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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7 |
I purchased this http://www.janetdavismusic.com/s-bndbx.html after calling both the dealer and PG with several questions. My objective is simple. My kids are all learning Bluegrass fiddle and the "learning by ear" system is impossible to manage. I need to create practice tracks for all their songs, so they can practice effectively when I am out of town for work. Where do I get started finding styles that sound professional? All I can find is horrible midi sound. So far this experience has been the same as everything else, plenty of salesmen, no real answers, no one there to help, total self-service, a random list of files. I may commit arson soon.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7 |
I will call on Monday. No help = send this back
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199 |
Hi Digittydog, Welcome to the forum of users. BIAB will do what you want it to. How "professional" it sounds will depend on the Realtracks that came with the version your bought. For your reference, Realtracks are professional musicians' performances that BIAB pitch-shifts to play with the chords entered. They sound amazing. If you have a listen to the Realtracks at the link below, you'll hear what I mean. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.realtracks.htmI had a look at the webpage you've given and there's no real indication as to what Realtracks were included in the package. My impression of Janet's webpage is that the $99.95 Bluegrass Pak is an entry level version of BIAB that Janet has put together for a specific purpose. If you have a look at the various versions of BIAB that PG Music sell (see link below), you'll see what I mean. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htmWhat you can try, is to click on the "Styles" button, in the "Category" window, under "Country" select "Bluegrass", and have a look ans see what styles you have (these are to the right of the Category window). The styles that begin with _ or = include Realtracks and will sound professional. Styles that don't have _ or = at the beginning are MIDI styles. To open a particular style, simply double-click on it or select it and choose "OK".  Note that MIDI styles can certainly sound very professional but they are highly dependent on the synthesizer that drives the sound. With basic Windows/Mac sounds, MIDI tends to sound a little underwhelming. With a good software or hardware synthesizer, though, the sound is very impressive. For most of my songs, I tend to use a combination of MIDI and Realtracks. Hope this helps, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Yes, The package you bought looks to be the midi-only version. BIAB has versions now that have "real tracks" in them that sound great -- but they cost a lot more. Now the midi stuff will sound pretty good, too -- if you have sound modules that "interpret" the midi directions into good sounding audio. Just remember that midi is just 1's and 0's -- no sound at all. Your default PC soundcard has the standard general midi mapping that, well, sounds cheesy. Don't despair -- I think you can make drums, bass, piano backing tracks that can sound pretty good with just about any flavor of sound card. I'll be out of town for a few days, but the folks around here are friendly and will help you out. Kevin P.S. Here's a few "bluegrassy" type tunes I did with BIAB real tracks as the backing band: You Start Things Spinning: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=1144009&songID=10315908Hey, Hey: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=1144009&songID=10282177Won and Lost: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=620106&songID=6137590
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,656
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,656 |
Quote:
Where do I get started finding styles that sound professional? All I can find is horrible midi sound. So far this experience has been the same as everything else, plenty of salesmen, no real answers, no one there to help, total self-service, a random list of files.
No salesmen here only users - and for the most part satisfied users. BIAB is not a DVD you ploup the kids in front of and tell them to sit and watch it until you come home. It is also not a toy which provides instant gratification. It is a serious musical education that requires the users time and effort. I would suggest you go to work and tell the kids to visit this forum and ask questions and learn for other experienced users of the application. You may be surpirzed at what they are able to accomplish when you return. Sorry to sound blunt - I am having a bad day. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,656
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,656 |
Quote:
Now the midi stuff will sound pretty good, too -- if you have sound modules that "interpret" the midi directions into good sounding audio. Just remember that midi is just 1's and 0's -- no sound at all. Your default PC soundcard has the standard general midi mapping that, well, sounds cheesy.
I am feeling a little better now. Again hope I didn't come across rude.
Kevin is right on here. So tell us what are you using as a midi sound module? If it is the default PC sound card then your ears are likly correct in that it sounds "cheezy". There is a free 30 day download of an excellent DXi synth which provide far superior Midi Sound. check it out.
http://www.pgmusic.com/coyotefortedxi.htm
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 67
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 67 |
+1 for the Forte Dxi vsti. Good sounds for a tiny price.
