Every year I seem to run into the same issue, so what is the best option to upgrade my 2023 UltraPAK or UltrPAK+ Mac version (not even sure how to tell which I am licensed for... 🤷). Should I get the PlusPAK or the UltraPAK or UltraPAK+ upgrade? All I want is to get the new app features and Realtracks, without spending too much in these tough times. Also, has the option to pay in instalments been discontinued?
The purpose of the PlusPAK is to give you the new version plus all of the new content that we have available for Band-in-a-Box since the previous year. If you had a 2023 UltraPAK OR have otherwise kept yourself up-to-date installing the new content / PlusPAK each year, and you then installed the 2024 PlusPAK over top, you would have the equivalent of a 2024 UltraPAK. You can check your 'My Products' page to confirm what you've done in the past. The UltraPAK gives you a full fresh install of the entire 2024 UltraPAK and includes the option of a shipped hard drive. The only difference between the UltraPAK and UltraPAK+ is that the latter includes the Songs and Lessons PAK. Regarding the Instalment plan - no, it is not currently available.
The purpose of the PlusPAK is to give you the new version plus all of the new content that we have available for Band-in-a-Box since the previous year. If you had a 2023 UltraPAK OR have otherwise kept yourself up-to-date installing the new content / PlusPAK each year, and you then installed the 2024 PlusPAK over top, you would have the equivalent of a 2024 UltraPAK. You can check your 'My Products' page to confirm what you've done in the past. The UltraPAK gives you a full fresh install of the entire 2024 UltraPAK and includes the option of a shipped hard drive. The only difference between the UltraPAK and UltraPAK+ is that the latter includes the Songs and Lessons PAK. Regarding the Instalment plan - no, it is not currently available.
Thanks for the feedback Andrew.
So when would somebody buy either the UltraPAK or UltraPAK+ updates from 2023/2024 as seen in the following upgrade table?
The only difference between the UltraPAK and UltraPAK+ is that the latter includes the Songs and Lessons PAK.
The upgrade is currently $149 for the UltraPAK and $179 for the UltraPAK+ If a user previously had purchased the 2023 UltraPAK+ they would already have the Songs and Lessons PAK So presumably there are new/additional Songs and Lessons in the UltraPAK+ for 2024.
Could it be clarified that the purchaser would receive new/additional Songs and Lessons material in the 2024 UltraPAK+ upgrade that they had not already received if they purchased the 2023 UltraPAK+ ?
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
I also found it confusing and I'm relatively new to Mac BIAB.
I bought BIAB pro 2023 at $99 which included a "free" pack of content I guess and then there's also a "free" pack of content for BIAB 2024, if you buy the BIAB 2023 at $129. This is where the word free really gets questionable. Because the $49 upgrade does NOT include the BIAB 2024 content but if you do some simple math you can see that if I had not bought this program last year, I'd have spent $129 today to get everything in 2024 pro level for new buyers. I find this a really odd thing.
So then I have the option to move up to Ultra and Mega and Giga and Peta, and so on. Just kidding, not all of those SKUs or levels exist. :-)
I am having huge fun and I'm not against going up to the ultra level, but each year it does seem a bit confusing. I kind of wish that if I was logged in that I could just pick from options that apply to me, instead of seeing the whole big table of confusing options.
BIAB pricing is quite good, and I think I get a lot for what I spend, and I've had so much fun with BIAB 2023 that I'm sure I'll get some level of 2024 content and the program upgrade, it's just ... confusing.
Thankfully there's the chat feature on the main pgmusic.com website which I think is great. I can ask whatever and get instant help finding what I should buy.
UPDATE: Well I bought Ultra 2024. Now I just have to wait for a few hundred gigabytes of data to download. GRINS.
Warren
Last edited by Warren P; 07/04/2403:03 PM. Reason: edition typo
BIAB Mac 2024 Mac Studio 2022, M1 Max, OS Ventura 13.6
So when would somebody buy either the UltraPAK or UltraPAK+ updates from 2023/2024 as seen in the following upgrade table?
First, these upgrade any package (e.g. Pro) to the current UltraPAK. The PlusPAK does not. Also, the PlusPAK is not available pre-installed on a hard drive. The SLPAK has not changed recently, other than it has the Instrumental Studies added to it. If you missed a few upgrades than the SLPAK would be worthwhile for the additional instrumental studies. Aside from that, if you had the SLPAK from a previous year, you can still install and use it.
I've been a BIAB user since the 90's and I agree 100% with what Robert Wood's concern. Selecting the best value upgrade path is hugely confusing. You answered his question, but couldn't you take another step toward making it just REALLY easy for all your upgrading customers to know exactly what they will get when they choose an upgrade package?
I suggest that you give us the following information in a concise clear way:
If a customer has Pak "X" from the previous year, and chooses an upgrade to Pak "Y", they will get the following new or upgraded content (provide a detailed list and make it clear that everything else is the same as the previous year).
You know this information, why make it difficult for us to understand it? It's not really necessary to do this for older Paks from multiple prior years - just provide the info for the previous year to the current year and it will remove a lot of the confusion.
Rocky, Based on the criteria you provided, last package purchase more than two updates ago and moving from ProPAK to UltraPAK you should purchase the package highlighted in red block. +++ HERE +++ is a link to the webpage I copied in my screen shot.
Just to clarify (because I seem to understand it even less now) - you drew the red box under the UltraPak+ column - but I'm interested in upgrading from Pro to the UltraPak (no plus).. Are you saying that the extra price bump from UtraPak to UltraPak+ would be necessary even if I want to end up with the non-plus version?
Hi Rocky, You mentioned earlier that you currently have the 2023 Ultra or Ultra+ Pak:
Originally Posted by Rocky 58
Every year I seem to run into the same issue, so what is the best option to upgrade my 2023 UltraPAK or UltrPAK+ Mac version (not even sure how to tell which I am licensed for... 🤷). Should I get the PlusPAK or the UltraPAK or UltraPAK+ upgrade? All I want is to get the new app features and Realtracks, without spending too much in these tough times.
Then your latest post indicates that you currently have the Pro Pak, but not which year.
Originally Posted by Rocky 58
Just to clarify (because I seem to understand it even less now) - you drew the red box under the UltraPak+ column - but I'm interested in upgrading from Pro to the UltraPak (no plus).. Are you saying that the extra price bump from UtraPak to UltraPak+ would be necessary even if I want to end up with the non-plus version?
So putting this together, if you have the 2023 Pro Pak now, and wish to upgrade to the 2024 Ultra Pak, then I believe that this is the option you should look for:
I hope this lessens the confusion you're currently experiencing
(And yes, these upgrade options always seem to be somewhat confusing. You are not alone...)
Last edited by AudioTrack; 07/07/2410:38 PM.
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
Hi Audiotrack, a big thank you - I really appreciate you responding.
However, I just need to clear something up... Your first quote (attributed to me) was actually from the original poster who created this thread, Robert Wood.
I have Band in a Box Pro2021 for Mac.
Right now I am guessing I need to order the $169 option. i.e. the line below the one you thoughtfully marked for me. My lack of clarity was really about my plan to upgrade both for year 2021 -> 2024 . . . and also for Version Pro -> Ultra. The chart doesn't make it clear whether there is an extra upcharge for upgrading both the year and (Pak) version.
Again, thanks for your help, and sorry for the misunderstanding.
Hi Audiotrack, a big thank you - I really appreciate you responding.
However, I just need to clear something up... Your first quote (attributed to me) was actually from the original poster who created this thread, Robert Wood.
I have Band in a Box Pro2021 for Mac.
Right now I am guessing I need to order the $169 option. i.e. the line below the one you thoughtfully marked for me. My lack of clarity was really about my plan to upgrade both for year 2021 -> 2024 . . . and also for Version Pro -> Ultra. The chart doesn't make it clear whether there is an extra upcharge for upgrading both the year and (Pak) version.
Again, thanks for your help, and sorry for the misunderstanding.
Cheers, Rocky.
Hi Rocky, whoooops, my bad . Thanks for the clarification.
Yes, if you have 2021 Pro and you are looking for the 2024 Ultra upgrade, then this is the option:
(Apologies again for my mix up.)
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.