|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 12
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 12 |
I have been a” Biaber” since 1996 and by and large have supported the product by buying the annual upgrades.(not that I always have needed them)
Last October I upgraded to an Audiophile External HD 1Gig ( A Noisy one at that!!!) for $199
So that gave me Biab 2009.5; Real Drums up to and including 26; Soloist up to and including 20; Real Tracks up to and including 66; Styles up to and including 77.
So now for me to upgrade to the latest files 2010.5 plus Real Drums 27,28,29 and Real Band files 67-101 that cheapest Biab can do is $299.
I only want probably about 5% to 10% of that number of files
So should the price be more like $30-$50??
I think your update prices are getting way too expensive why not let us download the required files via a torrent program .I’ll still pay after all!!
I realise that since real tracks/drums have come one the scene the files are way larger, but then I’m thinking that the technology will/has developed smaller formats that still retain the quality of the sound so say using some alternate like Kontakt is looking more feasible. What do you guys and girls think?
I still think is a great product and has come a long way since I started using it and i'm sure there are a heck of a lot more users using it out there than there were in 1996!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,861
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,861 |
About the noisy hard disk enclosure, I just took the drive out and mounted it as an internal SATA drive. The drive itself is quiet. Performance is better, too, than USB allows.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493 |
I understand how you feel, but I can also understand PG Music having to raise the cost of things. In the pre - Real days, the program was the expense for them. They paid programmers and/or did it themselves, the computer provided the sounds. Real Tracks and Drums added the cost of paying the musicians to lay down all of the tracks, the equipment to record them, the studio to record them in, and who knows what else. So even though I wish it was still the old $59 or so upgrades, what I am getting for the current cost is well worth it. Plus I get a small USB hard drive. I now have 4 of them (I think). I'm not using the Audiophile version, so I don't spend as much as you would need to keep current with BIAB, but I guess you get what you pay for and pay for what you get. I hope it works out for you.
Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,101
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,101 |
Quote:
So now for me to upgrade to the latest files 2010.5 plus Real Drums 27,28,29 and Real Band files 67-101 that cheapest Biab can do is $299.
I’m thinking that the technology will/has developed smaller formats that still retain the quality of the sound so say using some alternate like Kontakt is looking more feasible. What do you guys and girls think?
I've frankly been amazed that PG music has been able to offer the quality product that they do and not charge much more than they do so you aren't going to hear me whining about the price. I have a lot of money invested in music software and in a given year most other software companies bleed me for much more and give me much less than PG music does.
The audiophile version was something that they put out at user request because some wanted an uncompressed format. Perhaps you are simply invested in the wrong version of BIAB. If you are looking for something that can be downloaded, I think the majority of users find the wma quite acceptable.
Keith
2024 Audiophile Windows 11 AMD RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,Cakewalk,Raven Mti
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 12
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 152
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 152 |
Hi All,
Just wanted to say that personally I reckon Biab is great value compared with most other software on the market, music or otherwise when you consider the superb and quick support from the PG guys and the forum along with free updates. The work that must go into realtracks and the programming must be very expensive and time consuming to give us such a great end product, hats off to everyone at PG.
The only thing I find that bumps the price up is being in the UK is the duty/custom charges for a USB to be delivered so I try to stick to d/l where possible and just do a major upgrade when the offers are on.
Considering the amount of use and enjoyment I get from biab working the cost over a year it really is peanuts a week compared to what I have to spend on other things, [not that I want them to put the prices up by the way -smile].
I find no problem with the wma file quality.
Regards Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 193
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 193 |
I can understand why the price is rising, but I don't understand why I have to pay almost the same if I order DVDs or if I only down load files.
I remember once there was a greater difference.
Sergino
Bandinabox 2024 standard (2020 Audiophile)
VST3 plugins on Studio One Pro 6.1
Windows 11(SSD) - AMD Radeon R9 5950X - 32GB RAM
MOTU: 2408 MkIII - 24i - Traveler - MIDI Express XT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,058
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,058 |
I used to pay 35 cents for a hamburger, the same for a milk shake and the same for fries now a $10 bill is shot all to heck doing the same job. Same food same me( just a lot older) just that the monies's not worth what it was or ever was.
