When bringing in an MP3 file for the stem splitter, the split works just fine. BUT if I have the usual count-in feature activated, the clicks of that count-in play over the beginning audio of the newly split song and I can't seem to get rid of of those clicks. If I disable count-in in the song properties before the import into the splitter (or even after), the first 2 bars or so of the imported music get cut off and won't play. The playback starts from that point and the beginning doesn't play. Grrrr. Bug? User Error? Can't seem to solve this one. Thanks for any help.
It's not user error. BIAB requires a two bar count in and recorded audio normally hasn't been recorded with two bars of silence. This means that imported or opened audio into BIAB must have Bar 1 set.
The stem splitter uses the Audio Track for processing stems. BIAB aligns the split stem tracks with the Master File on the Audio Track which that track also aligns with the Chord Sheet and BIAB Styles. The Stem Splitter process automatically aligns the stems tracks that are placed on Utility Tracks with the Master Track on the Audio Track as part of the stem splitting process.
Importing audio using the Stem Splitter, making the tempo map takes care of setting Bar 1. The clicks are not written into any split tracks.
It's easy to set Bar 1 manually if you don't want to hear the count-in over the audio.
Open the audio file using BIAB open command and place the audio file onto the Audio Track Save the project Open the Audio Edit Window Place the curser at the very beginning of the audio wave file Right click and select the Set this point as Bar 1 Ok out of the AEW
Open Stems Splitter Select the Use existing audio button Proceed normally
Because the split stems are aligned with the Master Track by the Stems Splitter, if you manually set Bar 1, it must be done first, before the stems are split in order to maintain proper alignment between all of the split Tracks.
Charlie, Thank you for this awesomely complete and generous reply with images. What an amazing help you are. At first I found it confusing and then it started to make sense and now I am very excited to do this later today. I was so stuck not understanding why I was having trouble. I was following exactly the PG video instructions on this topic, but you have revealed some of the mysterious (to me) inner workings and quirks of this amazing but uber-complicated program. Anyway I just couldn't wait to thank you and will dive in and perhaps have some followup questions. This splitter feature is turning into an amazing tool for my practice needs. Onward and I will report back!
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate that. The Stem Splitter has been a favorite feature of mine and I'm finding lots of uses for it and integrating split tracks with other BIAB features.
I haven't forgotten your other thread about notation. It's a more complex and convoluted subject but BIAB can do it. I'm having to think it through and prepare a reply.
OK, I got somewhere now. Different behavior with this method. First it took quite some time for the waveform to appear. I didn't expect that, but it eventually showed up. At first I thought the method was not working. Then everything went according to your instructions, BUT the prefix for the stems was not used and during playback which was successful from the programed 1st bar, all the other style instruments started playing even though there was an "x" indicating that the style was turned off. This had not happened before. So I just muted all of those. And then I noticed that in my previous splits with the "start of the music problem", BB would create stems and store each one in the original folder for the project, but this time did not save out any stems at least in that location. I then "saved" the song again and those stems then showed up in the folder as wav files but not labelled as usual with the name of the stem part like Bass, vocal, etc. just Hey Joe #1, Hey Joe #2... Odd that the prefix was not used and the names of the stems were so generic. The stem tracks are labelled in the BB mixer as the correct instrument and the name "stem"
Any thoughts? (hey, though making progress here!!)
Yes, you are making progress. That's great. The explanation about setting Bar 1 only addresses the count-in and location of the audio wave file within the Audio Edit Window. You only need to do this if you are listening to the audio file before running the ACW or Stem Splitter. Stem Splitter is a separate function from that.
The Audio Chord Wizard and Audio Edit Window are both single track editors. Setting Bar 1 of audio on the Audio Track is done prior to using the Stem Splitter if you want to set bar 1. If you open an audio file from within the Stem Splitter, make all your settings and solo the Master File audio track in the BIAB Mixer. Creating the tempo map will also sync the other stems once the creating the tempo map and running the ACW is complete.
Using the Stem Splitter, the Style should be disabled and I always solo the Master File located on the Audio Track so that is the only track sounding out.
There have been issues in the past using styles with RealTracks that disabling the style doesn't mute the RealTracks. Solo the Master File track and that will solve the issue of hearing other tracks while you are creating the tempo map. Once completed, the tempo map will be synced with the other stems.
Thanks for that Charlie. One (oh sure...) last question. The PG video tutorial showed opening the audio file to be split with the open special > open special with stem splitter and then working with the file in ACW rather than your suggested open regular open and then use the AEW.
Can the PG method with the use of the ACW be used to set the first measure just like the method you described using the AEW?
If so, then the key seems to be to set that first measure first before any other manipulations. Does this sound right?
You are correct. It's best and easiest to open/import the audio file using the Stems Splitter. I didn't properly explain to you the reason I mentioned opening/importing the audio file is because I didn't know if you were working with the audio file before you used the Stems Splitter to create the stems.
It's unnecessary to use the Audio Edit Window method unless you have cause to work on the file before splitting it.
Using the Audio Chord Wizard on the Master Stem Track will set the first Bar and the Stems Splitter program will align the stems with the Master Stems track tempo map created from ACW.
EDIT: An exception to the above is when using the Stems Splitter or the ACW and you're having issues correctly getting Bar 1 set. In that situation, it's beneficial to unclick the ACW button, which disables the ACW and engages the AEW. With the AEW active, put the curser at the correct bar 1 and the audio waveform moves into the adjusted new Bar 1, then re-engage the ACW button, making it the active window again. This makes a visual change of the realignment of the waveform that I find helpful.
A tip to how I open the Stems Splitter is I use the shortcut - Type Stems into any measure on the Chord Sheet and the Stems Splitter instantly opens. In my case when I'll be working with a file and Stems Splitter, I open a New project and type Stems into a measure and I'm instantly ready to choose my file and use the program.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
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Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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