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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Could you please guide me on how to instruct Band-in-a-Box to generate a rich and harmonious strings section for my music composition?

Once you have your song arranged in Band-in-a-Box, you can export the MIDI file containing the string parts and import it into a digital audio workstation (DAW) that supports MIDI playback. You can then assign high-quality string sample libraries to play the MIDI parts, which will give you a realistic and lush string sound.

But in the beginning, what can you do to instruct Band-in-a-Box to generate a rich and harmonious strings section?

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Everythink you described can be done in BIAB. You can insert a VSTi to play your strings. Best done using the chord chart midi generation so you get block chord in root or inverted position. Then just place your VST (Kontakt) on the track. It works well.


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I'd do it in RealBand - as follows. Assuming you have a chord sheet in your BIAB file and you like what you have but just need to add strings. Find a midi BIAB style - or several - with string parts you like. Open the BIAB file in RB. Change the BIAB tracks to ordinary tracks so theydont regenerate Right click a track (easier in RB than messing with different tracks in BIAB) and make it a midi track. Load one of the midi styles you like, right click the empty track and choose generate midi track. Choose strings and you'll have your BIAB track with the string part you like. And as you are in RB you can choose any strings VST you like. And in RB you can try different midi string parts from your favourite midi styles easily and simply.

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Originally Posted By: MusicStudent
Everything you described can be done in BIAB. You can insert a VSTi to play your strings. Best done using the chord chart midi generation so you get block chord in root or inverted position. Then just place your VSTi (Kontakt) on the track. It works well.
MusicStudent is correct with one limitation, Band-in-a-Box is not compatible with VST3 so you will need to use a VST2 version of your virtual instrument, or VSTi for short.

If you are not familiar with using a virtual instrument in Band-in-a-Box +++ THIS +++ 2013 PG Music video provides a good overview of the process.


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Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle
MusicStudent is correct with one limitation, Band-in-a-Box is not compatible with VST3 so you will need to use a VST2 version of your virtual instrument, or VSTi for short.

If VST2 is a problem our forum contributor pipeline/musocity frequently suggests to run VST3s inside Element on BiaB.

It's easier, though, if you can use VST2s.

Hopefully BiaB will have native VST3 support soon. I imagine it's very high on PG Music's must do list.


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To get a good string part, you may need to use different styles and generate a few versions and then work to piece them together. The "stock" string part in most styles is just ok usually. As is usually the case, to get a really good sounding part in most anything takes effort on your part.


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Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!

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Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!

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Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

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!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

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

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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!

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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!

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