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Re A NEW FLEXIBLE GUI FOR BB....(AND RB ??.)
its a lovely idea being discussed for bb ...particularly if any user can flexibily configure the gui to their liking.
i would like that.
but i suggest in any final gui decision by pg the following be taken account.
1..over the years many new users to pg products useing both bb and rb often are confused as there is some overlap of features in both bband rb. as well as ...
2..for example the layout of bb tracks view is somewhat different from rb tracks view.
and there are various other layout differences.
in summary my concern is if for example a new user to pg asks his or herself things like 'why are the track views different' ?
if one thinks about it i would suggest its a obvious question a new user might ask getting into pg products who might not know at that point the sometimes subtle differences between bb and rb.
over the years ive seen more than a few new users confused by this.
in summary i would suggest in order to cut down the learning cycle for new users that once pg have a new gui firmed up re flexibility as to config by any user that, as far as possible the same flexible gui layout be implemented for rb.
for example can chord/track/piano roll/mixer and other views layouts be made the same as far as possible as to configurability in a flexible fashion.?
benefits being twofold for new users..
1..cutting down confusion and..
2..boosting the productivity of the new user and cutting down on the learning cycle.
one situation that i'm sure will occur many times in the future (as in the past) will be the scenario whereby a new user starts off in bb and understanding it and who that on seeing the rb forum and users posts re rb might decide to then explore how rb might benefit them.
THUS...it would be nice if a new user haveing become familiar with bb THEN could become familiar fast in rb because of graphic similarities.
thus minimising learning cycle frustration ??
just an idea and i hope i make some sense.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/22/25 12:29 PM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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-1
Focus on BIAB and continue to ignore Realband.
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That’s one view but RB has come a long way recently and there are more of us that use than you might imagine. I’m sure that BiaB will get the bulk of the development time. RB is still worth developing especially since the last three cycles.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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J3.
so i assume us rb users dont count ?
maybe some of us like and use both bb and rb ?
what about existing and new users that need certain features in rb that arent in bb ?
how can the learning cycle be lessened for new users that might use both bb and rb therefore ? what other options are there ?
there are more than a few things one simply cant do in bb that can be done in rb.
what about the fact of rb loading bb songs...
why was that implemented in rb if pg thought bb users wouldnt be interested in rb ?
what i'm concerned about is fairness for the new user and makeing his/her life easier J3 and thus the new user instead of maybe getting frustrated with long learning cycles is enthusiastic and is so happy recommends pg to friends wanting to do songs.
i hope i make some sense.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/22/25 01:46 PM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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J3.
so i assume us rb users dont count ?
maybe some of us like and use both bb and rb ?
what about existing and new users that need certain features in rb that arent in bb ?
how can the learning cycle be lessened for new users that might use both bb and rb therefore ? what other options are there ?
there are more than a few things one simply cant do in bb that can be done in rb.
what about the fact of rb loading bb songs...
why was that implemented in rb if pg thought bb users wouldnt be interested in rb ?
what i'm concerned about is fairness for the new user and makeing his/her life easier J3 and thus the new user instead of maybe getting frustrated with long learning cycles is enthusiastic and is so happy recommends pg to friends wanting to do songs.
i hope i make some sense.
om I'd advise everyone who uses BIAB, new and old, to also use a REAL DAW!
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JJJ,
I have (strong) reservations about RB, but I will say this.
I understand people who used it for the past decade or so. If I had lets say ~40 projects in it, I would be all in for maintaining it and possibly even upgrading it. I can easily imagine some people have over 200 projects in it... and RB satisfies their needs. Peter Gannon in my view was/is VERY generous for maintaining and actually upgrading this piece of software for loyal group, which I don't believe added many new people from the time I've joined. Especially given choices like Cakewalk (Home) that was free at some point, even during Gibson days, or $60 Reaper - which is very powerful...
So I propose this. Those of us who dislike RB (I am including myself in this group), just chill and don't get into any hot discussions about the software we will likely never use. Mirroring this, I will kindly ask all those who care about RB not to derail / hijack / promote / lawyer with RB discussions in threads that are very specific to BIAB. Especially the input ones, created by PGM staff, that are very important, for us-mainly BIAB users, unless you want a particular feature transplanted to BIAB, or making a reference to particular feature in RB. Forum has many sections and focused threads that RB can be discussed in great detail.
Thank you!
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JJJ,
I have (strong) reservations about RB, but I will say this.
I understand people who used it for the past decade or so. If I had lets say ~40 projects in it, I would be all in for maintaining it and possibly even upgrading it. I can easily imagine some people have over 200 projects in it... and RB satisfies their needs. Peter Gannon in my view was/is VERY generous for maintaining and actually upgrading this piece of software for loyal group, which I don't believe added many new people from the time I've joined. Especially given choices like Cakewalk (Home) that was free at some point, even during Gibson days, or $60 Reaper - which is very powerful...
So I propose this. Those of us who dislike RB (I am including myself in this group), just chill and don't get into any hot discussions about the software we will likely never use. Mirroring this, I will kindly ask all those who care about RB not to derail / hijack / promote / lawyer with RB discussions in threads that are very specific to BIAB. Especially the input ones, created by PGM staff, that are very important, for us-mainly BIAB users, unless you want a particular feature transplanted to BIAB, or making a reference to particular feature in RB. Forum has many sections and focused threads that RB can be discussed in great detail.
Thank you! I agree if someone has used RB and is satisfied with it then sure, why not? Keep using it. Just don't divert the precious few available resources from BIAB to work on a DAW that 1) most BIAB users probably don't use and 2) absolutely no one who is not a BIAB user would choose to use over the existing crop of high quality and inexpensive DAWs available. And with that...I'll hush!  (probably)
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J3.
your entitled to your opinion of course.
but anyone thinking of useing rb can do the following...
to form to form their own opinion..
..go to the 'why do you like rb' thread in the rb forum for various positive viewpoints....and..
..read the rb manual which details all the very extensive list of rb features....and...
..ask themselves how this old fool om has been able to do tons of songs involving rb....includeing the ones in my sig.
(except for 'flag' a rough muckabout done in powertracks.)
other rb users the same....lots of projects//work done in rb from what ive seen commented on.
recently a powertracks user commented that powertracks was 'the best daw'. what is interesting therefore is rb is from my experience powertracks plus added features includeing session muso track generation.
anyway thats it from me.
anyone can form their own opinion.
ps Rusty.
good point re people haveing done lots of projects in rb
over the years.
this thread sorta reminds of when...years ago...i showed reaps to commercial studios i was recording in... and they went 'nah it cant be any good...its just shareware'. now look where it is.
in conclusion reaps has its great aspects but imho as does rb.
ive used both with bb for years doing songs.
all the best.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/23/25 04:33 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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OM, that is great, but seems you missed the main point I was trying to make with my reply:
" I will kindly ask all those who care about RB not to derail / hijack / promote / lawyer with RB discussions in threads that are very specific to BIAB. Especially the input ones, created by PGM staff, that are very important, for us-mainly BIAB users, unless you want a particular feature transplanted to BIAB, or making a reference to particular feature in RB. Forum has many sections and focused threads that RB can be discussed in great detail."
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Propose:
Consistency in Layouts: Aligning the track views, chord views, piano roll, mixer, and other layouts between BB and RB could reduce confusion for new users.
Reducing Learning Cycle: A consistent GUI would help new users become productive more quickly, as they wouldn't have to learn different interfaces for similar tasks.
Boosting Productivity: By minimizing the learning curve, users can focus more on creating music rather than figuring out the software.
User Transition: Users who start with BB and then move to RB would find the transition easier if the interfaces are similar.
-----------------------
I understand your thoughts and it makes sense going from BB to RB. However, you have a lot of assumption that may not be the case.
1) Which is correct? Which is better? Should both change? Are there better models in the music software universe?
2) New user, when I start with a new user I introduce them to the plugin. Coming from the DAW world it keeps them in their workflow and only adds the steps to generate backing tracks. Should BB copy the plugin? Some say yes, can you drag multiple tracks in BB?
3) I then introduce them to BB, where you can do Partial gens, Playable real tracks and the Mutli Library browser of musicians.
So, you sese it depends on where they are coming from and what is the interest in the PGM feature.
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).
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Both Biab and RealBand create RealTracks and RealDrums this is what users want, why have two ? are Biab users just using for auto-accompaniment and RealBand to create songs or add tracks to a recorded session ? Why not have something that will do both ? Look at the GUI pics Cerio posted what if you just had an all in one "Band in a RealBand Box" VST and Standalone. SMP has a Mac & Win version to download at the same time. Why take little steps and stay years n years behind all the time ? Is it crazy to want something as decent as the session musicians themselves. Most users are not thinking on the whole but focusing on one small aspect with zero regards for anything else. You need to look at a way bigger picture of it all from a 4000 ft level. I have not come here for the soul purpose to destroy PG, but many seem to have that opinion because the things I post seem like things from another world to them but so many of these have been implemented and are used without understanding how they came around. If PG are going the new crossplatform to accomplish all these wishes all very well and good. Bless them if this is the case. ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30014&filename=1%20Main.png) ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30032&filename=Hide.gif) ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30031&filename=Panels.gif) ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30036&filename=Chords.gif) ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30020&filename=6%20Drag%20chords.gif) ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30035&filename=Loop.gif) ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30034&filename=Chordsheet.gif)
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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.
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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)
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- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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- 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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
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!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
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Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
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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!
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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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