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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,962
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,962 |
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: 7,697
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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: 430
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 430 |
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 2026W + 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: 430
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 430 |
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 2026W + 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: 3,962
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,962 |
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: 3,366
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,366 |
+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: 24,939
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,939 |
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?
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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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Veteran
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: 13,040
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,040 |
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
Veteran
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Veteran
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: 1,199
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,199 |
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: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
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: 7,697
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
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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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
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Saturday, May 16: Closed
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Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
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Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
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®!
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