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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Dec 2002
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,988 |
I just noticed that Edge provides a free version of a VPN. In the past I have used ExpressVPN, which is a great service, but the cost got a little prohibitive for my needs. Does any one have any experience with MS Edge VeePN?
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,066
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,066 |
BIAB2026
Windows 10 Pro (Never Windows 11!)
WA6NCB
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Dec 2002
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OP
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thanks, that is exactly what I needed to read.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 621
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 621 |
NO WAY IN HELL would I use ANYTHING with one of Big Tech's names on it for privacy or security, free or otherwise.
Byron Dickens BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency. https://soundcloud.com/athanorsoundlabs
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jun 2009
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
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I wouldn't trust the VPN by Microsoft, Apple, or any browser (especially Chrome), because these people make tons of money by selling the data they collect from their users.
I go with an independent VPN, that was highly rated in multiple, fairly trusted computer publication sites.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 36 |
I'm currently using Proton VPN bundle with private mail and cloud drive. Happy with it.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 477
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 477 |
For web browsing, maybe. But one thing to be aware of is that paid services like Prime Video detect the location of the server and refuse to connect if it's in a different country than the one that you're account is paid from. In my case, I bought a Surfshark package because Amazon Prime Video in France offers many U.S. made, English language films dubbed in French with no French subtitles or the original English audio. My French isn't good enough yet, and in any case, I always watched films and series in their original languages, using English or French subtitles. I activated Surfshark, and tried to connect to Prime Video through a U.S.-based server...and got bounced. Money down the drain. P'd off, I was.
Just a head's up.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra
Studio Pro 8; Tonalic Studio 1; Reaper v7; Bitwig Studio 6; Melodyne Studio 5
Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 103
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 103 |
If you're only interested in browsing protection, it might be sufficient, but for users who need more complex security or fast and stable access to restricted platforms, dedicated proxies can be a better alternative. You can get them from coronium.io - they offer greater control over the location and speed of the connection.
Last edited by Roycol; 01/19/25 03:03 PM.
Geekom Mini-pc
Intel i5-8259U
16,0 GB RAM 64-bit Windows 11 pro
Acer V15 Laptop
Intel i5-5257U
16,0 GB RAM 64-bit Windows 10, x64
Acer 5750 Laptop
Intel i3-2310M
6.00 GB RAM 64-bit operating system, x64
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,148
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Another vote for the Tor browser in Musocity's post
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,148
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Posts: 2,148 |
Another vote for the Tor browser in Musocity's post and duckduckgo as a search engine
Last edited by Bob Calver; 01/16/25 12:00 PM.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892 |
Mullvad.
Only pay when you use it.
Good stuff
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,066
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,066 |
Nord VPN when I need one and TOR VPN when I really need to hide. Tor can be a bit slow as it makes multiple hops around the world. I have been using Nord VPN for a couple of years now. Using MS VPN or Edge VPN is like putting the fox in the chicken coop.
BIAB2026
Windows 10 Pro (Never Windows 11!)
WA6NCB
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,988
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OP
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Posts: 12,988 |
I just noticed I never came back to up date this. I selected the MalwareBytes VPN and security package. A two year deal on a super deal. Over half the price of other paid packages. I have been relatively happy with it. The price was certainly right for me and I have not had any serious compatiblity issues with the security features. https://www.malwarebytes.com/
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,787
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I just noticed I never came back to up date this. I selected the MalwareBytes VPN and security package. A two year deal on a super deal. Over half the price of other paid packages. I have been relatively happy with it. The price was certainly right for me and I have not had any serious compatiblity issues with the security features. https://www.malwarebytes.com/I have been using MalwareBytes VPN for a few years now and like you I have had no issues with it other than the fact that some sites will not allow VPNs; not MalwaresBytes fault. But that tells me that it is working.
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,988
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OP
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Your right ... if a site does not let me use the VPN, I generally consider it best not to go there. 
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
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Joined: Jul 2000
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I have a couple of trusted sites that won't let me in using the VPN. I figure it's a security feature on their site, so just pause it for the duration.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,787
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,787 |
I have a couple of trusted sites that won't let me in using the VPN. I figure it's a security feature on their site, so just pause it for the duration.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫ Same here. Most of the sites are ones that I have trusted prior to using the VPN so I just pause the VPN. If it is a new site that refuses the VPN then I don't go to it. Plus I have my antivirus and anti-malware running on site viewing.
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
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Correct me if I'm wrong. I don't think the VPN is designed to identify non-safe sites.
Logically, I would think a site that is loaded with malware, would let anyone in, VPN or not.
But without the VPN, the site you are visiting knows more about you than it would if the VPN is on.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,168
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,168 |
I know the thread is about VPN's but another very useful software is Sandboxie, which runs your browser in a sandbox isolated from your computer files. It's free though sometimes there is a nag screen to donate, I use it all the time. So in essence if you get a virus, it will most likely stay in the sandbox rather than you main OS files, just empty the sandbox and the virus will be gone. I always download the classic version of Sandboxie rather than Sandboxie plus as I understand it better. https://github.com/sandboxie-plus/SandboxieOnce you have it installed right click on a browser and select Run Sandboxed. The browser will open, will probably take a little while longer to load than normal, once it does you will notice a yellow border around the edges of the browser to let you know its sandboxed. You can download files as normal but they won't be shown on your normal windows explorer, you simply right click on the Sandboxie icon in the taskbar and select Default Box then Windows explorer that will open with the Sandboxed version. You will find your files there and copy and paste into your normal windows folders. Usually Sandboxie will give you a prompt to recover a file to your normal windows folder after downloading, so either of these two options. Its great software and thanks to Musocity for making me aware of it in the past.
Last edited by musiclover; 02/08/25 01:42 PM.
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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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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.
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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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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!
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