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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706 |
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: 22,223
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,223 |
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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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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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!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
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