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well suited to spontaneous live performances: BEAT BUDDY ON YOUTUBE
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BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
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good crazy or bad crazy? 
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It does seem like a well-designed product that fills a need. Its value for any particular player might depend on whether or not it fits into their setup and way of working, and if they want to dedicate a portion of their attention to working the drum track pedals. Repetition can do wonders, and the pedal functions seem well thought-out (and customizable via their computer app) so maybe it could become second nature.
Personally I'd prefer thinking through the drum tracks ahead of time and not be responsible for them while performing. I want to bring listeners into an entrancing space, and I think giving that attention to managing the drum track would break the trance.
At $249 (and a wait until August at least) one would have to really want it -- 2,264 of the 2,500 available for pre-order are already sold, so obviously many people do. I am a sucker for cool musical toys, but I will pass on this one. But, like I say, if it fits in well to one's way of working...
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I must be missing something. In looking at this, I have to admit that I'm trying to figure out why anyone would want this over a proper drum machine, or a cheap laptop with any number of free drum machine softwares loaded, etc. etc. Particularly at this price point. Another more versatile item at the same price - A Casio or Yamaha workstation keyboard. Casio WK2xx series for example.
Perhaps it's part of the "pedals-only" guitarist mindset - where the only thing that can be done as a musician is with a guitar and pedal board.
I have friends that have thousands of dollars tied up in their pedal-boards/pedal combinations - and I can match their tone in mere seconds, with my Zoom G5 (which has a drum machine built in with 40 patterns, BTW). The patterns are not really programmable - perhaps that's one small shortcoming
The G5 doesn't look as cool as a multi-colored array of pedals with cool names - that much is true, but with instant recall of patches, with no leaning down to adjust knobs constantly, and an under $300 price point, in my opinion it's a killer value.
So, again, I'm trying to figure out how this is not just a drum machine without the on-board pads, in guitar pedal form. You certainly couldn't put it into your guitar signal chain - so it's going to be a separate box somewhere. Get an Alesis SR18 for $260, and two footswitches for it for maybe another 30$, and you will run circles around this thing for live performance, for programmability, etc., unless again, I'm somehow missing what this thing does.
Pat, what was it about this device that has you intrigued?
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the only thing I can think of to make somebody want this product is the mindset the "prerecorded is bad" but "spontaneous is good"
There are people who use loopers but would never consider playing along with backing tracks. This device fits into the looper schema: both offer a solo musician a way to jam with himself onstage, and it is clear to the audience that he's making it all happen in real time.
Personally, that's exactly what I want to escape from... all the pedal changing at exactly the right moment. Backing tracks plus MIDI automation give me the leeway to focus on my parts without having to manage all the changes.
The downside is that some people see that as cheating
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“the only thing I can think of to make somebody want this product is the mindset the "prerecorded is bad" but "spontaneous is good" There are people who use loopers but would never consider playing along with backing tracks.” To me, nothing is more boring than a guy with a looper. And a looperguy who won't use tracks because he's a “purist”? Hilarious. My tech good. Your tech bad.  “This device fits into the looper schema: both offer a solo musician a way to jam with himself onstage, and it is clear to the audience that he's making it all happen in real time.” The “audience” doesn't give a rat's. Unless it's a dedicated concert, the 'audience' just wants to have a good time. Guy with a looper? Yawn. Single/duo with great tracks? Let's dance!“Personally, that's exactly what I want to escape from... all the pedal changing at exactly the right moment. Backing tracks plus MIDI automation give me the leeway to focus on my parts without having to manage all the changes.” There is enough to concentrate on without stomping on a pedal every time you want a drum fill.“The downside is that some people see that as cheating” Next time someone accuses you of 'cheating', ask them where they're playing. 
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90 dB,
I generally agree with you except I think there's quite a bit of evidence that there is a type of audience that goes to hear a single solo performer, to hear them, not to dance along with them. The 'good time' to them is partially being wowed by technical prowess on a single instrument.
This may or may not be your or my particular cup of tea, but the audiences are there, as well as some pretty unique and musically talented skills needed to make it come off with panache. Tommy Emmanuel and Trace Bundy come to mind in acoustic guitar world.
With all of that said, the SR18 drum machine will do everything this thing does, can be footswitch activated, and provide tons more programmability as well as live performance options.
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“...Tommy Emmanuel and Trace Bundy...” You must have missed this disclaimer: “Unless it's a dedicated concert, the 'audience' just wants to have a good time.” We're playing a Cinco e Mayo party at our local pub this afternoon. I don't think they could afford Tommy.
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90 dB,
Noted - I did miss your disclaimer!
I do think it's interesting to observe the fascination with things that come in the shape of a guitar pedal. People go on and on about pedal based delays and the first question I have for them is "can you tap tempo to set the delay time?". Nearly always, for units under a couple hundred bux, the answer seems to be no.
Then I ask them, "can you set the multiple of the tap time so that you can pretend you are the Edge from U2 with dotted 8th delays?" then they always answer no unless they have a $500+ delay unit.
I smile and tell them I have both in the G5, and great amp simulation, and basically 2 knobs for my foot (the 2-axis Z-pedal), and then tell them I paid $299 (Actually, I got a B-stock unit for $239 from Zzounds) and say - "You should check it out"
To all those kickstarter supporters of this thing, I just wonder if they have any idea that the SR18 is available.
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If you plan to add Beat Buddy to your pedal board (guitarists, primarily) then you might check out: Pedal Boards 101(Also good for understanding signal flow and pedal boards in general.)
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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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XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
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Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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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Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
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We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
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These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
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Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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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