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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 679
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 679 |
I understand the mark-up of products for profit but for me to start out for what I need is $700.00. I was laid off last year and there is no return as company is gone. I use my time while my wife works two jobs to keep us afloat playing music at home. When I did buy band in a box in 1994 it was great at the time and did all I needed plus powertracks for my midi but now it seems I would be better off going hardware/software, pro tools etc. I love music but the pro version barely has enough for a beginner to start. Any and all answers to this would be appreciated as I was about to make a purchase until I saw how much it would cost to start out.
critter
Critter
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hello. As I mentioned in your other thread about horns, it couldn't hurt to call PG Music and ask them if you qualify for any discount on an upgrade. You did not reply to my post, so I do not know if you tried that.
It is hard for us to know what you need, but if you are "starting out" you could do a great deal with the Pro version. It certainly has far more power than any of us had with this program just a few years ago, and we were able to make some pretty good music. Then, when you outgrow that, call PG Music sales and ask for their pricing to upgrade to a more powerful Pak. Or, wait until the next program update, which has traditionally occurred twice per year, and upgrade then, since they have several price points depending on what you already own.
This is a most fair company to deal with. Besides, I've always thought it was great that they did not make everyone buy everything just to start; you can ease into it.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 679 |
I thought I did reply, Maybe I am not doing something right. I do see my answers under horns still sorry about that. I hope this gets to to the right place.
Critter
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi. Yes, you had three replies on various topics, just nothing to the idea of calling PG Music.
I also don't recall if you said anything yet about what kind of equipment you already have, such as what soundcard, MIDI synth, etc. That could be helpful for us as we go forward.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 679
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
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Okay, I was using a yamaha mt-100 cassette 4 track recorder, now I have a Boss 1600, I bought a rode nt1-a mic, etc. Before this I would record from midi tracks to the mt-100 through a spirit 16 track console, then it would go to my effects rack, which has, mav-8 midi patch bay, alesis compressor/limiter, alesis midiverb 4, dod 430 equalizer, then to bbe 462 sonic maximizer. Then I would download to my Sony minidisc recorder. Now I want to do all through the br-1600. I still think I need my rack setup before mastering but I am not sure. I like and play rock and blues, so I need rock and blues patches with the realtracks type of thing and I still wish there were horn sections. I hope this helps.
Critter
ps my keyboard is a korg 01wfd
Last edited by critter; 02/11/10 11:43 PM.
Critter
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Hi critter,
I take it that you are looking at the Audiophile edition. Can I suggest that if the budget is tight, it might be worthwhile thinking about the UltraPlusPak or the EverythingPak. I have the UltraPlusPak and it's sensational (the UltraPlusPak is the cheapest product that has all Realstyles, Realdrums and Style Sets). I also note on PGMusic's website that it says "Upgrade from 2008 or earlier". The 1994 edition certainly fits that criterion.
Regards,
Noel
Last edited by Noel96; 02/12/10 02:34 AM.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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That's right Noel. If he's a registered user he could get the Ultra Plus Pak for $299.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 85
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 85 |
Not to confuse the matter too much, but I bought the MegaPAK (the minimum level that had ALL styles), and have been quite happy with the results, even though it had a limited set of RealDrums/RealTracks.
Here's why it worked for me: After some initial experimentation, I never used the RealDrums/RealTracks at all. I now use MIDI tracks only, and just route the output through some high quality virtual instruments and it sounds fantastic. Also, I feel like I have much better control over the MIDI than I do the "Real" instruments.
critter, if you're on a budget and you're okay with tweaking/routing MIDI channels, you might consider an upgrade to the MegaPAK coupled with a good, yet inexpensive soft-sampler -w- library, such as Vir2's "Vi.One", which is only $99 at Musician's Friend/Guitar Center.
But this is just my way of working. The "Real" instruments in BiaB certainly give some bang for the buck in terms of rapidly getting something going that sounds pro, out of the box, and the UltraPlusPAK for a $299 upgrade price, shipped ready to rock on a USB drive, is a pretty good deal.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 241
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 241 |
Patience is a grown man's virtue. Santa has been very good to me. If you wait until the Christmas specials and update every year from there, you will find that you will be able to afford a package that will eventually include everthing you need. However you will find yourself getting a little more aggressive and buying applications you want instead of need. That's the benifit of Band-in-a-box. They make everything (options) so affordable, that you just can't resist, espically during the holidays. Most of the up-grades I have purchased over the years averaged from $39 to approximately $160, but I bit the bullet and waited for the holiday specials. Therefore as a start, you could upgrade to 2010 Pro for approximately $69. That would get you Real Band, lots of Styles and some Real Tracks. Spreading your money out over time is probably a good way for you, as it was and is for me. The reason I up-grade every year is not because of features I may or may not need, but because I know that the function of the program get better and better every year. Hope this helps.
Last edited by David Walker; 02/12/10 10:26 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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I on the other hand always add real instruments to my stuff. Always.
