Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 2 1 2
DC Ron #861471 09/02/25 04:42 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Originally Posted by DC Ron
Skillfully done (again), Maestro! Cool build and deliciously eerie musical narrative. That explosive ending is very tasty, too. Well thought out, expertly played.

Hearing you and other forum members put together songs like this one, which I tell myself I could never do, inspires me to keep pushing the boundaries. THANK YOU, Mario!

Thanx Ron for your very kind words.
I'm sure you could do something like this. I am a firm believer that with a little imagination and BiaB one can produce any genre of music. I like to push BiaB as far as I can but thus far I haven't found any kind of music BiaB can't produce. Just let your mind wander.


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
MarioD #861521 09/03/25 07:47 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,764
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,764
Hey Mario,
I rarely visit the Showcase these days since I'm focussing on other things and not posting there but this caught my attention.
You are quite the creative multi-instrumentalist. This has a big sweeping soundscape and I love how you did the percussion.
There is nothing "Gilligan" about this at all. Job well done.


https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677
BiaB 2026 Windows
For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
MarioD #861534 09/03/25 10:43 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,250
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,250
Wow, easily my favorite from you in a long time. Nice to see you're getting some mileage out of that fantasy orchestra. Great job putting it all together, what a chore. But worth it!


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Originally Posted by Bass Thumper
Hey Mario,
I rarely visit the Showcase these days since I'm focussing on other things and not posting there but this caught my attention.
You are quite the creative multi-instrumentalist. This has a big sweeping soundscape and I love how you did the percussion.
There is nothing "Gilligan" about this at all. Job well done.

Thanx so much Steve for this wonderful review. I'm glad that you liked it.


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
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Originally Posted by TuneMonger
Wow, easily my favorite from you in a long time. Nice to see you're getting some mileage out of that fantasy orchestra. Great job putting it all together, what a chore. But worth it!

Thanx Bob. Yes this is new territory for me and mixing took the longest time. I'm glad you liked it.


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
MarioD #861544 09/03/25 11:51 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,066
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,066
Very different from your usual works, but in a positive way.
I like the medieval atmosphere you create and the haunting melody of your flute and of the singer.
Cool stuff [Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

The orchestra sounds somewhat unnatural because orchestras are typically recorded in rooms with a significant amount of reverberation, which is lacking here.
The simplest solution is to route the orchestra's instruments to a bus/group (depending on your DAW) and add a room reverb to the entire orchestra until you can (virtually) see the orchestra playing there when you listen.
But don't overdo it, there's a fine line between what sounds good and what's drowned in reverb

Only then should you add the remaining instruments and balance them until they fit.
They will probably also need a little (their own) reverb to make them fit perfectly.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
Very different from your usual works, but in a positive way.
I like the medieval atmosphere you create and the haunting melody of your flute and of the singer.
Cool stuff [Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

The orchestra sounds somewhat unnatural because orchestras are typically recorded in rooms with a significant amount of reverberation, which is lacking here.
The simplest solution is to route the orchestra's instruments to a bus/group (depending on your DAW) and add a room reverb to the entire orchestra until you can (virtually) see the orchestra playing there when you listen.
But don't overdo it, there's a fine line between what sounds good and what's drowned in reverb

Only then should you add the remaining instruments and balance them until they fit.
They will probably also need a little (their own) reverb to make them fit perfectly.

Thanx B.D. Thanx for the reverb tip, it is much appreciated. There is some reverb on this song but obviously not enough. I do use FX busses in Studio One Pro 7.


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
MarioD #861565 09/03/25 04:31 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,007
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,007
For a first attempt with something like this, I'm impressed! I never would have guessed that. I think you got the balance just right and the song swells where it needs to for the most impact. You did a great job and I think the more simple chord structure lets this piece really stand out.


Cheers,
Ember
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Originally Posted by Ember - PG Music
For a first attempt with something like this, I'm impressed! I never would have guessed that. I think you got the balance just right and the song swells where it needs to for the most impact. You did a great job and I think the more simple chord structure lets this piece really stand out.

Thanx so much Ember.
FYI - Without BiaB I probably wouldn't be playing at all. This wonderful product has not only enabled me to keep playing but also doing genres I have never done before. Virtually all of my songs start in BiaB.


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
MarioD #861659 09/05/25 04:42 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,067
Truly an epic piece in every way, Mario!

You obviously put a lot of effort into this, well done.

MarioD #861661 09/05/25 05:03 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Hi, Martio,

Well now, ain't you good!!?? An impressive mix of instruments and exceptionally well done. It's big, it's bright, it has the emotion of a dirge. You should do this more often - it seems you are gifted with that ability.

What a great listen!!! Congrats on a difficult job that came out shining like a fine diamond in a bright ray of sunshine. You should be very proud of this one.

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Originally Posted by BlueAttitude
Truly an epic piece in every way, Mario!

You obviously put a lot of effort into this, well done.

Thanx Dave. Most of the work was in mixing as that was the hard part for me. I'm glad you liked it.


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
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Originally Posted by Al-David
Hi, Martio,

Well now, ain't you good!!?? An impressive mix of instruments and exceptionally well done. It's big, it's bright, it has the emotion of a dirge. You should do this more often - it seems you are gifted with that ability.

What a great listen!!! Congrats on a difficult job that came out shining like a fine diamond in a bright ray of sunshine. You should be very proud of this one.

Alan

Thanx so much Alan for those very kind words.


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
MarioD #861780 09/06/25 01:54 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,158
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,158
Man, your creativity knows no bounds!

Just looking at that track list is overwhelming.
How on earth do you know where to start?

Hard to imagine this one would not be picked up by a film library promo site.

Epic in arrangement, track selections and mix.
Love the build.

Wow!

J&B


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
Man, your creativity knows no bounds!

Just looking at that track list is overwhelming.
How on earth do you know where to start?

Hard to imagine this one would not be picked up by a film library promo site.

Epic in arrangement, track selections and mix.
Love the build.

Wow!

J&B

Thanx Janice and Bud. As I said mixing was a bear for me. It took longer than creating the song. I'm glad you liked it.


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
MarioD #861882 09/07/25 04:34 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,675
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,675
You took me on a magical mystery cruise. Though, I was expecting "da plane, da plane!" Brilliant composition and production. Very cinematic sound.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Originally Posted by Ezekiel's Storm
You took me on a magical mystery cruise. Though, I was expecting "da plane, da plane!" Brilliant composition and production. Very cinematic sound.

Thanx Scott. I actually thought about adding "da plane, da plane!" in this song but I ruled against it. I'm glad you got the same vibe as I did.


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
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 2 1 2

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
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.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos

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.

Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.

Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.

Holiday Weekend Hours

As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:

April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours

Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!

— Team PG

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,296
Posts802,889
Members40,085
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
DC Cougar, luli, windsax, GregNYR, Gouby Raya
40,085 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 118
zedd 90
rsdean 87
vicarn 72
DC Ron 70
Noel96 56
Today's Birthdays
Chris Kenward, Lostrider04
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5