Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,625
jpettit Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,625
I uploaded the pinned suggestion threads into NotebookLM and asked it to generate a Podcast Overview for you listening pleasure. (Listen to attached) (free version limited to ~ 20 minutes)
I also ask it for the top 10 points off all the pinned suggestions.
Podcast Overview of UI Suggestions

I also asked it to summarize the top 10 points:
Based on the sources provided, here are 10 prominent suggestions and points of discussion regarding the Band-in-a-Box interface:

1. **Adoption of a panel-based interface with dockable and undockable panels** is a widely supported idea that would allow for more flexible window management and customization of the workspace [jpettit, Rustyspoon, Simon - PG Music]. This would potentially replace the current modal and non-modal window system [jpettit, Rustyspoon].

2. There are numerous requests for **significant improvements to the Tracks View**. These include:
* Showing only populated tracks by default [jpettit].
* More complete track headers that include controls like pan and arm for recording [jpettit, Rustyspoon, Simon - PG Music].
* Easier track zoom functionality, including both dynamic (all tracks) and individual track expansion [Rustyspoon, Simon - PG Music].
* Support for more context menus at the track type level [jpettit].
* The addition of a play marker to define the playback start point [Rustyspoon, Simon - PG Music].
* The possibility of volume node editing (automation) within the Tracks View [Rustyspoon, Simon - PG Music].

3. A **usable "Timeline" Navigator** that is consistent across most views is desired for easier song navigation and a better overall workflow [Rustyspoon, Simon - PG Music].

4. The **Chord Sheet view** is targeted for enhancements such as:
* Displaying text to indicate verses and musical actions like Fills, Push/Hold, and Repeats [robertw].
* Organizing each measure into clearly defined subdividable beats to simplify microchords and eliminate the need for commas [Matt Finley].
* The potential addition of an "arranger track" to visualize the song's structure [jpettit].
* Allowing individual bars to have different time signatures without affecting subsequent bars [Rustyspoon#].

5. A **revamped Piano Roll editor** is requested, with suggestions including:
* Setting the default tool to a pen tool instead of a selection tool [Rustyspoon].
* Providing UI buttons for selecting drawing or selection tools [Rustyspoon].
* Implementing full-length horizontal and vertical overlay guides for more precise editing [Rustyspoon].
* Offering a choice for freehand drawing of note lengths [Rustyspoon].
* Adopting a freehand move tool for dragging notes anywhere [Rustyspoon].
* Displaying drum kit sound names associated with each key on the Pitch Selector keyboard [Jim Fogle].

6. The concept of **integrating different views (chords, tracks, lyrics, sections) into a single main screen** is proposed to offer a more unified and intuitive workflow, drawing inspiration from software like Song Master Pro [CerioExpert]. This would ideally allow for editing elements directly from this main screen [CerioExpert].

7. Users desire **more customizable toolbars and layouts**, including the ability to move the Transport bar and have fixed areas for common functions, allowing users to tailor the interface to their specific needs [jpettit].

8. There is a strong emphasis on **improving the user experience for new users** by simplifying the GUI, ensuring consistency in layout and functionality between Band-in-a-Box and RealBand, and adopting more standard DAW conventions [justanoldmuso, jpettit].

9. **Multi-monitor support** is a frequently mentioned request, indicating a desire for the program to better utilize multiple displays for arranging different views and tools [Vincente, robertw, Rustyspoon, jpettit].

10. Enhancements related to **UI aesthetics and accessibility** are discussed, including:
* The option for flatter, more neutral button styles, potentially with text-based alternatives [Rustyspoon, Gordon Scott].
* Support for OS-level text on buttons and translucent backgrounds for color themes [jpettit].
* Considerations for vision-impaired users, such as the ability to adjust or change color themes [MarioD, justanoldmuso].


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).
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,074
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,074
Originally Posted by jpettit
Let me know if you cannot hear the podcast.
I can hear it perfectly. Great job.


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.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,625
jpettit Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,625
It interesting to hear the difference between the NotebookML chat summary point and the podcast.
They call out some the same but some different.


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).
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,074
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,074
As mentioned elsewhere, it seems to cut short, part way through your conversation at 22:38. Is that intentional at this time?


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.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,648
Yes I can hear it too. No obvious signs of tarrifs or anything.

It's certainly impressive as an AI generated podcast. It seems to understand many things well and present them well. Buuut ... the overreliance on each speaker repeating ther other gets very wearing and there were times when I wondered what it/they were actually talking about ... "hold on; how does that relate to the specific topic here?" Initially I gave up due to the endless repetition, but went back and finished listening to see what AI was making of this. With a little more focus and a lot less repetition, it could have said the same in 10m.

Impressive, but I'm glad I don't actually have to listen to it.

In practice, the team at PGM will have to spend a lot of time discussion what these requests mean and how they can (or can't) make improvements happen.


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
.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,625
jpettit Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,625
Yes, as mentioned in the OP, it only gives your ~20 minutes for free.
Yes, on a side note the podcast thing is kind of a gimmick but for instance I set it up with the Studio One manual and it it's created a mind map of the manual and ability to pull information together a make something clear that is buried in bits and pieces across than manual is awesome.
Anyone can join NotebookML and try it out on something like the online version(?) of Band in the Box help manual. You can then use it for your own help with more flexibility than the PGM version.

The ah ha moment is when you realize NotebookML is essentially your own database of content from you to process with AI.


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).
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,221
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,221
smile smile smile

Jeff, that was fun! Thank you for compiling.

Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,648
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,648
Originally Posted by jpettit
The ah ha moment is when you realize NotebookML is essentially your own database of content from you to process with AI.
I assume that's a typo for NotebookLM, though please say if I'm mistaken.

I've just had an "Ah" moment of my own: One of the limitations of the human mind is that it struggles to manage too many ideas at the same time in short-term memory. Usually just 6 or 7 ideas, fewer for some people. If one tries to go beyond that, one starts to drop ideas out of the mind and it becomeslike trying to juggle with jello (jelly for we Brits) and one just starts going round in mental circles. I'm suspecting that AI probably doesn't have the same limit and may handle those situations better.

And yes, thanks for posting.


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
.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,625
jpettit Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,625
Originally Posted by Gordon Scott
Originally Posted by jpettit
The ah ha moment is when you realize NotebookML is essentially your own database of content from you to process with AI.
I assume that's a typo for NotebookLM, though please say if I'm mistaken.

I've just had an "Ah" moment of my own: One of the limitations of the human mind is that it struggles to manage too many ideas at the same time in short-term memory. Usually just 6 or 7 ideas, fewer for some people. If one tries to go beyond that, one starts to drop ideas out of the mind and it becomeslike trying to juggle with jello (jelly for we Brits) and one just starts going round in mental circles. I'm suspecting that AI probably doesn't have the same limit and may handle those situations better.

And yes, thanks for posting.
Yes typo.
The full URL is https://notebooklm.google.com
The podcast is interesting from the point of two AI voices holding a conversation.
The free account doesn't let you make any choices and is limited to ~ 20 minutes.
The paid version gives you 5 times as much time and I'm guessing a little more control by pointing it at just sections of a documents' rather than a general overview of all documents.
Just to be able to chat with the BB manual works well and in this case of 7 long threads in the forum where it looks at all the inputs and digs through the mud to see clearer points.


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).
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

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.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,093
Posts800,158
Members40,033
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
Matt1575, Christian210, jaycallahanart, roshan2121, Din
40,033 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 139
rsdean 97
DC Ron 89
WaoBand 77
DrDan 58
Today's Birthdays
jamline, JazzMAn68
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5