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Band in a Box (BiaB) is the 'swiss army knife' of computer music software. It's a program that gives you the power to create your own music without having to understand how to write music. Want to compose a tune with a cool jazz swing feel, a head-banging rock rhythm, or maybe a slow, tearful ballad ? With Band in a Box, you're only 4 clicks of the mouse away. Run the programme, type in some chords, choose a style for the band to play in and click on play. Dead simple!
NOW AVAILABLE - buy Band in a Box 2010 and get a free update to version 2010.5 (see below)
Video demo of what Band in a Box can do:
Screenshots from Band in a Box
| Main window with chords |
Bass window including Tab |
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| Piano roll window |
Drum & guitar window |
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New to composing music?
To learn more about what these chords and qualities mean, try our best-selling music theory book for beginners by Dave Stewart.
If you're unsure about which harmonies sound good, have a look at one of the many chord- and fakebooks we offer. A popular choice for jazz harmonies is the Jazz Chord Book, with the chords for over 350 tunes.
Add a melody
With your finished harmony you can now include a melody. You can once again use your mouse to enter notes on the Notation screen to go with your harmony, or record yourself with a microphone (not included) and mix in the track live!
Want lyrics with that? Type in the words underneath (just like using a word processor) and you're a songwriter! For more songwriting advice check the expert advice from Rikky Rooksby.
What else can I do with my music?
View it - as written notation, on a keyboard or as guitar tablature
Improvise - play another instrument or sing as your tune is playing. It's easy to change the band's key, so all you non-concert key instruments out there can play it in the key you want
Save and share your finished work - capture your music on your computer, burn it to a CD or email it as an MP3
Create a new style - make your own Style to use with your harmonies and tunes
Get bigger ears - learn to recognise notes and memorise melodies with the two fun games included
What computer equipment do I need?
A PC with a Windows operating system (2000/XP/Vista/Windows 7), at least 256MB Ram (the more the better), minimum 400MB hard drive space, mouse and keyboard; optional equipment - MIDI compatible device (makes entering music easier), improved soundcard with sound fonts, other non-GM modules / synthesisers (to improve sound quality). Read about 'how to improve sound quality' of BiaB.
So what's in the box?
- The Band in a Box DVD-Rom (includes the Pro RealCombos: 12 RealTracks in 3 Bands (Jazz Swing 140, Pop/Rock 120 & Country Ballad 85, with RealDrums Set 1 (Rock & Jazz)), plus Style sets 0-3, Soloist Set 1, Melodist Set 1 - all on one disk, plus RealBand.
What's new in Band in a Box 2010?
RealCombos. RealTracks and RealDrums, organised into 'combo' settings.
Sequencer plug-in. Drag and drop midi/wave tracks from BB to your favourite sequencer programme (eg Reaper, Sonar, RealBand, FL Studio etc).
Resizable windows, faster RealTracks generation ... and many other improvements!
Can I try it before buying?
You can view and hear Band in a Box demo videos and audio samples at pgmusic.com (requires email address.) There are downloadable demo versions around the Net but they tend to be older versions and not representative of the latest release.
Are there updates / upgrades?
2010.5 free update available for download from pg music
There are regular updates to Band in a Box. Check the manufacturer's site at www.pgmusic.com.
Where do I get more Styles from ?
You can purchase collections of Styles separately (priced from £25 a CD), depending on your interests. Jazzwise doesn't sell these. Please remember that it is possible to create Styles in the programme, from imported MIDI tracks and other devices. Furthermore, we sell the Band In A Box MegaPak which includes hundreds of styles.
I have a BiaB question I need help with...
Contact us in the first instance, or check the manufacturer's site www.pgmusic.com if you require more technical information about Band in a Box. They have live help, an extensive website with FAQs and a User Forum, which is very useful.
Also available: Band in a Box for Mac Intel |
