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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 266
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 266 |
I'm thinking of purchasing BIAB so that I can use it to create experimental/preliminary arrangements of songs I've written, but I don't know which PAK would best suit my needs. My songs fall in the gospel, pop. rock, blues, folk, and country genres, so I have no need for the jazz styles that are included in BIAB. I've been going back and forth between the ProPAK and the MegaPAK but can't seem to settle on either one. I'm also confused about the upgrade (or is it crossgrade?) options and the additional Xtra Styles PAKs. It appears that the Xtra Styles PAKs are all included in the OmniPAK but not the UltraPAK and that none of them are included with the Pro and Mega. So, as a first time buyer who is also a mediocre guitar player, which PAK should I start with?
Tom Levan (pronounced La-VAN)
BiaB 2024 Win UltraPAK Build 1109, Xtra Style PAKs 1-11, RB 2024, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, Intel Q9650 3 GHz, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD & 2 TB HDD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), Cakewalk, Audacity, MuseScore 2.1 & 3.4, Synthesizer V
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,861
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,861 |
Hi and welcome. Most of us will recommend you buy as much as you can afford, but if you don’t, you can call PG Music Sales and upgrade. One thing to keep in mind: the base program for all BIAB packages is exactly the same. The difference is in the number of RealTracks, RealDrums and styles you get.
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
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,125
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,125 |
Greetings muzikluver, Welcome to the forum and to Band-in-a-Box. The best answer is to purchase the largest package you can afford. The Band-in-a-Box program is the same for every package. The pc version includes RealBand while the Mac version does not. Every package includes the same audio loops, Samplitude's Amplitude 3 (amp simulator program), Plogue's Sforzando (soundfont virtual instrument player) and collection of Soundfonts. I'm sure there are some other things included in every package I've overlooked. What changes in each package is the quantity of MIDI only styles, midi only Soloists and midi only Melodists; quantity of MIDI SuperTracks, quantity of RealTracks, quantity of RealDrums and quantity of styles that use RealTracks and RealDrums. MIDI quantity differences are detailed in the package chart available on +++ THIS +++ webpage. Quantity differences of included RealTracks, RealDrums and supporting styles is a little more difficult to figure out. It's easier to figure out looking from the top-of-the-line packages down to introductory package. Both the UltraPAK & Audiophile include all available content except for bonus material and Xtra Styles. RealTracks and RealDrums in the UltraPAK are in compressed, lossy wma (pc) or MP4 (Mac) file formats. Audiophile contains both the lossy file format and uncompressed, lossless wav (pc) or aif (Mac) file format. Both the Pro & MegaPAK lack content available in the UltraPAK and Audiophile. Both the Pro and MegaPAK contain content representative of all genres. Many users find that a style, RealTracks or RealDrums labeled for one genre works in another genre on a hit or miss basis. +++ HERE +++ is a link that describes what is included in the Pro package in some detail. +++ HERE +++ is a link that describes what is included in the MegaPAK in some detail. In my opinion both the Pro and MegaPAKs are good if you want to explore the program's capabilities and concentrate on learning how to use the program. That can easily occupy most people for six months or more. One of the great frustrations using either the Pro or MegaPAKs is you will encounter the term "N/A" (for not available) a lot since most of the content is not included with the packages. There are two ways to gain additional content: upgrade to the Ultra or Audiophile package or purchase sets. PG Music typically sells packages and sets at a huge discount the first month a new edition is released. If you have the Pro or MegaPAK you will save the most money if you plan to upgrade when a new edition is released. Mac releases typically are in June while pc releases typically are in December. New editions typically include an annual program upgrade, additional midi SuperTracks, RealTracks and RealDrums added to each package and bonus content only available during the sale. XtraStyles are styles that use existing midi SuperTracks, RealTracks and RealDrums differently than the way they were presented and used when released. XtraStyles also include a professional mix. XtraStyles are separate purchases and are not included in any package.
Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,384
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,384 |
Well since you asked for a recommendation... UltraPak If $$ are a concern wait till end of year sale.
Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,324
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,324 |
I'm thinking of purchasing BIAB so that I can use it to create experimental/preliminary arrangements of songs I've written, but I don't know which PAK would best suit my needs. My songs fall in the gospel, pop. rock, blues, folk, and country genres, so I have no need for the jazz styles that are included in BIAB. I've been going back and forth between the ProPAK and the MegaPAK but can't seem to settle on either one. I'm also confused about the upgrade (or is it crossgrade?) options and the additional Xtra Styles PAKs. It appears that the Xtra Styles PAKs are all included in the OmniPAK but not the UltraPAK and that none of them are included with the Pro and Mega. So, as a first time buyer who is also a mediocre guitar player, which PAK should I start with? As others have suggested, I also recommend buying as far up the ladder as you can reasonably afford. The main thing to keep in mind is the further up the ladder you buy, the more of the REAL TRACKS you get. What are the real tracks you ask???? Well, those are the audio tracks and are nothing short of pure musical magic in my most humble opinion. I originally bought BB/RB because I wanted a good steel guitar and fiddle that I didn't have to learn how to play. The REAL TRACKS are the things that give you the steel, fiddle, dobro, Hammond B3, guitars... both rhythm and lead, piano, bass, literally studio quality tracks. Take a minute and listen to my song The Road To Cheyenne I;m playing the guitars but everything else is the Real Tracks.... bass, drums, steel, fiddle..... all RT's. I do not even use any of the styles that are not Real Tracks based. I've had seasoned musicians and studio owners in other sites comment on the real tracks stating that they loved the quality in a certain track in one of my songs, and asked who was playing it. Just so you know..... I have been a user of PG products from 2008 or so. I started with one of the middle paks, and quickly moved up to the top. I don't have the audiophile version but several here do. I have the everything pak on it's own hard drive. All the music I write and record is done with Band in A Box, Real Band, and Sonar. There's a bunch of folks here in these forums to help answer your questions and if we can't help, PG staff can.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,675
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,675 |
Something to keep in mind... There is a big difference in the amount of variety one gets with the "full package" - which can be had with the UltraPlusPak at $469 - compared to the "lesser" packages (Pro and Mega). The Mega has 500 hours of RealTracks - The UltraPlus Pak has 2500+. That is a big difference (for $200 difference). Since you mentioned so many genres (gospel, pop. rock, blues, folk, and country), I would guess you have a bunch of songs to record (not just one in each category  ). You could start with a lesser package - as others have suggested, but the chances are you will find instances when you "just can't find the right acoustic guitar. Or electric. Or piano... etc. Having the full lot (of RealTracks) you cam almost ALWAYS find the right sound. Even though you don't think you need the jazz stuff, you might be surprised once you have them. But even if you do not use those, the variety offered with the UltraPlus Pak is well worth the extra cost. Consider that a single demo from a good studio (especially using the level of player you get with BIAB) would cost you $400. For that same price, you can have a lifetime of demos - any time you want... You can hear a wide variety if you find song lists from users who do a variety of styles and treatments. If you listen to a user site that only has the Pro pak, you will often hear a fairly small range. Check out the stuff that Janice & Bud do - a lot of variety... https://soundcloud.com/mootsman/sets/samplerYou can hear more variety at my site... http://floydjane.com/Songs/List.htm
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 266
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 266 |
Thanks, everyone, for answering my question---especially Jim Fogle, Guitarhacker, and floyd jane for going into such detail with your answers. I apologize for not responding much sooner to your answers, but shortly after I posted my question, I had a mental health crisis in my family to deal with that dragged on for months and completely ruined my plans for the rest of 2018. It wasn't until last month that I finally started to rebound enough to revisit this issue. After reading over everyone's answers again, I decided to take Jim Fogle's advice and purchase the ProPak edition of BiaB with the intent of upgrading at a later date once I became comfortable with the program and its amazing features. This will take me a while because I currently don't have much free time available to use the program. But I'm thankful for the time I do have and look forward to learning how to make the most of BiaB with my songs.
Speaking of which, in the last week or so that I've had enough time to check out all the style demos in the ProPak edition, I found a couple of styles for two of my songs. BiaB's arrangement for one of my songs turned out really well, so I'm planning to post a link to that arrangement in the User Showcase forum in the next day or two. Keep an eye out for it. Thanks again for all your answers to my question!
Tom Levan (pronounced La-VAN)
BiaB 2024 Win UltraPAK Build 1109, Xtra Style PAKs 1-11, RB 2024, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, Intel Q9650 3 GHz, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD & 2 TB HDD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), Cakewalk, Audacity, MuseScore 2.1 & 3.4, Synthesizer V
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 266
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 266 |
XtraStyles are separate purchases and are not included in any package. I have one follow-up comment for you, Jim. According to the OmniPAK description, it includes all of the XtraStyles, which would normally cost $159 by themselves. That makes the OmniPAK worth serious consideration as an upgrade path for me to take down the road.
Tom Levan (pronounced La-VAN)
BiaB 2024 Win UltraPAK Build 1109, Xtra Style PAKs 1-11, RB 2024, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, Intel Q9650 3 GHz, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD & 2 TB HDD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), Cakewalk, Audacity, MuseScore 2.1 & 3.4, Synthesizer V
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796 |
Besides all that you just missed the 6 weeks '40% sale' offer period each year when a (still a little bugged) new version comes out early December. I would say buy what you really need, and upgrade eventually by the end of this year. PGmusic also has a 30 days money back warranty service, if you're not happy with what you get; their client and helpdesk service is probably one of the best around ... F
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 266
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 266 |
Besides all that you just missed the 6 weeks '40% sale' offer period each year ... F I did see the sale going on and was tempted to upgrade to the UltraPak+ edition before it ended. But after chatting with someone on the sales team about the cost to upgrade to the OmniPak edition vs. the UltraPak+ edition ($479 vs. $179), I decided to wait on this decision until after I had more time to become familiar with the program. The reason is that the cost to upgrade to OmniPak is the same from all editions and doesn't change.
Tom Levan (pronounced La-VAN)
BiaB 2024 Win UltraPAK Build 1109, Xtra Style PAKs 1-11, RB 2024, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, Intel Q9650 3 GHz, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD & 2 TB HDD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), Cakewalk, Audacity, MuseScore 2.1 & 3.4, Synthesizer V
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,125
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,125 |
muzikluver,
Nice to read you're posting to the forum once more and that life has granted you some free time once again. It is always exciting to hear the songs new users post to the User Showcase so I'll be on the lookout!
Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
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
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
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!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
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!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
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