And I have a Ketron SD2 but the two work well together, and I thought the VSC DXi worked ok too. Not as well as the Ketron but it worked ok.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
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Quote:
Hello. As I mentioned in your other thread about horns, it couldn't hurt to call PG Music and ask them if you qualify for any discount on an upgrade. You did not reply to my post, so I do not know if you tried that.
It is hard for us to know what you need, but if you are "starting out" you could do a great deal with the Pro version. It certainly has far more power than any of us had with this program just a few years ago, and we were able to make some pretty good music. Then, when you outgrow that, call PG Music sales and ask for their pricing to upgrade to a more powerful Pak. Or, wait until the next program update, which has traditionally occurred twice per year, and upgrade then, since they have several price points depending on what you already own.
This is a most fair company to deal with. Besides, I've always thought it was great that they did not make everyone buy everything just to start; you can ease into it.
+1
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,692
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This might sound a little hard but i do not mean it that way. But instead of playing music while the wife works two jobs waiting for a job to come your way. Throw a load of tools in your truck go down to all the local real estate offices and see if they need any handy work done for repos and home sales that might ned attention before escrow closes. Change a few Locks, fix a few hinges, patch a drywall hole or two make a few dollars and help the misses out, she might be more favorable to you upgrading the toys if you were helping to haul the load.
If not the handy type get a job flippin burgers, greeting at walmart, baggin groceries, checking at Lowes, stocking shelves, twirling signs, washing cars, fixing window screen, mowing lawns, cash register at the gas station. Anything. I was out of work for almost two years and i made $40,000 that year doing odd jobs and repairs.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 679
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 679 |
I just responded to your entry, at length but it would not post. Bottom line is I tried all that and in Sheboygan Wisconsin there is nothing left. I have tried, nothing there in any form. Unemployment is high here, my wife flips burgers part time at Mcdonalds and her hours are cut so salary managers can do it due to lack of sales. She has a full time factory job which could close up shop anytime. Like I ended the post that would not post, I have always been the bread winner, 10 years ago I had a full time job, a part time job and did week end gigs in a band. Bottom line, I feel like an invalid leaving on unemployment benefits.
Critter
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,114
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,114 |
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Robh,
I don't want to call you an jerk so i won't. I've been out of work in NC for over three years. There's a new tractor supply store moving into town. They advertised for 17 $7.00/hr positions. They got over 1000 applications according to the NCESC. Don't go slinging this holier then though crap until you know what you're talking about.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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This has led me to add a few things to my prayers this morning.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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My appologies guys, there are difficult times out there. My point is that there are ways to make money, maybe not great money, but money. I have seen folks struggle and it is disheartening to say the least. I can see my comments were rather insensitive and i truely am sorry for that. I meant to motivate rather than put down, but it certainly did not come off as intended.
Critter i am sorry for your struggles, and hope you find the way through it all. I guess my point is that in truely bad times one needs to do more than just appply for the run of the mill jobs, they need to think outside the box. I was trying to offer some of that.
Silvertones i agree i was being a jerk, without meaning too, but still. I do not consider myself holier than anyone, but i also know what it feels like to be unemployed, I spend a year cleaning up the mess from a business that went south, and two more without a real job. I guess i was fortunate because i found things to do, and worked almost every day. I did odd jobs, repaired peoples homes, worked with anyone that needed help. Took on part time jobs that were only temporary, but somehow made it all work.
I hope you all take my thoughts as intended, and not as they came out. Rob
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Apologies accepted Rob.Water over the dam.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Robh,
1st of all I am sharing the story below with the intent to help Critter in his times of need. And for what it's worth I took your post as being constructive also, not condescending in anyway. You mentioned repairing screens, and that struck a chord with me (Abm7) no just kidding about the musical chord, but after my 1st retirement I felt like I could still be productive along with playing a few music gigs here and there. Not that I needed the additional income but with the hopes of leaving jobs for my grandchildren in times of tough economies. So with this said here is my attempt to give Critter some advice that hopefully will help him to start bringing in some additional income. So I looked around at how the energy cost rise was affecting every homeowner and looked for a niche business in that field. To make a long story short I started a little solar screen business. And Critter this is a business you can start without investing one cent!
Just find someone a town or two away already in the business and work out pricing with them where there is still profit left for you selling and installing the screens job after you pay him for building them. If you can use a tape measure and a screwdriver you are ready to go.
I did this three years ago and starting last year one of my sons started working with me partime in our own shop manufacturing and installing our own solar screens. The income is still not at a place where it will support a family but the profits did start instantly and it has purchased a shop full of equipment and inventory that "by the Grace of God" will start turning into sweet profit this spring.
So Critter please don’t let yourself get beat up by the tough times you are going through, as often through adversity comes entrepreneurship and better times. Look for the need out there, I am sure that many people in your neck of the woods are still working and have homes and businesses to take care of, besides the many who are looking for ways to lower their home or business energy cost.
Critter, please PM, call or email me if you think I can be of any assistance.
Regards,
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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