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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,713
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,713 |
My 2 cents . . . At this point in time in my life I would not trade BIAB Real Drums for any living drummer, but I for one am very fortunate to have gigged with a few pretty damn good drummers and would not trade even one of those gigs for computerized drums.
Later,
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317 |
How did you get introduced to BIAB? My wife’s cousin was a computer software nut. Although he was a non musician he bought BIAB just to see what it did, he had that kind of curiosity.. He gave me his copy to try out, I liked it , I bought it.
What year/version was it? I think about 1995-version 5
What kind of computer did you have at the time? Pentium ll
Was it a successful experience right away? Yes. The program was much simpler then, and the sound and versatility was heads above those “organ rhythm machines”. Type in the chords, pick a style, and have a back-up band in 5 minutes or less.
Have you changed your gear to accommodate BIAB in any way? Yes, I upgraded BIAB a few times then built an equivalent Pent lll, and bought a Roland SCC1 sound card. Back then that card made my system sing. Later after a few more upgrades I bought a Roland SD8820 that provided even more sound and flexibility.I still have the SD8820.(at that time I started purchasing PTPA ver 3.5) Then I bought my current, used Pent lV and dropped 3-120 gb HD’s into it. Also, picked up a used Layla 20 and a Roland VS880. I would set up the song in BIAB and send it to PTPA. I would sync the PTPA to the Roland to get separate tracks, and write and arrange my material and re-record it. Then send I would send it back to PTPA to burn it.
Has BIAB influenced how/why you play music? Yes, it provided a backup band that gave me a base from which to expand my ad lib playing. It also gave me the confidence to feature my own material.
Have you used it mostly for practice, performance, recording, instruction, other? I mostly use BIAB for vocal practice. Years back when I had more time I would do a lot of writing and recording. What I do now is type our swing band vocal arrangement into BIAB and burn it to disc. I then play it in the car and sing along with it while I am on the road. Over the past few years I have been caught up in work, consequently I haven’t kept up with using either BIAB/PTPA to full capability even though I have kept up with the new releases.
Any other observations not listed here? I Although not a long time forum user, I have been a long time BIAB user and forum “lurker”. When I have time I first check my emails then the forum before anything else. I would like to thank BIAB for providing an excellent product and great customer relations, and this forum’s members for their prompt and unselfish assistance in using the products.
There are only 3 kinds of musicians: those that can count, and those that can't!
PC AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4 GHz, 8gb RAM, 1T HDD, Windows 10,
Reaper 4.77, BIAB2018, PTPA12, RB2018, Roland VS-880 DAW
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345 |
Quote:
How did you get introduced to BIAB?
In Feb 2006 I had just returned to music after not playing for 29 years. I bought a sax but realized I didn't have the lungs for it anymore. I felt devastated. When I found out about windcontrollers, I was blown away!
I ordered one the next day. (had it over-nighted...couldn't wait)
Someone on the windcontroller forum mentioned BIAB. I saw the video and was so excited my jaw dropped! WHAT???? YOU TYPE CHORDS & IT MAKES A SONG???!!!
I couldn't believe how far music had come. I couldn't believe something like this even existed!
Quote:
What year/version was it?
2006
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What kind of computer did you have at the time?
Dell P4
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was it a successful experience right away??
I wrote & recorded my first song, The Nod the day BIAB arrived!
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Have you changed your gear to accommodate BIAB in any way?
Not for BIAB. I had laptop issues that needed to be resolved for PT.
Quote:
Has BIAB influenced how/why you play music?
A combo of BIAB & PT has allowed me to play some one man gigs. Something I never could have done/imagined.
As to how or why...? The folks on the PG forum were more influential than the program.
Quote:
have you used it mostly for practice, performance, recording, instruction, other?
Mainly song creation with recording into RealBand.
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any other observations not listed here?
The biggest asset to BIAB & it's sister programs is this forum & the people in it.
My life has become enriched because of you. I am so happy to know you.
