I am a person who cannot read English. I have been learning to use BIAB since 2019. I am reflecting some of my true feelings. Maybe what I said is a bit direct, but please understand me.
I understand your point of view. As I said to another person earlier, nothing I post about a BIAB process should be taken personally. It's about the program and processes, not the person. I make RealTracks play more versatile several different ways that may be unique from what any other poster or people reading these posts attempt to make RealTracks more versatile. Many others share your frustration with versatility and searches.
It was noted earlier, there's no search button in the add-ons window. It wasn't designed nor intended as to be used for searches. I wasn't clear in my post that I don't use it to launch searches. The add-ons window is where a huge list of all the RealTracks sets, Midi sets, SuperMidi sets, RealDrums, all of the Xtra, XPro, Bonus, 49- Paks and more are organized and listed in a single convenient place. I use it to identify and determine appropriate PAKs and Sets to launch searches. For instance, the RealTracks PAKs is a huge collection of styles and RealTracks that PG Music has categorized in different ways and explain each package, created demos, and videos broken down into 21 Paks. I see these PAKs as sort of an All-Star collection of what PG Music thinks to be the best of the best out of all 11,929 styles and 4,099 RealTracks. So I study and learn about these PAKs and return to them to launch searches for my projects. I don't know of anyone else that does this. I shared it here and some may benefit from the technique, others may not. It's posted for those that may benefit. I'm aware there's many people that struggle for hours searching RealTracks and Styles. Many see this as a GUI failure and they feel the solution is a technical issue. That may be true, I don't code so I don't know. My approach is to use what I'm given. I see the add-ons as an Index and the RealTracks page as a TOC/summary to launch searches and its been an effective tool for me.
I want to tell you my true situation. I hope I don't offend anyone.
I have been using BIAB for almost 6 years now. But it is still difficult to use it every time. I have recorded a lot of RT numbers, but I have to look through them every time. Every time is a new beginning.
I have been using NI session guitar for less than a month, but I am very familiar with it. I can remember the name, I can find it quickly, use it quickly, and use it quickly. The process of using it is very happy. There is a feeling of excitement. The most important thing is that the rhythm of NI session guitar is very modern. Simple patchwork feels very modern, and it feels like a chart song. The taste is right.
This is my true feeling. It may really have something to do with the design itself.
I will continue to keep my BIAB updated, because BIAB also has some characteristics of its own. But I will use NI session guitar more to add guitar parts to my music.
The first thing I do when I wake up every day is to try out some music with STUDIO ONE and NI session guitar. Different arrangements of chord input notes and different Voicing will produce different strums and arpeggios. All kinds of fresh patterns make me addicted.
I have a question. Let's use guitar as an example. RT: 3182
I like the strumming of this guitar very much. I use it often. But it will be boring if I keep strumming. Is there any way to make 3182 have some changes. Make the whole music more rhythmic?...
This is just piecing together Quinn Bachand Acoustic Guitar of different styles RT3182-Style.mp3
Whoa, as a newbie, I found this really interesting. I listened to the mp3 file and was somewhat blown away by the variations. What I don't understand is with picking a RealTrack, how did you make different variations of strumming at different times? Obviously I know squat about this. Is it appropriate for me to ask this here? Does this happen inside BIAB on the chord sheets or does it have to be done somehow in a DAW. Maybe there is even a video on this? Thanks for posting that audio file!
Originally Posted by musocity
Originally Posted by babymusic
I have a question. Let's use guitar as an example. RT: 3182
I like the strumming of this guitar very much. I use it often. But it will be boring if I keep strumming. Is there any way to make 3182 have some changes. Make the whole music more rhythmic?...
This is just piecing together Quinn Bachand Acoustic Guitar of different styles RT3182-Style.mp3
These are all the tracks, same artist same guitar, you can use volume automation to bring each track in at different bars/beats, you could put the instrument changes all on one track, but with volume automation it's easier.
You say these are all the same guitar. The list says 26 acoustic guitar, but shows other instruments. I do see that it is the same player. How do you know these tracks you have chosen are the same guitar? (see image).
Musocity is on the right track. There's several ways to do this in BIAB without needing the Audio Edit Window or external DAW.
Here's one method that works really well. See the attached screenshots.
The first screenshot below is the nine guitars Musocity has loaded in his demonstration. The second screenshot is those same nine guitars loaded onto a single Mixer Track like he also mentioned. They are programmed to play sequentially every two bars. So, every third bar, the guitar 3 Track will change to another of the nine similar guitars. BIAB's algorithm knows these instrument changes will be occurring and will select appropriate phrases to end the first instrument and appropriate phase for the beginning instrument. Note in the Medley Maker Window, the user can volume balance the instruments as well as pan each of them if desired. Also notice the dropdown window that allows the user to select when and how the nine guitars rotate in the song.
You could also also change between the nine guitars using the same track by converting the song into a MultiStyle or a third way would be to do it on a bar by bar basis using the Bar Settings Window.
You say these are all the same guitar. The list says 26 acoustic guitar, but shows other instruments. I do see that it is the same player. How do you know these tracks you have chosen are the same guitar?..
You need to use your ear, that is how PG name things "26 acoustic guitar" that's why I said it needs to be named by the actual instrument "Gibson Acoustic" "Fender Stat", chances are if you go by the artist name they use the same guitar. Using Direct Input guitars are going to blend a lot better as it's all using the same FX you insert, than using the same non DI Electric Guitar with different FX.
