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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 421
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 421 |
Hi people. I've had a busy year moving house Feb 2015. It meant I had to rent an office all year. An office I never but rarely use. Looking at plans to turn an outside utility room into an office at my new house. In mean time I bought BIAB 2015 Everything pak this time last year but have never used it. I have never used it all year because of my situation.
My question is, is it worth upgrading or making do with my 2015 until end of 2016? Hard to answer I know but I'd be grateful for some feedback on the new upgrade please.
Thanks
Paul
Last edited by PaulH; 12/30/15 03:15 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
It seems to me you answered your own question. Enjoy your new 2015 version. I bought BIAB 2015 Everything pak this time last year but have never used it. I have never used it all year because of my situation.
Paul Advice from one who money burns a whole in my pocket if I don't buy something new. 
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 299
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 299 |
The Real Tracks is the main reason I upgrade although the new Style Picker is nice.
HTH.
Paul
Paul
BIAB 2025
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: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,822
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,822 |
If you've got the 2015 EverythingPak and have not used it, then you've got a lot of stuff to play with without missing any of the new features. I'd say start playing. About the time you get done playing, it'll be time for 2017 and you can catch up then.
But be sure to play with it. Take regular breaks from the mundane and make some music. It truly is good for the soul.
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,148
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,148 |
Paul,
You only need the plus pak at $99 to get all the new realtracks.
If you skip this year but upgrade next year it will cost you $169 but upgrading both this year and next with plus paks costs you $198.
SO only a saving of $29 by skipping a year, £20 or so in sterling
Was going to skip this year too, until I did the maths.
Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/30/15 07:56 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
I skipped 2015, but went ahead and got 2016 ... and it arrived today. I probably won't get to do much with it until january. FAWM starts in February, so I will be putting it to use soon.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
I have very mixed feelings. Frankly the tech is still way out of date. Although the minor upgrades to the gui are welcome, there is nothing really to say that is a game changer, the Style picker is slightly improved, the addition of lyrics to the main screen, and the ability to show Roman numerals as well as chords, is better - though it screws the size of your bars in the display. I think they could have done a lot more, to make the gui better. Most leading music software packages I have used go through a complete redesign every five or so years, not so BIAB.Things like seeing your chords as you type should be a given, and should have been fixed a decade ago.
No 64 bit, no VST, no phone app, no rethinking, just the same old tramlines.
The new real tracks are frankly superb, they are the most authentic emulations. The Big Band Crooner style is very impressive, if... you keep to a friendly chord structure such as the template songs.
It's a lot of money for an upgrade, if you wait it will be more (nice) frankly I think it's too much, except that the real tracks are sooooo good.
If I were only interested in the program I would not be upgrading until I see some real development which is woefully overdue
Z
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
Then again, there is only one day left for the special pricing on upgrading to 2016. To me, it was worth doing so.
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,148
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,148 |
Then again, there is only one day left for the special pricing on upgrading to 2016. To me, it was worth doing so.
One day I'm not so sure, is usually extended to the 15 jan each year, wait for the announcement of the 1 jan 16. musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/30/15 07:46 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,148
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,148 |
I have very mixed feelings. Frankly the tech is still way out of date. Although the minor upgrades to the gui are welcome, there is nothing really to say that is a game changer, the Style picker is slightly improved, the addition of lyrics to the main screen, and the ability to show Roman numerals as well as chords, is better - though it screws the size of your bars in the display. I think they could have done a lot more, to make the gui better. Most leading music software packages I have used go through a complete redesign every five or so years, not so BIAB.Things like seeing your chords as you type should be a given, and should have been fixed a decade ago.
No 64 bit, no VST, no phone app, no rethinking, just the same old tramlines.
The new real tracks are frankly superb, they are the most authentic emulations. The Big Band Crooner style is very impressive, if... you keep to a friendly chord structure such as the template songs.
It's a lot of money for an upgrade, if you wait it will be more (nice) frankly I think it's too much, except that the real tracks are sooooo good.