I know we gotta book in 2 dates at Carnegie Hall to do what we did a few years ago, but that's the life of us Super Papa Rockers;......on the porch.
With all this $$$$ pain, where's all the gain.
All in all there's still not a better bang for the music bucks.
Wyndham
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,739
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,739 |
Quote:
I have a lot of money invested in music software and in a given year most other software companies bleed me for much more and give me much less than PG music does.
i second that emotion....
it can be a lot of cash to buy the realtrack updates. if, say you only want to play jazz it seems wrong that you must buy the country or it not a deal.
its all fabulous stuff though.......
i am hoping that pg will licence Real track technology to others
good stuff..
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,846
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,846 |
It will eventually reach the stage I think when people will decide to upgrade less often, in other words they will have so many realtracks that they will decide enough is enough for the kind of music they produce.
Maybe then PG will turn its attention to the midi styles 90% I feel that are so outdated that its a pain to listen to them.
Don't get me wrong I really love band in a box my favourite music programe and realtracks are the current flavour of the month but this won't last I think.
just my views.
Musiclover
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 676
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 676 |
I think RealTracks have revolutionized this product. It will most certainly last, unless people suddenly hate real musicians playing real instruments. There are plenty of things that haven't even been done yet, so they're just getting started...
Personally, I like having the choice of MIDI and RTs. MIDI does offer some freedom to create what you want and they can sound really good. Look at Samplemodeling's jazz instruments. They sound outstanding and you can create the solo that you hear in your head. But good luck with that - you'd better have plenty of time to work and lots of MIDI keyboard talent. It will take some work.
RealTracks, on the other hand, are instantly natural and authentic. Sure you're stuck with the sound and solo output, but if you don't like it, generate it again or try a different RT. If that doesn't work, then MIDI VSTis are still an option. There are quality choices now.
As for the price, there have been times when I didn't have the cash, so I totally understand. But paying real studio musicians is not cheap, so that's the reality. For a price comparison, take a look at loop sets sold by other companies. They are usually pretty close and, from my experience, not easier to use at all. PG Music has taken music making ease to a whole new level, so it's a much better deal. I recommend saving your money and buying the upgrades when you can. Besides, it's always better to support the true good guys in the business world.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,739
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,739 |
music lover...my feeling is the midi files are really good for what they are. you just cant get the slurs, the varience in attack, embrouchure, the guitar feedback, the general clatter that brings authenticity out of this technology, though it has its [limited] place.
imo
Zero
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Just a few things:
If all you want is jazz tracks, you can buy just the jazz track sets. I've done it.
Some of us may reach a style saturation point, including me, but I'm not there yet.
I also believe that real tracks are here to stay. I have continually bought most of the new RTs that have come out even though I rarely use any. I want to explore them though.
I believe that BIAB/RB is a real value.....For those of us who use it a lot. If you only use it once a month or less frequently, I can see how you might feel that the upgrades are not worth it.
FWIW
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 92
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 92 |
I would agree, however, that paying $299 for a mid-year update is way out of line. My rule of thumb would be to charge half the price of the normal December annual upgrade for the mid-year one which should be offered as a patch and not a full vrsion release and scale down how many new features and real tracks are offered at mid-year. I think that would keep the interest and affordabilty for both the annual and the mid-year releases for the BIAB aficionados.
Cz...
BIAB,Bandlab Cakewalk,Kontakt, Cantabile, SampleTank4,IK BX-3, VB3, iZotope Suite, IK TRacks, Melodyne Studio
Kurzweil PC4SE, AXIOM-61key & IKiRigPro-32key boards, Roland SD-50 MIDI, Behringer 404HD, Maschine MK3,TC Helicon Voiceworks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
If you want to keep up with all the new stuff offered, it sure would get expensive. It's up to the person how much they want.
