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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2002
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Didn't Real Band replace PT? What's the purpose of PT over RB?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1237)
64 bit application
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Boots faster, runs faster, more stable, way cheaper. If you don't need to generate realtracks, then Powertracks is the way to go.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 699
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 699 |
So, no Real Tracks in PT?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1237)
64 bit application
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Funk...
i started on powertracks years and years back.
imho its still a great app for peanuts cost.
i did a ton of my and third parties songs with it and it saved me thousands in
commercial studio time.
but as one can get bb and rb starting under a 100 bucks...for people who want to do lots of genning of tracks its prolly more worth considering as a better option.
just compare ptw and rb manuals to get a feel for differences in features.
in summary imho both pt and rb are great apps if a user is willing to delve into the huge number of audio and midi features in each.
talking of rb here rb 2025 boots up fast for me on a middle of the road pc.
fyi for years i used ptw then upgraded to basic bb/rb combo and did tons of songs with a reaps/bb/rb combo.
frankly i use reaps less these days due to recent rb improvements.
i also far prefer rb to the bb vst plugin as rb has lots of features and i'm spoilt in rb by a ton of tracks.
but thats me.
have a good one.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/15/25 02:52 PM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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I didn't mean to imply that RB was slow to boot - it boots fast enough, maybe five or ten seconds, but at random times it decides to take another few seconds to "initialise accompaniment functions" which interrupts my workflow. Powertracks, on the other hand boots almost instantly and is ready for work. I've used PT since it was MIDI only and I still think it is THE best DAW for tracking and editing that I've ever found and that includes the expensive big names. In the final analysis, I use RB and PT depending on the task in hand.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2000
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So, no Real Tracks in PT? No Realtracks, just Realdrums ( and those are limited).
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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ROG. no arguments from me re ptw. rb is basically ptw with added generation functions/pg content/rt's etc.. from what i see. other than that the deep audio/midi track features are the same. so as not to confuse new users i think there should be a comparison chart comparing features tween... ..bb ..bb vst plugin ..rb ..ptw. it might address some confusion out there as a result. fyi in pg tips forum are various sets of lovely plugins ive tested in rb. my focus was low pc resource useage. try them sometime in ptw....not to be underestimated. several blew my mind frankly. check out particularly these free (VERY LOW PC RESOURCE USEAGE) plugins in ptw that are highly regarded by many studios in the know. (just tons of plugins..)... the clever dsp engr focuses on simple easy to use guis rather than lots of flash. https://www.airwindows.com/airwindows-plugins-starter-kit/see also you tube for more details....and gearspace for user references//posts etc. eg... https://gearspace.com/board/music-computers/1199890-airwindows-plug-ins-so-good.htmlyou can get tons of aw plugins in one consolidated package and decide which ones you like. have a good one. om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/15/25 05:59 PM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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So, no Real Tracks in PT? Correct, that is the only difference. Boots faster, runs faster, more stable, way cheaper. If you don't need to generate realtracks, then Powertracks is the way to go. There should be no difference between PT and RB in speed or stability, given that they are 99% the same code. PowerTracks is developed from RealBand.
I work here
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Boots faster, runs faster, more stable, way cheaper. If you don't need to generate realtracks, then Powertracks is the way to go. There should be no difference between PT and RB in speed or stability, given that they are 99% the same code. PowerTracks is developed from RealBand. Hi Simon. Surely Realband was developed from Powertracks? I can only speak from my experience and Realband is a few seconds behind Powertracks, mainly as I said earlier, because of its need to "initialise accompaniment functions" which it usually does on boot, (but sometimes at a later random time). As for stability, I can't remember the last time PT crashed, but I do have RB hang on occasions. At the end of the day, I love both programs, so no criticism was intended.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Boots faster, runs faster, more stable, way cheaper. If you don't need to generate realtracks, then Powertracks is the way to go. There should be no difference between PT and RB in speed or stability, given that they are 99% the same code. PowerTracks is developed from RealBand. Hi Simon. Surely Realband was developed from Powertracks? I can only speak from my experience and Realband is a few seconds behind Powertracks, mainly as I said earlier, because of its need to "initialise accompaniment functions" which it usually does on boot, (but sometimes at a later random time). As for stability, I can't remember the last time PT crashed, but I do have RB hang on occasions. At the end of the day, I love both programs, so no criticism was intended. No criticism taken! PowerTracks was originally the basis for RealBand, but at some point development switched to focus on RealBand first. It's likely the "initialise accompaniment functions" is responsible for your slowdowns, as you mentioned.
