Real Band I find better at plugin handling. But a video is needed to detail how to set up a multi timbral multi out plugin in Real Band for new users. One advantage of Real Band is no third party plugin handler is needed whereas in BB one is needed. Please PG could we have such a video because this topic seems to come up on the forums. OM
OK, what you are calling edge I would call style or groove in "that was a smooth groove/style". IMHO your chart is universal in that "that (blank) song was very aggressive" where blank could be jazz, country, metal, rock, etc. YMMV
[And no, this is the exact forum this post needs to be in. The topic is writing songs using AI assistance, and how that's being done by professional songwriters in Nashville. It has nothing to do with production and everything to do with writing. And then you close by saying you sincerely wish you had Suno back in the day when you were trying to get a cut while you were in Nashville. I'm puzzled. Are you still adamant about not using it or are you considering going to the dark side
I believe floyd jane was focusing on Suno for creating pro-level demos, which is what most of the people in the article are doing. Songs they had written themselves, with lyrics the had written themselves, and then quickly create pro-level demos of. Speaking for myself, I'm on this forum to not only share music, but see what people can do with BiaB. It's fine if people want to use other tools, but I don't think this is the forum to do that in. YMMV.
That's not what I got from the article that AI was being used solely for production by the Nashville songwriters. A reading of the article again before I replied here certainly seems to imply that AI is being used by the writers in Nashville for everything. Sure, they mentioned that one writer wrote the lyrics and then Suno created the finished version. Did it do the melody? The article doesn't actually say. But it did mention that AI is assisting with lyrics, music and production.... The last 20% is quoted in the story. But it's never defined. Is the 20% finishing the lyrics that has someone stuck? Is it tweaking the melody or structure? Or is it the production part? The story does seem to imply that AI is being used to help with everything.
I like it! Great tip that I not been using. Go figure. Will be using it now for sure. Thanks. After clicking on the Request Tab in Multi-Picker, it took me to the forum topic of Songs to add to the Band-in-a-Box Song Titles database in the PGMusic Wish List and of course, that brings up a question from what I just read. Quote from PGMusic: "This thread is for Pop/Rock/LitePop/type songs. All of these would be starting from 1950s to current. The songs should be" - not already present in the song titles database in Band-in-a-Box 2017. You can easily see that, by typing the title in using the StylePicker, or the dedicated Titles Browser For example, if you type "American Pie" .... and it isn't there, just post a message here, saying American Pie - Don MacLean (the artist is optional, though appreciated) Feel free to add personal comments - remember that we are having fun here, it isn't brain surgery smile Let's not start adding 'obscure' songs that you think are awesome, but aren't know by a wide audience. The test is, would a person familiar with the genre and the decade recognize this song? The point here is that you wouldn't want to be browsing a titles database if it had a bunch of obscure songs. We're at 8,000 songs now, and they are roughly equal (country=pop=jazz). So based on that, you'd have to consider the song that you're recommending to be in the top 3,000 of the country or pop or jazz genre. "We will update the database with the songs you recommend."Main Question: How often is this database updated? If I request a rock song to be added on January 1st of 2026 and PGMusic decides to add the requested song to the Database on January 2nd, do we have to wait until December 1st, when the 2027 version come out, before we see the added song? It would be nice to get periodic updates throughout the year or even better yet, give the end user the ability to add songs to their own database for their own use. For example, if during the year a user has 20 songs, not currently in the database, that they have found matching styles for, it could be nice if they can be added locally for local use only, similar when the end user creates their own User Style.
Hello Lazy Bird, I have the same problem with versions 2023, 2024, and 2025. I haven't tried with versions prior to 2023, but I'm sure I'll find the same thing. I would like to reiterate that I have no problems with RealBand, Cubase, Synthesizer V, etc. Only with BIAB, all other things being equal: identical PC configuration, under ASIO or MME or other. I strongly suspect the following problem, and it's the only plausible explanation I can find: BIAB's chord recognition “engine” is to blame. To put it simply, it doesn't keep up with the rhythm. I feel that BIAB is too slow to avoid being disrupted by its live chord recognition function (by live, I mean that it plays an arrangement and I play the piano at the same time). And unfortunately, I can't find a way to temporarily interrupt the chord recognition.
