|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20 |
Folks, I am a nubee to BIAB. I bought the 2008 version about April of last year, and have played around with it but nothing serious. I played piano back in my youth (late 60s, early 70s - before computers as we know them) and guitar after that until I mangled my left arm in a motorcycle accident. I am trying to get back into music via the keyboard, and also get my 6 and 8 year old kids into music via the keyboard and fun computer programs that teach music. I know lots about computers, build, fix and program them (for a living), but nothing whatsoever about BIAB, MIDI and so forth. I just bought an old Ensoniq Zr-76 keyboard (workstation?) for next to nothing when my church bought a new keyboard. I built up to a computer to use with it, installed BIAB and got it functioning. My hardware is: Ensoniq Zr-76 keyboard Small VOX practice amp Midiman Midisport 2x2 Anniversary Edition PC running Windows XP Pro NO SPEAKERS currently, just the practice amp. The computer communicates with BIAB just fine. I use the synth in the Ensoniq to play the midi stream, and I do so for several reasons: 1) I don't have a speaker system for the computer (though I could send the audio out to the amp I suppose). 2) The kids will be practicing on the keyboard and they are unable to understand getting the computer set up to play the sound. IOW the keyboard and amp need to work stand alone. So when I start, I press a preset voice on they keyboard (piano, organ, sax etc) and I can play the keyboard and hear the sounds via the keyboard headphone or the amp. Playing the keys cause the midi light to flash indicating that I am sending midi messages. At this point BIAB will not cause the Ensoniq to play the midi stream, however playing the keys on the keyboard does cause BIAB to display them on screen in the upper left "half" keyboard. When I start BIAB playing a song I have to send a "general midi mode on" message to get the Ensoniq to start playing the midi stream. After that I can play the keyboard and hear it and the BIAB song in the headphones on the keyboard. However now playing the keys on the keyboard does not cause the midi light to light, i.e. no midi messages being sent out of the keyboard, though the light for the channel to the keyboard is flashing, BIAB does NOT display the keys as I play on the keyboard, and BIAB is indeed playing it's tune through the Ensoniq synthesizer. Now, if I press any button on the keyboard synth, for example select a different preset voice for the keyboard, the keyboard stops playing the midi stream. However the midi light is now flashing indicating I am again sending midi messages to the computer, and BIAB is again displaying the keys played on the Ensoniq on its keyboard display. I assume this is a keyboard issue but I thought I'd ask if anyone has seen this behavior in any other keyboard / synth. Unfortunately Ensoniq is long out of business and it is tough to find forums for their products, especially something like a 10 year old workstation. Also, something more directly BIAB related, my keyboard volume is very low. Supposedly the "thru" part controls the parameters for the keyboard but changing the volume has absolutely no effect on the keyboard volume. It appears that because the synth in the keyboard is playing the midi stream, the Ensoniq just mixes the keyboard in directly and out to the amp it goes - as opposed to sending the keys to BIAB, then getting the keys back in the midi stream to be played. So... I have to drop the midi stream master volume down to about 40 to get the keyboard loud enough to hear. I am wondering if I am going to be able to "record" my keyboard (what I play) back into the BIAB song. It appears that at this point I either have midi out of the keyboard, or midi in to the keyboard, but not both at the same time.  Is this normal with keyboard / synth systems or should the keyboard be able to output the keys at the same time it is receiving and playing the midi stream? I suspect that this whole problem would go away if I just routed the computer audio to the amp and left the keyboard simply sending keys to BIAB, but as I mentioned I REALLY want my kids to be able to play without having to work the computer - keyboard / amp stand alone. Any assistance figuring this out would be much appreciated.
jwcolby
Ensoniq ZR-76 keyboard, m-Audio Minisport 2x2 Anniversary Edition
AMD x2-3800, 2gb RAM
XP SP3, BIAB 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
You need to find a guru for that specific Ensoniq keyboard or at least search online to see if there isn't a downloadable owner's manual for it.
I suspect that there is an setting internal to the Ensoniq that must be found and set to the right setting.
