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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28 |
Hi again!
WOW!!! I was completely blown away by the response I got to my first post where I asked "What's my best choice?" I was expecting to wait many days for a response, and even then, I expected only one or two replies. What can I say, except to thank everyone: <Greg64(Greg), Ryszard, Mac, MarioD, Danny C, av84fun(Jim), eddie1261, ZerZero, dcuny, TommyC, MikeK, jford, jazzmammal(Bob), flatfoot, and Matt Finley for your wonderful and most welcome replies ... and also a thank you in advance to any other members who may reply after I have posted this.
I included all the names of those above because I wanted to thank you ALL individually, not just for the knowledge you shared with me and the guidance you offered, but for the amount of time you set aside from your busy schedules to help me. Words can't express my gratitude. THANK YOU ALL, VERY MUCH! (Does this sound like an acceptance speech for an Academy Award? I hope not! LOL.
Okay, after hearing what you all had to say and the absolute enthusiasm you all share for this unique program, I am now pretty much darn sold on the whole concept of BiaB and a purchase in the very near future ... (After I mortgage the house and sell the kids, of course! <Hmmm! Tempting idea ... the kids, that is.>)
I have listened to many of the demos on the PG home page and I like what I hear. I actually found myself putting lyrics to some of the demos and my thought processes and creative juices began flowing like melted butter. Very inspiring! And my gut instinct, and that little voice inside me was screaming out ... "Just buy the damn thing, will ya, and start making music!" I will be checking out the user demos over the weekend. I recently located my old version of Kontakt 2 (bought in 2007) that I have never used simply because of other commitments over the years and the need to build a more powerful system than that of my old Apple computer. Owning Kontakt 2 makes me eligible for an inexpensive upgrade to Kontakt 5 if I choose. My new computer systems' OS is Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit, so I'm not sure if my version of Kontakt 2 will work on my system though. I hope it does. If it doesn't, then I will consider the inexpensive upgrade path to Kontak 5.
I know BiaB / Real Band comes with a DAW of some kind, but I have read exceptional things about Reaper. I would like to give this a try. It only cost $60 but apparently is still up there with the bigger names like Cubase, Logic etc. but at a much cheaper price. I would hope one day PG Music DOES decide to incorporate something in its program to accommodate the more classical / orchestral styles of compositions.
I do have a few more questions regarding certain hardware and audio/MID interfaces, but I will leave these for another time to post.
Thank you all again, and have a wonderful weekend,
Kindest regards
Dome
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,580
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,580 |
--> Like.
Reaper is excellent for the money. Just to make sure it's clear, when some of us referred to a sequencer software, we were referring to a DAW. Examples include RealBand, SONAR, Reaper, Logic, ProTools, etc. There is one major advantage of RealBand (besides it being free with BIAB) that is the reason I recommend you start with that first, and the reason is that it reads the BIAB files directly. With any other DAW, you will need to export tracks or do what BIAB calls Drag 'n Drop to get tracks into the DAW, and you will lose the chord symbols. The BIAB song format is proprietary, but since PG Music also makes RealBand, it alone can read this format. There are a few other minor subtleties about this, but for now, until Music XML is fully supported, RealBand is your best bet starting out.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 98
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 98 |
Dome,
You have just gone through a similar situation as my own, just about a week ago. I was blown away by the warm, receptive responses by many folks on here and their sage advice with helping make my purchase decision. They continue to be an invaluable resource and I'm confident you'll have similar experiences. I have to say, one week in, I have no regrets whatsoever. Once you get started, I'm sure you'll find your creativity opening up like you never imagined!
Welcome and congrats on your forthcoming purchase. Now let the good times roll!
Living in The Music City
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,601
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,601 |
Hi Dome, Quote:
I know BiaB / Real Band comes with a DAW of some kind, but I have read exceptional things about Reaper. I would like to give this a try. It only cost $60 but apparently is still up there with the bigger names like Cubase, Logic etc. but at a much cheaper price.
The DAW in the BIAB/RB partnership is Realband. It's unique in that it works exclusively with BIAB-created files and offers a nearly seamless integration with BIAB.
The above being said, I'm a Reaper user, too. My workflow practice is
- Create the song in BIAB.
- Find the best assortment of tracks to use in RB.
- Add instrumental fill-ins in RB.
- Finish off in Reaper (I love the ease of cutting / pasting as well as the extensive envelope control of just about every function that Reaper offers).
While Reaper is $60, you do not need to buy it up-front to use it. It comes as a trial and will still work even when the trial period is up. What it does is to remind you that you are past the trial date; it doesn't stop working or lose any functionality.
Just thought I'd share the above with you for what it's worth.
All the best,
Noel
P.S. My personal favorite is the UltraPlusPAK. I've found that this package provides just about everything one can get for BIAB/RB (i.e. Realdrums, Realtracks, Styles). I keep upgrading to this level and it does me just right.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
I just loaded Kontakt 2 on my Granddaughter's Win 7 laptop and it worked just fine.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Maybe you know this but in case you don't.
The DAW program you use has no influence on the quality of the sound you get. The sound card is what provides the sound.I guarantee, and so does PG,that unless you're doing all sorts of automation etc. RealBand will do everything you need and more. Some of these other progs can be very convoluted.
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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 |
Ok .. be sure to check out KVR if you are going to get a sequencer - lots of freebie stuff and much of pro quality. It even has free sequencers http://www.kvraudio.com/q.phpCheck out crystal for a free synth and and and.... there are hudreds , even thousands... take care to keep focussed in your new |Virtual Dimension
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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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,598
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,598 |
BIAB and Reaper are the two main programs I use in my own projects. BIAB is unique and Reaper is, in my opinion, absolutely the best DAW you can find today for the money. It's very intuitive, pretty easy to learn (it comes with a great manual), includes a bunch of great plugins and it's so powerful (and even more) than much more expensive DAWs.
I absolutely recommend both of them.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459 |
Welcome, and, yeah, Reaper's pretty darn cool. I should use RealBand more than I do, but I use BIAB all the time. Amazing stuff.
Definitely follow ZeroZero's advice -- KVR is a treasure trove, and a lot of the best stuff is free or inexpensive. As he mentioned, Crystal is way cool. I'm also very fond of the Alchemy Player, AAS Player, synths by HG Fortune, plugins by Variety of Sound, and the free synth Tyrell N6 by u-he. And don't forget Audacity, which is all you'll likely ever need for audio processing.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
.
>>>.... Words can't express my gratitude....>>>
Actually you do a real good job of expressing gratitude.
-jdw
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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 |
Now how about lenfing me a hundred bucks? 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Now how about lenfing me a hundred bucks?
Um, gave it up for Lenf?
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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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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
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Forums57
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