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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Now that BIAB 2017 has been released, like most years I'm considering upgrading. I thought that my (and perhaps other's) decision about upgrading might be made easier if there was a thread where BIAB 2017 users state which specific new or improved feature(s) they find most useful and/or is their favorite. (..and a brief discussion of why.)
Would anyone like to start it off?
Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 28 |
I'll start with the new GUI. I feel like I've returned to the 21st century. Now if I could get those colored icons returned...
BIAB 2016/2017 Everything
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,831
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,831 |
>>> I'll start with the new GUI. I feel like I've returned to the 21st century. Now if I could get those colored icons returned... Thanks. Yes, we went with gray scale, because that's what many people told us was the "modern way that all other DAWS do it". And they are right, if you look at them, you'll see lots of shades-of-grey too. Anyway, we do plan on an **option** to make the buttons color, because lots of people (like me) are getting older and like some color to help find things. But at least we don't get the reaction to the GUI that "it still looks silly with all those colored buttons... have a look at a modern DAW like...". And of course, by pressing hot key Ctrl-T you get to see the full-on big color buttons that we've come to love (or hate  )
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,033
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,033 |
>>> I'll start with the new GUI. I feel like I've returned to the 21st century. Now if I could get those colored icons returned... Thanks. Yes, we went with gray scale, because that's what many people told us was the "modern way that all other DAWS do it". And they are right, if you look at them, you'll see lots of shades-of-grey too. Anyway, we do plan on an **option** to make the buttons color, because lots of people (like me) are getting older and like some color to help find things.
But at least we don't get the reaction to the GUI that "it still looks silly with all those colored buttons... have a look at a modern DAW like...". And of course, by pressing hot key Ctrl-T you get to see the full-on big color buttons that we've come to love (or hate ) Thanks, first thing I noticed when I went to full screen are those hard to see icons. Please if it would be possible to put a option for coloured icons asap as it sure would help these tired old eyes DR Gannon. Thanks Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/03/16 12:52 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 28 |
Thanks. Yes, we went with gray scale, because that's what many people told us was the "modern way that all other DAWS do it". And they are right, if you look at them, you'll see lots of shades-of-grey too. Anyway, we do plan on an **option** to make the buttons color, because lots of people (like me) are getting older and like some color to help find things. But at least we don't get the reaction to the GUI that "it still looks silly with all those colored buttons... have a look at a modern DAW like...". And of course, by pressing hot key Ctrl-T you get to see the full-on big color buttons that we've come to love (or hate ) Thanks for adding the color option! That'll be awesome, and the GUI does resemble a modern DAW. So nice and clean! I locked into it immediately. Rick
BIAB 2016/2017 Everything
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600 |
I'm old! Bow 73 and my eysight is Baaaddddd.... My memory is also bad co I need to have all of the lyrics show up on the screen. With some songs it mad thend and 3rd verses really hard to see. Not now!! First thing Inoiticed if this is going to make things so much better.
Seems every update just out does the lastone. I'm just getting started and having a ball all ready! Thanks again PG
Dell 610 dual Monitor, win 7-10, Sonar Plat, ProTools 10 & 11, Reaper 4, BIAB/real Band 2022, Easy Drummer, Superior Drummer, Kontact Essentials, Personnel Orchestra, Korg Legacy Analog & Digital
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Hmmm... I expected more comments on this thread when I posted it.  So, let me re-phrase my question..... I'm still trying to decide which upgrade to go with (and if I'll upgrade to 2017 at all). I basically use BIAB as nothing more than a background band play-along tool, and I already have more RT's, styles, etc than I know what to do with. Are there any features introduced in 2015, 2016 and/or 2017 that make it worth upgrading for someone like me who probably doesn't make nearly as much use of "other" features, as most here seem to do? Yes - I'm aware of the new (optional) GUI on 2017, and that's certainly welcome. But is there anything else for me? Thanks. Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,831
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,831 |
>>> Are there any features introduced in 2015, 2016 and/or 2017 that make it worth upgrading for someone like me who probably doesn't make nearly as much use of "other" features, as most here seem to do? Yes - I'm aware of the new (optional) GUI on 2017, and that's certainly welcome. But is there anything else for me? Yes, there are. It sounds like you have 2014. So you'd be getting: - 3 years worth of new features. That includes the: - new GUI toolbar/mixer for top of screen - redesigned chordsheet, much more flexible - redesigned stylepicker, much faster and more features - about 500 more RealTracks. Note: You don't need to be using all the ones you already have to get use out of 500 more. It's like a carpenter's tool, if you get more, and they are different, you can find a BETTER one for the job you need done. For example, if you are doing a Hawaiian song, you might want a Hawaain Pedal Steel, not any-old Pedal Steel (there are some nice Hawaiin ones in 2017). If there's something more specific you're looking for, let us know. I'd recommend an upgrade to the UltraPlusPak HardDrive. That's all pre-installed on a USB drive, ready to run, and has all the latest RealTracks etc. to fully catch you up. You can order that for $169 here http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htm
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,681
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,681 |
Only you can answer your question. There have literally been hundreds of enhancements, new features and patches that improve BIAB since 2014. I think with so many changes, even using BIAB at its most basic level, there are changes that you likely will find useful. Version 2017 will provide you with cumulative enhancements, fixes and new features.
I have upgraded every year since 2013 and have always been satisfied.
With version 2017, regardless of your level of use, you should hear a difference in the quality of RealTracks in version 2017 and the Supermidi Tracks are just that, Super. The SFZ enhancement should also provide a more pleasing sound if you use midi.
Charlie
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, 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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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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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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