|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 137
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 137 |
Hi, I have used Band in a Box for a while. Basically, I would write a melody in Finale as a lead sheet. Then, I export the file as a midi file and make an arrangement by BIAB. After finishing, I export the audio as a Wav to listen.
I haven't touched RealBand yet.
Could you pls tell me why I need RealBand? Is it important?
Thank you
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061 |
More control over individual tracks for different plugins effects to begin with as well as having a different style on one track than others, can be a two edge sword though.
Wyndham
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 137
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 137 |
Thank you very much for your explanation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
1. 48 tracks
2. multiple ports
3. different DXi/VSTi on each track
4. can use effets plugins
5. full featured edits
6. can load a RT or RD part to just one measure or part of a measure.
7. Copy/paste parts
8. ETC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648 |
Versatility. In RB you can also highlite just a section of a track and generate(or regenerate) that section. Copy/Paste is easier for realtracks also. Layering sounds or having more than one track for a given instrument to pick through. Generating the same part multiple times on different tracks, then cutting'pasting the parts you like to together in a different order. As mentioned- putting realtime FX on tracks and the mix as a whole Using multiple synths at the same time (BiaB uses only one midi port) In RB you can Coyote play bass and another synth play the piano and yet another play the strings ot whatever There's a few reasons, anyway. Edit- I see John beat me to few of these by a couple minutes 
Last edited by rharv; 10/11/10 08:43 AM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 241
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 241 |
Finally, It's Freeeeeeeeeeee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 137
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 137 |
I am grateful for your kind advice. Right now I don't know anything about RealBand. But from now on, I will study more so that I can use it properly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
A lot of it depends on how far you want to go in creating a finished song and that depends on your experience with working with digital audio recording. One of the great things about Biab is anybody with just rudimentary knowledge of music can enter chords, pick a style and have a decent sounding song in just a few minutes. To some with extensive musical knowledge, that's not enough. They hear certain things that are not quite "right" about a Biab created tune that others wouldn't notice. Those people start asking questions like why won't Biab do this or that and the answer usually involves Real Band. RB can really expand your creativity and I always recommend to new people that they learn both programs at the same time. For more detailed explanations of what you can do with RB, do a forum search of my posts using my user name and Real Band. Probably 2/3rds of them involve this question.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829 |
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928 |
Quote:
Could you pls tell me why I need RealBand? Is it important?
No one here yet has mentioned the obvious.
RB is a DAW or sequencer, whichever you want to call it.
If you already own and use another sequencer such as Logic, Pro Tools, Cubase or Sonar, etc. than you don't need Real Band at all.
Personally, I use Acoustica's Mixcraft:
http://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648 |
Quote:
No one here yet has mentioned the obvious.
RB is a DAW or sequencer, whichever you want to call it.
If you already own and use another sequencer such as Logic, Pro Tools, Cubase or Sonar, etc. than you don't need Real Band at all.
Not true.
Can you open your BiaB project in any of those?
Can you generate a sax solo (or any part) in any of those DAW's? Sure, you can use loops.. but not the same animal.
They all have their strengths, but none can totally replace the other.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829 |
As Rharv mentioned RB opens BiaB files, plus it can generate, and regenerate solo's and RT/RD tracks. Something no other DAW can do. Since RB is free with BiaB it is not a matter of need as a matter of use!
Besides the fact that it is not really cool to advertise another products web site in your post's signature line here. If you use another product fine, we all do, and from time to time mention them in passing. Some peole list their software and hardware in their signatures at the bottom of the post, but to link there product's websites on the thread pages, at least in my mind, is not the intention of PG supplying us a free forum to use. This forum is for the support and promotion of ...... you guessed it PG products.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614 |
The link is not in his signature. It's just the last line of his post. He has not used a signature.
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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829 |
Same place as the signature, and still not cool
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 92
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 92 |
I'm glad I read this thread, I really haven't messed with RB but now I see it can solve a few problems I've been having.
Dell Studio 16 Laptop i7 with 256 gig SSD
BIAB, Reaper, Encore, Sibelius
Roland SD-50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I have a friend that plays jazz guitar professionally. All he wants is your basic quartet. Piano,Bass & Drums. He only needs BIAB with all RTs & RDs. His chord entries are very elaborate though and provides that extra element.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 137
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 137 |
May I ask at what stage during the project would you start using RealBand instead of BIAB?
Let me explain further in my case:
So, I have a melody in Midi form. Importing the Midi into Band in a Box, I would begin to play with the chords and styles. Normally when I am happy with the result, I would just export the audio as a Wav. And that is it.
So will I begin using RealBand after the song is already edited fully by BIAB?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829 |
When you get several individual tracks . then you could do as you have and all is good, or move it to RB and take some time to total mix and master those tracks for a more complete and finished sound.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Real Band uses the same chord grid Biab does. Since you're starting with a midi file and then need to "play with the chords" anyway, start in Real Band in the first place. You just go to file>open and find your midi file. One big thing that RB can't do is create a Biab midi soloist part. Note I said midi, RB will create a Real Track soloist just fine.
There's lots of little tricks you can do in RB. For example, everybody knows you can put in part markers in the chord grid to force a drum fill. In RB you can create a drum track but then change the chord grid to put those part markers in different places and create a completely different drum part on a different track. You can do this many times using different part markers for each one to get different fills in different places. Now, do that with different styles.
RB will only generate the tracks you want it to, everything you've already done stays unchanged. In Biab, if you change a style or the part markers and regenerate, everything changes unless you've frozen some tracks. Freezing tracks is ok but why not just start in RB where, as the project evolves, you're probably going to wind up anyway? If you're like Silvertones jazz guitarist friend and all you need are some cool sounding backing tracks for a restaurant gig great, Biab is perfect for that. You don't get all the neat little song specific fills, punches etc but for a live gig, who cares? But, at home trying to create either a good cover of something or an original with specific parts in it, Biab won't cut it. You need the 48 tracks, access all the different midi synths you may have and output ports, the ability to create multiple Biab working tracks in order to finalize one good one, bring in some midi tracks from several different sources, all that kind of thing.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648 |
I think the general feel is to use BiaB to *create* the song, ie find the chords and the general style you like. You can generate all the tracks quickly in BiaB to audtition different ideas. Then open that file in RB and regenerate those sections you are not happy with, either MIDI or Realtracks. Change the sound of some MIDI parts to different synths that may sound better, as you can use more than one in RB (16 hardware and 16 software). Then record any extra parts you want to add (vocals, guitar solo whatever) Then add some EQ, Reverb or other processing to the tracks for clarity.(mixing) Then use the output FX section to premaster the whole mix. It *is* a lot more flexible, which of course means some learning will be involved  .
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,445
Posts805,172
Members40,121
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean