Well, I upgrade every year (Ultra Pak)- and this year I only need BIAB Mac 2018 (the program) and the 202 new RealTracks. I already have 1-277. But I clicked the wrong order button and got the Mega-Pack by mistake. I dont think I have ever bought the Mega-Pak in the 20 some years I have been using BIAB - so I am seeing files called MegaRealCombos but I don't know what to do with them or even what they are. Is it possible that I would have had to be buying MegaPaks all along in order to use these things )? I still needed the 202 new Real Tracks so I bought them tonight too. And of course they came with the 2018 BIAB program update and Free Bonus Pak so I am wondering if I spent $99 for something I cannot use. What can I do with the MegaRealCombo files? Anything without buying the original files or something else? Funny thing is, I have a RealCombo's folder from 2011 with about 30 files in it (starts with _ACCNTRY Demo and ends with _WNSWING Demo). I loaded one of todays Mega RealTracks to see what I bought - but the files sure did not go in this 2011 folder. What am I not understanding here?
just out of curiosity i took a look at _ACCNTRY and the song memo clarifies the use of that file however if you have no need for files like that then you did by error buy the wrong PAK and PG has a no hassle refund policy
Last edited by w; 05/27/1806:31 AM.
Mac Audiophile 2020 2019 2018 2017 USB plus previous years versions
It will not hurt anything to run the file. The only thing running the file will do is to copy over RealTracks you already have. If you don't have them you will after you run the file. However, the Mega Real Combos file likely contains RealTracks you already have.
You indicated in your post that you have the UltraPAK. The UltraPAK includes the RealTracks included in both the Pro package and the Mega package plus additional RealTracks. My guess is PG Music created two file bundles to make sure sales selects the proper file for distribution.
Bundling more than 300 RealTracks into one file and then calling that file "Pro" makes it easy for sales to grab the right file when someone purchases the ProPak.
Bundling all the ProPAK RealTracks plus 200 additional RealTracks into one file and call that file "Mega" makes it easy for sales to distinguish between the ProPAK and MegaPAK.
UltraPAK and Audiophile ship on a hard drive so bundling for internet distribution means files can be split into smaller chuncks.
Finally, the PlusPAK provides RealTracks released with the annual program update. Users that have the UltraPAK can purchase this package and remain current.
I would archive the file along with the rest of your Band-in-a-Box archive files.
Last edited by Jim Fogle; 05/27/1808:59 AM. Reason: Clarify thoughts.
I talked to PG. I definitely made the wrong package choice(s) based on my yearly purchase history. PG was very accommodating and (for about the same money) is sending me the files and software I need to be fully updated since my UltraPak purchase in 2016. Thanks to those here that wrote me with advice and offered help.
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!
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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.
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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.
Video: Enhanced Melodists in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows®!
We've enhanced the Melodists feature included in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows!
Access the Melodist feature by pressing F7 in the program to open the new MultiPicker Library and locate the [Melodist] tab.
You can now generate a melody on any track in the program - very handy! Plus, you select how much of the melody you want generated - specify a range, or apply it to the whole track.
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