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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,851
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,851 |
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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Joined: Jun 2005
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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: 426
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 426 |
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 2025W + 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: 426
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 426 |
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 2025W + 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: 3,851
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,851 |
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: 3,353
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353 |
+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: 24,041
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,041 |
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'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
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
Veteran
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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: 12,660
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,660 |
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: 1,165
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,165 |
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: 15,944
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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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