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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6 |
Ok, I just bought Band-in-a-box. I have to admit I'm struggling with it's obvious 16bit legacy a bit (8.3 filenames, ... but I'm assuming it's a 32bit app. Couldn't find much documentation on that.
I'm running 64bit Windows 7, and hoping it's going to work. It does work, but I've only had it working with the Microsoft MIDI mapper, and horrible latency/sound.
I read on the forums that the Roland Virtual Sound Canvas VST doesn't play nicely with 64bit, which is ok as I'm planning on running Kontakt 4 as my sound generator.
Questions:
1) Anyone running a config similar to this?
2) Does Kontakt dome with a GM patch that would work as a (32bit) VST with BiaB?
3) Is there any way I can share the Delta 1010lt's ASIO driver between BiaB and Kontakt? (Or do I need to figure out their insane VST support?)
Thanks!
Zilch.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 279
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 279 |
Hello Zilch I´ve had had a simular problem whith BiaB, but I´ve build a new PC now.
My new wone it´s a I7 whith the 64 Bit XP professional vershen, but I never had problems whith
native instruments Bandstand and now I have the Kopmplet 5 also running at the new wonn.
If you planed to running Kontakt 4 it would leike better and cheeper to bay the Komplet 6 for I think in Germany 499 €.
In my systhem fore GM you remember that I´ve Bandstand fore the VstI player, if I wouled play live to BiaB so I must be
had the installed the Komplete 5 in stand allone too, than can play the B4 II and also athers to the playback simultan!
But I plan to bay the Kore 2 SE to have the brend new soundlibarys und real brass and sax instruments.
I hope I caned help you.
LG Matze
Oh sorry I´f forgotten my soundcard is Delta 1010LT but the 64 Bit vershen from M-Audio is a Beta vershen!
But I´ve never had have problems whith the Soundcard
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6 |
Hi Bubix,
Thanks for the reply. 64bit XP? Really? I don't think anyone really supports it. Glad it is working for you thought.
I have used Bandstand and it is ok, but discontinued now. Yes you are right, the Komplete 6 is a good deal, but still expensive. At the moment I just have Kontak 3 Play (free/demo version) but I don't think it comes with a GM sound set. Have you tried Kontak 3 as a VST in BiaB? Does it work ok? Can you play it live within BiaB?
How do you have Komplete 6 working with BiaB? Kontak 3 on ASIO and BiaB on MMC drivers?
Thanks again,
Zilch.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
Zilch
in theory 64 bit OS's sound good.
but the devils in the details.
and the details are will ones sound devices n gear and audio apps work well ??.
sometimes it takes a time for developers to issue new drivers etc etc
for a new OS release.
your prolly wanting this new OS approach for the large memory array support.
correct ?? so you can load up on libs of samples ..correct ??
however there is no free lunch mate.
ive looked at komplete and lots of other such packages and big sample libs etc etc..
but the fact is one needs a darn good n powerfull pc with darn good performance
processor/memory/hard drives etc etc to support the new environment.
which is why i suspect the other poster got an i7.
i personally think its too early myself and am lagging behind the curve
with xp, because i feel its just too early.
i personally am looking for more maturity in 7 ..64 bit OS's..before i make a move.
and much more support in the sound drivers area etc etc.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6 |
It's early days yet, but I haven't had a single issue or crash with the 64bit Windows 7, nor the M-Audio beta 64bit driver. Performance is fine on my the older dual core mother board I am using (way better than XP and Vista on my older P4 machine) I'll upgrade to an i5 at some stage in the future.
All the real audio apps I have (or am planning to buy come) with 64bit binaries, so I don't really see any reason to stay with the limits of a 32bit OS on this machine. (If worst comes to worst it's only a matter of reinstalling)
BiaB runs ok too (so far), despite it's obvious aging 16bit heritage and messy interface/structure. The only real issue I have is with the bundled virtual instruments... (I suspect they would actually run, but the installer does an OS check and exits).
To be honest, even if they ran, I'm not really interested in using sounds that are more than 10 years old, and in a program that won't run on a modern OS. If I really wanted the sound canvas sounds, I would just get my SC-88Pro back off the friend I lent it to, and plug it into the MIDI interface - but really, it sounds terrible.
...so yeah, I'm looking for a better solution.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
Quote:
To be honest, even if they ran, I'm not really interested in using sounds that are more than 10 years old
I wouldn't be so quick to write off old synths - I have a Yamaha S-YXG50 softsynth that is not only old, but it has a very small sample bank too. I am yet to find an easy to use GM synth to match it. It is certainly superior to the Roland DXi and VSC3 (with the exception of Rolands Rhodes) - but of course, that's just my opinion... 
Actually, that Yam is one of the main reasons I haven't yet seriously considered vista or Win7 - it won't work and I have no wish to lose it. Hopefully I can get it to work under Win7's XP-SP3 VM, but I ain't holding my breath.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya  --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
BIAB may look like a 16 bit app, but I'm pretty sure that it was totally converted to 32 bit with 32 bit audio engine some versions ago. Don't remember which version, but do remember that it was big news around here. And welcome.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6 |
Quote:
Actually, that Yam is one of the main reasons I haven't yet seriously considered vista or Win7 - it won't work and I have no wish to lose it. Hopefully I can get it to work under Win7's XP-SP3 VM, but I ain't holding my breath.