If I were only interested in the program I would not be upgrading until I see some real development which is woefully overdue
Z Well it can be a little costly if you go for the 49 bonus pak Zero, I had a look though it and decided that probably all of the extra realtacks in the 49 bonus pak would probably already have a good substitute in what I have got already, so didn't go for it, just the $99 plus pak. Worked out in sterling at £67.50 approx., hardly going to break the bank. Musiclover
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,732
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,732 |
There's nothing wrong with the 2015 version.
Plenty of real tracks to get the job done. IN 2016, you get more new real tracks but hey... I'd explore 15 first.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,986
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,986 |
PaulH,
Life sure has a way of getting in the way of fun sometimes, doesn't it.
There isn't a good answer because everyone finds different aspects of BiaB and RealBand important.
I would say if ReaTracks are important then you should upgrade and get the 49 bonus pak since the 49 bonus pak will not be available later on.
If the RealTracks are not important then don't upgrade. 2015 has enough features to keep you busy for a year.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
>> My question is, is it worth upgrading or making do with my 2015 until end of 2016? Hard to answer I know but I'd be grateful for some feedback on the new upgrade please.
Hi Paul,
- The special prices are up to 60% off regular prices, and these end Dec. 31, 2015. For example. The Everything Pak Hard Drive upgrade is regular $379, but it $179 during the December special.
- We've had these special prices each December for the last several years, but that is not to imply that this will be the case next year.
- Getting the update before Dec. 31/2015 is risk-free. There is a 30 Day "no-questions" Money Back Guarantee, and this includes Band-in-a-Box 2016 updates, bonus paks, or first time purchases - actually any software that we make. We've had this same policy for 25+ years.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,035
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,035 |
...
- Getting the update before Dec. 31/2015 is risk-free. There is a 30 Day "no-questions" Money Back Guarantee, and this includes Band-in-a-Box 2016 updates, bonus paks, or first time purchases - actually any software that we make. We've had this same policy for 25+ years. And there my friend is the ultimate answer! If you change your mind you've got a month to do it. No problems.
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: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
PaulH,
If we were just talking about the program itself I'd say stay with 2015...so far I prefer 2015 but maybe that is because I was used to it. I like the type in a cell chordsheet, not sure about the new stylepicker as it seems buggy right now and not sure what other new features would count as a major upgrade for me.
But because there are RealTracks available and some in the 49 pak that will not be available later on, I'd recommend the upgrade! Life's short...eat dessert first!
-John
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 421
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 421 |
Thank you people, always interesting viewing peoples opinions.
I've never considered the PlusPAK before. Looking at the spec, for an upgrader from 2015 I don't see any difference between PlusPAK vs EverythingPAK? I keep all my downloads so what am I getting if I buy the EverythingPAK upgrade compared to PlusPAK upgrade?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,148
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,148 |
Probably a few extra how to video's Paul, which are probably available online anyways.
Easy enough to download, its about 6-7gb and saves on taxes to UK that way.
Of course if you want even more realtracks you can pay extra for the 49 bonus pak, which don't come with the everthing pak anyways.
The pluspak is enough for me.
Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/31/15 01:02 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
The difference is that the PlusPAK is just the new stuff. And it is download only.
The EverythingPAK gets you a new harddrive with everthing you already have plus the new stuff in the PlusPAK.
The 49-PAK gets you an additional collection of RealTracks and styles that probably are only available through this PAK for a very long time.
I have bought an initial EverythingPAK a couple of years ago and all updates and upgrades have been done via the PlusPAK.
If you don't buy the upgrade because of the software, if you're using RealTracks, both PAKs are worth it in my opinion. If they sit on your harddrive somewhere they usually don't grow mildew.
Have a Happy New Year.
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 421
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 421 |
Thanks for all your replies. Because of your helpful replies I bought the UltraPAK + 49PAK. Just downloaded but I may resist installing for now because of the many bugs I see people posting up. I may wait for an update fix. Thanks again. 
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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 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
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- 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®!
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