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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47 |
Please guys this is driving me crazy.Can someone tell me what i need to upgrade too?
I have the Ultra Pack 2016,All xtra style packs 1-3.2017 Bonus 49Pk and 2017 pluspak upgrade.
I only want a download.Do I get the 2018 plus pak and will that include everything for me?99$
or one of the ultra packs.
Many Thanks Everyone.
Paul Morgan
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853
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Joined: Dec 2000
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If you have the current UltraPlusPak, then you have (pretty much) everything (don't want to revisit that thread  ) up through 2017. The PlusPak gives you all the new stuff, but requires you to have 2017 (which you do) and brings you up to date. Add in the bonus pack and 49-pack, and I think you'll be pretty up to date. I believe the PlusPak is downloadable and ships on a DVD, but is not a complete BIAB package (it just gives you the new stuff to add to 2017). The UltraPlusPak will give you (pretty much) everything (minus some specials that may have occurred over the years, but on an external hard drive that you can use to re-install everything from scratch (or just run from that hard drive). So, if go with the PlusPak, if you have to re-install BIAB, you would have to first install the 2017 UltraPlusPak (and the other add-ons), and then re-apply the 2018 PlusPak to get back up to speed. If you had the UltraPlusPak USB, you could do a re-install from just that (plus any other add-ons you might buy). Hope that made sense.
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: Apr 2012
Posts: 47
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47 |
Thanks so much John the PlusPak it is then.Plus the Bonus Pak of course ;-)
Paul Morgan
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47 |
John... Based on your answer to LocalHero above, I am still confused on which package makes sense for me.
I have the 2017 UltraPlus Pak. Seems I can get your suggested PlusPak upgrade for $99, but it also shows I can get a MegaPak upgrade as a 2017 owner for $89. The only difference I can see is that the new RealTracks (Set 278-300) is not specifically listed in the popup box when you move the cursor over that option.
So is that the difference here? The MegaPak upgrade does not include the new RealTracks set?? Obviously worth the $10 difference for the PlusPak upgrade if its not included.
It is so confusing.
Paul Morgan
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853
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If you want the new RealTracks, you need to either upgrade your UltraPlusPak (which has "everything" up through 2017, minus possibly some add-ons along the way that you didn't previously get, as well as some bonus packs if you didn't order them) using the PlusPak (which gives you everything new in BIAB, although you have to buy the additional bonus material if you want that), or the UltraPak (which gives you "everything" on an external USB drive (much like your original 2017 UltraPlusPak.
If you ordered the MegaPak, you would only get the new BIAB and RealBand programs, but none of the new RealTracks or RealDrums content (and the limited number of RealTracks/RealDrums that come with the MegaPak, you already have with your 2017 UltraPlusPak).
My recommendation, if you have the 2017 UltraPlusPak and you want the new RealTracks (and why would you not), then either upgrade with the PlusPak (which will come on a DVD with just the new material) or the UltraPak (which will come on an external USB). The difference in price is really the price of the external USB drive.
Just note that if you order the 2018 PlusPak and you ever have to re-install BIAB, you would need to first re-install BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak, and then install the 2018 PlusPak over that to bring you back up to date.
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: Apr 2012
Posts: 47
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47 |
If you want the new RealTracks, you need to either upgrade your UltraPlusPak (which has "everything" up through 2017, minus possibly some add-ons along the way that you didn't previously get, as well as some bonus packs if you didn't order them) using the PlusPak (which gives you everything new in BIAB, although you have to buy the additional bonus material if you want that), or the UltraPak (which gives you "everything" on an external USB drive (much like your original 2017 UltraPlusPak.
If you ordered the MegaPak, you would only get the new BIAB and RealBand programs, but none of the new RealTracks or RealDrums content (and the limited number of RealTracks/RealDrums that come with the MegaPak, you already have with your 2017 UltraPlusPak).
My recommendation, if you have the 2017 UltraPlusPak and you want the new RealTracks (and why would you not), then either upgrade with the PlusPak (which will come on a DVD with just the new material) or the UltraPak (which will come on an external USB). The difference in price is really the price of the external USB drive.
Just note that if you order the 2018 PlusPak and you ever have to re-install BIAB, you would need to first re-install BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak, and then install the 2018 PlusPak over that to bring you back up to date.
Thanks so much John Ive gone with the Plus Pak as I have all the additionals from previous years and also the Bonus Pak plus pack 4 addt'l styles.
Paul Morgan
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853 |
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 2008
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49 |
Please guys this is driving me crazy.Can someone tell me what i need to upgrade too?
I have the Ultra Pack 2016,All xtra style packs 1-3.2017 Bonus 49Pk and 2017 pluspak upgrade.
I only want a download.Do I get the 2018 plus pak and will that include everything for me?99$
or one of the ultra packs.
Many Thanks Everyone.
I hope I'm wrong, but I think these replies are incorrect. I'm in the same boat as the OP - I have the 2016 Ultra Plus Pak on a HD. Then, last December, I got the 2017 PlusPak upgrade. That added in the missing real tracks. But, from what I understand, you can only do that every other year. In other words, NOW, this year, in order to get the latest real tracks (up to 300), I have to once again get the 2018 Ultra Plus Pak for $149. I cannot, like last year, just get the 2018 Plus Pak for $99. I believe the best way to avoid any confusion is to call them and ask as I did last year. They look up your account, and what you've previously purchased, and tell you exactly which upgrade you need to get the features/add-ons that you want. The confusion I saw in the replies were based on someone thinking the OP had the 2017 Ultra Plus Pak. He does not. He has the 2016 Ultra Plus Pak with the 2017 Plus Pak upgrade - just like me. At least that's how I read his email.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853 |
The 2016 Ultra Plus Pak and the 2017 Plus Pak upgrade is effectively the same as the 2017 Ultra Plus Pak. It gives you the new program files and all the new content (RealTracks/RealDrums/SuperMIDI/etc).
I would think that you should be able to upgrade to the PlusPak again just as long as you install over your existing installation. So 2016 Ultra + 2017 Plus + 2018 Plus is effectively the same as 2018 Ultra.
Ask PGMusic, but my guess is they will tell you what I just said.
At least that's how it was previously explained to me.
And in that case, again, if you ever have to re-install, you need to start back with the full UltraPlusPak and then re-install each year's subsequent PlusPaks to get everything back up to date (and of course any other add-on material you purchased, such as the Bonus 8-pak or the 49-pak).
Again, PGMusic has the final answer, but I don't believe I'm wrong.
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 2008
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49 |
The 2016 Ultra Plus Pak and the 2017 Plus Pak upgrade is effectively the same as the 2017 Ultra Plus Pak. It gives you the new program files and all the new content (RealTracks/RealDrums/SuperMIDI/etc).
I would think that you should be able to upgrade to the PlusPak again just as long as you install over your existing installation. So 2016 Ultra + 2017 Plus + 2018 Plus is effectively the same as 2018 Ultra.
Ask PGMusic, but my guess is they will tell you what I just said.
At least that's how it was previously explained to me.
And in that case, again, if you ever have to re-install, you need to start back with the full UltraPlusPak and then re-install each year's subsequent PlusPaks to get everything back up to date (and of course any other add-on material you purchased, such as the Bonus 8-pak or the 49-pak).
Again, PGMusic has the final answer, but I don't believe I'm wrong. Well, I went to the "horse's mouth," and called them. I'm embarrassed to say that you are 100% correct. They said exactly what YOU said. And even though I'm annoyed that I got it wrong, I'm glad that you responded or I might have just ordered the HD. You saved me $50, for which I'm grateful. I ordered the PlusPak, and am going to download it this afternoon after I finish licking my wounds. JFord, thanks so much. Bob in South Florida
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853 |
So glad you got it worked out, Bob.
- John (in the western panhandle of Florida)
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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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.
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