I work here
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,988
PG Music Developer
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PG Music Developer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,988 |
Also, wanted to mention that RB 2025 has Stem Splitting and an AI Lyrics Widow which won’t be present in PT 2025.
Last edited by Jeff Yankauer; 02/08/25 04:38 PM.
Jeff Yankauer
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Thanks Jeff. I had been hoping for the stem splitter to be included, to give access to the new tech at a lower price, but the fact that it's in RB is good.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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ps...im haveing great fun in rb with the stem splitter with really old masters done in studios from my crazee rock times.
for example recently i brought a lead voc more to the front that had been buried a bit in the old master.
so far got no criticism. all i would ask is if it could be a six way split instead of 4....like some paid splitters.
Im wondering if i took a split track that had gtr and piano on it if i
then just split that would this seperate gtr and piano.
gonna do some tests....lots fun.
ps Simon still lovin my multi client audient interface.
not one prob with bb or rb. plus seperate 48v switches on both inputs that budget interfaces dont have often.
btw a new interface entrant is harrison icon 32 c interface.
mic pres apparently based on the pres used on lots of huge records eg thriller i understand and many others...and uses transformers.
not a lot of info at this time. see the net for more info.
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Take a guess what kind of mic was used on Thriller ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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I know that, along with Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson had a liking for the SM57, so I'd guess at that?
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Take a guess what kind of mic was used on Thriller .. I'd say the SM7 (iirc) was more influential to the sound than the mic preamp was
I work here
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Exactly.
The venerable & reliable SM57
Been used with just about every mic preamp made, and just keeps proving itself
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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from what ive seen in the past on these forums for potential new or recent new users ...various confusions re features of different
pg apps.
i suggest comparison lists or tables tween the various apps.
ie...
..bb
..rb
..ptw
..bb plugin
..bb ios plugin
and also might i suggest the table include mac and win diffs ??
as to 57 used it zillions of tmes.
but whats interesting me these days are mics with built in gain boosters. eg SE dynacaster.
i suggest people might look at such mics who have cheap audio interfaces with a low gain range....to save cranking the mic pre.
talking about mics...in my sig one of the songs used a very high end mic on the vocs. which song ? can you tell the diff from the other songs ?...lol. then ill do a reveal.
just fun.
back to ptw...given for under 100 buks one can get bb AND rb it might be of interest for some potential new users to look at that option ??
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 02/12/25 06:37 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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I love both my SM57's and my SM7B's - they're different, even if they're very similar. I have a zillion mics, but most often I end up using one of these two.
Mics with built in gain boosters - that sounds like a bandage fix, where a better preamp or interface would be a better option. If the gain booster is built into the mic (which likely costs a bit extra), then you'll probably need one for a different mic (which costs extra again). I've got a fair number of audio interfaces here, some old some new, so I've got a few mic boosters for when I need them - but the newer interfaces and my dedicated preamps tend not to need them. With my 3rd gen Scarlett's I think I only ever use one with the SM7B, but that mic is known for its low output (and is likely the reason why mic boosters exist).
I work here
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Simon.
re better usb audio interface....agreed.
frankly i cant believe some people use on board pc sound chips.
or sound devices not specifically built for song production.
so probs can ensue.
btw re sm7 there is a version now with built in booster.
i.m sure it will sell well.
happiness
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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