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.
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
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!
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.
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)
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean