Several comments here recently about people buying the latest Xtra Styles but not having the required RealTracks to use them. Here is a solution.
For every style, program a backup default RealTrack that is included in every BIAB since RTs were invented.
So, if new Xtra Style "2021 Country Gold" requires a drum RT that was only included in Biab 2021 Ultraman upgrade, automatically select an older mostly compatible RT that the customer does have.
Or, when the new Xtra Style is loaded check for missing RTs and have a wizard that guides the customer through selecting their desired replacement RT.
Good observation. I like the second proposed option better, because with the first (automatic substitution), they would not know what they are missing.
BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
Here is the PG Music solution for folks that need a RealTrack from a package they don't have.
It's in two parts.
First: The UserTrack Wishlist Forum where a user that wants to make use of a particular style from the Xtra Pak 11 Style Pak not owned, that user can make a request in the User Tracks Wishlist for another user that does own the Xtra Pak 11 Style Pak to receive an SGU file by email, apply the appropriate style with the proper instruments, then email that SGU file back to the original user with everything necessary for that Xtra Pak 11 style to work with that SGU file.
Second: The email share SGU file feature.
Both have been around since at least 2013. Note that the email feature will identify every type of BIAB file necessary for the SGU file. There is also no special requirements or restrictions to sharing files between the different OS, or version of BIAB the users own that I'm aware of.
Here is the PG Music solution for folks that need a RealTrack from a package they don't have.
It's in two parts.
First: The UserTrack Wishlist Forum where a user that wants to make use of a particular style from the Xtra Pak 11 Style Pak not owned, that user can make a request in the User Tracks Wishlist for another user that does own the Xtra Pak 11 Style Pak to receive an SGU file by email, apply the appropriate style with the proper instruments, then email that SGU file back to the original user with everything necessary for that Xtra Pak 11 style to work with that SGU file.
Second: The email share SGU file feature.
Both have been around since at least 2013. Note that the email feature will identify every type of BIAB file necessary for the SGU file. There is also no special requirements or restrictions to sharing files between the different OS, or version of BIAB the users own that I'm aware of.
Interesting work-around but not very practical in my opinion. It is late on a Saturday night and I decide to use a style from my Xtra Pak 11 but then I find several instruments are missing since I don't own those RTs. And your solution is...go to the forum and hope someone who does have the missing RTs will download my SGU, load it and apply the proper style with RTs and then send it back to me? First, my workflow is gonna be interuppted by hours or even days if I even find someone willing to help out. Second, I don't think the RTs will be included in the saved file so I won't be able to change anything, not even a single chord or add a single bar in my song. Finally, the odds of two forum users (me and someone else) remembering this obscure technique when it is needed are not good! Also, I fail to see how this is related to UserTracks???
So, with all due respect, a much better solution is for the software to handle this or for PGM to simply not sell expansions to people who do not own the prerequisite for using said expansion.
Good observation. I like the second proposed option better, because with the first (automatic substitution), they would not know what they are missing.
Even during the automatic substitution it should flag what was missing and what was used to replace it. Perhaps along with an offer to purchase what was missing?
Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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