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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
Just checking to see if PG runs any other specials on upgrading except at Christmas? I missed the last upgrade. I have the 2015 Mega and I want to get the Ultra Plus. Is the 2016 upgrade worth it? I guess if I wait until December I could get the 2017 version on sale. If you do primarily classic rock covers will the change from Mega to Ultra make a lot of difference?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805 |
The sale is over, so I suspect you'll have to wait for the 2017 version to go on sale.
With the Ultra Pak, you get everything, and you would be surprised at how many styles will still work (even if they're not labeled classic rock), so it's good to have a lot of tools in your toolbox.
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: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
It may be because I try to stay minimal with the backing that I usually just have bass, drums, and rhythm guitar and I may start out with a style but I end up pulling real tracks and it seems like the style doesn't effect it as much.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 6
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 6 |
I would wait for more bugs to be worked out... 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
I guess that one of the reasons the New Seasons BIAB/RB is at a discount is so that we can forgive them the Bugs that always crawl out. They are never a big problem and if you keep on top of the Build releases it hardly an issue.
Keyboardcat - in such complex software with such a simple User Interface there are bound to be bugs.
Ian
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
keep an eye out for Band-in-a-Box Sweepstakes, I entered and didn't win but got a 20% off coupon that expired on the 17th.
I think if you subscribe to the newsletter you should get notified for the next one, maybe soon.
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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 |
... If you do primarily classic rock covers will the change from Mega to Ultra make a lot of difference? shows what the differences are. The 2016 PlusPAK is still available, but if you want to upgrade it doesn't matter much when you buy it. I don't know what to do with the statement for the PlusPAK "** Requires Band-in-a-Box® 2015". If that statement is updated with the next version, you would need to get the full update anyway. The difference between the PAKs is simple: The basic software, BIAB and RB, is always the same, but the amount of accessories varies. If you upgrade now, you will get all the add-ons of the 49-PAK also. You will have to do some simple math to figure out which is the best choice for you. Buy the missing RealTracks separately or invest USD 279 for all what you are missing. Caveat: Some bonus material of earlier years may not be included in the upgrade.
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 2000
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805 |
I don't know what to do with the statement for the PlusPAK "** Requires Band-in-a-Box® 2015". If that statement is updated with the next version, you would need to get the full update anyway.
The PlusPak is designed for those upgrading just to the next version by providing just the new material for the new version. Obviously, if you only had the ProPak or the MegaPak versions, you would only get the new RealTracks and RealDrums (along with the new version of the program), but would not get all the previous RTs and RDs. They have had the PlusPak as an upgrade directly from the previous version for many upgrade cycles. In theory, you could have started with (for example) BIAB 2013 UltraPlusPak, and then each year just upgraded using the PlusPak for 2014, the PlusPak for 2015, and the PlusPak for 2016, in theory you would end up with the 2016 UltraPlusPak (and a DVD for each version). You would also have to purchase the other Bonus paks, as well, if you wanted the Bonus content. Of course, if you ever had to re-install BIAB, you would have to start with 2013 and apply each PlusPak in turn. However if you skipped a year upgrading, you would have to upgrade using one of the other options.
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: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I think I may just go ahead and upgrade when I have the spare bucks.....Thanks for all the input.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 20 |
I seriously thought about upgrading my 2009 version of BIAB/RB just the other day. But after giving it some thought I decided not to do so for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I don't use Real Tracks. I find I can get all the great sounds I need from my Ketron SD2. On the other hand, BIAB is a fantastic piece of software. There are more styles than I will ever need to pick from in order to make classic country and old rock and roll covers. My main, and only reason for using BIAB is that I can lay down awesome bass and drum tracks in a matter of minutes. Occasionally I'll use the background piano or strings that are included in the style I'm using, depending on the song. But for the most part, when I move the song over to Sonar, other tracks besides bass and drums are usually deleted and the rest of the song is built in Sonar with my midi keyboard. I do not use the music that I make for live gigs nor do I make CD's to sell. I purely do it for the fun that I have experimenting and building songs and then recording them for nobody but myself. Another good reason for me not to upgrade is because of the Canadian dollar and how it stacks up to the U.S. greenback. Considering the fact that PG Music is a Canadian company, it would be tough for me to put out the initial cost, plus tax, and then a lot more for the exchange rate that I, a Canadian, would have to pay for for a product that is made in Canada. (Just my own little pet peeve) Again, let me say that BIAB is an amazing product - one that I truly enjoy using in the way that I do. I absolutely LOVE this software! But at this point, I cannot justify the cost of upgrading, and then for the way in which I would be using it. But of course, that's just me.  Bobby
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805 |
Firstly, I don't use Real Tracks. I find I can get all the great sounds I need from my Ketron SD2. And that's why you don't have to buy all the RealTracks, if you don't want them. Buying the MegaPak gives you all the MIDI styles (and of course, you can additionally create your own or download from the internet or buy additional styles from Bob Norton). But for those that like the RealTracks, it is an awesome feature and a true marvel of sound engineering, IMHO. One size does not fit all, and PGMusic accommodates that.
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: Mar 2016
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 20 |
I totally agree with you about Real Tracks and it's users who put out a lot of fantastic music. I guess I didn't come across very well in stating this. In no way whatsoever was I knocking it.
Bobby
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805 |
Exactly - agree 100% and didn't view your comment as knocking it. Everyone has a different workflow and different requirements. I was just pointing out that the full spectrum of users are accommodated by this great company.
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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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)
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®!
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