I suspect I need orientation about how this might work. Let's say I want to create a drum track in BB to use as a metronome replacement and only with RealDrums sounds (not MIDI). That is, something to practice timing against rather than the plain clicks of a metronome.
I suspect one way would be to choose a style that I like, listen to the creation, solo the drums, make that for a few bars over one chord and loop it.
I am confused about another possible alternative that might be to choose a RealDrums instrument and somehow directly make a track starting with that selection.
But perhaps I am confused about his second idea in that it is the "styles" that determine what a drum track really sounds like and RealDrums are simply instruments that are used in different styles and therefore are just a sound and not a composed "beat".
I hope I have asked this in an understandable fashion. Can you help me understand what I need to know and where I might be mistaken?
Thank you so much to this community for your patience with newbies and possibly convoluted questions!
Realdrums are a performance by a drummer. That are not built up by adding drums into (say) a sequencer. In case you haven't seen the list of available Realdrums yet, they are found in the Multipicker Library under the Realdrums tab. These drums can be added to any track in BIAB.
Your first plan is the way I would go, although, I wouldn't bother trying to find a style. I'd simply leave the C chord in bar 1 on a new chord sheet, go to the Realdrums tab in Multipicker Library and select the drums that appeal to me. When the chosen drums are loaded, I'd go back to BIAB and generate the song, solo the drum track and, as you say, loop over the section that works best for me.
I'm a little confused on what exactly your question is but I'll try. Method 1 = find a RD you like, mute all but the drums, title the song, then save it. On play back you will only have the drums. Method2 = loop within a RB - highlight the measure(s) you wanted repeated, click on the loop icon, then click on play and loop highlighted area.
I hope this covers your request and good luck.
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64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Realdrums are a performance by a drummer. That are not built up by adding drums into (say) a sequencer. In case you haven't seen the list of available Realdrums yet, they are found in the Multipicker Library under the Realdrums tab. These drums can be added to any track in BIAB.
Your first plan is the way I would go, although, I wouldn't bother trying to find a style. I'd simply leave the C chord in bar 1 on a new chord sheet, go to the Realdrums tab in Multipicker Library and select the drums that appeal to me. When the chosen drums are loaded, I'd go back to BIAB and generate the song, solo the drum track and, as you say, loop over the section that works best for me.
Ahhhh, I see. OK, I go to the MP and test drive some of the appropriate RealDrums on that panel. I can now see that these are actual performances of a beat. Then I select "apply". Then I rebuild the song. Then I solo the drum part in the mixer window. I can also set the number of bars I want in this "new song" and loop it.
Now I think I can see that the "style" makes no difference at all in this scenario since I will be muting all the other tracks. Do I have that right?
The sound of the RealDrums is much better than MIDI drums I believe.
Ahhhh, I see. OK, I go to the MP and test drive some of the appropriate RealDrums on that panel. I can now see that these are actual performances of a beat. Then I select "apply". Then I rebuild the song. Then I solo the drum part in the mixer window. I can also set the number of bars I want in this "new song" and loop it.
Now I think I can see that the "style" makes no difference at all in this scenario since I will be muting all the other tracks. Do I have that right?
The sound of the RealDrums is much better than MIDI drums I believe.
Do I have this down?
Thank you for being so clear.
Hi again
Yep, you understand it perfectly. All that a style does is to gather various drum and instrumental performances and collect them together to create a 'group or band'. Any track in any style can be replaced by other instruments or drums. I nearly always start with a style and then add/remove instruments.
If you want to hear the native recording of the drums so that you can appreciate the performance aspect, simply go to the folders in \bb\drums and listen to the various wma audio files. It is because Realtracks and Realdrums are live performances that BIAB is such a big program.\bb\drums and \bb\Realtracks are the files that use most of the disk space.
Open Realband Right-click an audio track and choose Generate-Generate Realdrums
RB's Realdrum picker pops up
Look thru the list of Realdrums (not 'styles', Realdrums) You get a different way to look at it. You don't care about the style, as all you wants is the drums.
Note that in many RD's, on the right of the picker window is a small window labeled Variations .. this can add a lot of context (sidestick in 'A' or Snare, hihat or ride, etc) You can still select A & B parts in the Chord window if you want some variation on the generation.
Just another way to skin a cat
Note that you can click Audition in the picker window Click Audition; you'll hear that RD (with accompaniment, but you'll be able to audition that RD). Understand that it Auditions at its default tempo, but it will adjust to your tempo once you click Generate.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
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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!
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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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