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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 350
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 350 |
Hello, all.
I read #47 in the Sales FAQ, so I am reasonably sure I'm going to pull the trigger on the Audiophile Version this time. I have been purchasing the Everything Pak upgrades for the past few years (and the extra bonus packs to actually make them "everything"). I'm blessed this year, having the resources to upgrade my software and soundware, and the time to finally start recording a ridiculously long-standing backlog in my "sketchbooks." The $310 difference between an Everything Pak and the Audiophile upgrade is not the primary issue for me---the workflow that I'm accustomed to is the primary issue. After reading FAQ #47, I see that I can still have my usual (WMA) setup upgraded in addition to having the audiophile files available.
So: Would anyone like to share insights/experiences about . . .
(1) . . . the workflow differences between the WMA and WAV versions?
(2) . . . the obvious/immediate differences between the quality of the WMA and WAV output?
Thanks, in advance, Paj 8^)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,777
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,777 |
Hello, all.
... After reading FAQ #47, I see that I can still have my usual (WMA) setup upgraded in addition to having the audiophile files available.
So: Would anyone like to share insights/experiences about . . .
(1) . . . the workflow differences between the WMA and WAV versions?
(2) . . . the obvious/immediate differences between the quality of the WMA and WAV output?
Thanks, in advance, Paj 8^)
1: There are absolutely no workflow differences, if the WAV files are available, they automatically get used in preference to the compressed files (the software looks for WAV files first). 2: This is a point of discussion every year. Feel free to do a search, but this post has some useful information
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772 |
Yes, workflow is the same. The program is the same, it's just the quality of the audio for the underlying RealTracks that you use. Just like the workflow is the same whether you use a cheezy sounding MIDI synth or a more realistic sounding synth. The program itself works the same, regardless.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Paj,
The audiophile version is terrific. I'm new to it this year (I've been using the standard version since 2006). Last night I was playing a new style that had double cellos and the sound is superb.
It was interesting to create a file, generate it using wma files, freeze the file and then generate it using wavs. There's a noticeable difference. It's not a huge difference, but there is a clarity in the quality of the audiophile version that is not present in the standard version. I found this difference especially noticeable through my ATH M40X headphones.
The difference is enough for me to be staying with the audiophile edition.
Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 350
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 350 |
Thanks, all. Very helpful. I guess I foisted this year's reincarnation of this question but thanks. The previous post that VideoTrack referenced hit a lot of points of interest, jford was succinct, and Noel96's side-by-side was helpful. Again, thanks.
Paj 8^)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Paj, Just in case you're interested... Below is a link to a post of mine that contains another link to an render of an audiophile backing. It's in the original wav format. Short Audiophile SongRegards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,497
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Noel Great, now please do the SAME cello song as NON-Audiophile and post. Although with severe tinnitus in both ears it is all LOST on me anymore, also no high end left. Although, I can still (usually) tell difference if listening to jazz or classical between compressed XM/Sirius or even FM radio (commercials are a dead give away  ) and my really nice home stereo system (vinyl). Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 350
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 350 |
Noel96:
Dip me and call me "stinky"---that freakin' cello sounds like a classy live recording of a polished player! Thanks for the link.
I just moved to the Audiophile package.
Thanks, Paj 8^)
Larry,
Shouldn't a typical 44.1Hz/16-bit WAV file sound even less compressed than a Vinyl record. I thought vinyl recording signals were limited to a dynamic range of <80dB (typically 72-75 dB).
Paj 8^?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,653
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,653 |
Although with severe tinnitus in both ears it is all LOST on me anymore, also no high end left. If it gives you any comfort in knowing you are not alone. Me Too! 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
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Noel
Great, now please do the SAME cello song as NON-Audiophile and post.
Larry
Hi Larry, Here you go.... I've kept both files as rendered wav files. I haven't modified them in any way whatsoever. They are exactly as generated and rendered by BIAB. (The two cellos come together at around 0:40 seconds.) Double Cellos (standard edition BIAB, 14 MB)Double Cellos (audiophile edition BIAB, 14 MB)I froze the mgu used to create these so that the two versions have exactly the same music. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 225
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 225 |
Interesting. I think the difference is particularly noticeable in the cymbals.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199 |
I hear it in the piano, too. To my ears, there's a fullness to the sound of the Audiophile edition that's not present in the standard edition. I'm really enjoying playing around with it!
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 350
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 350 |
Interesting. I think the difference is particularly noticeable in the cymbals. . . . and in the bowing of the cellos---the subtlety of the attack is more present. Paj 8^)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340
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That's a good point. Cello was not available when I gave examples in that other thread.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 225
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 225 |
Yes, I think the biggest difference is in the higher range of frequencies. The uncompressed version has more "air" to it, the sound feels more "complete", more "alive", a bit less dull. Some details (like the cello bowing) are revealed by such frequencies. But the difference is probably not so relevant in many real world listening situations. It would be nice to have a 24 bit option too, I'm sure this has been requested already.
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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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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!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- 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
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- 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
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
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!
Watch the video.
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!
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 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)!
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.
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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