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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
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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Off-Topic
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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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Off-Topic
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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!
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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.
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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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Off-Topic
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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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Off-Topic
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,539
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,539 |
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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Off-Topic
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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: 5,086
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
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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Off-Topic
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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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Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
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The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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
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