In the DAW I can see all automation at the one time, what comes in where
I hope you can save those MultiStyle RealTracks as a preset and don't have to set it up each time ? You want an option to be able to change at chord changes.
I hope you can save those MultiStyle RealTracks as a preset and don't have to set it up each time ? You want an option to be able to change at chord changes.
Yes. You can save the file as a MultiStyle. It can either be song specific or a StylePicker Style.
The changes can be made anywhere desired. They can be manually entered or set to change at specified number of bars, chorus or Part Markers. All of the instruments in the Medley Maker can be volume balanced so they all play at the same level.
Every track has the availability of its own Medley Maker settings. So every track can have up to 10 additional tracks in a sub-mixer configuration. It's also user selectable to have all of the instruments play simultaneously or sequentially.
The Medley Maker can be used to widen the stereo field by doubling a guitar and panning one hard left and the other hard right. You could load two or more instruments like similar guitars as you did in your example and use the four available Plug-in slots to add effects to all the instruments at once. Similar to bussing to an Fx bus in a DAW.
These are all the tracks, same artist same guitar, you can use volume automation to bring each track in at different bars/beats, you could put the instrument changes all on one track, but with volume automation it's easier.
This is what BIAB officials should do. Let users call similar RT instruments more conveniently.
It needs to be quick and easy to do, Drag n Drop would do it: As you drag n drop a RealTrack from the picker into the Biab timeline it will go in as 1 bar This can be copied, moved or resized You can play/preview it in the chord position You can Regenerate You can set the color of the item for a quick visual to see where it repeats on the timeline You can adjust the volume for one section of a RealTrack or adjust the same for all occurrences of that RealTrack.
These are movable segments representing the RealTracks, Biab will generate the track accordingly:
You are essentially demonstrating a MultiStyle on a DAW timeline. BIAB has had the capability to do everything in your list in this post for years.
With a MultiStyle if the user wants RT#3181 on bar 5 to also be on bar 21 simply requires clicking the appropriate Part Marker in bar 21 for RT#3181. This can be replicated as many times as desired on the Chord Sheet and previewed. Newer versions of BIAB has Partial Regeneration Part Markers are Colored and can contain letters and numbers. Plus the Chord Sheet has Section Text Users can adjust the volume for one section of a RealTrack or adjust the same for all occurrences of that RealTrack BIAB generates the track according to the user input Chord Chart settings, style, tempo and Key
The attached screenshots are a PG Music pre-made MultiStyle demo using 16 substyles that can be placed on any bar. Every substyle can be repeated as many times as a user wants on the Chord Sheet.
MultiStyles are completely modifiable so it is quick and easy to replicate using all of the RealTracks used in your demonstration so the MultiStyle only affects the RealTracks and the Style would otherwise remain unchanged. The limitation of MultiStyles is user imagination and applying what's needed for a project.
that is how PG name things "26 acoustic guitar"...
FWIW, "26 acoustic guitar (steel)" is the GM instrument definition for instrument patch #26, so that's where the definition comes from. PGM are just saying it's a steel-strung acoustic guitar, nothing more than that. They may/could/should put more detail in the notes.
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 .
The current way in Biab with dialogs and entering values is based on the DOS days where things involved entering amounts with the keyboard in dialogs. You need an easy way to visually do things, that's why we got "Windows" and a mouse. You can adjust visually to the bar or beat. Change sections instantly. This gives an instant visual representation with the instrument name also. Like Loops you need to go into dialogs rather than just drag n drop into the timeline where you want it. Even now with drag n drop audio import it brings up a dialog, I don't want to type in where I want it to go.
FWIW, "26 acoustic guitar (steel)" is the GM instrument definition for instrument patch #26, so that's where the definition comes from. PGM are just saying it's a steel-strung acoustic guitar, nothing more than that. They may/could/should put more detail in the notes.
From the old DOS midi days, now it's "Look Ma no Midi" real instruments need real names so when you search it will show all the same instrument that will match in tone.
FWIW, "26 acoustic guitar (steel)" is the GM instrument definition for instrument patch #26, so that's where the definition comes from. PGM are just saying it's a steel-strung acoustic guitar, nothing more than that. They may/could/should put more detail in the notes.
From the old DOS midi days, now it's "Look Ma no Midi" real instruments need real names so when you search it will show all the same instrument that will match in tone.
I do often wonder just how long some of the stuff is BiaB actually goes back. Certainly some of the companion programs look like VGA or Win3.1, presumably in some kind of wrappper.
"26 Acoustic Guitar", even with the musician's name still doesn't really tell nearly as much as it should. There definitely should(*) be infomation there somewhere about the make/model of guitar.
(*) "Should", unfortunately means virtually nothing. Implementors can simply choose to ignore it.
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 .
After reading all of this post I have realized that BIAB is definitely a very strange program from a modern software perspective. I take it from your all's comments that it has been built up and layered from an ancient base and has never had a complete modern makeover as far as function, labeling, GUI etc. How unusual in the modern software universe. I am going to postulate that a complete makeover to bring everything up to modern standards would be very expensive and involve a huge investment of time. Has PGM given any feedback on their orientation on this topic? Not criticizing - just asking.
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!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 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 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 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 21 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.
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