Hello FHO, I'm also eager to hear the results of your tests! In case they don't confirm your hypothesis, I'll remind you of two points I mentioned in my first post: - I never had any problems with my 2006, 2008, 2010, 2015, and 2020 versions of Band-in-a-Box - that is, the less "heavy" ones because they didn't yet have the 16 "Utility" Tracks. - I didn't encounter any problems when I used Band-in-a-Box 2025 with another piano, the Yamaha P45, whose internal digital system is perhaps "lighter" than that of the Clavinova CVP 307 I don't have your level of expertise in music computing, but isn't there something to look into there? Best.
Hi Chay, That little bit of vocal in there really brings the song, which is extremely well constructed and works well as an instrumental, to life. Adds that extra little bit of spice to kick things up a notch or two. Good stuff, enjoyed!
Great feel on this one and I love the groove. Good vocal, and cool ending with both the lead guitar and vocal in the mix. I listened to both, and agree that the BIAB has a slight edge. Good song!
Slinky and mysterious. Ace mixing. All three musicians are grooving in tandem. Delicious!
Thanks, Scott!
Originally Posted by Tano Music
Loved it all, esp the guitar work. Great track!
Thanks for listen!
Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
Wow ... that is so much goodness packed in 3:38 minutes! Love this: “We were born of stars, but here we are, Walking through the fire, Walking that far We'll find our way One step at a time We are two Souls in the dark making light shine” The complete package: everything fits like a glove in an excellent mix. And we like the new mix and how the organ and drums/percussion and vocals sound. It has that hard to define extra pop. But you know it when you hear it. All three of you are shining here - big time. Nice supporting video also. Loved it! J&B
From the first time I worked with Chris, more than 10 years ago now, I was impressed by her lyrics, certainly not your typical blues lyric! Really appreciate that Janice and Bud, you guys are the best in my book.
Ron, R.W.'s lyrics are always So interesting (and original). You do an amazing job of bringing them to life (melody/music/vocal) Y'all (you) have become one of my favorite bands... LOVE your guitar track. It's the kind of "little touch" that makes a hit. Producer. The synth pad worked SO well. So "integrated". It thrilled me every time it came around Love the drop. Well done! I listened 3 times on monitors, then 3 more with earbuds. No discomfort. The vocal has a "just right" hurt to it. I think it was a trick question - to get more listens I enjoyed every one of them. fj
Floyd, THANK YOU for the (too many) listens and supportive review. Glad you did not find any discomfort while listening. I LIKE the way the mix sounds, I just think it just sounds so DIFFERENT that I perceive that it must need something. Good to hear so many positive supporting reviews like yours. Maybe I'll get over it. That pad turned out as a nice dynamic lift, and I like the way the vocals and lead guitar cut through it. THANKS for noticing!
Super song, Torrey! Love your overall arrangement, especially on vocals. Strong vocal performance and lead guitar lines as well. Very cool, shimmery sound and a deep hook. Always love hearing what you've cooked up. Glad you're back!
I think this problem has been around for a while, certainly also in the 2025 version. The window opens, but the contents are not fully displayed. The user needs to drag an edge to see further content.
Jacob, I have all of my RTs and RDs on a different HD/SSD than C/:. That way I can and have copies of them on off-line backup disks. For the C/: programs I am going to use a PC to PC program move software. YMMV
You know, that raises an interesting question. If you have backup files of add-on paks dating back to 2009 when RealTracks were introduced, I wonder if a hard drive from that era would still be good? Probably, but not certainly.
