Music XML (notation export/import) has been enhanced. We've worked with Finale, GuitarPro, and Sibelius to enhance features and compatibility with Music XML.
Support for time-based VSTi plugins such as EZ drummer, Jamstix, Rapid Composer, etc.
Pitch shifting and tempo stretching has been greatly enhanced with the integration of the newest version of the world-leading Elastique 3.
The Guitar Notation display has been enhanced. You can now enter and display guitar bends, slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs with notation graphics indicating these elements. ...and more!
It's HORRIBLE!! This (as usual) is not really an upgrade, imo. It's a re-design for the sake of nothing, and it now takes 3x more mouse clicks to find anything and make it work. One of my pet software peeves is 'upgrades' that are little more than BAD GUI re-design. You thought you KNEW this program? Not anymore! Gee, thanks for upping my learning curve, and 'fixing' the GUI to be confusing and way worse than what it's replacing! You've buried the track menu into the edit menu... why? You've killed numeric keypad +/- up-down scrolling for patches, ports, etc. in classic tracks... it now takes 5 keystrokes instead of 1; you've stolen half my screen area for huge half-empty button panels that contain nothing I need, ("title" in huge letters, is one of the LAST things I need to know! Duh!) while disappearing stuff I use all the time... like where did the marker arrows go??? Where are the audio/midi panels buttons?
I upgraded to 17 only because of the new node/rubber-band volume control on tracks, and I was hoping that track selections would also have drag-able edges. STILL not there! That's just primitive, and so long overdue! There's a lot to hate about this useless re-design, but now let's get to a few bugs that I've noticed:
MIDI Track edit windows arbitrarily have/don't have horizontal scroll bar function. And here's a really bad one, that cost me at LEAST a day's work: Don't even think about temporarily disabling real-time effects to concentrate your computer power to the task of a multi-channel audio recording! (I do 8 tracks at once) When you're ready to re-enable them, you'll find all your carefully adjusted real-time effects have DISAPPEARED!!! SERIOUSLY?? "Disable" actually means "DELETE!" How 'bout putting that in "tips?" Along with a disclaimer: "By clicking here you understand and agree that PG Music will not reimburse you for your many hours of lost hard work, even though the blame lies 100% with us." It reminds me of the laughable version 10, where touching the master fader re-sets ALL track faders to match it! THANKS. Hours of mixing work just GONE!
I've been using PT since it was a DOS-only program, based in Hamilton, On. I've upgraded often during the decades, and I've been a big fan, up until now. I'm still new to v.17, but I've already had enough. It's making my work harder and slower, not faster and easier, and as such, gets my endorsement as a downgrade. When building 'upgrades,' you guys have to keep only ONE criteria front & center: does it require fewer or more mouse-clicks/key-strokes than before? If the answer is more, then it qualifies as a downgrade. I'm a fast power user; any extra clicks or strokes just add aggravation and time to my work. Even 1 extra second is deadly; times several hundred clicks in a day easily adds up to lost HOURS, so how is that an improvement? Version 13 isn't bad, but still the best, quickest, and easiest to use that I have is version 8, my go-to for full-featured no-bs production. No fancy graphical interface.. I can actually read the labels... and my computer isn't struggling to display a lot of window-dressing.
With that in mind, I'm curious about version 9, which I skipped. It may be the version that suits me best, and I'd like to try it, and I'll gladly pay for it. Can you please arrange for me to download it? Thank-you in advance.
Overall, it's pretty obvious that PG is not that interested in PT anymore... it's actually buried on the website, which is all about BB, and all its accessories. But many of us ACTUAL MUSICIANS don't need an "insta-band" program, or use loops to create music... pro users like me just need a good, STABLE, full-featured sequencer that doesn't work against us. You at PG should be paying much more attention to PT; in my opinion, it is (or SHOULD be) your flagship software, not the consumer/non-musician oriented band-in-a-box. I've never seen PT get any cred in the music production biz... (go figure... I've been promoting its virtues all along), and that deserves to change, but it won't until you guys get it right, promote it more, and get with the pro market, for whom workflow and efficiency is paramount. This version doesn't get it right at all, and PT's obscurity in the recording community will only deepen, as users like me see finally abandoning it as the only option. Give me back my lost effects! :-(
I take it that you are not aware of PG Music's 30-day money-back guarantee. I'm not an employee of PG Music but I do know that if, for whatever reason, the software you buy doesn't suit you, you simply need to contact the sales staff and ask for a refund within the 30 day period from purchase.
Fortunately with Powertracks, it's very easy to reinstall and run the previous version that suited you best.
It depends on how you use PowerTracks, but you might be better making the big jump of learning a new DAW like REAPER that you can customize more if you are not happy with PT. Or, there's another option of using ReWireVST with PT ??? http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=371691
One improvement that would be welcome by many a users would be removing channel 10 as a set drum track. In the 90's when midi started, it was applicable, but today given that advent of where VST has gone it is just a lost track when you hit 10 in your second and third VST set up, and it becomes annoying after a while to lose a channel.
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
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.
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