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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I use 2022 UltraPak BIAB really for only one reason and that is to create very simple backing tracks for me to practice soloing over by creating custom chord progressions in different keys and I use almost exclusively slower tempo smooth jazz, jazz, blues, soul, R&B type RealTracks and don't use MIDI. I see that the upgrade to 2025 will give me some new nice RealTracks and styles in these genres and I am trying to decide if "it is worth it" to upgrade my UltraPak for $169 during the sale.

Can members comment on features that have improved that might make a difference for me? User interface? AI splitter function to create stems from audio files from outside the program? Something that I have not thought of? Thanks for your input - not really sure as to whether to update. Being such a noobie and non-sophisticated user, I would love some perspective on the upgrade conundrum. Thank you for your patience with this general and somewhat open ended question.

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This will be a little bit bias, as I am a fanboy, but I would say yes smile

3 years worth of Real Tracks, Real Drums and MIDI with good selection from genres you mentioned will give you quite a library upgrade.

Speaking of Library, in 2024 MTP Library was introduced. You get all of PGM content in a single tabbed picker, so you can audition and select wide range of content without opening different pickers from strange different places. Also this MTP picker is non-modal, so you can continue working while having it opened and audition or/and replace content on the fly. Several other useful tools became non-modal (will not lock you in the menu, until you exit out).

Generation times increased several folds, saves huge amount of time when making small changes. Near instant.
Track View was introduced. While not too convenient for audio recording, it's great for in line partial regeneration, which is a great feature to get RTs to fit better in your arrangement.

VST3 is finally here. Pretty stable with only few issues related to couple of specific plugins (Steinberg Halion7 is one of them)

And several others that somebody else can comment on.

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Quote
...and I use almost exclusively slower tempo smooth jazz, jazz, blues, soul, R&B type RealTracks and don't use MIDI
There have certainly been many new styles in those genres added in the past couple of years, the majority using RealTracks. I think you will like some of the additional material.


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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Rustyspoon# Super helpful. Thanks for taking the time to answer this open question!

Last edited by BackingTrack; 12/20/24 07:13 PM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Originally Posted by AudioTrack
Quote
...and I use almost exclusively slower tempo smooth jazz, jazz, blues, soul, R&B type RealTracks and don't use MIDI
There have certainly been many new styles in those genres added in the past couple of years, the majority using RealTracks. I think you will like some of the additional material.
Thanks so much for that feedback - very encouraging

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Bought the BIAB UltraPak upgrade to 2025. Thanks for the community's encouragement. Very pleased and the support from PG chat feature was just spectacular.

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PG Chat is usually(!) very good. You get a real person and usually one who does really know the products and who tries to be helpful.


Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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I've got a related question. I have BIAB 2021 Ultra-Pak. I also bought the extra style packs #1-#10 for $199.

I am thinking of upgrading to 2025 to increase the real tracks and styles.

My question. Should I pay another $199 to get the bundle of #1 to #19 style paks to get the missing extra 10 that I don't yet have.

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PG Music News
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Season's Greetings!

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Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

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You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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  • 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
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

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