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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: 12,844
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
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: 12,844
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
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: 12,844
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
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: 12,844
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
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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XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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