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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28 |
Hi all,
Around mid- 2012 I posted a few questions re: BIAB and received
some great feedback. Thank you again, to all those members who
shared their knowledge and experiences with me.
(Eddie, I also once owned an ENSONIQ TS-10. Great piece of kit,
and built like a tank. But I needed more keys and a full-sized
keyboard in the end.)
I had to put my First Time purchase of BIAB on hold at that time due to medical
reasons, but I'm up and running again and ready to buy the darn thing
before December 31.
Now with Special Pricing*, the two editions I was initially interested in are:
1) *EverythingPAK = $399 (with special pricing) down from $569 ....VERY good value!
2) Audiophile Edition = $669 (NO special pricing) Why no special pricing on this one!?
A saving of $270 if I buy the EverythingPAK instead of the Audiophile Edition.
I just wanted to ask a few more questions from anyone who has either
of these two editions. From the comparison of these two editions on
the sales page, the only difference I can see is that the Audiophile
Edition comes with UN-compressed files. Most else appears to be the
same ... or am I missing something?
1) Is there any audible difference between the compressed audio files
and uncompressed files?
2) Is it easier to work with the uncompressed files?
I read one post a while back on this forum where one member said
he'd bought either the EverythingPACK or UltraPlusPack and he'd run into difficulty using the
audio files (for some reason), and commented how he wished he'd bought
the Audiophile Edition instead (because the uncompressed files were
apparently easier to work with.)??????
Basically, except for the difference in the price, what are the pros
and cons of the EverythingPAK and the Audiophile Edition?
Compressed audio files versus UN-compressed audio files ... difference?
What is the benefit of buying the Audiophile Edition over the EverythingPAK?
Also,is the $25 bonus 8 tracks disc worth buying?
I just want to be able to make an informed decision between the two editions
before the end of the year.
Many thanks in advance for helping enlighten me : )
Peace and Happiness,
Dome
BIAB Audiophile, Reaper, Kontakt Full Edition, Roland A90-EX Master Controller MIDI keyboard, Windows 7 x64
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 103
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 103 |
As PG uses the terms,
I believe that "compressed" refers to data reduction (for example, mp3).
"Uncompressed" is in the form of the original recording (like a CD).
If it were just a matter of compression, the files could then simply be
uncompressed, like a zip file. And then there would be no difference.
File compression, as I usually see the term used, preserves everything.
The original file can be reconstructed right down to the last bit.
I don't think PG uses the term this way, but instead means data reduction,
so there would be some loss of quality.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614 |
Megafiddle has the right idea. When PG Music makes the recordings that will become RealTracks, they record them as .WAV files, CD quality. These are the files you get with the audiophile edition.
To make the 'regular' edition, they compress these files to .WMA format, to about one-tenth the file size. With over 1000 RealTracks, this difference in size on the hard drive is considerable. Doing so means there is a loss of some audio quality. It isn't a great difference. If you want to have more discussion on that, we can talk more about it. Bottom line, if you intend to make commercial use of your backing tracks, then you would want the audiophile edition.
Then, probably more detail than you need to know at this point, but Megafiddle mentioned the concept, it is possible to uncompress the .WMA files. Although this is done automatically when you use the program, it does not change the quality. If you choose to batch uncompress the files (an option), it makes them much larger (back to the original size the .WAV files would have been) but it saves a tiny bit of time running each song since the program does not need to uncompress on the fly, so to speak.
But I'm guessing you are most interested in the second paragraph.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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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 |
"lossy compression" used to reduce the file size is...I am fairly sure what PG uses. MANY pros will suggest that depending on the "bit rate" some compressed files sound exactly as good as the source uncompressed files.
At 320 kbps the majority of experts I've talked to say they can't tell the differnce vs. masters played over pro studio gear.
At 192 kbps they say you have to have HIGHLY critical hearing to tell the difference.
At the lower bit rates...160 and 128, do NOT bet a sound engineer that he can't tell the difference unless you really LIKE to lose. (-:
OF COURSE, what counts is individuals using their ears to hear and waveforms on a video screen don't prove anything.
I would GUESS that maybe 20% of the BIAB users could tell the difference between "regular" BIAB...the Audiophile version.
BUT....and this is KEY....what you hear depends on the AMPLIFIER and SPEAKERS (headphones) in use which makes it a truly..."quality in...garbage out" possibility.
Conversely, a GREAT audio set up won't help poor recording quality because if the data ain't there, it ain't there.
Personally, if I didn't have KNOWN highly critical hearing over most of the frequency spectrum AND A VERY HIGH QUALITY amplifier/speaker combo, the regular version should be JUST FINE.
Best,
Jim
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614 |
I concur with some of what Jim wrote.
Yes, the .WMA format PG Music uses is a 'lossy' compression.
Yes, you need a very good listening environment, including monitors, to hear much of a difference. And your high-frequency hearing should be better than someone my age normally has (and there are a lot of us here over 60, but for some reason, one of my ears still hears this stuff).
It isn't just the compression rate; that matters a lot, but different instruments show compression effects differently. I listen to solo piano, solo acoustic guitar, and cymbals, because I can hear compression more on those instruments. Chances are, to win the bet, the good sound engineer will listen to those, too.
We have had MANY discussions about the quality difference over the years since the audiophile version became available, but none in awhile and that means you can't search for them in this forum that far back. I can tell you that, once PG Music went to the Elastique algorithm a few years ago, the difference between 'regular' and audiophile editions became less.
Noise in a mix of multiple tracks adds up. Again, the audiophile version is the one to use in a commercial setting, where this becomes more important. But Jim is correct, the 'regular' version is nevertheless quite fine.
You can always start with the regular edition, and upgrade later. It was years ago, but I did that, and PG Music Sales worked with me very fairly.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 904 |
If you`re not working on a pro studio CD, you should go with the "normal" SuperPAK or, if you need some piano or guitar lessons, with the EverythingPAK.
Bear in mind, that, if you take the audiophile edition you`ll always have to take the Audiophile editions for future updates as well. This can become very expensive. If I remember correctly, the minimum upgrade from a x.5 version to the recent version 199$. While with the normal SuperPAK (has all Realtracks, Styles etc. except Lessons), you can upgrade for less money!
Sandra
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614 |
Very good point from Sandra. The audiophile updates are more expensive.
Technically, you don't HAVE to update from audiophile to audiophile, though. In any version of BIAB, if there is a .WAV file in the folder for the RealTrack selected, BIAB uses it. That .WAV file could be an audiophile version, or an uncompressed .WMA file from the regular version. If no .WAV file is present, BIAB loads, uncompresses and uses the .WMA file. You can have a mix. But I agree, you would normally want to update the audiophile version with more audiophile updates.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 59
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 59 |
Thanks guys for explaining this all so nicely.
Can I just confirm one thing then: If I have the Audiophile version I do not have to do anything. BIAB will automatically use the best quality files around. There is no button that needs clicking to switch from compressed format to CD quality?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614 |
Correct! Just use it and enjoy.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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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 |
Quite a few CDs and Commercial Music endeavors have been made using the standard BiaB cmpressed realtracks files.
My recommendation would be to start with the less expensive standard version, use it, and then if you think you could benefit from the audiophile version, consider taking that plunge later.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 59
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 59 |
True what Mac says, but I've been paying vocalists over $5,000 to record an album. Paying the $500 extra to get pristeen guitars is relatively a bargain. That is about the equevalent of less than 4 studio sessions for guitarist.
It would have been even more perfect if the drums could have been split out by the stems (i.e. kick, snare, hats, cymbals, etc on seperate tracks).
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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®.
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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
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
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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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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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.
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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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- 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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