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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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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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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.htm

Remember 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-b

Artist 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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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 03:10 PM.
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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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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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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 smile 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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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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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!

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  • 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)

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  • 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!

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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!

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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!

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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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