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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4 |
I have to tell you folks - I purchased this software 3 or 4 years ago. I RETURNED it promptly because I hated the product. Couldn't stand it. It didn't do what I wanted it to do. I complained about the MP3 thing not working and how I was instructed to use a third party convert - yada yada yada ...
Well - I'm here to admit - I was a complete idiot! AND I'm so sorry for being so arrogant to the PG Music folks - All they were trying to do was to help me - and I was settled on the fact this software was lousy and poorly written.
ALL because I didn't give the software enough of a chance.
I repurchased 2018 - and ALMOST reverted, well, I did, to being arrogant, because the so called issues I STILL had - but - ALL user errors! And mostly, because I didn't know what I was doing.
So - I'm SOLD now on this product after learning how to:
- Change a style in the middle of a song
- Change tempos on a specific bar
- Understand Rests Silence Holds, Shots, etc.
- Be able to insert a RealTrack anywhere in a song
- Understand that RealTracks require at least 4 bars when ending a song
- Control + T - THANKS Joseph!
- Upgrade the product from 516 to 520 - Thanks Joseph!
There's a lot more to learn - but - folks! I've made 3 backing tracks so far and they really turned out AWESOME!
So - If you're new to this product - Give it an honest chance before you decide to think about giving up on it.
Maybe there are QWIRKS - but, I'm guessing there are workarounds.
Timbo
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311 |
On the surface BIAB is pretty easy to use but once you delve into its real potential then the depth of the program comes through. At this stage you need to give it time to really understand how to get the best from the program. I truly believe that a huge number of people just don’t realise what an amazing resource has been developed by this program. I think some people are maybe put off off by the slightly dated look of the GUI. You need to look beyond that and to what the software delivers. Whether it is for song production, music education or just plain music enjoyment it offers so much.
Anyway glad that you gave BIAB another chance and keep in touch with this great forum as there are plenty of people happy to help.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,682
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,682 |
Timbo
You and I both, and a lot of the folk who are veterans on the forum and on Biab.
They all had doubts and despair like us, then you read a post...and "no Way you can do that" !!!.
Away you go and learn even more then !! Same again. I don't know if this is for me ?, Then you read a post "No way....
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,862
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,862 |
Timbo, Thank you heaps for taking the time to write your post. I recently read your other posts where you were feeling frustrated with BIAB. It's terrific now to read that you've jumped that hurdle of frustration and are now moving into the realm of accomplished user. Back in 2006 when I first got the program, because I wanted more control over my work than just entering chords and playing, I also experienced the BIAB learning curve early on. It is frustrating. Eventually things started falling into place. Today, I couldn't be without the program. In case you're interested, the below webpage (for BIAB, Windows edition) contains a heap of PG Music video clips on various aspects of BIAB. It might come in useful and help with your journey of understanding the program. http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htmIn my song writing, the Bar Settings and Chord Settings dialogue windows that you allude to are two of the most valuable sets of tools for me. They allow me a great deal of control over the final product. Also, you are right, you will still come across quirks in BIAB but in most cases there are workarounds. If you ever need help with something that doesn't seem to work correctly, let us know on the forum. There are good people here who will do their best to assist. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2024
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
I had the frustration and then the epiphany with BB. If you learn to do edits with notation and piano roll, it gets even better. Make sure to freeze and save!
I am going through it again with RB, although I am not sure I am going to have the epiphany with that program.
As far as the GUI, I really like it. Same thing for RB. I have been looking at other DAW's and I hate the gray/black look.
2b
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18,352
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 18,352 |
Timbo, no need for me to say anything else but Thank-You for your persistence. I have a saying: 'Everything is easy when you know how'. It works for Band In A Box too! Enjoy making music 
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095 |
What a great post. It should be required reading. Thanks for taking time to post.
BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, 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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 164
DonCarlos
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DonCarlos
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 164 |
I am not a native English, so I have to use a dictionary for some parts of the article. But this article should really read every new or eternally dissatisfied user.
If it does not matter? I place a translation of this discussion on my Band-in-a-Box site
Carlos
Karel Jacko alias Don Carlos - Czech Republic Dealer PG Music, Inc - +420 604 111 102, +420 602 561 567 mobil - Band Leader Groups Jazz za Bukem and Hot Jazz Sutrs; - BIAB 2020 Win10; BIAB 2019 MAC; - Roland GK-3 Divided Pickup (Guitar and Bass); Roland GR-20 Guitar Synth; - MOTU UltraLite mk3 (Firewire); Fishman Tripleplay - MacBookPro 13 with touchbar 2018, Wiki BIAB czech support page wiki.zabukem.eu
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,323
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,323 |
Timbo.... yep... you got that right.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,544
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,544 |
>Videotrack :Everything is easy when you know how
Trevor,
So true. An extension of this is “everything I know how to do seems easy to me”
As a guitar player, a grounding experience (for me) is to pick up the guitar and try to play left-handed. Suddenly you are a beginner again - unable to play barre chords etc.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
@ST8KEEZ:
I apologize if I came on too strongly yesterday. It was like telling a parent that they have an ugly baby. To a parent, you are being very negative, rude, and unwelcome.
The 'warts' in any/all PG software is minuscule when compared to what it gives back.
It's wonderful to see how much you've grown and emotionally matured in just a few hours. Likely the result of how gently you have been welcomed.
Welcome to the best forum in this galaxy, maybe the universe.
Your offense toward me is completely forgiven and forgotten.
