I'm a long-time user of BiaB, although my skills are still pretty basic compared to what there is to know.
My question is about the Piano Roll: Are there people out there who use it to write melodies? Or is it mainly meant to give a visual report of what's going on with pitch, duration, etc?
In other words, can a composer use the Piano Roll as a substitute for a MIDI keyboard?
For confidence motivation, check out the midi creations of David Barnes Beatle cover songs. He created very accurate covers using a mouse to note by note entry of each instrument of a song individually. According to his web site, each song took weeks to complete.
Although the Beatle songs are covers, original compositions can be done the same way.
For confidence motivation, check out the midi creations of David Barnes Beatle cover songs. He created very accurate covers using a mouse to note by note entry of each instrument of a song individually. According to his web site, each song took weeks to complete.
Although the Beatle songs are covers, original compositions can be done the same way.
Charlie, I can see where those songs would take at least a week to complete. The results are extremely impressive. I would never had guessed how he inputted those tracks.
Thanx for sharing.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I'm not a keyboard player and am not melodically inclined so the piano roll midi set up helps me to create melody, counter melody and arrangements with a lot of visual, as well as point n click, assistance.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Thank you, Ray. Since you're an experienced user of the Piano Roll, I'll describe my current situation and ask a true beginner's question:
I typed in a few random chords, changed to the Piano Roll view, and then grabbed various notes, moving the bars up and down.
When I hit the play button, however, I hear the same progression that I originally typed in, as if I had not changed any of the notes in Piano Roll. I DID hear the changed pitches when I moved the bars, but playback gives me an unchanged progression -- even though I can see the bars light up in their changed heights.
What am I not understanding about playback in the Piano Roll?
The piano roll will display and allow editing of RealCharts all day without altering the progression that plays.
Be sure you are editing an instrument media format that reads and plays midi. Although RealCharts are midi and editable, their function in BIAB is notation, tab and Piano Roll display. They are underlying midi data of RealTracks, Artist Performance Files and Audio that doesn't natively produce sound.
... When I hit the play button, however, I hear the same progression that I originally typed in, as if I had not changed any of the notes in Piano Roll. I DID hear the changed pitches when I moved the bars, but playback gives me an unchanged progression -- even though I can see the bars light up in their changed heights.
What am I not understanding about playback in the Piano Roll?
Is the track frozen? Is it a true MIDI track (yellow) or a MIDI Super Track (pale blue)?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Is the track frozen? Is it a true MIDI track (yellow) or a MIDI Super Track (pale blue)?
Even if the track is frozen I can still hear the changes I make in the Piano Roll View. I froze the track then made my changes. In another test I made the changes then froze the track. In both cases I heard my MIDI changes. I tried with both super MIDI tracks and regular MIDI track. I was using the play button.
I can get the identical results as he does IF I hit the regenerate play button.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
See my post to Noel. I can duplicate your problem if I click on the regenerate play button (#1 in pic) I can eliminate your problem if I click on the play button (#2)
Which button are you using?
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Mario, good points. As long as the song has at least been generated once previously, then the play button should only play the latest changes, whereas the generate button has a much larger interaction. Thanks for clarifying.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Charlie's most recent post may be a key here, and also AudioTrack's question about track colours.
The MIDI shown for RealTracks is not the source of the sound, they're a transcription of what's played by the RealTrack, which is audio. If the tracks as seen in the mixer are green, then the piano-roll data is for information only, unless you switch a section to "Playable RealTracks". Try this video if you want to use that 2022 onwards: Using Playable RealTracks). It's value for composing is doubtful, IMHO ... probably better to use MIDI tracks.
If the track is yellow, then it's definitely MIDI and editing should work (unless the track is frozen). I think that's also true of MIDI Super Tracks.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Charlie's most recent post may be a key here, and also AudioTrack's question about track colours.
The MIDI shown for RealTracks is not the source of the sound, they're a transcription of what's played by the RealTrack, which is audio. If the tracks as seen in the mixer are green, then the piano-roll data is for information only, unless you switch a section to "Playable RealTracks". Try this video if you want to use that 2022 onwards: Using Playable RealTracks). It's value for composing is doubtful, IMHO ... probably better to use MIDI tracks.
If the track is yellow, then it's definitely MIDI and editing should work (unless the track is frozen). I think that's also true of MIDI Super Tracks.
Gordon is right. My previous tests were with MIDI and MIDI Super Tracks: yes Gordon editing works in both cases. I just tried a test with RTs and the MIDI editing does not work.
OP, if you want to modify RT notes you must drag and drop the RT as MIDI into a DAW, if you have a Window machine you have one in RealBand. In the DAW you can make your changes and assign a MIDI sound source to your track; I do that all of the time. Note it may not sound like the original RT but with a good sound source and a little MIDI knowledge you can come very close.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Wow -- so interesting. 'Ya learn something everyday. Or I did anyway. I now see that the Piano Roll works fine as long I'm editing MIDI material. I don't know why that wasn't obvious to me from the very beginning... but, alas, it wasn't. Many thanks to all of you for your comments and guidance. I'm really looking forward to using my newly-found MIDI editing tool.
debitspread, you may wish to mark your original post as "resolved" to officially close the thread.
If you absolutely HAVE to modify a RealTrack, a pricey solution is to export that track to .WAV and load the .WAV into Melodyne Studio. It uses a piano roll style format to edit each sound "blob" in a polyphonic source. From Melodyne it goes into my DAW. I've found this workflow completely effective in addressing many of my more complex RealTrack editing needs.
Good luck!
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Wow -- so interesting. 'Ya learn something everyday. Or I did anyway. I now see that the Piano Roll works fine as long I'm editing MIDI material. I don't know why that wasn't obvious to me from the very beginning... but, alas, it wasn't. Many thanks to all of you for your comments and guidance. I'm really looking forward to using my newly-found MIDI editing tool.
It isn't really obvious and you're very far from the first person to not realise it.
As DC Ron says, Melodyne can be used to tweak things after generation. "Playable Real Tracks" can be used for segments within the RealTrack, but that's really intended for small treaks ... it actually switches for those tweaks from the RT audio to sforzando and samples from the RT file, then back to RT audio. If you want to control the whole track, though, MIDI and VSTi is probably the best way to go.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
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!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
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!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
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