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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,792
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,792 |
So I bit the bullet and bought the UltraPlusDiddlyumpciousPak cause I knew I would need/want all the RealTracks. I started being impressed almost immediately!
Other online companies are very restrictive about how you can download your purchase but PG was very helpful and even encouraged using automated downloaders to make it easier for me (instead of easier on their servers)!
And, I was feeling pretty good about the fact that my purchase was on its way in the mail while I was already able to use everything once it downloaded! They even explain that you should download the program file first because it is smaller and that way you can use the program in basic mode while waiting for your RealTracks to download.
So I got everything downloaded and installed and started fiddling around with it. As some have pointed out the user interface takes a bit of getting used to but actually I found I was able to do basic stuff almost instantly. So no problems using the software.
And when I did hit a wall the user guide PDF, at over 600 pages, is very complete and easy to use so that's another plus.
I started entering chords for several songs I've written and then started experimenting with styles and again was simply blown away at how good the accompaniment sounds. And the level of control I have is simply amazing! I can change instruments on tracks, adjust volume, pan, reverb and a ton more. I can set bars to use certain tracks or not. I can even run instruments through effects processors. And I feel I have only scratched the surface of what this software can do!!!
OMG. I really cannot believe how cool this is! For much of my adult life I have been an avid PC gamer. Well, I don't see me playing many games any time in the near future. Now every time I sit down at the PC I want to fire up BIAB and compose something.
Thanks to PG Music for creating such an amazing program!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693
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There you go, man. Told ya...
Now I'll say the same thing I've said to everybody, learn Real Band at the same time you're learning Biab. Spend an hour with one and an hour with the other one. You won't regret it.
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: Dec 2009
Posts: 416
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 416 |
Same here... I am in awe evertime I fire it up ... The only software EVER for me which was not a grudge purchase
My buddies are beginning to think that BIAB could be some secret religion as i sound like a PG Disciple with the way that i explain to anyone who cares to listen how wonderful and fun this is and how my tireless band buddies are always ready to play with me
I'm doing allright for Country Trash ....
I used to care, but things have changed (Bob Dylan)
BIAB 2022W + RB
M-Audio FastTrack C600, Rode NT2-A
Digitech VoiceLive 4
Epiphone Sheraton, Ibanez 12str, Washburn 6str, Cort 6Str Nylon
Yanagisawa Tenor Sax
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 416
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 416 |
Got so carries away that i forgot my real intention for the post was to support Jazmammal in the advise is to get your head around Realband as well. Took me a while but i get the most productivity from using both
I'm doing allright for Country Trash ....
I used to care, but things have changed (Bob Dylan)
BIAB 2022W + RB
M-Audio FastTrack C600, Rode NT2-A
Digitech VoiceLive 4
Epiphone Sheraton, Ibanez 12str, Washburn 6str, Cort 6Str Nylon
Yanagisawa Tenor Sax
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,792
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,792 |
well, I loaded up RealBand but switched back to BIAB and Reaper cause its more familiar to me but I'll keep trying RealBand too!
ya know, I'm prolly not gonna share too much about my new secret weapon! If folks wanna think I've improved my playing or that I can afford to hire session guys, I think I'm willing to let em think that!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,348
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,348 |
+1 for RealBand. It really has to be one of the very best DAWs available and nothing else integrates so well with BiaB.
Also, +1 for PG Music - I've never heard anything but praise for their products and service.
ROG.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,280
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,280 |
I’m glad you are very happy with BiaB!
My advice to you is as little different than the previous posts and that is if you are happy with Reaper then stick with it. Learn BiaB as well as you can and learn how to interact it with Reaper via the plug in mode. This should expedite your BiaB learning curve. If at a later date you want to learn another DAW then you have RB already on you system.
RB is an excellent DAW but if you are familiar and like another DAW why change?
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor.
It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
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: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
There are a bunch of people here who only use Real Band. The main reason I use Biab is the ability to hear your song faster and audition styles quicker, but once I have a chord progression and style then saved in RB it loads instantly. There are some functions RB can do that no other DAW can do. I agree with Bob you won't regret it!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,278
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,278 |
Quote:
My advice to you is as little different than the previous posts...
I agree with Mario - hehe 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
ya know, I'm prolly not gonna share too much about my new secret weapon! If folks wanna think I've improved my playing or that I can afford to hire session guys, I think I'm willing to let em think that!
That is actually a wise thing to do, simply because most folks (and LOTS of musicians!) do not understand the full nature of the program at all, tending to think that it is merely "just recordings from a computer" etc.
But I have *always* been that way about Recordings. Just put it on and let it play, don't explain *anything* before or after and then see what the listeners have to say about it.
The wise Music Producer does not tip the hand.
Have Fun,
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,090
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,090 |
I agree with Mac. Keep it under wraps until someone asks. I produced an album for a singer-songwriter this past spring using BIAB mostly for drums, bass, and piano. But on one song I used just 2 fingerpicked RT acoustic guitars (6 and 12-string) panned left and right. Totally exposed. They sound wonderful and I am sure most listeners think I played them. (I did play guitar and mandolin on most of the other songs.) I was going to replace them but realized I couldn't do any better or have them sound as good.
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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 |
I use it live & NEVER tell anyone what it is. I always say"Oh I do all of the tracks either myself or with Real Musicians that have been paid to play the tracks for me."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
First, really enjoy reading the excitement about PG products.
I still do get worked up when using.
Second I purchased Power Tracks Pro in 2005.
Hence had a bit of experience when using RB.
All of above comments are fully applicable.
But at least take a good run at RB.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
JJJ,
I want to reiterate my welcome to you in this community. It's great to see the appreciation of and enthusiasm for this (IMO) underrated product. We all know how great it is; the rest of the world, not so much. More in a moment.
Your gamer's attitude may stand you in good stead with BIAB as you get under the hood to discover the wealth of features and degree of control. Not that there is any way to keep score, but I suspect that you will be digging around for a good while looking for all the "Easter eggs."
I echo the sentiment to get familiar with Real Band (somewhat ironically, since I haven't been a big user myself in the past). If nothing else it will let you work out extended BIAB arrangements in the PG environment before porting into your sequencer of choice.
I also recommend that you consider BIAB something of a secret weapon, keeping it under your hat unless asked. That goes doubly for musicians. The responses I have gotten to revealing the use of BIAB have been about equivalent to springing Amway or my religion on someone who really isn't interested, i.e., far less than positive. The comments above say much about this. Instead, just use it, enjoy it, get good at it, and amaze everyone.
I look forward to your new creations with great interest.
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 45
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 45 |
MarioD you said: Learn BiaB as well as you can and learn how to interact it with Reaper via the plug in mode. This should expedite your BiaB learning curve.
I too use Reaper but I can't get it to interact with BIAB. The only way I can use them together is to build my song then,render it THEN import it into Reaper. Is there an easier way? Sure is a pain to go through all that only to have to re-build and render again when you have to change something!
I guess I don't know how to use the plug in mode. Can you take me by the hand and walk me through it? I guess I'm kinda dumb about things like that.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,831
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,831 |
Debby, You should watch the video - Drag n Drop to DAW Tutorial on this page http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.demos.htmWe show you how you can export tracks out of Band-in-a-Box and into Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as RealBand, Reaper, & Sonar.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693 |
Debbie and JJJ, please remember Real Band directly opens Biab files and generates Real Tracks/Drums and all Biab midi parts. That's the big deal about working with it. The only thing with RB is it's slower at generating those parts than Biab is so we all develop our own way of using both programs to do what we need.
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 2009
Posts: 92
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 92 |
I'm pretty fond of Reaper myself I've messed with RealBand but I just can't seem to get into it. There are some features I really like about Realband but I need to really work on some projects with it to get more familiar. Reaper just seems to be be layed out better (IMHO) I'm sure there are many guys out there who can make Realband Rock! I'm not one of them. As far as BIAB, enjoy the ride my friend!
Dell Studio 16 Laptop i7 with 256 gig SSD
BIAB, Reaper, Encore, Sibelius
Roland SD-50
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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
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