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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 63
hannay Offline OP
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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! smile

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 smile

Any comments/advice would be very welcome, thanks!

H.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340
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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 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 63
hannay Offline OP
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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.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 110
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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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PG Music News
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
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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
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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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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)!

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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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