About the number 16, there’s no magic there. We think in terms of MIDI having 16 channels, and it’s highly likely BIAB started that way because it was only MIDI. Then people count the tracks that appear to be used and want to bring it up to 16. I’ve posted many times, but possibly not enough, that BIAB reserves some of the tracks for guitar strings and/or harmony.

If MIDI is the model, then open up a second bank. But why stop at 32? Go to 256. But why not? The original design of the file structure, based on the limits of a certain number of allocated binary digits, is the likely answer. Maintaining backwards compatibility is essential. This, and breaking the 255 measure limit, requires redesign.

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