Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 340
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 340
Hi all,
I am working on a new song and set myself a challenge of doing it completely in BIAB. In the verse, I want to add cowbell (why? I hear some of you ask) which doesn't feature in the drum track I am using. In the chorus, I want to add a shaker or other single percussion like tambourine - in addition to the drum track. Preferably, I'd like cowbell and shaker/tambourine to be Real.

I've had a cursory look around and can't find a solution, but know members of this forum are more versed in the features of BIAB than I am. I am happy to accept easy fixes or workarounds.
I am using BIAB 2024 (I know - the shame of it all!) and the Real Style I am using is _GUAJIRA.STY Guajira Trio. I'm already using 6 utility tracks for vocals so have some empty if I need to use a utility track as part of the solution.

Solutions or ideas greatly welcome!

Andrew


Regards,
Andrew D
Adelaide, Sth Aust
Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/SQE4btVvNVkLq74e9
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewoftheantipodes

Profile pic 'Air Guitar' - a carving in pine I made of the F major barre chord.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,330
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,330
It might be easiest to add a MIDI track for both. If you found a RealTrack for cowbell, then it may not play the specific rhythm you are looking for, whereas you can create any specific rhythm / placement with MIDI.

You could also consider loops to achieve this.


BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 340
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 340
Originally Posted by AudioTrack
You could also consider loops to achieve this.

Are those inside BIAB or is it external?


Regards,
Andrew D
Adelaide, Sth Aust
Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/SQE4btVvNVkLq74e9
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewoftheantipodes

Profile pic 'Air Guitar' - a carving in pine I made of the F major barre chord.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 861
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 861
This may be the time for you to consider adding a DAW to your workflow. Immediately you can do the cowbell thing fairly easy. You will find many new things you can do in a DAW than are difficult or impossible to do it BIAB.

Overall, the quality and consistency of your product (tracks) will improve

Yes, there is a learning curve.
Yes, it may take more time to finish a track.

Yes, your track will be better.

Anyway, just the opinion of some guy on the internet


biab2024(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro 11
Irwin Vice Grip Fencing Pliers
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,697
Product Manager
Offline
Product Manager
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,697
Originally Posted by Andrew Dee
Originally Posted by AudioTrack
You could also consider loops to achieve this.

Are those inside BIAB or is it external?
Yes, you'll find them in the Loops tab of the Multipicker (press M then enter on the chordsheet to open the Multipicker). There should be a 4 bar cowbell loop in there if you do a search.


I work here
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 340
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 340
Originally Posted by mrgeeze
This may be the time for you to consider adding a DAW to your workflow.

Thank you Mr Geeze! My normal workflow is to export to my DAW (Cakewalk or Reaper), but after seeing some posts about fully using BIAB in more (or all) of the workflow, I thought I would try it out, given this is a BIAB forum.

My initial thoughts are that I am missing the flexibility, visibility and control of a DAW, but still impressed by the level of function in BIAB nonetheless.

Andrew D


Regards,
Andrew D
Adelaide, Sth Aust
Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/SQE4btVvNVkLq74e9
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewoftheantipodes

Profile pic 'Air Guitar' - a carving in pine I made of the F major barre chord.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 340
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 340
Originally Posted by Simon - PG Music
Yes, you'll find them in the Loops tab of the Multipicker (press M then enter on the chordsheet to open the Multipicker). There should be a 4 bar cowbell loop in there if you do a search.
Thank you Simon - I’ll check them out! Just another example of a product rich in secret surprises!


Regards,
Andrew D
Adelaide, Sth Aust
Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/SQE4btVvNVkLq74e9
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewoftheantipodes

Profile pic 'Air Guitar' - a carving in pine I made of the F major barre chord.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,697
Product Manager
Offline
Product Manager
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,697
Originally Posted by Andrew Dee
Thank you Simon - I’ll check them out! Just another example of a product rich in secret surprises!
Happy to help!


I work here
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 414
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 414
For these types of percussion sounds, I use Shimmer Shake Strike 2 from In Session Audio. It's a Kontakt instrument that runs in the free Kontakt Player if you don't have the full version. This short video explains things much better than I can in words. It's worth watching all the way through to learn about what they call the "knockout effect". It's something that loops can't replicate. Not inexpensive (on sale now for $110, including the expansion pack which adds a lot of additional instruments), but if you like to use these types of percussion effects, it's a bargain.

Shimmer Shake Strike 2



ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2025 Ultra
Bitwig Studio 5; Studio One Pro 7; Melodyne Studio 5; Acoustica Premium 7
Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,330
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,330
Quite impressive, and I agree it's worth watching to the end. Very versatile.


BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,828
Expert
Online Content
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,828
Originally Posted by TheMaartian
For these types of percussion sounds, I use Shimmer Shake Strike 2 from In Session Audio. It's a Kontakt instrument that runs in the free Kontakt Player if you don't have the full version. This short video explains things much better than I can in words. It's worth watching all the way through to learn about what they call the "knockout effect". It's something that loops can't replicate. Not inexpensive (on sale now for $110, including the expansion pack which adds a lot of additional instruments), but if you like to use these types of percussion effects, it's a bargain.

I’ve been using it for years, It used to be inexpensive as was the upgrade to version 2.


BIAB 2024 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,493
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,493
Nice.

I'm attracted also to their World Percussion kits.


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,819
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,819
+++ HERE +++ is a link to the InSessionAudio website for those wanting a closer look.


Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,828
Expert
Online Content
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,828
Originally Posted by Gordon Scott
Nice.

I'm attracted also to their World Percussion kits.

It's too bad that their freebies are no longer available. Fruit Shake was the gateway drug that got me hooked. It's still available in my downloads, however.


BIAB 2024 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,493
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,493
Originally Posted by Mike Halloran
Originally Posted by Gordon Scott
Nice.

I'm attracted also to their World Percussion kits.

It's too bad that their freebies are no longer available. Fruit Shake was the gateway drug that got me hooked. It's still available in my downloads, however.
Yes it is. That looks like a nice try-before-you-buy option.

I pushed the button on both the shakers and the world drums.


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
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
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!

Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.

Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.

You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.

Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!

The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!

Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!

With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
  • Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
  • Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
  • Playable RealTracks Set 4
  • RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
  • SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
  • 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:

  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
  • Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
  • Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
  • RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!

We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,397
Posts778,659
Members39,648
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Parsinux, Mike McVay, misha pelt, Slick Locrian, daveg68
39,648 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 133
DC Ron 111
WaoBand 104
rsdean 83
dcuny 82
Today's Birthdays
sanityblues
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5