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Symphony For a SynthSymphony For a Synth is the largest adventure into the unknown that I have ever attempted, i.e. a combination of an orchestra and synths. This song started in Uphrase, a chord progression and rhythm program similar to Scaler but nowhere near as powerful as Scaler. But I find it much easier to use and adequate for my needs. BiaB Style - Orchestral 4/4 w/harp Tempo - 60 BPM Bass - Swam - Bass Section Piano - String Studio VS-3 - Factory - Dreamy State Guitar - Swam - Viola Section Guitar2 - Kontakt - Amadeus - Viola Section Strings - Kontakt - Amadeus - Full String Section Utility - Ultra Analog VA-3 - Play a Lot Note Utility2 - SynthMaster 3 - Arp Space Station 1 ME - Uphrase track - Lounge Lizard - Tine - Nocturnal Thoughts Via my Breath and Keyboard controllers: Bassoon - Swam Bassoon Trumpet 1 - Swam trumpet I copied the Bassoon track, raised it an octave, and used a Swam Oboe as the instrument. I also copied the trumpet 1 into trumpet 2, French Horns 1&2, and tuba tracks. I put those tracks into the instrument's ranges and via sound-on-sound added various nuances. I also added nuances using the same process on all of the string tracks. Me via my keyboard controller: Synth lead - Ultra Analog VA-3 - Acid Lead Low synth - Axxes - Throat Punch City And two Synth FX tracks As always all comments are welcomed.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Mario,
Rich, lush, complex and utterly beautiful...
You have such an incredible ear for these stunning soundscapes. I completely enjoyed this.
So good!
Bob
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Hi Mario! Bob Dean’s use of the word ‘lush’ to describe your piece is very apt. Your soundscape made me imagine a tropical rainforest or even an alien one with all its sounds and sprouting of plant life. Wonderful to listen to. Andrew
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Mario, always enjoy your symphonic soundscapes. On this one, that repeated descending voice provides a cool ethereal sheen and thematic glue to the arrangement. Can see from your description that there is a lot going on beneath the wavetops. But for the listener, it's smooth sailing all the way. Your compositional skills continue to amaze. Super mix, too. Well done!
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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The sound quality in this very successful work is excellent. Laurent
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Reading about these wonderful compositions of yours is second in enjoyement to listening. This is absolutely fantastic, Mario. Outstanding oboe sound and the perfect melody throuhgout. All of the musical magic you pack into these productions is second to none --i.e., the best. Music hits emotion.
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Mario,
Rich, lush, complex and utterly beautiful...
You have such an incredible ear for these stunning soundscapes. I completely enjoyed this.
So good!
Bob Thanx so much Bob. I'm glad that you liked it and I appreciate your comments very much.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Hi Mario! Bob Dean’s use of the word ‘lush’ to describe your piece is very apt. Your soundscape made me imagine a tropical rainforest or even an alien one with all its sounds and sprouting of plant life. Wonderful to listen to. Andrew Thanx so much Andrew for this very kind review.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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The sound quality in this very successful work is excellent. Laurent Thanx Laurent I appreciate it.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Mario, always enjoy your symphonic soundscapes. On this one, that repeated descending voice provides a cool ethereal sheen and thematic glue to the arrangement. Can see from your description that there is a lot going on beneath the wavetops. But for the listener, it's smooth sailing all the way. Your compositional skills continue to amaze. Super mix, too. Well done! Thanx so much Ron. Yes, there was a lot going on in this one. It was a bear to mix. I'm glad that you liked it.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Reading about these wonderful compositions of yours is second in enjoyement to listening. This is absolutely fantastic, Mario. Outstanding oboe sound and the perfect melody throuhgout. All of the musical magic you pack into these productions is second to none --i.e., the best. Music hits emotion. Marty, thanx so much for taking the time to listen and to comment on my song. I greatly appreciate it.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Hi Mario, What I especially appreciate, whether it's "Butterflies," a complete classic, or just a jam session, is that you always manage to make highly creative music. And you always manage to weave the most exotic instruments with what I would call "classical" instruments. That's a very creative quality of yours. I'm sure it takes quite a bit of time to make it all cohesive. Like in this song; it started more or less as a classical, orchestral piece, and then the bass/synth and other instruments came in. And the most amazing thing is that you always manage to capture me with your music until the very end!
Well done, Mario!
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A magnificent masterpiece, Magnificent Mario! I soooooo envy you being able to mimic bassoons and oboes!
Some favourite Waoist Adages: #1: Play on the Way. #13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you. #58: Bring consciousness to it. #63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made. #92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
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Hi Mario, What I especially appreciate, whether it's "Butterflies," a complete classic, or just a jam session, is that you always manage to make highly creative music. And you always manage to weave the most exotic instruments with what I would call "classical" instruments. That's a very creative quality of yours. I'm sure it takes quite a bit of time to make it all cohesive. Like in this song; it started more or less as a classical, orchestral piece, and then the bass/synth and other instruments came in. And the most amazing thing is that you always manage to capture me with your music until the very end!
Well done, Mario! Thanx so much Hans for this wonderful review and all of the extremely kind comments. I greatly appreciate them.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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A magnificent masterpiece, Magnificent Mario! I soooooo envy you being able to mimic bassoons and oboes! Thanx Chay for taking the time to listen and comment on my song. If you get the Swam Double Reed package, https://audiomodeling.com/swam-engine/solo-woodwinds/swam-double-reeds/and a keyboard controller with programmable sliders and/or knobs I'm sure you could produce great oboe and bassoon tracks..
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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So much going on here, yet everything is calm and unhurried. It's a marvellous piece, Mario, with wonderful instrumentation, which I'm sure will sound even better with more listens. No proctologists here, just a thumbs up. Mike
Mike Garry BIAB 2025/RealBand (5), UltraPak, Kontakt, EZmix, Ozone 9 Elements, Audacity, MSi PC, Windows 11, 64bit, 16GB ram, CPU: Intel i7. https://soundcloud.com/user-952388172
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What an adventurous expidition with your songs never knowing what is coming next. Never a dull moment with Mario.
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So much going on here, yet everything is calm and unhurried. It's a marvellous piece, Mario, with wonderful instrumentation, which I'm sure will sound even better with more listens. No proctologists here, just a thumbs up. Mike Thanx Mike I'm glad you liked it.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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What an adventurous expidition with your songs never knowing what is coming next. Never a dull moment with Mario. Thanx Arri I appreciate your kind review.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Wow, we love the title! A great setup for what is about to ensue. Firstly, we'd be thrilled if we could understand 10% of how you created this!  How that oboe can sound so realistic after going through all those steps is remarkable. The mix filled every corner of our music room with its wonderful soundstage. Ron said, "Mario, always enjoy your symphonic soundscapes." And so do we! 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! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
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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.
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Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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!
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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!
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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)!
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The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
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