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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664
PG Music Staff
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OP
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,664 |
Hello PGM Forums!
I thought it would be good to make a post to see what the most popular features are with everyone using Band-in-a-Box.
Mine is the chord builder found by right clicking on a bar and clicking onto Bar Settings (keystroke Control+Shift+B). I find it incredibly helpful for finding different flavors of chord progressions to help my creativity in my productions.
What is your favorite Band-in-a-Box feature and why?
Last edited by Joseph -PG Music; 08/16/16 11:03 AM.
Cheers,
Joe
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601 |
Windows, MIDI Chord Detection. This is the easiest way to view all the possibilities a chord may be called when playing the notes into a MIDI keyboard.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,598
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,598 |
Audio Chord Wizard. It saves me A LOT of time when preparing new repertories.
Latest BIAB version, latest build.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888 |
Audio Chord Wizard. It saves me A LOT of time when preparing new repertories.
Mine too.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,640
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,640 |
If I had to pick one to keep and lose the rest it would Realtracks (easily).
If I was picking the one that impressed me the most it would be the ACW. Tempo and Chord maps all laid out in a couple passes usually. The Tempo mapping part is at least as important as the chord recognition.
I have been given a project with the chords supplied .. but needed the Tempo map for a click, RTs etc.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,120
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,120 |
RealTracks, without a doubt.
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: 3,947
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Veteran
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Posts: 3,947 |
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
UserTracks should have a spot in there.
Could be a great future.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,944
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,944 |
Real Tracks and the ability to generate them quickly in RB
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: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,624
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,624 |
Notation editor.
I love the ease with which it's possible to notate melodies.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 887
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 887 |
Notation editor.
I love the ease with which it's possible to notate melodies. I not a fan of the notation editor inside of Band in a Box. I don't like the way it slices the leader lines into tiny grids. I would rather pick a note value and place it onto the staff.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
music producer/engineer
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697 |
I agree with Islansoul. Since the DOS days, I've never been comfortable with BB's Notation. I've used dozen of apps over the years to do that task. And PGM has ignored my Wishlist all these "years". I do admit it does get boring working in another app and then importing it.
DE
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Short term memory is getting shorter.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601
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Posts: 27,601 |
Isn't that interesting: I was debating citing the BIAB notation entry system as its best feature. It's probably the one that I thank the most every day for being the way it is. And I too have used all the common notation programs, including serving as a beta tester for one that works by picking a note value and placing it. I use BIAB to enter my melodies, then save them as MIDI to import into the notation program (the opposite of your method). I've written for symphony orchestra and been paid to transcribe, even by PG Music.
So what this proves is that we often have different preferences for how we work. Let's not get distracted by that, since it's obvious on this forum every day. Instead let's concentrate on the original question: what feature do you really like?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 116
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 116 |
hello, what would be nice is that the problems linked to the user track is set peter gannon was announced in December 2015 in a post that they would solve the problem in January 2016 and today we have in August s 'Please pg music
balbuena.
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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 |
I do like the rapid prototyping abilities the most.
Yes, there are other features that make it a great conglomerate of software.
But for me it is the easy chord entering interface to produce a protoype the fast way, add and exchange instruments, be it RealTracks or Midi. I can save several versions with their settings and reevaluate which one I will spend some more time to hone to my personal needs.
For the honing process I will use RealBand especially using its Band-in-a-Box features.
As I said before, until then BIAB's rapid protoyping abilities prevail.
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: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,070
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,070 |
How quickly I can get started making good sounding music with Band-in-a-Box.
I still get amazed when I select a style, set a tempo, enter a few chords, press the green generate button and out pops good sounding music. All my choices may eventually change but each project begins with good sounding music! How great is that?!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Me too. It's still the basics, pick a style, enter the chords, hit Play. I've loved that since Day One and still do.
Also, guys stay on topic please? This is not the thread to complain about what someone thinks is a great feature. Just say what you like and leave the rest for another thread.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,508
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,508 |
Can I be allowed two favorite features? Doesn't matter, I'll give you both.
1) The basic, original, auto-accompaniment feature, enter chord names, pick a style, click play - presto music
2) The StyleMaker - the ability to turn my ideas into a style that will work in the above feature.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,853
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,853 |
Can I be allowed two favorite features? Doesn't matter, I'll give you both.
1) The basic, original, auto-accompaniment feature, enter chord names, pick a style, click play - presto music
2) The StyleMaker - the ability to turn my ideas into a style that will work in the above feature.
Insights and incites by Notes I'm with Notes on this one. The basic, original, auto-accompaniment feature is how JonD and I figure out some of our chord progressions. That is trying different chord transitions to see how they fit with a selected style. Plus I have used the stylemaker with great success.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580 |
I have to say: my favorite feature (and hopefully again soon) WAS using the 2015 Stylepicker (and earlier versions that permitted the similar approach) to quickly and effectively pick a RealStyle to substitute for the style in a MIDI file (oftentimes a MIDI is the initial tune I start with). I loved the ease, the expediency, and the effectiveness of quickly getting to a RealStyle that was "gggrrrreeeaaaattttt"!!! Based on previous threads about getting the 2015 Stylepicker capability back soon (at least via a toggle switch approach), I remain excited about this BIAB feature!! And don't get me wrong, I have the very highest of respect for what Dr. Gannon and PGMusic have created with BIAB and RB....absolutely awesome capabilities and a great joy to use!!!!!!
THANKS,
Cecil
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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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!
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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!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
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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.
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Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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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!
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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.
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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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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
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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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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