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My Favorite Things
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 877
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 877 |
At the risk of sounding snooty, I'm often puzzled, and sometimes even a little astonished, when I see certain styles requested in the Wishlist forum. While I use BiaB for instructional purposes pretty much exclusively, I love messing around with various settings, tracks, styles, and functions, and have found myself blown away time and again at the sheer genius of this program and its algorithms. The thing is, if you just pick a style type in a few simple tri-tone chords and some sevenths thrown in, then, IMO, you're gonna get anything that sounds more than lukewarm backing track unless you really work with the pushes, shots, holds, and refrain from having all the instruments playing for the entire song's duration. I think one of the reasons for this is that the styles almost sound TOO good--in that you can't really hear what each individual track is capable of…with its shots, pushes, holds and different phrase selections (which are selected by the program based on how long each a phrase is to play), which notes you gave it to work with, whether you have a melodist or soloist Realtrack generated using information from a MIDI track, and so many more parameters having such an astonishing wealth of possibilities I could go on about it forever. Just to demonstrate the adaptability of styles once you work with them, I have uploaded a medley of soloists jamming over MIDI data extracted from a melodist generated track based on Hotel California. You have new age piano, Celtic mandolins and fiddles, jazz guitar and trumpet, and a resonator slide guitar track. There's also an accordion track and MIDI synth vibes and bass and guitar. This was just something I did on a lark a while ago, and I didn't even do a shred of tweaking in Realband that would have taken this even further. Link: https://soundcloud.com/user-423212678/biab-jamming-hotel-california-inspired-solo/s-oehaAAnyway, I guess the point of this rant is to encourage everyone to read as much of the manual as possible, and above all experiment! There is so much you can do with tempos swaps, multi-drums, hybrid styles and all that good stuff this program has to offer. P.S. I am well aware that I have but a shred of the expertise that a lot of the veterans here have, so please forgive me if I came off as condescending. This post was originally conceived out of my surprise that there were so many requests for styles that are more than adequately represented in the current BiaB catalogue (at the same time conceding that many styles are almost entirely lacking…flamenco, marches, and Middle Eastern spring to mind…and no, loops don’t count as styles even though I love what you can do with ACID-ized loops in BiaB and it's one of my favorite features).
Last edited by DeaconBlues09; 03/28/18 02:14 AM. Reason: Correction: resonator with slide; not pedal steel
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
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My Favorite Things
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Posts: 11,112 |
I don't think your post is at all snotty or condescending. I constantly see posts by folks I consider "power users" that essentially state "I didn't know that" or "I didn't know the program can do that". Simply put, the program is amazing.
Think of some of the different ways people use the program; create backing tracks, playlist media player, practice partner, music composition, print music scores, digital recorder and more I haven't thought of off the top of my head.
I strongly believe introducing 50 new features every year is both a blessing and a curse. New features are exciting and renews interest in the product. It also means the product is constantly changing so it becomes increasingly difficult to learn the program's capabilities.
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My Favorite Things
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Simply put, the program is amazing. That's so very, very true, Jim Every time I write a song in BIAB, I am honestly amazed at just how many tools Dr Gannon and his team have given me to work with. BIAB really does make making music a joy! And, to add to what you and DeaconBlues have already said, there's always something new, unknown and exciting to discover around the next corner! It's incredible software. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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My Favorite Things
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Joined: Feb 2017
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PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414 |
There's some really good point in there, DeaconBlues09! We're stoked you enjoy the program as much as you do 
Cheers,
Deryk
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My Favorite Things
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Joined: Apr 2013
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Joined: Apr 2013
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Two things -- Maybe more --
Your comments make good and relevant points .
A personal tip I enjoy experimenting with that I learned while working with songs in the ACW, is to replace a chord with a variation chord taken from the triad of the major scale notes.
For instance if your progression has (D), every so often replace the (D) with an ( Asus) which seems to make the Biab engine choose from a different selection of phrases from what it uses from simply using the (D) repetitively.
Second, because a mixer track can have as many as 10 different instruments occupy the track, I often do a search for the session artist on that track and choose another RT or more by the artist using what turns out to be in most cases, the same instrument in a sometimes slight variation of the original track instrument which changes up the pace and pattern of my song beyond just what I get with inserting Part Markers. It is seamless to go between different RT's on a track between two or more instruments multiple times and can be as short as a single bar. That makes the track unique and different from what a normal track generation produces so a particular RT becomes unrecognizable as a Biab RT.
An extension beyond my two points: I enjoyed your "Hotel California" mashup and wonder what RT you used for the first solo guitar?
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 05/03/18 06:34 AM.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Joined: Mar 2017
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Hey Charlie,
First of all, I'd like to apologize for having taken so long to reply...things have been crazy busy for me at work right now, and I've barely had a moment to boot up my BiaB and review these forums in depth.
You bring up two excellent points. With regards to the first--I cannot agree more. In fact modifying the voicings to mimic and augment what the melody is playing can produce some stellar and unexpectedly unique results that sound nothing like the demo tracks of the RTs used to generate a composition. As for your second point, this is something I have come to really appreciate rather late in the game, and I urge all beginners to explore the various options available within your style set not only across instruments (as they "play well" together), and also, for instance, looking for variations available within brackets for the same instrument (e.g. [Bluesy], [Outside], [Simple], [Held]), and switching them at different points of your song for maximum effect.
As for the RT I used for the first solo; I'm terribly sorry but I do not recall the actual RT, and, (maybe because I saved the track as an SGU way back when ????) it only shows a single piano track I used in a multi-instrument style...and when I revisit the medley maker, it only shows that track in the first slot :-(
If you happen to know how I can restore that information, I'd be more than happy to oblige with the track number!
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
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My Favorite Things
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No problem. Life happens and sometimes includes work.  I can narrow down the RT as well. I thought it worked quite well with the song and had given thought to play with it on my system. Regarding recovery, it's doubtful in BIAB but you came close. Had you tweaked the song in RB, RB makes periodic backups and you likely could have opened a backup to recover which instrument you used.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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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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Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40 Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows!
We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Windows or for Mac are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Windows or for Mac are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40% on XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac!
We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
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
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