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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
Hi there ! I'm new to BIAB I play mainly Jazz/Fusion guitar and are wondering what I should choose out of the huge selection of software packages. I like the idea of real drums and everything that sounds real  I also wonder what the difference is between BAIB and RealBand ? Right now I got my eyes on the First-time Purchase $129 package What do you think ? Thanks
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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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 |
Welcome to the friendliest forum that I know. If you can afford it, get the UltraPlusPaK or the EverythingPAK. These Paks are the most complete (there is also the Audiophile with better sounding sound files because these are not compressed like the .wma in the other Paks). If you're not satisfied, there is an unconditional 30days money back guarantee. The difference between BIAB and RealBand: Both share some core components BIAB creates rather fast and easy an accompaniment in different styles. I use it mainly for "rabbit prototyping." RB is a digital audio workstation with some capabilities of BIAB, but exceeds some of them and some are not as powerful. Both programs are part of the package. Both programs go together very well.
Last edited by GHinCH; 05/03/16 06:29 AM.
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: 12,848
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
The $129 first time package is what is called the "Pro-Pak"; however, that title might be a little misleading. The actual BIAB and RealBand programs are exactly the same regardless of the package you get; the difference is in the number of add-ons you get - RealTracks, RealDrums, MIDI Supertracks, MIDI styles, etc. The Pro-Pak is really the entry level version of Band-in-a-Box/RealBand, so you can get a sense of what it can do for you; however, it is extremely limited in the number of styles and sounds you get (you get about 1/10th the RealTracks in the Pro-Pak as you do in the UltraPlusPak or the Everything-Pak. However, if you can't afford the Ultra- or Everything-Pak, I would definitely go with the Mega-Pak over the Pro-Pak, as you get almost twice as much with it, and it will allow you to be much more creative. And as Guido said, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have plenty of time to try it out and see if it's what you are looking for. Just so there is no confusion, since you don't have BIAB yet, you cannot order the PlusPak, as this package requires you to already have the previous version of BIAB (2015) installed on your computer. This pak just updates your 2015 with the new stuff from 2016. Look carefully at the options you get in the various BIAB packages, and if you are confused, please feel free to ask us here.
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 2011
Posts: 11,075
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,075 |
magicaldog,
Welcome to the forum!
The good news is all Windows based packages of Band-in-a-Box include both Band-in-a-Box (BiaB) and RealBand (RB) software programs. So you will able to try them both and examine their capabilities.
While each package includes the same programs, each differs with amount of accessory content (styles, RealTracks, RealDrums, etc.) included.
The Pro and Mega Paks include some, but not all accessory content. The content is bundled into "bands" where each band addresses a music genre. The packages are the most inexpensive way to learn what the software programs offer and how they work while still having examples of the different types of content the programs can use.
I started out by purchasing the Pro Pak too and I'm glad I did as it gave me an opportunity to learn the operation of the software programs without also getting familiar with thousands of hours of available accessory content.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
Wow Thanks guys ! I feel quite dizzy after checking out what is available My main concern is that I don't want to pay for something I wont be using. I am mainly interested in Jazz-Latin-Funk-Blues MIDI styles doesn't interest me very much ! I just found the Jazz RealPAKs page which sounds really nice ! Seems like buying the "Pro-Pak" for $ 129 and then adding the Real stuff I like is the best way for me to go !
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
+ $ 600 is a bit over the top for me right now  ! I went for the $ 129 Pro Pak + RealTracks Set 238 Downloading right now but it is sloooow ( 350kB/sec)
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
+ $ 600 is a bit over the top for me right now ! I went for the $ 129 Pro Pak + RealTracks Set 238 Downloading right now but it is sloooow ( 350kB/sec) Take it for a spin and post any questions here. Welcome to the Forum!!
Last edited by dga; 05/03/16 03:17 PM.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125 |
I went for the $ 129 Pro Pak + RealTracks Set 238
I think this is a good decision for a starting point. You won't be sorry with this, and you can always upgrade. And, welcome to the neighborhood!
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: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
Thanks everybody
BIAB works and sounds great but for some reason I get a Blue Screen every time I connect my USB Hub after installing BIAB ???
Does anybody here know how to authorize Sampletank 2.5 that came with my order of BIAB ??? (The PDF file says: The Serial Number is the code written on the Registration Card)
Only problem is that there are no Registration Card since I downloaded the product ???
Does anybody use Sampletank 2.5 ???
Thanks
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633 |
To get Sampletank authorised, you'll need to create an account at IK Multimedia. I suggest doing this first. When completed, login to IK Multimedia and you'll find a section under Support called "Authorization Manager". Download this and use it to get Sampletank up and running.
Also, once Sampletank is authorised, you'll probably need to set BIAB so that it runs in Administrator mode (this depends on your operating system). To do this, right-click on the BIAB shortcut, select Properties and then, under the Compatibility tab, activate "Run as administrator".
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
Thanks
Is there any tutorial on how to setup Sampletank to work with BIAB ?
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,075
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,075 |
Thanks everybody
BIAB works and sounds great but for some reason I get a Blue Screen every time I connect my USB Hub after installing BIAB ???
Does anybody here know how to authorize Sampletank 2.5 that came with my order of BIAB ??? (The PDF file says: The Serial Number is the code written on the Registration Card)
Only problem is that there are no Registration Card since I downloaded the product ???
Does anybody use Sampletank 2.5 ???
Thanks Are you trying to run BiaB using external storage through the USB hub? Does the USB hub have anything to do with using BiaB? I'm trying to figure out if the USB hub, blue screen and trying to use BiaB are related. Using Sampletank with BiaB is a separate issue addressed by other posters with better information about that issue.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
Thanks
Is there any tutorial on how to setup Sampletank to work with BIAB ? After a lot of grief trying to set up Sample Tank for the first time. I called PG support and the support TECH took over remote control of my computer and set it up. I'm not so proud that I will not share this with you here on the Forum. PG support is the greatest in my opinion. Why waste hours when it only takes minutes to solve this problem in this way.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
Is it really that difficult !
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
It's not difficult, but it's just several steps to go through to authorize SampleTank.
I actually wrote up something on how to do this. I'll see if I can find it, although, it was quite a while ago.
EDIT: I found the posting I made, but unfortunately, the file is no longer at that link anymore. I'll see if I have the file on my computer when I get home from work tonight (unless someone beats me to it).
Last edited by jford; 05/04/16 07:10 AM.
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: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
I am confused !
I get both Bass and Drums on the same channel when assigning Realtracks.
Why is the count-in sometimes snare an sometimes sticks ?
Any help appreciated !
Thanks
Last edited by magicaldog; 05/06/16 01:28 PM.
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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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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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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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