Win7's XP compatibility mode didn't seem to help the Roland DXi installer - although the PG Music website seems to say it works in Vista with compatibility mode... maybe I'm doing something wrong. It is the installer that fails. Not sure if the actual app would have issues once it's installed or not...
Can't you rip the samples from your Yamaha softsynth into something like Kontakt?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6 |
Quote:
BIAB may look like a 16 bit app, but I'm pretty sure that it was totally converted to 32 bit with 32 bit audio engine some versions ago. Don't remember which version, but do remember that it was big news around here. And welcome.
Yeah - I'm sure it is a 32bit app now... (typical as the world is now going 64bit)...but it still looks like it belongs on Windows 3.11, with it's 8.3 char filenames and installer that defaults to the root of the C: drive etc. *shiver* PG Music really need to spend some time tidying up their apps behind the scenes, and from a UI point of view. That would be better than just adding more features IMO. This is generally why I have abandoned PG Music apps in the past.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
Veteran
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161 |
Hi Zilch,
I may have the wrong end of the stick, but "8.3 Char filenames"?? Open Options > Preferences > and check "Custom File Name dialogue" to obtain full Windows File Naming options. I think that this should be made the default setting. Again, the first Install Panel for the 2009/5 programs gives you the option to Browse to where you want to install BB and RealBand. A later Panel gives you the options to install RealDrums/RealTracks and to select different locations as appropriate.
The Graphic Displays are critised on a regular basis, but a great deal of function can be started from the Main Window. To reduce the perceived clutter would require a number of different access levels to functions which would tend to make the program less usuable in certain circumstances. Why don't you try your hand at rationalising the Window layouts and contact PG Music with your ideas as they understand the full program context?
Lyn
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,773
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,773 |
Well, yes you can save your own files as long file names, but the fact does remain that style files are still 8.3. That doesn't give you much "descriptive room" in the file name to indicate what a style is all about.
It would be nice when all associated files could be long names, but I don't think that should preclude using the product.
"Wow, BIAB supports long file names."
"Cool, let's hear some music you created with it."
"Uuh, did I tell that BIAB supports long file names."
It's probably just me, but I think sometimes we get so caught up in the aesthetics of the program's look and feel that we forget why we're actually using it in the first place.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
Zilch
with respect its very easy to critique "look n feel"/gui's etc
if one is an end user rather than a software engineer.
remember not everyone is installing 64 bit OS's.
lots of people still run prolly biab etc on older win OS's.
and therein lies the rub for a developer.
the developer doesnt want to force a new OS upgrade
(and added expense..) on the user base.
yes a lot of the new sample player software etc n sample libs
seem nice in theory. with lots of flashy gui's.
BUT , there is no free lunch. some of these apps are very large
and often require a investment in a new powerfull pc
to be effective. some of them are massive apps.
which puts me off frankly. cos my own experience
developing systems tells me that massive apps come with as big cost.
one can see the result today. viz people trying to do stuff
with big sample arrays that some puny laptops cant handle with
all the other recording and multitracking duties.
i too personally long for the day when i can incorporate in songs
any darn variation of an orchestral instrument i would like.
ie every instrument in an orchestra.
but i'm also a realist n realise the pc (and mac..) hardware technology
imho isnt there yet.
the day will certainly come when we have in our studios ultra powerfull
computers capable of doing everything we desire includeing
such sophisticated modelling of instruments it will be mind
boggling. but imho its gonna take further rounds of processor/memory/
storage technology developments.
until then midi still has its place imho.
cos midi traks place little load on a pc if running to external synths
or midi modules.
bottom line, we all want nirvana...but its gonna cost.
advanced computer hardware and software engineering/products dont come cheap.
and is outside the small budgets that most of us have.
big studios with big cash flows , different story.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608
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If all I need a PC for is BIAB and internet, am I better off with Win 7 64 bit or 32 bit? Thanks, Ray
Last edited by raymb1; 10/09/09 08:20 AM.
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,611
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,611 |
Hello Zilch, Band-in-a-Box itself runs great on 64-bit operating systems, but unfortunately the VSC synth doesn't work on 64-bit OS. An alternative synth that you could try out is the ForteDXi - can download a demo from http://www.pgmusic.com/fortedxi.htmI think the other VSTi synths you're mentioning *should* work fine. Check that they have a General MIDI compatible set of instruments. Hopefully it's possible for you to try out a demo of them. Make sure you understand how to add and select a VSTi synth in Band-in-a-Box - Open the VST/DX window, and choose "Add VSTi Plugin" from the top plugin drop-down menu. VSTi synths that you've added like this will appear at the bottom of the list of plugins with the prefix <VSTi> (including the angled brackets).
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,058
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Posts: 1,058 |
Personally, I think a simple as possible GUI and a 32 bit OS will give me and many folks all the tools I(we) need to make the music I want, I hate getting bogged down in a complex front end of some programs when all i want to do is use the tool at hand.
As systems evolve, programmers tend to fill up available space(mem, drives OS features, leave no byte unused) and somethings can bog down.
64 Bit has it's place but I also like to give an OS several dot versions before I jump in the water. Win7 has yet to be released
Like others have mentioned before to me, midi out to a hardware sound module can be a very nice sound.
Just my POV, Wyndham
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
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