTracks.... you will see a Direct Input check box this will be on the right just above the list or hidden away in the Settings button on the newer versions. In the list under Direct Input column you will see a Y if available in DI.
Now MoultiPass' screen shot is gone. Sorry, I probably offended.
If he's upset or offended it may well not be anything you've written or done.
Originally Posted by danhargrave
Grateful for your attempt to get thru my thick skull.
Thare are some parts of BiaB's usage that are distinctly arcane and can be very fruatrating. I think it's slowly improving, but it has a way yet to go, IMHO.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
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.
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=29369&filename=BB25-Dry-DI.png)
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=29371&filename=BB25-DI-Guitar.png)
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean