|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,595
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,595 |
FWIW - I think we have to stop worrying about how people currently use BiaB. Some of the outstanding suggestions along with accompanying mock-ups are radical changes from the current GUI. If we keep worrying about the current GUI/workflow then nothing will change. We all are capable of change. IMHO if this is going to happen lets do it right the first time.
That is just my opinion and other may not agree with me. I absolutely agree. The program really (and I mean, really) needs a complete GUI redesign. This has been discussed here extensively, at least for the last ten / fifteen years.
Last edited by Cerio; 01/23/25 02:12 PM.
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,591
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,591 |
...................................... Yes, I was trying to make it less intrusive and less of a change for people used to using the cord track. That is why I suggested the grid only shows up when entering in chords for a particular bar. I also think 1/8th is enough granularity. FWIW - I think we have to stop worrying about how people currently use BiaB. Some of the outstanding suggestions along with accompanying mock-ups are radical changes from the current GUI. If we keep worrying about the current GUI/workflow then nothing will change. We all are capable of change. IMHO if this is going to happen lets do it right the first time. That is just my opinion and other may not agree with me. I would tend to agree however, to be clear, I would embark on a complete parallel rewrite including a new UI. I did it 3 times in a in a 30-year carrier and each was huge leap in UX. I have also watched and work with PGM for over a decade. They will take small steps and add things, but rarely will they replace something. My suggestions are all doable in 2025.
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,055
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,055 |
FWIW - I think we have to stop worrying about how people currently use BiaB. Some of the outstanding suggestions along with accompanying mock-ups are radical changes from the current GUI. If we keep worrying about the current GUI/workflow then nothing will change. We all are capable of change. IMHO if this is going to happen lets do it right the first time.
That is just my opinion and other may not agree with me. I absolutely agree. The program really (and I mean, really) needs a complete GUI redesign. This has been discussed here extensively, at least for the last ten / fifteen years. Agree. +1 However, likely it will be a challenge to do it all overnight. Even big companies with very deep pockets do it in parts. I would rather see a few most supported big concepts done very well, and if successful (cheering crowd), continue the trend going forward, than see something mediocre done as a whole.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,591
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,591 |
Meanwhile back to what we agree upon. 1) Higher resolution for a bar. 2) Resolution that marches time signature. 3) Some way to easily enter chords up to 1/8 on the chord sheet.
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,331
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,331 |
I think the changes in Chord Sheet are very important. You can directly refer to the most popular DAWs, such as STUDIO ONE, CUBASE. You can create a "Chord track", below is the instrument VST, PIANO ROLL, Audio track. After establishing the concept of chord track, we further refined the chord track. For example, it is more convenient to input content. It is changed into multiple small grids. We removed the micro chord function. I have never used micro chords. We directly subdivided each bar. I talked about this issue a few years ago. https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=744720#Post744720
Last edited by babymusic; 01/23/25 05:21 PM.
WIN10 20H2, AMD R4800H ,16G , 2T ,FOCUSRITE 2i4 MKII,Studio One,FL STUDIO
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,973
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,973 |
Everything shows an unfolded view. What about multiple choruses, tags, repeats? Band-in-a-Box has humanizing selections that are invoked when these features are used.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 87
Enthusiast
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 87 |
@MarioD,
Current users of BiaB, should really have no problem adjusting to the new GUI even if it is radically changed, and any new users should find it easier to use than it currently is. There, will be a learning curve, and all good software has a learning curve.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286 |
@MarioD,
Current users of BiaB, should really have no problem adjusting to the new GUI even if it is radically changed, and any new users should find it easier to use than it currently is. There, will be a learning curve, and all good software has a learning curve. That was my point.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,591
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,591 |
Suggestion: Pure contextual menu for Chord Sheet. Simplifying it to just the chords, bars and progression improve the user workflow. ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30080&filename=BB chord context.png) Everything else is a distraction and better belong somewhere else.
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,591
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,591 |
...................................... Yes, I was trying to make it less intrusive and less of a change for people used to using the cord track. That is why I suggested the grid only shows up when entering in chords for a particular bar. I also think 1/8th is enough granularity. FWIW - I think we have to stop worrying about how people currently use BiaB. Some of the outstanding suggestions along with accompanying mock-ups are radical changes from the current GUI. If we keep worrying about the current GUI/workflow then nothing will change. We all are capable of change. IMHO if this is going to happen lets do it right the first time. That is just my opinion and other may not agree with me. My mockup was a radical change, compared to the original solution for micro chords. I like and agree with MarioD ideas as well.
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110 |
"Song Master Pro, is a beautiful example of how different views can be integrated in a single screen in a really intuitive way:"
"You can also move chords directly from the main screen, just by draggin them. Note that the chords will move accordingly to the snap setting, so it's possible to insert up to 16 chords per bar from here (no need to use commas, carets, or that counterintuitive "Micro chords" feature)"I saw Chord Sheet improvements in the Forum Tittle and I thought I would post about having the chord entry in the Tracks View and how you can zoom in to enter chords on any beat resolution without the comas and micro chords, BUT you did already, and not only that but this awesome looking and incredibly well designed GUI. RapidComposer would enter chords the same way depending on what the snap resolution was set to, drag and resize chords. I will have to go check this out ! thanks Cerio ! Why design all views independently, forcing the user to choose between the ‘Chords’ view OR the ‘Tracks’ view? Wouldn't be much better if we had a main screen where the user could simultaneously see all the most important views (chords, tracks, lyrics, sections, the whole song's structure...) and edit any of them from a single place? Take a look, for example, at Song Master Pro, is a beautiful example of how different views can be integrated in a single screen in a really intuitive way:
First, you always have a view of the whole song structure, you can navigate to the different parts directly from there, and you can also zoom in/out directly from there:
Then, you have different "Tracks" (Views) that you can show / hide as you wish. No need to see the "Sections" or the "Lyrics" track? No problem, just hide them:
Want to use the mixer or any other tool? Just click on the tiny icons at the top right to show / hide the tools / browser panels:
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 08/06/25 10:24 AM. Reason: Removing images from quoted section
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286 |
I am partially color blind and can't tell many colors. In some threads I have to highlight some areas as I can't read them. Thus any color theme in BiaB must have the option to adjust or change any color.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 570
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 570 |
I am partially color blind and can't tell many colors. In some threads I have to highlight some areas as I can't read them. Thus any color theme in BiaB must have the option to adjust or change any color. Yes/+1.
BIAB 2026, Studio Pro 8, Song Master Pro, Win11 Home. i7-9700K CPU, 32GB, ESI MAYA44eX, ZOOM UAC-2, Guitar Pro 8, Transcribe, (EZKeys2, EZD3, SD3, EZBass, EZMix3) Amateur: fiddle, guitar, vocal, beginner on bass.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,591
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,591 |
Summary of input on Chord Sheet: OP: This thread is for suggestions regarding the Chord Sheet view. This is for specific suggestions only, not general comments.
Text about Arrangement/Arranger Track: Supporters: robertw, jpettit, Charlie
More granularity in Bars/match signature/Integrate Micro Chords: Supporters: Matt Finley, jpettit, ~Rustyspoon#, MarioD
One Main Screen with Panels: (most popular in original UI Thread) Supporters: robertw, Cerio, jpettit, Rustyspoon#,musocity A bit OT: This challenges the need for a Track view and a Chord View
Editable Chords Track Supporters: jpettit, babymusic, Cerio, musocity A bit OT: This challenges the need for a Track view and a Chord View
Improved (clean to the context) and more context menus Supporters: jpettit A universal input.
If PGM really wants input form customer and want to know how popular the idea is the need to turn on voting capabilities in the Forum. Tendency to divert from the OP and minimal customer input are common with just open-ended conversations.
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,595
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,595 |
Improved (clean to the context) and more context menus Supporters: jpettit A universal input. +1000 to context menus, which are an essential to improve discoverability > ease of use > better user experience. https://www.uxpin.com/studio/blog/discoverability-in-ux/In Reaper, for example, right clicking on almost any element opens a menu with options about that element, so the user always know what is possible to do with that. Super simple, super intuitive and super effective: https://youtube.com/shorts/OKIASspvNgs?si=0MuBZOsp_l_sji9b
Last edited by Cerio; 02/05/25 10:45 AM.
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110 |
"In Reaper, for example, right clicking on almost any element opens a menu with options about that element, so the user always know what is possibler to do with that element. Super simple, super intuitive and super effective:
https://youtube.com/shorts/OKIASspvNgs?si=0MuBZOsp_l_sji9b "I posted a video on [R*****] menus to give ideas but it just got deleted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,591
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,591 |
Studio One (latest version), Win 11 23H2 , i9 -10940X 3.3 GHz, 32GB Mem, a 4K 40" monitor, PreSonus Studio Live III Console as interface/controller. secondarily test on Reaper, Cakewalk, and S1 on Surface Pro 3 Win 10 (latest versions).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,595
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,595 |
I posted a video on [R*****] menus to give ideas but it just got deleted. Reaper has one of the best, well thought, user interfaces I have ever seen. I remember very well, 15 years ago the day when, working in the middle of a production, I moved all my projects from cubase to reaper after installing the program and testing it just for a few minutes. After a couple of hours of use I felt way more comfortable with Reaper than after years and years of using Cubase, Logic or Protools. And the reason of that was simply because, despite having a zillion of features, everything I needed was exactly where I thought it should be, and everything worked exactly how I thought it should work.
Last edited by Cerio; 02/05/25 11:05 AM.
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624 |
In Reaper, for example, right clicking on almost any element opens a menu with options about that element, so the user always know what is possible to do with that. Super simple, super intuitive and super effective: Precisely that is done in an awful lot of software and it works well. If the software starts out with that philosophy, then it stays solid and consistent as it grows and evolves.
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 Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110 |
"Reaper has one of the best, well thought, user interfaces I have ever seen....."
You can't improve Biab unless you study [R*****], I have spent so much time over the years posting things to make Biab/RB/Plugin better by showing examples in [R*****], whether it's Instant Gen Play Direct, Live Arranger or so many other things. The trouble is so many like to criticize and are offended with me posting all this info as they have not or will not try things so remain in the past. This is like the numero uno thing that keeps these products way behind other software. It's so good to see those here that understand and don't knock or delete. For me to take on the establishment has by no means been an easy thing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
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.
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!
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
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!
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!
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,749
Posts795,746
Members39,950
| |
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|