I make a lot of suggestions that to me seems like the obvious thing to do in this day and age from using so many other audio applications other than PG apps, though it might seem like ramblings, something out of the realm of science fiction to PG and other users here, it is in reality where the PG apps should be. PG app have for a long time been liken to XP 32bit compared to using the Win7 64bit of other audio apps. Microsoft made this leap ahead for the better they didn't just cosmetically update XP to Win7 like 98>Me it was all NEW. I remember XP was great after 98/Me but you still got so many crashes, freeze ups, reinstalls on a regular basis, this was incredibly stressful but I have had Win7 64 since it was released and have had maybe 2 crashes in all that time, NO STRESS, i repeat NO STRESS. PG apps are still in that XP crashing error timewarp and there is a lot of denial, resistance to change. The magic of what PG apps can do is held back soooooooo far by the interface from it's true potential compared to where other 64 bit audio applications are, the great RealTrack/Drum musicians and the music they produce are totally let down by the interface, the interface should be the same quality as the musicians themselves, the software itself should be a work of art, high end professionalism. The reliability, professionalism and performance of the musicians should be the same as that of the software. Just because of the magic that it produces, doesn't mean it's okay to have the old 32bit programing , "make do" interface and get away with it, as the chickens will still eat whatever you throw at them no questions asked. Sure you can tweak it, cosmetically change and add new features to it each year and old users will still buy it regardless but it does not do it true justice of where it can and should be. Sure you can get away with using it like you could with XP on a simple, stressful, unreliable level. It should not have to stay on the level it is, maybe most user that buy it now just use it to make up songs and post them in the UserShowcase. There is greater potential for it to be used in a more professional way also, but for that it needs a 64 bit Professional 24bit 48khz Audiophile version. It should not be still marketed for just fun, learning music, hobbyist or accompaniment market, sure it started out that way with all the cartoon style graphics.
Don't put 64bit 24/48 BB-RB Pro version in the too hard basket, do the RT musicians say "No, I'm not playing that it's too hard, give me something basic, the users will "make do" with it" ?
I have spent some much time imputing and working out ways of doing things to make it better because of all the problems I encounter using it, I just feel it is so much wasted time and NRG if it goes nowhere and things are just cherry picked.
In other beta/feature request forums it flows, you make the suggestion - it's implemented "now" - downloaded - there is feedback and thankfulness and it works. In PG forum this action if any can take years n years, 10 years even and results in incredible stress and frustration. Is this the way that it has to be and there is absolutely nothing that can be done about it, it's just the way things work around here and will always be that way forever ?
I don't want to wait another 10 years to come back here.
Excellent points Pipeline, respectfully & thoughtfully explained. Since you've started this conversation once more I'd like to offer my standard suggestion...create a RealTracks VSTi!
This would work as a Kontakt plugin maybe? Don't even bother upgrading the BIAB/RB interface; leave it as-is for the current satisfied customers. Keep it on the same "upgrade" schedule adding a couple of new tricks every year.
Hire a UX expert to design the RealTrack UI and maybe even a team of devs to create it. All of a sudden you would have a world-class product that every Kontakt owner would want! In fact, NI might even want to fund some of the dev in order to sell more Kontakt! Maybe make it a one-year NI exclusive working only with Kontakt but after a year you make it available as a straight up VSTi.
Keep only the main features like multi-riff and bar-by-bar generation to allow maximum control over the generated tracks. Go further by publishing an index of some sort to allow me to pick and choose riffs to build my track if I want. Leave out a lot of the obscure features that add little to the most common usage like Play Jukebox and Generate Title (I'm sure there are quite a few like this that are rarely used and would not add much value to the VSTi product). You would not need the mixer at all and all of the PG effects could be dropped since I have my DAW and tons of plugs there.
Yes you are right again ! a RealTracks/Drums/Midi VSTi (VST for audio only app) Leave the other apps how they are and you load that basic operation VST in your High End 64bit DAW and it won't have a massive learning curve for regular DAW Studio users.
Okay I will put the Cryogenics on hold and hope that it comes out soon.
Yes you are right again ! a RealTracks/Drums/Midi VSTi (VST for audio only app) Leave the other apps how they are and you load that basic operation VST in your High End 64bit DAW and it won't have a massive learning curve for regular DAW Studio users.
Okay I will put the Cryogenics on hold and hope that it comes out soon.
I think I just need a holiday from it all.
Well, I just wanna say I greatly appreciate your hacks and tips! You have saved me more than once with tips like how to switch from normal to DI guitar RTs!! Without your advice I would have had to trial and error it for hours and possibly never got it where I wanted it but with your folder switching tip it just worked! And some of your tips about integration with RapidComposer I am looking forward to trying but just have not had time yet.
I think this is all you would need in a vst ? so you can enter the chords directly in the track (zoom track in for tight chords), Generate Button to give all the generate options including MultiRiffs, tracks just drag n drop into DAW along with the realchart midi, maybe you could have the notation/tab come up on double click a realchart track ? you can easily add extra realtracks/drums to a recorded session or generate up the complete style. Basically to keep it as simple as possible to avoid any crashes.
I think this is all you would need in a vst ? so you can enter the chords directly in the track (zoom track in for tight chords), Generate Button to give all the generate options including MultiRiffs, tracks just drag n drop into DAW along with the realchart midi, maybe you could have the notation/tab come up on double click a realchart track ? you can easily add extra realtracks/drums to a recorded session or generate up the complete style. Basically to keep it as simple as possible to avoid any crashes.
That would be a great start and they could use all of us as guinea pigs. Baby steps...get a basic VSTi working...add features...package and sell it!
They could learn a LOT from RapidComposer in this area!
And Open/Save to import your chords/song from SGU/SEQ and Save to SEQ. It could have a chord track drag export button that will drag a midi track out that has chords and chord names as markers, that most DAWs read.
I think the VST will need to be able to import/drag a tempo mapped midi from the host into the plugin track for tempo changes or if it was like a live recording that was mapped after. (ACW is good for creating Drum Tempo Maps, just open a drum track from a live recording with the ACW in RealBand, then you just generate a Metronome track up, then save the Metronome Midi track, open the midi in a new session in your DAW then drag all the live tracks in.) This will let the plugin get an accurate map for RealTrack/Drum/Midi generation rather than following the tempo changes up as the host plays.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean