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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Lindsayward, welcome to the forum.
Version 2006 was before RealDrums (Dec. 2006) and RealTracks (Dec. 2007?). Rharv is right, you'll be amazed at the difference. It's far more than a few differences in features.
However, you asked specifically about the interface. This has not changed as substantially (maybe the mixer is the major addition, and VST handling) so you will immediately feel right at home. You'll just have a ton of great stuff added from which to choose.
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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Yeah, that's like saying a 1929 Ford Model T has 4 wheels, brake and gas pedals and a steering wheel so that means the 2012 model is similar right? Uhh, no.
I wouldn't have a clue where to begin to list the differences. Let's see, Real Tracks/Drums, multiple VST's, Freeze Tracks, the Mixer, vastly better time stretch/pitch shift of audio, Drag and Drop to a DAW, the Conductor, the mind boggles.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Quote:
its here!
http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.htm
It is! And it's even got madd2 chords at long last! Whoo hoo! 
I'm in! Downloading it now... 
Last edited by pinglis; 08/04/12 03:08 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Thanks for the welcome - hopefully I'm not so "suspect" now  I'm waiting for all those GBs to download, so I haven't got my hands on the RealTracks yet. It seems like those are the main differences. I switched to the Coyote VSTi for MIDI playback but couldn't really tell the difference. Not sure if I'm doing something wrong, but it sounds the same as 2006 or the stock MIDI option. ... PRO part downloaded, MEGA to come ... OK, now playing my first sample song with RealTracks - VERY nice! This is going to make my play-along practice a more enjoyable and "real" experience. I'm smiling 
BIAB 2012.5 (upgraded from 2006), Windows 7 64-bit. Guitarist and Worship Leader from Townsville, Australia
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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You said Coyote VSTi. If the word Forte is not in there then there is no difference from your basic Windows midi sound. All the Coyote does is allow you to do fast rendering and play along with less latency. The actual sound quality is still your basic el cheapo Windows Wavetable. You now have Supertracks. You must save up and buy a good midi synth. Listen to the demo's Peter posted using Garritan. A good synth meand good midi sound.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Thanks for the reply. I'm glad I couldn't hear the difference if there wasn't one  I have used Garritan (orchestral version) for Finale and it's great indeed. I've also got Kontakt 3, but it seems like overkill for a nicer sound to practise with. What is the "Forte" thing you mention?
BIAB 2012.5 (upgraded from 2006), Windows 7 64-bit. Guitarist and Worship Leader from Townsville, Australia
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Coyote Forte is a General MIDI soft synth that will work on 64-bit systems. It is available through PG Music.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2004
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I use Coyote Forte on my Win7 laptop and have to say that the sounds...especially the RT sounds are "really good." WAY good enough for woodshed practice and a serious contender for use on gigs.
I haven't done the 12.5 upgrade but I assume the new midi tracks will sould really good too.
Having said all that...I've been looking into the Garritan Jazz & big Band product and the sounds are just awesome!
For "a buck and a half" or so, it is RAPIDLY moving up on my list of must have stuff.
Best, Jim
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Yes I also use Forte but am considering Gsrritan. Is it worth the upgrade? The demo on the GPO site is outstanding, but this does not necessarilt mean that BIAB would sound good. I also wonder what the set up is like is it simple?
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Quote:
Yes I also use Forte but am considering Gsrritan. Is it worth the upgrade? The demo on the GPO site is outstanding, but this does not necessarilt mean that BIAB would sound good. I also wonder what the set up is like is it simple?
I too would be greatly interested in a discussion of Garritan...in the context of its functionality in BIAB...thereby making such a discussion appropriate to this forum.
I would be especially interested in how "idiot proof" the installation of Garritan is within BIAB is. (a requirement in my case) (-:
I am also interested in how correct...or incorrect...my assumptions about Garritan are which are....it is a software "sample player" which I assume are digital samples and therefore more like RealTracks than "tweaked midi" (no disrespect re: tweaked midi which can be made to sound very good).
THANKS!!!!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Quote:
I use Coyote Forte on my Win7 laptop and have to say that the sounds...especially the RT sounds are "really good." WAY good enough for woodshed practice and a serious contender for use on gigs.
Jim, not sure if you know what you wrote here. The midi synth you use has nothing to do with how the Real Tracks sound. Bob's Mantra: "Midi is not audio, audio is not midi.....Ommmmmmm."
Your last question about Garritan also needs explanation. The Forte DXi is a GM synth, Garritan is not. The difference is convenience and ease of use. The big deal about GM is all you do is pick the synth and all the instruments load and are ready for use. When you pick your song in Biab, it just plays. A non GM synth is completely different. The samples are usually too large to load and they're not organized to the GM standard anyway. That means you have to manually select each instrument first, then hit play. When you pick another song you have to do that again.
Some people when they realize that difference decide that the better sounds of a non GM synth isn't worth the bother of having to set up each song manually just for casual listening or playing around. If there's a song you really want to sound the best, you're going to put it on a CD to send out to friends or whatever then you do it with the better synth and make a real production out of it. All of this is simply your choice as to how you want to work.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
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Journeyman
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Jazzmammal wrote..."Jim, not sure if you know what you wrote here. "
HA!! I knew what I wrote...but obviously didn't write what I know.
Thanks Jazzmamman!
Sometimes...too often...I seem to be able to type faster than I think!! I knew that RT is audio and midi is midi. Just a brain cramp. Thanks for pointing that out.
Re: Garritan and GM in general I was NOT aware that Garritan is not GM-based and for the exact reasons you so kindly explained, you just saved me $150.00!! Garritan would be overkill for my uses...especially with the seemingly constant improvement in the BIAB sounds.
THANKS!
Now, I'll go into the closet and shake until my embarrassment wears off!!
(-:
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693
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Quote:
Now, I'll go into the closet and shake until my embarrassment wears off!!
Sounds like a song to me...
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Thanks for the responses. I'm downloading the Coyote Forte demo now. Are there other GM synths worth comparing for this? I know there are lots out there; I'm asking if anyone has any recommendations - are any better than Coyote Forte?
BIAB 2012.5 (upgraded from 2006), Windows 7 64-bit. Guitarist and Worship Leader from Townsville, Australia
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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This is a good question that gets asked periodically, but it will be buried here. May I suggest you start a new thread?
I can't advise because I'm still using a hardware synth from Roland.
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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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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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!
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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.
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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)
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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.
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-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
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- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
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- 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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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