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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232 |
Hi Gang. I just had a great phone call with PG, but I still am a bit confused why there are two routes of upgrading my 2025 UltraPak. One is the 2025/2026 UltraPak upgrade which PG tells me is in one big install of any components that I do not have and it does not overwrite any material I already have. The other option is the 2026 PlusPak Upgrade which they tell me relegates me to two download processes if I need to reload everything in the future rather than one reload if I buy the more expensive upgrade version. This seems quite odd to me and frankly I really don't understand it and the nice guy at PG told me that he thinks it is curious as well. The price difference is $50. $149 for the UltraPak upgrade and $99 for the PlusPak upgrade. He tells me there is no real difference in the assets in each option. Can any of you put me out of my misery trying to understand this? Thanks so much. Like the older parts of the UI, this choice is hard to navigate!! 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 18
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 18 |
The Band-in-a-Box® UltraPAK is a comprehensive package that includes over 5,100 RealTracks/RealDrums, more than 7,500 styles (RealStyles & MIDI Styles), and over 4,500 hours of studio recording content.
It serves as a foundational package with extensive content across various genres and features like MIDI SuperTracks, Artist Performances, and MIDI Soloists.
In contrast, the 2026 PlusPAK is an upgrade package that requires either the 2025 UltraPAK or UltraPAK+ to be purchased.
It includes version 2026 program updates and 202 new RealTracks (Sets 468–488), adding approximately 200 hours of new content.
The PlusPAK is not a standalone package but rather an add-on designed to enhance existing UltraPAK or UltraPAK+ installations.
While the UltraPAK provides a vast library of content, the PlusPAK focuses on incremental updates and new additions, making it suitable for users already invested in the UltraPAK ecosystem.
You are getting 200 new style track plus the Free 2026 Bonus Pak.
Last edited by fitzy; 12/10/25 04:39 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232 |
The Band-in-a-Box® UltraPAK is a comprehensive package that includes over 5,100 RealTracks/RealDrums, more than 7,500 styles (RealStyles & MIDI Styles), and over 4,500 hours of studio recording content.
It serves as a foundational package with extensive content across various genres and features like MIDI SuperTracks, Artist Performances, and MIDI Soloists.
In contrast, the 2026 PlusPAK is an upgrade package that requires either the 2025 UltraPAK or UltraPAK+ to be purchased.
It includes version 2026 program updates and 202 new RealTracks (Sets 468–488), adding approximately 200 hours of new content.
The PlusPAK is not a standalone package but rather an add-on designed to enhance existing UltraPAK or UltraPAK+ installations.
While the UltraPAK provides a vast library of content, the PlusPAK focuses on incremental updates and new additions, making it suitable for users already invested in the UltraPAK ecosystem.
You are getting 200 new style track plus the Free 2026 Bonus Pak. Thank you. I do understand all of that and I do have the 2025 UltraPak. Is using the 2026 UltraPak upgrade route then a waste of money for me, since I already have the 2025 UltraPak? (I suspect this option is really designed for people upgrading from lesser Paks such as the ProPak or MegaPak) Is there anything I miss out on my going with the cheaper $99 2026 PlusPak upgrade? The PG person had me a bit confused about differences in install procedures between the two. Seems silly to waste $50 if not needed.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,401
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,401 |
The PlusPak 2026 upgrade is designed to be installed over the top of your current BIAB 2025. By installing over the top of your existing installation, you literally convert your 2025 UltraPak into the 2026 UltraPak. The 49Pak is extra whatever route you decide to go. This extra add-on contains some additional material that is not in either the 2026 UltraPak or the 2026 PlusPak.
Most people on here who use the UltraPak, upgrade on a yearly basis using the PlusPak. For years, I used the PlusPak to convert each of my previous year's version of the program into the most recent version.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,341
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,341 |
"Is there anything I miss out on my going with the cheaper $99 2026 PlusPak upgrade?" NO.
You should purchase the PlusPak. It is an upgrade to your 2025 UltraPak. It will include all of the new content while saving all of your previous contents, i.e. styles, RTs, RDs, etc.