Now, make us some music!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 40
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 40 |
There is so much wisdom here, I'm humbled. I'm pretty hopeless and so out of my depth when I read the posts, and realize just how little I know or even ubderstand. But still I have managed to produce a few tracks I can strum and sing along to. What a ball, it's amazing. I love it.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,094
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,094 |
Most of us want instant gratification. We're impatient with the learning curve. I include myself in that.
But for many things, BiaB definitely included, once you get past the initial difficulties, new worlds open up to you, what was confusing is now easy, and there are so many more things you can do that you couldn't before.
Regarding the MP3 conversion you mentioned on your original post, I recommend CDex. It's open-source (free), easy to use, and has many more options to make your MP3 files sound better than most other apps I've used (including BiaB). I export to WAV and then use CDex to make mp3 files.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
Noel said:
If you ever need help with something that doesn't seem to work correctly, let us know on the forum. There are good people here who will do their best to assist.
Noel is generally among the first to throw out a lifeline to those of us in trouble. There are literally hundreds of users in the wings ready to help. We are a family and not competitors. Keep in mind that we were all in your shoes at one time!
I like the analogy of thinking of the program as learning an instrument from scratch, you can't expect to make good music until you master the basics and practice a whole lot first.
A thing I love about this group... you will never be flamed or criticized for asking a question. The only stupid question is the one never asked.
Soon, you will be sharing your knowledge with others newer than yourself. Like a part of the family.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
Visit The User's Showcase to see/hear what others have done with BIAB. Personally, I've used the software to write for three famed recording artists; two in Country and one in Folk genres. Recently, my modest tune "Canadian Limited" has been chosen as intro and theme by Country DJs in London and New Zealand. My music is also being live-streamed on Scotland Hospital Radio, Sounds Of Scotland, several Canadian stations in the Maritime Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. I owe it all to the genius of Dr. Peter Gannon and his wonderful crew. Perhaps my greatest thrill was on a recent visit to the VA Hospital in Tulsa to hear my music played over the PA. That was just orchestrated by wonderful nurses and not a regular routine, but joyous nonetheless. Canadian Limited: https://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11561401
Last edited by Don Gaynor; 10/30/18 07:09 AM. Reason: Added link
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,220
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,220 |
Over the many years I have been using BIAB (DOS, 3.
5" floppy days), I have introduced it to a goodly number of friends and relatives. After cautioning them about the inherent learning curve, I stress how easy it is to just get up and running:
- pick a song
- pick a style
- type in the chords
- hit PLAY
We "old time" users know how much, much more it can do and so I always offer my help if they get stuck on something. I'm certainly not an expert, but I can usually get them back up and running.
What I've wished for (and I understand it's totally unrealistic), is for PGMusic to ship out with every NEW sale, a short note, emphasizing their Support people and this Forum, if frustration creeps into their enjoyment of BIAB.
Just a little, "we know it can be overwhelming, but there's help available and we think you'll be happy in the end".
What I've discovered is that much of the "weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth" from new users, stems from either not knowing or not stating, what they want to accomplish. If they just want a simple track to practice to, there's no need to get bogged down in the nitty-gritty, inner workings of RealTracks, or VSTIs or 64 bit emulators.
Thanks to the OP for the post.
Thanks to PGMusic and their support team.
And most of all, thanks to all you Forum members, ready and eager to help!
LLOYD S
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,570
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,570 |
What I've wished for (and I understand it's totally unrealistic), is for PGMusic to ship out with every NEW sale, a short note, emphasizing their Support people and this Forum, if frustration creeps into their enjoyment of BIAB.
Just a little, "we know it can be overwhelming, but there's help available and we think you'll be happy in the end".
how about a readMe First rft doc included with the download & hd with a live link to the forum with loyd's "we know it can be overwhelming, but there's help available and we think you'll be happy in the end" in biab&rb replace the view video button with a forum link button
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit 16GB RAM\2018 13” MacBook Air casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2023 everything pk both with Current builds
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,122
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,122 |
in biab&rb replace the view video button with a forum link button Split the suggestion in two and place the suggestions in the Band-in-a-Box and RealBand wish list forum sections and I'll add my +1 support for the suggestions. It's a great idea!
Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,785
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,785 |
Timbo, I too re-imagined BIAB but a bit differently. One forum member changed my focal perspective on BIAB. My initial concerns are still present. I feel that program does not have some very basic things it should have and some things that are present are just not "human friendly". But I realized I can avoid many of those things by using more DAW and not rely on things that bother me in BIAB. The "workaround" you mentioned One of things that kept me going until I realized potential for my songs using BIAB is community. Many people here are very helpful and knowledgeable. Plus I like the idea that program united musicians of whole spectrum of genres and interests. I know, BIAB will occupy me for at least a few years (hopefully longer) as I do not give up easily, but my sincere hope is that PG focuses more on interface and "snappiness" so it becomes a more pleasant to use program within first quarter of 21st century P.S. Once I had a 14 year old website with a lot of custom code that had to be re-written to modern standards. I kept on using it, telling myself that it is ok, as long as it works. It was breaking and I had to find people fast who could fix it.... They did not like doing archaeology work. The point that I am trying to make is this. As soon as I finally said, ENOUGH! and re-done 14 years of programming soup to something much more cleaner, faster and easier to fix and redesign, I felt great. About myself, about the site and about the future of it. I hope similar snap would come to BIAB. Best regards, Mike.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 913
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 913 |
I just recommended this really worth reading thread to a frustrated user in the German Forum.
Biab/RB latest build, German Language Pak, Win 10/64 Pro, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM. Notation SW Finale, StaffPad, SmartsScore – Playing Double Bass, Guitar, Piano
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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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Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
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Forums66
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