It is a very old keyboard as MIDI goes, may not be GM compat, which can be worked around in BIAB with reassigning of instruments. If it is playing the BIAB instruments and sounds like what they are labled in BIAB, then that is not a problem.
Look for settings such as, "MIDI Echo" or "Local On/Off" in the Ensoniq, experiment with them and BIAB one at a time.
And welcome to the fun!
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20 |
Quote:
You need to find a guru for that specific Ensoniq keyboard or at least search online to see if there isn't a downloadable owner's manual for it.
I suspect that there is an setting internal to the Ensoniq that must be found and set to the right setting.
It is a very old keyboard as MIDI goes, may not be GM compat, which can be worked around in BIAB with reassigning of instruments. If it is playing the BIAB instruments and sounds like what they are labled in BIAB, then that is not a problem.
Look for settings such as, "MIDI Echo" or "Local On/Off" in the Ensoniq, experiment with them and BIAB one at a time.
And welcome to the fun!
--Mac
Mac,
Thanks for the reply.
I have the manual (quite thick!) and I am studying the midi specific portions. The manual states that the ZR-76 is GM compatible, in fact it has a rather lengthy discussion about what that means, maps of voices etc. It discusses responding to 16 active midi channels, responding to a single midi channel (poly mode) called the "base midi channel", and that when a track is set to MIDI-OUT that track will not respond to midi data.
This kinda sorta indicates that I could set a track to be MIDI-OUT and another track to be the "base midi channel" (poly mode).
Do you know whether BIAB can receive the keyboard on one channel and send on another? If so where would I look to set that up?
BTW, I was on the USS Kennedy out of Norfolk back in 75-78. I haven't been back to the area since then though.
Last edited by jwc; 04/20/09 07:48 AM.
jwcolby
Ensoniq ZR-76 keyboard, m-Audio Minisport 2x2 Anniversary Edition
AMD x2-3800, 2gb RAM
XP SP3, BIAB 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Sounds like you are looking for just one setting in the Ensoniq.
Don't worry the channels, just make sure the Ensq is internally set to ALL or OMNI or whatever they may call that mode.
Then find the keywords I mentioned above in the manual, so that you can turn the internal MIDI that is hooked direct from keyboard to internal synth at the moment such that the MIDI output from keyboard or patch change commands is first sent thru BIAB and then returned to the keyboard's MIDI synth.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20 |
Mac,
Well, I have managed to do something. Unfortunately I don't know what. First of all the keywords you mentioned are not to be found in the manual AFAICT.
The Ensoniq has a 16 track recorder. The book talks about setting up the channels of the recorder as midi outs so... I chose track 16 and started fiddling.
The book discusses
Xmit Bank:prg
16 001 001
16 is the recorder channel. Bank - no clue. Prg - no clue.
I went to the back of the book and found a discussion of prg, basically a bunch of instruments. I basically set Xmit to 16, bnk and prg to 001 and
Now... I can somehow (not sure of the precise sequence) get the keys to play through the "thru" voice in BIAB (not sure of terminology here) and I can in fact select instruments etc. BIAB causes the keyboard to play the instrument selected in the Thru voice back in BIAB. But getting set up to play is just a "try things" experience back in biab. If I hit GM and then Play, the rhythm machine in the keyboard starts playing, nothing else. I have to turn that off. Then start the song. The song plays and I can hear the keyboard now but nothing in the BIAB keyboard. Then I play around some more and suddenly... I am getting control just as I envision I should, via the Thru voice. Select an instrument good. Select a volume - good. Etc.
But what is doing what is totally inexplicable. No clear "click this then this" kind of path.
I guess this is the real cost of buying an old unsupported keyboard. While I have a manual it talks in terms I don't understand, and I have no background to assist me in interpreting the manual.
Oh well, back to "try this n that".
jwcolby
Ensoniq ZR-76 keyboard, m-Audio Minisport 2x2 Anniversary Edition
AMD x2-3800, 2gb RAM
XP SP3, BIAB 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
*You should not be messing around with the ESQ built-in sequencer at all. Ignore it. All you want here is for the Keyboard MIDI output to route to the computer MIDI input and the computer MIDI output to route to the ESQ's internal synthesizer input. This is from a user manual I found online in an archive site: Quote:
In the MR/ZR, press the Select button in the SoundFinder Section
Turn the Parameter knob to get to the MIDI OUT Instrument.
