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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90 |
Hello,
I have band in a box 2012 ultra plus pak, and pretty happy with it, seems quite a mature product, loads of realtracks and styles that I can choose from.
Other than the just realeased realtracks and new midi sets with band in a box ultra pak 2013 is there anything else that really blows you away?
I have looked at the new features list but can't see anything really.
I just feel that I have more than enough realtracks already to choose from, though I realise that opinions can vary on this.
Is there anything else in 13 that really stands out as a great feature?
Thanks for any advice.
Martin
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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 |
It all depends on what you do and how you do it. Do you ever post your songs on the internet like Soundcloud or Dropbox? Ever print to a PDF? If so there's some cool stuff with that.
A big one to me is Sampletank with PG's new Hi-Q instruments. Those load from the Biab instrument buttons and don't require you to configure ST to play. Very cool. If you want to use any of the huge library of IKM sounds with ST then you do have to configure ST first. But, if you never use midi synths and only use the RT's then this won't matter to you.
Second is the new A,B,C,D song sections. Very cool, this is something that's been asked about for years.
Another big thing to some people are the reverb defaults. All tracks including RD's load with some reverb on them but people who like to work with raw tracks and mix and master later don't like that. They want all the tracks dry so there's a default option for that. Again, maybe that matters to you, maybe not.
If you've read the new features doc and nothing jumps out at you then you're set for now.
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: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
Hi Martin, I'd recommend watching the video for BiaB 2013 video, it shows you the new features, and plays some of the RealTracks. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.demos.htmRemember that there was a 2012.5 update as well, which had 101 RealTracks on it. So that's a total of 202 new RealTracks. It depends what style of music you are playing, but there are lots of great blues/rock/jazz/country players in the newest RealTracks. As for the new features, here are the ones that I use the mos for BiaB 2013 (compared to BiaB 2012) : Hi-Q MIDI sounds: The piano in particular is real nice and better than our existing sounds. Also nice strings (about 20 sounds total) MIDI SuperTracks (like RealTracks, except for MIDI)... added in 2012. They are most effective for piano (when combined with the Hi-Q Piano sound), and work at any tempo/key, and you can edit them. Horn Section RealTracks. We added 202 RealTracks since 2012, but the Horn RealTracks are something new, that work in Jazz, Blues and Rock tunes. Horns also work with other styles, like Bolero http://soundcloud.com/tobinthegull/band-in-a-box-bolero-with-r-bArtist Performance Tracks: Mainly Jazz, also Celtic Pick "best" soloist RealTracks: This new dialog shows you the best soloists that match the genre, tempo, feel of your song. The list is displayed from best to worst. For example, if you have a Jazz Ballad style loaded (tempo 60), the list will show jazz Soloists that will work well at a tempo of 60 at the top of the list, and something like a fast, Heavy Metal Guitar Soloist at the bottom of the list. Favorite RealTracks, Favorite RealDrums list to quickly access your recently chosen RealTracks. ... all these features are demo'd on the video. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.demos.htm
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Quote:
Another big thing to some people are the reverb defaults. All tracks including RD's load with some reverb on them but people who like to work with raw tracks and mix and master later don't like that. They want all the tracks dry so there's a default option for that.
Bob,
If this is pertinent to my post here about "Why all the reverb",
http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=388108&an=0&page=0#Post388108
......then please elaborate.
I know some folks are "reverb sluts", but I'm not one of them. It should be minimal to non-existent for basic tracks.
But my problem only occured after the 363 patch.
Reverb is something that should have to be added, if wanted, ... not something you should have to "take away".
Last edited by bobcflatpicker; 12/05/12 04:10 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161 |
Bob,
Reverb level selection can be made in Preferences > RealTracks or the option unchecked until you need to "Return to Factory Settings". I have unchecked it for now but will revisit later. The standard level of reverb setting for GM Synths is 40 on a 0 to 127 scale and perhaps 30% should be used here as a default.
Thanks for posting information.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392 |
The first time ever Horn Section by itself would have done it for me. But Memphis Horns style R&B/Blues and Big Band styles are really important to me. Maybe not so much for others.
Best,
Jim
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,509
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,509 |
A good reason is that your update pays the salaries of the people who work at PG Music and that helps them stay in business and keep up with the evolution of computer operating systems so that our favorite software app doesn't become a dinosaur some day.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90 |
Quote:
A good reason is that your update pays the salaries of the people who work at PG Music and that helps them stay in business and keep up with the evolution of computer operating systems so that our favorite software app doesn't become a dinosaur some day.
Notes
Thanks for replies everybody.
Notes, I notice your signature and the midi styles you offer. Are they somewhat similiar to PG's new midi styles?
Thanks
martin57
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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!
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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!
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There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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Holiday Weekend Hours
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Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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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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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®!
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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
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- 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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