Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,230
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,230
One of the most challenging tasks working in BIAB for me is controlled pauses between bars.
There are a couple of "workarounds", such as creating a bar with single beat, tempo change and that sort of tricks, but I rarely get musically what I need and ending up compromising.

Request is to be able to simply insert a "pause" without chords, like you would insert a bar into Chord view and simply define it in seconds. Simple decimal view.

Given nature of BIAB programming, sometimes composition is way too tight and needs "breathe pauses" to sound more natural.

Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 597
S
Journeyman
Online Content
Journeyman
S
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 597
+1


BIAB 2026, Studio Pro 8, Song Master Pro, Win11 Home. i7-9700K CPU, 32GB, ESI MAYA44eX, ZOOM UAC-2, Guitar Pro 8, Transcribe, (EZKeys2, EZD3, SD3, EZBass, EZMix3)
Amateur: fiddle, guitar, vocal, beginner on bass.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,614
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,614
Good idea Misha so
+1


Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,077
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,077
There is merit in that suggestion.
+1 from me also.


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: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,533
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,533
Some of the need might go away if we got non-integer tempos, but likely not all of the need.

Good idea. +1


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,230
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,230
Matt,
I don't believe non-integer tempos will solve this one, as it will have musical content / instructions within that bar, given current setup: stretched, pitched RTs and MIDI. What I am talking about is a no chord n/c - no sound pause, that can be controlled by entering a decimal number. For example entering 2.5 will create a 2 1/2 seconds muted blank... lets call it a bar.

In another words, it will not act as a timed "pause" as far as transport goes, everything will still play, but it would create that blank, free of instruments no-chord block.

Alternative to this request is to be able to create a No Chord bar and specify time in terms of seconds how long it should play for, regardless of the beats in it - as it will have no musical instructions to follow, except for time you enter.

Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,614
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,614
Misha, I believe the term you are looking for a timed fermata.


Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,230
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,230
Mario, indeed, you are correct.
and that is likely how it should look (and be written) in notation, but in BIAB chord view, it could look visually something like a part marker or colored bar that essentially "disconnects" all the running data streams (No Chord) from RTs/MIDI and just produce a controlled pause entered in seconds... and as you rightfully noted, be translated as fermata in notation view.

Or, this probably can be extremely simplified and baked into bar settings. For example type in N/C (No Chord) right in the bar cell of Chord View (this was requested by few people before) and have option in Bar Settings either change tempo OR define length of the bar in terms of real time - seconds.

Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,533
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,533
Thanks, yes, I know what you are asking for. Remember, I'm agreeing with the wish. +1

I can do timed fermatas in my notation software. I do it all the time (bad pun intended).

About the NC:

It's not quite that "a few people have requested" support for NC before. I've been on this case literally for over two decades, mostly a voice in the wilderness. It's actually not a request to add anything, it's a request to implement what has already been there, for decades. At least 26 years, in fact. Look in the file /BB/Data/pgshortc.txt and you'll see a built-in shortcut for NC. It's supposed to enter C. but it just doesn't work. Each time I bring it up, I get an "Oh, Yeah, you're right". Then more years go by.

With non-integer tempos, that C. could be given a percentage value, or a fraction of a beat. Even without non-integer tempos, it could be given a specific time in the tempo being use at the moment, such as a quarter note or sixteenth note.

I don't care how it's done, but if the function is there for 26 years, it should work. Then it should be enhanced to do what you suggest: control the length. I still think that, to implement a 2.5 second pause that works in any tempo you might use, non-integer tempos must be supported.

I really hope your post gets traction. It could be an important step toward increased realism.


BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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
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

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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,140
Posts800,784
Members40,043
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Tomas Buron, Fasteddy87, Risi, HenryHPH, Baldeagle13
40,043 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 133
DC Ron 101
rsdean 98
WaoBand 71
Noel96 63
Today's Birthdays
bdodge59, felix the cat
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5