This simple setting puts the ZR/MR into multi mode and turns keyboard local
control off.
That should do the trick, but there may be a need to RESET that ESQ to factory settings first, depending upon how many buttons have been pushed and stored in the past.
Here is a link to the site I found:
http://www.fumph.com/?page_id=4
Good luck,
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,193
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,193 |
JW,
Press the System/MIDI button. Turn the Parameter knob until the display says "Enter GM mode?" Press Yes.
That should get you started.
I do not know if you will be able to SEND data to Band In A Box, but I would assume you can.
I'll try to have more answers for you.
Okay, this manual reads like Latin to me! Leave the keyboard in General MIDI mode. However, you want to go into the system and turn the Bank Select Rcv and enable that.
Starting on page 434, you'll find a list of sounds. Next to the sound name will be GM, ROM, Int or something and then two numbers, xxx:yyy. The xxx is the Bank number, and is equivalent to BANK0 in BIAB. The yyy is the Program Change number.
For instance, if you want (and honestly, I don't know if this will allow you to do this in General MIDI mode, but we can try) the 12-string acoustic guitar for the guitar part in BIAB. Select the Guitar button, and then put '5' in the Bank window. Next, from the Instrumemt drop down, select 3 Electric Grand Piano. While BIAB says Grand Piano, you *should* get a 12-string acoustic guitar
Good luck!
Gary
Last edited by Gary Curran; 04/20/09 09:03 PM.
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20 |
LOL, you think the manual reads like Latin to you, it reads like Chinese to me. It truly does assume that the reader has a keyboard / synth / workstation background, which I do not.
Seriously though, I had set the keyboard up to respond to GM messages and it will play BIAB songs just fine. The issue is that is rather schizo when it comes to the buttons on the synth. Mac found at least one key item where I have to set the Sound Finder to Midi OUT. After that (and a Midi Reset, and start in BIAB) the keyboard will now play through the BIAB Thru voice, IF I set the "LSB" to something other than zero. Unfortunately something (I haven't managed to figure out exactly what) causes the Thru voice to reset to some guitar instrument and the LSB goes back to 000 (this in BIAB) and the keyboard stops making sounds, though it does still display in the upper left keyboard.
So I have a variety of issues happening here, some in BIAB and some in the keyboard itself.
It is mostly working now however. I am able to get the keyboard to play through BIAB and back out to the synth in the keyboard. I can select the instrument in the Thru voice in BIAB, set the attack (volume) etc. And apparently doing all this directly sets the stuff out in the synth because even if I close BIAB the keyboard continues to play whatever BIAB programmed it to play last.
Of course if any of the Soundfinder Favorites buttons on the keyboard are pressed... ALL BETS ARE OFF. I have to go back in and fiddle in BIAB to get it "setup" to work with the keyboard again. This truly is an issue (if a small issue) because my 6 year old daughter LOVES to press buttons on the keyboard, and one of the major points of the keyboard is to allow the kids to start learning to play.
Luckily I have figured out how to get that BIAB stuff working quickly enough now.
And very likely, IF I dig back in and learn to play, I will go get a simple weighted 88 key keyboard only. With a modern computer all of the synth stuff is much easier to do on a computer. At least all the fiddling is in one place.
Last edited by jwc; 04/21/09 08:05 AM.
jwcolby
Ensoniq ZR-76 keyboard, m-Audio Minisport 2x2 Anniversary Edition
AMD x2-3800, 2gb RAM
XP SP3, BIAB 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Inside BIAB under the GM menu is a command to "send GM on" message at startup.
Try checking that one.
Then close down BB and reopen and see if the ESQ receives and likes that GM message, could save you the extra button pushing.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693 |
This stuff can be tricky. I had the same problem when trying to use the GM mode in my old Alesis QS8. It would play Biab tracks just fine but as soon as I tried to change to a specific sound so I could play along, the Alesis would jump out of GM. There might be an answer, don't know but just spend $40 for the Forte DXi software synth and be done with it. The Forte probably sounds at least as good if not better than the GM sounds on the Ensoniq. What happens is you use the Forte for all the Biab tracks then you're only using the Ensoniq for playing one sound on the thru channel.
