|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188 |
Is it worth the trouble to try this? I like Biab for creating backing tracks but frequently prefer my own tracks for bass and guitar. Over the years I have exported to Cakewalk. Recording tracks directly into Biab has inconsistent results and often causes lockups.
Should I move on to Daw once chart is developed or keep trying?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,764
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,764 |
I have never tried recording bass directly into BiaB.
The method that has always worked well for me is to record "directly" into my DAW.
Quotes because I prefer to hear my playing thru my practice amp (I like the tone) so then I use my XLR Out on the amp and feed that to my interface which in turn is connected to my DAW (via USB) on a Win 11 desktop.
I use BiaB for what it's good at which is producing backing tracks.
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: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060 |
I would continue to record the way you're most comfortable with. That way you can better concentrate on your performance.
For you that's likely moving backing tracks out of Band-in-a-Box (BiaB) into Cakewalk and recording in Cakewalk.
For someone new to recording themselves I would suggest recording in Band-in-a-Box. Then they don't have to learn additional software (a DAW), can alter song structure as needed, continue to finesse backing tracks to better match their performance and have the benefit of not having to export backing tracks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 104
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 104 |
How about recording into RealBand? It comes with BIAB and directly loads the BIAB song files.
I'm not a "pro" at this, but I have had pretty good success with creating my song in BIAB and then load the SGU file into RB and recording bass and guitar tracks and other instruments there. I'll make edits and do the track processing there as well. For my uses there is no real need to export to another DAW since so far RB does everything I need for what I'm doing. One of the benefits for me is that I can visually watch the progression of the BIAB song chord changes pretty much the same as in BIAB, etc. while recording in RB. After I found that I can use most Reaper plugins in RB, that pretty much sealed it for me. It works for me, but like I say, I'm not a "pro".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,148
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,148 |
+1 for RealBand its simple and easy to use and as the post above says you can see the BIAB progression
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188 |
I take the line out of amp directly into Motu interface. This allows monitoring everything as needed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188 |
The bass line is critical for locking into various drum kits. Recording bass lines early helps with auditioning various real tracks and drums.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188 |
Will check this out. Might be more efficient since you can share Biab files in both directions?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808 |
I also move over to RB as i love the ability to use the partial regeneration capability to fine tune my RTs. Now that it has the ability to hide unused tracks and has much improved comping features for recording i use it far more than Reaper or Mixbus on my machine. I set up a template with my favorite effects on each channel so i can get the sound i want. It is not perfect but what it lacks in one area it excels at in others.
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: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,787
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,787 |
My 2 cents is recording in any DAW is far superior to recording in BiaB.
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060 |
My 2 cents is recording in any DAW is far superior to recording in BiaB. Mario, I'm surprised at how strong a statement you've made. Do you mind sharing why you feel "recording in any DAW is far superior to recording in BiaB."?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,988
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,988 |
My 2 cents is recording in any DAW is far superior to recording in BiaB. Mario, I'm surprised at how strong a statement you've made. Do you mind sharing why you feel "recording in any DAW is far superior to recording in BiaB."? Jim, I don't know why Maria would say that, but I agree 100%, does that surprize you?  For me, I can tell you why. If one is just starting out and wants to dabble with recording themselves playing over BIAB backing tracks, Yes, BIAB will do it. I have demonstrated that here in the forum over the years. But, if you are serious about your recording and you want to pursue your music growth by doing recordings, you have to move to a true DAW. Recording ones music is serious business and requires serious tools and workflow that BIAB simple does not have. I would encourage anyone interested in recording to start sooner, rather than later, working one of the many available DAW's which were specifically designed for this purpose. Just my 2 cents 
Last edited by DrDan; 02/08/26 10:35 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,764
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,764 |
Jim, I don't know why Maria would say that, but I agree 100%, does that surprize you? I don’t know why Maria would say such a thing either. But I think Mario might say the following: (Ducking and running for cover) 😊 Is it possible to dig a ditch with a spoon? Yes Is it possible to hammer a nail with a rock? Yes Is it possible to grow without a teacher? Yes Is it possible to experiment with chord progressions using pencil and paper? Yes But if you want to dig well, hammer cleanly, grow deeply, and compose quickly, you choose the tools and supports that make the work faster, clearer, and more effective; especially when your time is a high priority. Now I need to shovel my driveway. Honey, where’s my spatula? 😊
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: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,787
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,787 |
My 2 cents is recording in any DAW is far superior to recording in BiaB. Mario, I'm surprised at how strong a statement you've made. Do you mind sharing why you feel "recording in any DAW is far superior to recording in BiaB."? Off the top of my head: 1- hearing what you are recording - although that may have changed as i have not tried to record in BiaB for some time now 2-multiple takes 3-it best fits my workflow - trying to dive deep into BiaB has always caused me problems while the DAWs that I have used over the years (Vision-Cakewalk pro audio-Sonar-Studio One Pro-Fender Studio Pro) have not Plus I agree with everything Dan has said YMMV
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,632
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,632 |
+1 for RealBand its simple and easy to use and as the post above says you can see the BIAB progression Another +1 You can still Generate when needed/desired ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060 |
... if you are serious about your recording and you want to pursue your music growth by doing recordings, you have to move to a true DAW. Recording ones music is serious business and requires serious tools and workflow that BIAB simple does not have. Okay Dan, I'll play devil's advocate and bite at the bait. What serious recording tools does BiaB simply not have?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060 |
... You choose the tools and supports that make the work faster, clearer, and more effective; especially when your time is a high priority. Bass Thumper, just like with my response to Dan I'm playing Devil's Advocate. I have a question for you; are you more familiar with using a DAW or BiaB? I ask because I assume you are more familiar with recording in a DAW than you are with recording in BiaB. Remember this thread started with the question should the op record in BiaB or a DAW. I believe anyone will work faster, clearer and be more effective using a tool they are familiar and comfortable with than using a tool they are not familiar with. At least that has been the case for me and most people I know. But when you're familiar with recording in a DAW but are not as familiar with recording in BiaB you can not say with accuracy which program the op should choose. Why would a person familiar with a DAW ask the question? Would it be reasonable to assume the op likely is about as familiar with using BiaB as they are a DAW? If that is the case why should the op learn two programs (DAW & BiaB) instead of learning more about the program (BiaB) the op has invested time and money?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060 |
... Off the top of my head:
1- hearing what you are recording - BiaB has real time input monitoring
2-multiple takes BiaB allows multiple takes
3-it best fits my workflow - trying to dive deep into BiaB has always caused me problems while the DAWs that I have used over the years (Vision-Cakewalk pro audio-Sonar-Studio One Pro-Fender Studio Pro) have not I agree that when a program gives you problems when you try to do something but other programs do not then it's better to use the other programs.
Plus I agree with everything Dan has said
YMMV
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,060 |
+1 for RealBand its simple and easy to use and as the post above says you can see the BIAB progression Another +1 You can still Generate when needed/desired .. Unless your song file uses a feature exclusive to BiaB.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,320
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,320 |
BIAB needs a simple Arm>Record audio record option. Current method is very obsolete. Maybe not as advanced as mature DAWs, but simple enough to understand and use without digging out manual or asking questions on forum.
I feel it is getting close to that point. I just wish it would be done well (like new UI) and not half baked, even if it would be limited to the number of existing tracks.
While I record audio / MIDI in DAW, I would very much appreciate being able to use a couple of existing tracks for basic audio input recording for sketches and ideas.
2026 BIAB Piano Roll is already very usable. Time to tackle audio recording.
P.S. Ohh, and a statement: "BIAB is not a DAW" makes me nauseous. BIAB is a DAW. A different kind, but nevertheless a DAW.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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®!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,317
Posts803,296
Members40,096
| |
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