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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 63
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 63 |
Hi I had fun with bb2008 in the past, though used it less and less and then went off travelling for a couple of years. I came back a couple of months ago and since then I have picked-up a little with it again, and after upgradinmg it to 2008.5 I have recently started to get more involved. And now I am aiming to try doing more so I felt I should give myself the best start, and have bitten the bullet and purchased the MegaPak 2013 upgrade. I'm making this post just to check my thinking on a couple of things, and I would be grateful if someone who is more familiar than me with BB - and more expert too which isn't difficult! - could just advise on the following couple of points. After the purchase I received a download link to 12 .exe files, which are now on my computer: amplitude 3.9.1 setup bandinabox realband 2013 mega bb2013 new features video hi-q instruments sampletank 01 realtracks mega 2013 1 realtracks mega 2013 2 realtracks mega 2013 3 realtracks mega 2013 4 realtracks pro 2013 1 realtracks pro 2013 2 realtracks shots holds loops combos sampletank 2.5 setup So firstly, I assume that what is required is to run all of these, presumably starting with the *bandinabox realband 2013 mega* .exe file, that one updating my 2008.5 to 2013, and then the others dropping content in to various bb folders after that, or creating new ones if needed. - Correct so far? So I ran that first one and found afterward a nice shiny 2013 waiting!  I had expected to find *some* realtracks installed as I thought 2013 was supposed to ship natively with a selection in place which of course 2008 never had, however the appropriate folders were empty so I guess ALL of the realtracks within the upgrade are in the 6 realtrack mega and pro files listed above. - Would that be correct? I just don't want to be missing a number of realtracks if there should in fact have been a starter selection installed when running the core-upgrade exe first. In any event however I have now run all 6 realtracks .exes, though when I clicked the first file to launch it nothing happened - or so I thought ... then literally 5 minutes later it started!!! By that time I was already sure the files had been corrupted! Then the rest all did the same, took 5-6-7 minutes to launch. Disconcerting for a while. - My last question concerns the remaining exe files ... I have no familiarity at all with them, don't know enough yet to be able to recognise what they are - but I am thinking I will be seeing a big change from 2008.5! So, are these last few files still essential, or maybe optional but not affecting the use of BB? I see for example that one is a tutorial video so I guess that could be left out if anybody wanted to ... I have no idea what "sampletank" is and whether I need the two files that refer to that, though presumably the "shots holds loops combos" install is needed? If I do need to launch any of those others, do they need to be in any particular order? Forgive the very basic questions, I just don't want to have to battle the computer first before being able to battle my BB learning-curve Any comments/advice would be very welcome, thanks! H.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,675
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,675 |
Welcome (back), Hannay.
It sounds like you are doing things correctly. I understand it may seem overwhelming.
It is normal for the installation files of RealTracks to take a long time, as they are extracting compressed files and then installing many many gigs of files (if your install choice was to put them on your internal hard drive). If you look at your hard drive light, you should see activity, which will tell you something is indeed happening, and if so, let it finish.
Briefly, Sampletank can give you better sounds on your MIDI tracks (the Melody and Soloist tracks, plus any other instruments not using the RealTracks).
Amplitude is a way to improve the sound on certain guitar and maybe piano files.
For now, I suggest you not worry about Sampletank or Amplitude and concentrate on viewing the videos and getting your bearings on the basics of the upgraded version of BIAB.
Work with things a bit, and ask us specific questions as they arise. And don't forget, you can always give PG Music a call if you get confused.
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 2013
Posts: 63
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 63 |
Thank you Matt, and for the welcome!
All appears to have gone fine, and I'll take your advice regarding sampletank and amplitude for now ... plus I have a heavy aversion to the sound of midi voices anyway so won't often need/want to look in to using sampletank if that's its association.
No doubt I'll end up scratching my head over things as I move along, however from my earlier read-through this forum seems to be a good place with helpful people and knowledgeable advice!
Thanks again.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 110
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 110 |
There are some pretty good sounds in Sampletank, so I wouldn't rule it out without at least giving it a shot. I especially like the grand piano.
I also agree with Matt, watch the videos. They'll give you a leg up on the learning curve.
Good luck
Rich
Windows 10, 64 bit | BIAB 2019 PlusPak | Studio One 2 Artist
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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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Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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!
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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
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!
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.
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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!
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