Mick
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253 |
My older brother had the 1st version of biab. it was on one of those floppy 5" or so discs....he carted a desktop to gigs and used a separate keyboard for the sounds...We thought technology was so advanced then:)
...........Jeff......
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,383
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,383 |
Really, those basic MIDI concepts, like using a separate keyboard for sounds haven't really changed much. Soft synths are pretty cool, but I bet many more professional musicians still use an external synth when performing. I do remember those days though  "You mean we can have that exact arpeggio start the song with the perfect tempo every time??" :noddin&smilin: (80's dance scene; yeah I was there) get off my lawn!
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 330
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 330 |
Without listing all of the questions, mainly because it would be difficult to answer some of 'em through either lack of exact memory, IE date, and lack of experience.
I first saw a cardboard box on the shelf of a local music and musical instrument shop, (Store) when I went in for some new strings for the guitar I was trying to learn how to play. That was a few years before I bought a PC and started learning how to use one of them. I asked what the heck is this Band in a box thing? expecting to see some new fangled bit of hardware. The guy in the shop explained it was software for computers, I immediately lost interest and bought my strings. Technologically, I was a bit behind, even though I was repairing basic electronic control systems on machinery at work.
My first PC was an E Machines, with not a lot of RAM, an 80 GB hard drive, and the year was 2004 so a 2.7GHZ single core processor. At that time I knew nothing about computers, but wanted to learn and see what a computer could do for me musically.
my first software, musical that is, was Notations 2 by Magix software. That got me interested, so bought both the two notational and possibly the most expensive software available in 2006, Sibelius, and Finale.
A year later is when I finally got Band in a box.
How do I use it, well mainly as an on going teaching myself music aid, though other things did take over, like playing cornet in an award winning brass band and learning how to get better at playing that, so somehow BIAB has taken a back seat. However I recently dropped from playing in the band, mainly to get my life back I suppose, so I am slowly getting back into music for fun rather than music to win prizes. BIAB should become more of a front runner now.
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Off-Topic
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271 |
It was 1993... I just sprung over 2 grand for a new "state of the art" IBM clone as they used to call it. It was a 486 with 2mb ram and a 250mb HD. I was running Windows 3.1... I used to love it when I'd start up my system and got the DOS prompt, where I would type "win" and Windows would start up. Back then most software came from other people... there wasn't very much talk about pirate stuff. I had the newest BB version along with Powertracks that were given to me on a couple of 3.5 floppys. I also had I think, 2 more floppys with the styles. Getting this software pushed me to get a Roland Rap-10 sound card - $300. It also made me go out and pay $300.00 for another 2mb of ram. Once I made a recording on my Yahama 4 track recorder (yep... bought one of those too because of BB) I would blow family and friends away with the professional sound they heard from my cassettes.
I seemed to slowly get away from doing my computer music stuff because of trying to work 2 jobs... music 6 nights a week and a day job 5 days a week. This schedule really didn't leave a lot of time for anything else. However, that being said, I gave up the music job a few years ago and really didn't think I would miss it. A year and a half ago I stumbled on to this site, started listening to the demos and getting answers to all the questions I had pertaining to BB/RB, took a deep breath and ordered the whole shabang. One of the best investments I've ever made. Once I started using BB I realized that I really did miss the music job... not the clubs... just the music. BB has put the interest back in to it. Now my family and friends are blown away when they hear my CD's... heh. How times have changed.
Bobby
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085 |
I saw it on eBay listed by a music store. Then I came here and lurked. I searched the web for everything anyone had to say about it. Got version 2008 for Christmas but I didn't use it much except to write a few songs. After I upgraded to 2009 I had more time to start really enjoying it. I had zero experience in computer recording. I tried another DAW but it was so complicated. Then came Realband - a perfect match for BIAB - and lots of help from kind folks here.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928 |
From my first guitar teacher.
Ironically, he hasn't used it since and I've been giving $$$$$$ to PGMusic all these years.
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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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Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
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