The other way to have good midi sounds is to buy an external soundmodule like the Ketron SD2. It's not the same price but it is really good for acoustic sounds.
Free tools for Biab: Biab Scales and BIArpeggio to practice scales/arpeggio Biab Explorer: the other song picker
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 108
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 108 |
Hello, We are certainly here to help. These are our user forums, so if you'd like to get in touch with us directly, we'd be happy to speak with you and provide advice and answers to your questions. Please feel free to call us or visit us on Live Chat (our hours and all contact details are linked in my signature). Regarding your issue, if you'd like professional sounding bluegrass, you can certainly improve your MIDI sound as advised above. For the most realistic sound, you may also be interested in our Bluegrass RealTracks - in particular, RealTracks Sets 11,12,33,62,96,121,153. You can preview them on our RealTracks page: http://www.pgmusic.com/realtracks.all.php?os=win You can purchase any of these individually for $29, or in a Country RealPAK (Volume 1 contains sets 11,12,33 and a lot of other Country RealTracks & Drums!). Again, feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Best regards, Will
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7 |
My kids are baby, 3 1/2, 6, and 8. They can't do it.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,658
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,658 |
I am confused diggity, what are you looking for? and how can we help?
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,714
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,714 |
I may be wrong but I feel a slight leg pull here.
Later,
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491 |
I wonder if he's related to my cross-dressing Ukranian friend?!!  Joe G.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7 |
Joe: I have no idea what that means.
All: I am a newbe to recording, pro audio, and band in a box. Do do understand music, chrods, etc.
Without rehashing the above... I am someone who looked all over the website at real track demos, styles, and more. I realized I could create practice tracks for my kids fiddle studies. My oldest 2 kids take lessons. My 7 1/2 year old has 30- 40 tunes and plays in OTF contests. Dad can't strum with her every night for long periods, and has to be out of town as a traveling salesman every week for a couple of days.
I wanted the sounds I heard in the bluegrass related real tracks.
I was confused by the number of packages offered.
I called PG sales 3 times and spoke to a female sales rep.
I called Janet Davis music multiple times because they are a dealer and specialize in bluegrass related stuff.
Both parties were polite.
It was still unclear if the "bluegrass pack" being offered would do what I needed or not, but I was told it had realistic enough sounds for performance backing tracks.
This was not the case.
I should have purchased the ultra plus or everything pack,
Yesterday I called PG tech support and got some questions answered. I also upgraded to Ultra plus package. Since downloading certain real tracks, I am on my way.
I still have some questions, but will try and put those in the appropriate places.
Thanks for your time and effort to help.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,341
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,341 |
DiggityDog, that's good you got help, and PG Music's support is indeed great. You might do us a favor by posting those solutions, so we can help others when that problem shows up again.
Never mind the unusual comments, they are making an inside joke based on some of the odd folks who have appeared here in the past. We all welcome you to the forum. You will be helping others soon.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491 |
Yes welcome!Obviously no relation to the aforementioned "friend"  ....as Matt said , there have been some very odd people trying to cause a few problems in the past. This is a really helpful & friendly forum.....plenty of expertise.....you'll always find help & answers to most problems. Welcome again!  Joe G.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,714
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,714 |
I said I might be wrong . . . now Joe and his cross dressing friend hmmmmm that is another can of beans. Welcome!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Band in a box real tracks is what you really need. Try sampling a few utube videos or go to the PG site. To my ears MIDI is never satisfactory. Rest assured that with real tracks you will be able to create authentic bluegrass, or at least country style tracks in a variety of genres all in less than a minute (once you know how to neter chords). Thats the great thing about BIAB it may be quirky, but it gets you playing immediately. The demos are easy for YOU to create Upgrade 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,658
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,658 |
One thing to keep in mind, while Zee is right, midi in it's simple state, (using a cheap synth) does not sound great, it can be just fine for a play along practice pal, and not too easily overlooked. There are a ton of blue grass tunes to play with in the BB folder on installation.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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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 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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
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