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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 237
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 237 |
I currently use the BIAB 2014 UltraPlusPak. I bought the 2015 UltraPlusPak but haven't installed it yet.
With an eye on upgrading to the 2016 BIAB offerings, do I understand correctly, that if I
a) get the 2016 PlusPak for $99, and then the 49-Pak for $49,
that will leave me with all the same content (RealTracks, midi, the works) I'd have if I'd gotten
b) the 2016 UltraPlusPak?
Also ... I reckon that if I choose option a), then if I want to get my content up to date as described, I'd need to first install BIAB 2015 (to get then new content vs 2014) and then install the 2016 PlusPak and the 49 Pak, is this right? If so, seems I can pull this off without having to download anywhere near the 90 GB required for a fresh install 2016 UltraPlusPak.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677 |
Hi lingyai,
As I understand it, and please keep in mind that I'm not PG Music staff, the PlusPak and BonusPak will need to be installed over 2015. This means that you'll first need to install 2015 over 2014 and then install the PlusPak and BonusPak.
If memory serves me correctly, there was a slight modification to the software engine that drives BIAB in going from 2014 to 2015. If I'm right, this is what would necessitate going 2014 --> 2015 --> PlusPak and BonusPak 2016.
I suggest you use LiveHelp (or freecall) to talk directly to PG Music staff.
When you get an answer, it would be good if you post it back here so that others in similar situations know what to do.
Hope this helps,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 237
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 237 |
Than you Noel, I will do.
Meanwhile this still leaves the question of whether what I think I should order will in fact give me all the content I want. In addition to the 49 Pak, there seems to be another "bonus pak" floating around out there... I want it all nom nom
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677 |
Perhaps you are meaning the free bonus pack that comes with the PlusPak when you purchase it.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 280
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 280 |
You could ask for the upgrade from 2014 and less for the price of the upgrade from 2015, as your purchase should be registered. Easy-peasy! 
Last edited by LtKojak; 12/03/15 03:12 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 237
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 237 |
Thanks all.
This reply from PGM:
"Yes, you can purchase the 2016 Band-in-a-Box PlusPak and 49Pak, install them over top of the 2015 Band-in-a-Box UltraPlusPak, and you will have the equivalent of a 2016 Band-in-a-Box UltraPlusPak.
Yes, you will have all available content.
Yes, you will need to install these updates over top of your 2015 Band-in-a-Box UltraPlusPak."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677 |
Thanks for the clarification. It's good to know for sure.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 303
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 303 |
So let's see if I have this right. I have been upgrading via the UltraPlusPAK for years now and this thread appears to be indicating that I only need to buy the PlusPAK, (along with the 49PAK) and I will have the equivalent of the UltraPlusPAK? The comparison chart seems to indicate that the PlusPAK would not include any of the midi upgrades in 2016. Where any I going wrong? Also, the prices have increased over last year. The UltraPlusPAK by $10 but the Bonus 49-PAK is $50. Last year there was the Bonus 20-PAK that was $20. Can I assume that this years Bonus PAK has much more that last years? I'm not complaining, I'm just observing... Thanks. Paul 
Paul
BIAB 2026
Intel i7-4790K, Win10 Pro, 16GB Ram
1TB OS, 2TB Audio, 1TB Samples
Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen
Cakewalk Sonar, 64 bit
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,142
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,142 |
Hi Paul
We are all only users here so what we say might not be accurate. To get a definitive answer, call PGM Sales. They'll know for sure.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853 |
It has been that way for many years - get the PlusPak (along with any BonusPaks) to overly on your previous UltraPlusPak and you effectively end up with the new version's UltraPlusPak. What you don't get is a USB hard drive with all the files for the entire program on it. So for 2016, for example, the PlusPak is assuming you've already got BIAB 2015 installed on your computer and it will just add the new 2016 files. Nothing wrong with going this route, but if you ever have to do a complete restore (let's say from BIAB 2014 UltraPlusPak), you would have to start by re-installing BIAB 2014 UltraPlusPak, then installing BIAB 2015 PlusPak and any BonusPaks, and then installing BIAB 2016 PlusPak and any BonusPaks.
What I normally do every year after updating, is to take my new BIAB configuration and creating a WinZip file of the entire folder structure. That way, if I ever have to rebuild my machine, I start by unzipping that folder structure to my computer, and then running the main installer (to get the fonts and whatnot), then running the latest patch update. Gets me up and running in no time and I've got a nice backup of BIAB. I do the same for RealBand.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
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.
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