Overtones (or higher harmonics) is what so many of us enjoy about the sound of musical instruments. Sure, pure tones as produced by synths are nice and have their place. But when even a single note is played on an instrument its overtones define the "color" or timbre of that instrument. The sweet metallic sound of a muted trumpet or the bow drawn across a string of a cello produce a series of harmonics specific to that instrument. I'm sure instrument designers have understood this for centuries.
Yes, you can use and Fourier Transform to show the harmonic makeup of instrument timbre. But I doubt that "instrument designers have understood this for centuries" helped in the design of instrument. Rather, it was the general guidelines of mechanics, such as the type of bore (cylindrical vs. conical) and instrument materials that guided designers. Additionally, most changes to instruments were incremental changes, such as the Boehm fingering system, which built on other similar developments. Even the saxophone was an extension of prior designs. But that's not what I was talking about. I was addressing that question you had about the perception of consonance and dissonance - especially in the pentatonic scale - and what the basis was. The properties of the overtone series of come from physics, as does how our hearing works. They are inextricably linked together. The fact that melodic and harmonic systems have been developed that match properties of these overtone ([i]i.e.[i] being able to come up with a measure of harmonic consonance using the series) as well as being able to fill in the scale via the Circle of Fifths makes - to my mind, anyway - a compelling argument that this isn't something that's based in neurology.
Here's another original - Shadows of the Past. Style is instrumental jazz -- somewhat in the smooth jazz vein. BIAB was utilized for bass, drums, guitars, and soprano sax solos. I played all the keyboard parts (piano. Rhodes, pads). BIAB style: _EPJZPO2 (Cool Jazz Pop Quintet w/ Electric Piano). Final edits and mix were done in my DAW (Reaper). Hope you enjoy!
Lovely song and production. Cool use of the B3 and the Synth Pad for atmosphere. Great vocals, too.. I don't agree with the top 2 criticisms as I thought the mix amd arrangement were excellent.
Thanks. I don't worry about criticisms, as everyone hears things differently.
Here is the last song I will post from the Drive Lonesome album and probably the last song I will post on this forum. I do appreciate the comments from a group of posters over the years. I don't have much to add over the 50 years of songwriting. Time to move on. https://fredgrittner.bandcamp.com/track/wine-dark-sea Wine Dark Sea My dreams got busted They can’t be trusted For anything No contemplation No new sensation Makes me sing For too long I was exiled I’m back where I should be Your heart has been my harbor From this wine dark sea The wind is forlorn Laments its first born Day and night She seeks a reason Now out of season Black and white She knows my name is written On charred and bleached debris Your heart has been my harbor From this wine dark sea Webs I weaved were countless I spun them everyday Am I trying to lure another Well, who am I to say I was humbled When I stumbled Way down there I paid the price Paid it twice Paid my share So many pointless questions To be or not to be Your heart has been my harbor From this wine dark sea The ancient bell Aches and swells When it tolls Its task is clear Ring far and near For all lost souls It could be speculation It hasn’t tolled for me Your heart has been my harbor From this wine dark sea RealTracks in style: 3123:Bass, Acoustic, Pop8thsSteady Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 2195:Piano, ElectricVintage, Rhythm CoolJazzPopHeld Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 3724:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopIndieSteady8thsBrent Ev 085 RealTracks in style: 3911:Guitar, Nylon, Fingerpicking SongwriterAlternating8sDADGAD Ev 075 RealTracks in song: 3784:Synth, Rhythm MinimalHipHopGhostPads 095 RealTracks in style: 3329:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm LoungeFunkSwells Ev16 080 RealDrums in Style: AmericanaSlowRockFred^1-a:Sidestick ,HiHat , b:Ride ,Snare
The excellent song theme immediately reminded me of my personal adage #53: "As gravity is the medium of light, love is the medium of gnosis." I like everything abut this song, the band, arrangement, mix and production.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 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!
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!
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Really appreciate that Janice and Bud, you guys are the best in my book.
I enjoyed every one of them. fj
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