Ensoniq was bought out by EMU some years ago, then EMU was bought by Creative. The board is actually pretty decent. It's a fully weighted piano action 76 key workstation and it's good for your kids to learn piano technique on. I almost bought one but got the QS8 instead because the piano sound was way better and they both use the Fatar keyboard action. While the Ensoniq is fully weighted, the piano sound was it's weakest point. A lot of the other sounds are pretty good though. I remember liking some of the organs and Rhodes on it.
Keep learning it, it's not some junk keyboard and Ensoniq was known for having the best on board sequencer in the business. As a PC tech I'm sure you have some A drives and 3.5 floppies laying around. You can burn your Biab songs as Standard Midi Files (SMF) and put the disc in the drive on the Ensoniq. I know you can play along with the midi's that way. This works both ways, btw. You can use the sequencer to create a midi file and load it into Biab or better yet Real Band for further manipulation. You have a lot of possibilities with that Ensoniq.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20 |
Bob,
I won't be replacing the Ensoniq any time soon that is for sure. I like the keyboard itself, it feels good and plays nice. I can select 16 different preselect instruments, split the keyboard, all that stuff. It is really nice for a place to just power on and play. As far as composing and stuff, I won't be there any time soon. I still need to get back into playing the piano and get my theory back.
I can play along to BIAB just fine, but I can't change the sound via the keyboard itself. That causes the Ensoniq to stop playing the midi track. I can get it going again just by sending the MIDI reset etc but in the end I will probably just "program" any instrument changes via BIAB / MIDI.
I am going to go buy some computer speakers soon I think. Then I can use the computer sound card and leave the practice amp for the keyboard when I just want to play without the computer.
Doesn't BIAB have some synth built in? You mention "buying the Forte DXi", is that necessary?
jwcolby
Ensoniq ZR-76 keyboard, m-Audio Minisport 2x2 Anniversary Edition
AMD x2-3800, 2gb RAM
XP SP3, BIAB 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Use the mouse and the dropdown window in BIAB to select instrument patches then.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,193
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,193 |
BIAB does NOT have a built in synth. Never has, to my knowledge. The PC has a built in synth, the Microsoft SW Wavetable GM thingy whatchmacallit. That's a scaled down version of the Roland VSC. The Forte, actually, may not be a bad thing, except that you'll need to hook some kind of speakers up to the PC sound card to hear it.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,693 |
Quote:
Doesn't BIAB have some synth built in? You mention "buying the Forte DXi", is that necessary?
No, nothing is built in but PG does include a free copy of the Roland VSC DXi synth that is a separate install just to get you started but most of us are not satisfied with that. Biab is a software engine that controls your sound source, exactly what it controls is up to you. Right now you have it controlling your Ensoniq but it can control any one of many different software or hardware synths. No different than saying your pc keyboard "controls" Word. But, maybe you don't want to use Word, that's your choice and the full version of Word in not included with most PC's.
With all the new Real Tracks/Drums whether or not you need another synth has become somewhat cloudy. If you continually buy all those sets you may never have a need for a synth for Biab but most of use use both.
The VSC is somewhat better than your built in sound chip on your motherboard and a lot of us used it for years, it's not too bad and you may be happy with it. When you install it, note there are two versions, the regular VSC or the VSC DXi. You want the DXi one. There is an issue with the VSC working with Vista if you're using that but I think there is a workaround. If you need it, I think it's in the FAQ's or someone can help you. This is only one of may reasons I don't use Vista so I can't help there.
Most of us think Forte is a nice step up in sound quality for very little money but of course only you can determine that. You can download a fully functioning demo for 30 days and if you don't like it, don't buy it.
There are innumerable threads in these forums going into great detail about all the different ways to achieve better sound and people spend hundreds to thousands for pro quality sound for Biab.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
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!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
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.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
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!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
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.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,598
Posts781,457
Members39,695
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean