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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: 19,839
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,839 |
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: 12,274
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,274 |
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: 12,274
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,274 |
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 – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
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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: 8,504
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,504 |
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: 6,706
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706 |
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: 27,058
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,058 |
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; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, 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: 6,706
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706 |
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: 1,809
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,809 |
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: 8,504
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,504 |
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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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
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
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
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!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
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
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 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.
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 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.
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
Join the conversation on our forum.
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