I thought long and hard about what package to buy, having never experienced this software other than many years ago- a mere shell of what it is now. All I had to go on was the demos. I finally went with the ultra package ONLY because I picked it up on ebay at an amazing price. 2010 ultra at 230 bucks? Oh yea, I was in!
Now having had it and used it all for a while, I like it all a lot but I can't help thinking I would have been disappointed buying at full price. I think everything included is awesome and biab is great. But RB has a LONG way to go and for me, it remains glitchy and clunky- including the midi side. But I am pleased to se how well the software is constantly supported. But as prices add up, I would hope they put out quality, bug free [as much as possible] updates and bring realband up to speed. It should be, and must be imo, biabs perfect mate. At the moment, it's a challenge. But the potential is huge.
Long and short, all of pg's software is only as expensive as you make it.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,784
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,784 |
Quote:
music lover...my feeling is the midi files are really good for what they are. you just cant get the slurs, the varience in attack, embrouchure, the guitar feedback, the general clatter that brings authenticity out of this technology, though it has its [limited] place.
imo
Zero
You can get these nuances with midi IF you have good sound sources. But with good sound sources comes a price, usually a hefty price. If you’re using just GM sound sources I will generally agree with you.
So if you are using BiaB with a GM sound source, especially an inexpensive GM sound source, the RT’s and RD’s are the way to go.
For the record I use more midi than RT’s and RD’s. But I don’t put down either. Both are tools to be used by the individual.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
If you know your way around the software the Megapak gives all the Rds, RTs, & styles. It ends up being less then a $250 a year investment. If your making any money with the program that's a drop in the bucket. If it's a hobby it's a cheap price to pay for the enjoyment received.
As far as RB Dan you just aren't experienced enough to make that judgement. I've done well over 200 top of the line tunes all RTs and do not experience any glitches at all. Ask my wife. I use the program at least 6 hrs EVERY day either doing new songs or rehearsing my sets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,739
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,739 |
Mario I do have good sound sources, eg, VSL, E.West Symphonic orchestra platimium. the strativari virtual violin, gpo, halion, kontakt and a lot more - take even the best virtual instruments and the articulations are limited.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
Silvertones-
I agree, I don't have a lot of experience with RB. What I do have experience with is enough daws to be able to confidently say- RB has a LONG way to go before I can take it seriously. It's not that you can't get great work done. I'm sure your body of work is marvelous. I'm getting some great work done myself with it at the moment. But it's been pulling teeth almost every step of the way. I'm being patient, reading the manual, and forgiving many, many needed things that aren't there yet because I think RB is in it's infancy and will get there over time. So I'm dealing. But quality work can be done, I am seeing. But make no mistake, RB is clunky compared to a mature daw. And it's been glitchy for me. Clunky I can forgive. It may always be clunky. It may never become what other daws are, nor may they want it to. That's fine- you take it or leave it. Glitchy is a different story and just so you know, I don't mean bash RB. ALL software can be glitchy. RB hasn't always performed some operations for me glitch free. If it weren't for some other folks here and me, we may not have gotten 2010.5 build 2 as soon as we did. I'd like to see all software work without a hitch all the time. It's just not reality. But if it been perfect sailing for you, thanks wonderful. Keep on keepin on.
I have a ton of high hopes for RB. PG has Biab nailed down solid as a rock, ime. RB is the perfect mate and if they're really gonna pull in the serious daw mixing crowd, they're gonna have to step up the features in a large way. SO much potential. Here's to hoping.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 224
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 224 |
Dan,
I find the same as you. RB is clunky and glitchy at times. Its good in what it does will generate the realtracks and good at converting everything to wave. But then for me it's a case of importing into cubase, where editing such as using the scissors tool and muting audio events is easy to do , not so in RB.
Joe
Last edited by joemardo1; 07/18/10 02:22 AM.
joe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,588
Posts734,761
Members38,501
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean