|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,582
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,582 |
Just to keep the thread centered:
The New GUI is only one part of user experience.
The deeper issue is consistency across views (looping, cursor, zooming, scrolling, transport behavior), because that’s what keeps people comfortable enough to stay in the workflow instead of jumping out early.
Thanks for the ideas so far,
Keep the input coming on anything related to user‑experience consistency.
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 for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,803
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,803 |
Thanks for you comment. The point this thread and your response are missing is that the conversation is being framed entirely in DAW terminology and mindset. DAW looping standards don’t apply to BIAB. To use BIAB effectively, DAW users need to understand BIAB’s own standards and approach. BIAB is not a DAW, and it handles audio and musical material differently. The architecture between the two is fundamentally different.
Some of the six different looping functions relate to how the looping is being used; editing, practice, composing, teaching, or auditioning ideas. Some loop functions are optimized for exact repetition, while others may regenerate new material. Expecting identical playback on every loop applies to DAWs, but not necessarily to BIAB.
Don’t expect BIAB to behave like a DAW. Approaching it from BIAB’s generative perspective, the looping behavior is consistent with its design, even if it looks different from what DAW users might expect. DAW users need to change mindset. BIAB doesn’t need to be re-designed.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,048
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,048 |
Charlie,
What you are saying is simply misleading.
" DAW users need to change mindset"
No, Charlie, you have to change your mindset and try to avoid confronting progress and confusing people. Please, I kindly ask not go that route.
---
In my view some responders missed main point of the conversation. It is not solely about the looping, but global consistency throughout different views. Selection, looping, cursor start position, transport. ALL of these play a part in a bigger picture and have to be viewed as whole. And yes, it is absolutely urgent to fix items related to navigation, selection, consistency. This is not a "wish" request, but a report of broken items in a workflow.
Library thoughts are also very (!) important and they deserve a separate thread.
I am digesting and testing some items from jpettit list and will follow up when time permits.
Last edited by Rustyspoon#; 4 hours ago.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,722 |
Yes, and that's exactly the problem that needs fixing, not running from. If all of the functionality worked seamlessly, correctly, properly, there would be no need to go to a DAW. The O/P's post clearly identifies items that need fixing. There should be no need to go to a DAW.
Bottom line: I would rather have these functions work properly inside BIAB instead of having to take the song into another product to get it to completed. And that's what the O/P has demonstrated needs to occur. AudioTrack, Most of the Greatest Generation and the Silent Generation are long gone. And Baby Boomers are now dying off. BiaB must be made attractive to younger folks or it simply won’t survive. The competition in this space is fierce and young folks (and others) have little tolerance for clunky software. Developers around the world know this. You say “ If all of the functionality worked seamlessly, correctly, properly, there would be no need to go to a DAW.” I agree. But that is like saying if the world had no criminals there would be no need for jails. Reality is we do need jails and many do need an (external) DAW. Six years ago I gave RealBand a good opportunity to meet my needs and it couldn’t. There are lengthy and detailed threads on this if you care to search for them. Time is a valuable commodity indeed and I can't waste mine on convoluted work-arounds and time consuming workflows. Have you ever used a piece of well-design, consistent, user-friendly software? I have, and it’s a joy. Despite evidence to the contrary, my bottom-line hope is that some serious software re-design is done to attract and retain those young folks. In the meantime, BiaB, Fender Studio Pro, my bass guitar and my arranger keyboard are a wonderful team. And no, imho, we don’t need another 97 RealTracks in 2027 
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,381
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,381 |
I don't think I have missed the main point of this thread: It's to create a record of some of the very basic, broken BiaB functionality for the developers to focus on.
The problem (for me) is that this discussion assumes the concept of "workflow" has a single, well-understood definition. And of course it does not. Same with "user experience".
I have no issue with either my workflow or my user experience in BiaB. I just don't.
Is it slick? Well, no. Does it work? Absolutely. Could it be improved? Sure. Is it urgent? Not for me.
So if a developer ever reads this, I think it's important to present other points of view.
And with limited resources, I think there are larger strategic issues for PG Music developers to address.
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,803
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,803 |
The crux of this discussion is architecture and intent. Stating BIAB’s architecture and intent is not misleading. It’s foundational.
BIAB is not built on a DAW-style, fixed-audio, timeline-first architecture. BIAB’s role is to define the structure and parameters, and to generate the music before it ever enters a DAW timeline for editing and polishing. That architectural design cannot be overridden by terminology, expectations, or rhetoric.
Because of that, when discussing transport-based behavior, the transport model should defer to BIAB’s architecture, not DAW conventions. DAW transport behavior is neither required nor inherently clearer in BIAB, and forcing it risks obscuring BIAB’s generative workflow rather than improving navigation.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,022
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,022 |
I certainly agree that there are differences in BIAB's functionality and a DAW's functionality.
While there have been comparisons to what a DAW might deliver, I seriously doubt that the intent here is to make BIAB work like or become a DAW.
I am absolutely convinced that the intention here is to improve consistency in how BIAB itself operates.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,736
Posts795,477
Members39,942
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean