Hi, I have installed the 2018 version as an upgrade and there is a problem in the practice window. The 101 Riffs and the Master Solos Columns are not displayed in BOLD and it shows as N/A.
Before the upgrade the two columns were all linking to the files but no longer.
I have spent 2 solid days trying to sort this out, including trying to Chat online to the PG Staff (that was disappointing as I was left waiting between questions, for up to 30 minutes!) but that didn't work.
I have tried to revert back to the older version and then to retry the upgrade, several time and I am now exhausted. I think that it may be to do with the new filing system though.
I also had other problems with the audio and the download manager but I managed to solve that.
This is a known issue, the Practice Window is looking in the BB folder for that material, rather than in BB\Songs and Lessons.
It'll be fixed with an update patch, and in the meantime, you can access that material by hitting File - Open, navigating to the Songs and Lessons Folder, and opening the files manually.
I tried following the steps in Support FAQ #166 ("Can I store the RealTracks and RealDrums on a different hard drive than the Band-in-a-Box® and RealBand program?") and now can't get past error messages. What a mess. I'll try uninstalling everything and re-installing to default on the root of C: (bad programming), but that means I'll have to be very careful about limited free space on C:. Meanwhile, my D: drive has 700+GB free.
You can store RealTracks and RealDrums at another location, on a different drive if required. Many of us do. In fact virtually all Audiophile users do this.
Just install BiaB in the \bb\ folder.
Then in BiaB, Options > Preferences > RealDrums and nominate the Custom Folder where your RealDrums are stored. Repeat for RealTracks.
Also, the default of the program being installed in the root of your selected drive is not bad programming.
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.
Yeah, this release has given me headaches and at one point I had give up...
For some reason, the download manager showed that some files were not available for download, as if they were already on my computer. I had to download them directly from my account. There were realtrack, mega pak realtrack, bonus pak and video realtrack files to download that were not on my computer.
The instrument files for sforzando were also missing, hence it wouldn't work. Then Coyote plugin was a real pain in the butt... I could see the .dll file but the plugin refused to load. Tried reinstalling it from within biab without success. And when I was closing biab 2018, I was getting "This program stopped working..." message, crashing. I accidentally stumbled on the fix while I was exploring the help menu... were it let you read all the pop up messages that appear at the lower-right of the monitor (the yellow box).
It turns out that link opens up a Notepad txt file, displaying a log of what's been happening during a session in biab. THERE IT WAS!
Basically the message was suggesting to the user to rename a BIAB configuration .txt file within the c:\bb folder and then to restart the program.
Then I was able to use coyote and getting sound from midi tracks, and on closing the program it behaved as it should, no crashing.
Now I am having another problem... I can't seem to be able to load HELIX NATIVE vst plugin, not sure if it is supported.
Is the HELIX Native plug-in 32 or 64 bit? Band-in-a-Box and RealBand are 32 bit applications so 64 bit plug-ins are not naturally supported by the programs.
jBridge is a wrapper utility program that allows 32 bit programs to use 64 bit plug-ins and vice versa for 64 bit to 32 bit.
PG Music worked with the developer of jBridge to develop a version of the program that works with BiaB and RB. You can find out more about jbridge +++ HERE +++
...in the meantime, you can access that material by hitting File - Open, navigating to the Songs and Lessons Folder, and opening the files manually....
Did that, got to the files, and they now open, but when I try to run them, nothing, no riffs, no sound, no music, nothing. Otherwise BIAB works for me.
When do you expect this program update to occur, and in the meantime how do I get my riffs to play?
When you loaded the song, did you load the MGU file? I notice that the STY files are also in the same directory. It is the MGU files that contain the riffs.
...They work fine for me. ... When you loaded the song, did you load the MGU file? I notice that the STY files are also in the same directory. It is the MGU files that contain the riffs....
Noel: Thanks for your quick post, and yes, I loaded the MGU file.
Wow, with all the problems being reported with BIAB 2018, I may decide not to install it. I’ve got 2018 on order, but may put it on the shelf and just look at it. 2017 is working just fine on Windows 7. However, if I had the problems being reported, I haven’t the slightest notion where to start looking. Musician here, with zero computer skills.
Wow, with all the problems being reported with BIAB 2018, I may decide not to install it. I’ve got 2018 on order, but may put it on the shelf and just look at it. 2017 is working just fine on Windows 7. However, if I had the problems being reported, I haven’t the slightest notion where to start looking. Musician here, with zero computer skills.
The only thing I did when I installed BIAB 2018 was to change the the MS Windows WAS audio driver to MME because WAS sometimes took control of the soundcard and other applications were unable to access it. Since there, everything has been working fine for me.
As I see it, there are two possible reasons that you're not hearing the sound. 1. Midi styles are automatically being replaced by Realstyles. 2. Your midi sound setup needs adjusting. Does this help? ...
Yes it does! I went with your 2nd suggestion, and now it's all working beautifully, many thanks!
And if I understand things correctly, you're not a PG Music employee but rather a helpful volunteer on this site, correct? I'm simply overwhelmed with your helpful efforts, again thanks!
As I see it, there are two possible reasons that you're not hearing the sound. 1. Midi styles are automatically being replaced by Realstyles. 2. Your midi sound setup needs adjusting. Does this help? ...
Yes it does! I went with your 2nd suggestion, and now it's all working beautifully, many thanks!
And if I understand things correctly, you're not a PG Music employee but rather a helpful volunteer on this site, correct? I'm simply overwhelmed with your helpful efforts, again thanks!
Glad you're up an running!
And yes. I'm just a BIAB/RB user like you. If I read a problem that I think I have a solution for, I always try to help (just like others helped me when I first started using BIAB). These forums are a vibrant community!
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.
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!
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.
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
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