I have been getting the PlusPaks for a number of years now.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232 |
Thank you for these answers! After talking with PG again they kept mentioning one downside to the PlusPak upgrades especially if done year after year. They said that IF you have to do a reinstall, or reinstall to a new computer, then you have to install piece meal and sequentially. So as in my case, reinstall 2025 UltraPak then after that is finished, install PlusPak 2006. If you continue to buy sequential PlusPaks over the next several years, then you can have a very long chain of sequential installs. Also if you have bought add-ons, those will have to be reinstalled individually as well. So they recommended for ease of recovery, the more expensive UltraPak upgrade is much more convenient for these possible eventualities.
Does anyone here have any experience with this reinstalling issue?
Last edited by Moonbeam9067; 12/10/25 06:38 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,401
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,401 |
The information about re-installing is correct. The net result with however you reinstall, though, is that the total number of files that end up in the \bb\ installation are exactly the same. For example, lets say that BIAB 2025 has 20,000 files (this is just a random number) and BIAB 2026 has 25,000 files (another random number). This means that to go from BIAB 2025 to 2026, 5,000 files need to be added and the engines that drive BIAB need to be updated. The PlusPak contains the extra files. The USB drive with the complete install of 2026, also has the same 25,000 files that are used to create \bb\ installation.
With PG Music's installation manager, it really isn't an issue to install the parent version and then the upgrades. The installation process is very streamlined these days.
I'm not sure if you're aware, but PG Music have a refund policy that operates within 30 days of purchase. If you purchase the PlusPak and then decide you want the full installation on a USB drive, PG Music will definitely look after you. They are the best company that I have ever dealt with on the internet.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232 |
The information about re-installing is correct. The net result with however you reinstall, though, is that the total number of files that end up in the \bb\ installation are exactly the same. For example, lets say that BIAB 2025 has 20,000 files (this is just a random number) and BIAB 2026 has 25,000 files (another random number). This means that to go from BIAB 2025 to 2026, 5,000 files need to be added and the engines that drive BIAB need to be updated. The PlusPak contains the extra files. The USB drive with the complete install of 2026, also has the same 25,000 files that are used to create \bb\ installation.
With PG Music's installation manager, it really isn't an issue to install the parent version and then the upgrades. The installation process is very streamlined these days.
I'm not sure if you're aware, but PG Music have a refund policy that operates within 30 days of purchase. If you purchase the PlusPak and then decide you want the full installation on a USB drive, PG Music will definitely look after you. They are the best company that I have ever dealt with on the internet. Noel thanks so much for your usual super clear response! I feel more informed now and will probably go the PlusPak route which saves some money. Good for me because really all I want is two of the new jazz Paks and will probably enjoy the upgraded UI. If one really wanted to reduce the cost of upgrading, then the cheapest method would be a full upgrade every two years which would pencil out to $75 a year. (just did this calculation for fun). Thanks again Noel; I so value your help!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,341
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,341 |
FYI - there are programs that will transfer programs from one computer to another. Someday I will be getting a Win 11 system for my studio. I am planning on using one of these programs. Hopefully it will move all of my PGM software, and other software, to my Win 11 computer. Here are a couple of those programs: https://www.easeus.com/pc-transfer-software/pctrans-pro.htmlhttps://www.diskpart.com/partition-manager-pro-edition.html?prevod=%2Farticles%2Ftransfer-installed-program-to-another-pc-windows-10-0825 Does anyone have any experience with such a transfer program? Note that I am talking about software programs and not files like pictures, MS word, excel, etc.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232 |
Hi MarioD. You can use an old HD in a new machine OR if you want an upgraded HD (perhaps to SSD) and one usually does, I use a cloning software to clone the old drive to a new one and then use that new cloned HD in the new computer. Now if your old computer was on say, Windows 10 and you cannot upgrade it to Windows 11 first (perhaps because of the MS restrictions on Win 11 compatible hardware) then it becomes a little more complicated. You might have to put a Win 10 clone into the new computer and then upgrade the OS to win 11. I have not had that experience because whenever I have cloned and moved, I am not changing OS version, but I suspect it can be done.
Cloning software I have used has either been a utility included in a virus scan product or in a backup program product. (currently I am using Hasleo free backup software and I see that it does have a variety of cloning tools). One usually needs an external HD adapter into which to place the new internal HD so that the clone can take place from your Computer to this new HD. Then you just place the newly cloned HD (take it out of the external case and put it into the new computer) and boot.
I just recently did this on a new computer. I hope some of these comments helped.
Last edited by Moonbeam9067; 12/11/25 10:21 AM.
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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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