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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90 |
Hello,
I haven't been on the forums for a long time (busy life) but do use band in a box often, I just checked in to see what is on offer this year, and after reading a number of posts I am not sure what to do, upgrade or not? So to help me decide I would be grateful for some answers.
1 Have all or at least most of the problems been sorted out now, so that the software is very useable?
2 If you have upgraded, are you pleased that you have done so, or still somewhat disappointed?
Thank you in advance. Martin
Last edited by martin57; 12/13/18 02:21 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,774 |
Martin, you have asked very reasonable questions.
1: Many of the problems have been resolved. There are likely to be more, but as problems are sorted out, new patches are made immediately available which you can download and install quite easily (they are self-installing files). This allows you to keep working with the latest, even if you update now.
2: I upgraded and have no regrets. Some members have a few issues with the new 64bit audio and the VST, but these are also being upgraded and resolved. Moreover, the 32 bit version is included (as the default actually) and it does not share any current problems from the 64 bit version so you are essentially guaranteed a smooth upgrade, including the new features.
Plus, the price is quite attractive at the moment, and you won't be left behind on updates.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
I for one am reasonably happy with the upgrade at this stage but my expectations might not be that of others. I would recommend upgrading. Even if there is something not right I am sure that PG will sort it or there will be answers on the Forums.
Some years ago I was advised to seek a standard of excellence not perfection.
I have since decided my only misgiving is modesty;-)
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 12/13/18 01:24 AM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90 |
Thank you both for your very speedy replies.
And it seems the consensus so far is to take the plunge and upgrade.
Martin
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 716
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 716 |
After many years of upgrading immediately I have decided to wait until the special offer is about to end - and the offer time period is usually extended.
It is true that all the bugs get sorted out but some of them take much longer to correct than others and why do I really need an immediate upgrade? I have decided to take a more adult approach.
Tony
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,844
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,844 |
I already upgraded but will not install over my 2018 until the major issues are all resolved. I'm disappointed with the big new features but always happy with the new RealTracks.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,379
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,379 |
If I were you, I would not listen to my advice, but I'll give it anyway... UPGRADE... I have upgraded and am using Biab64 on two machines... I love BiaB2019 64bit, and in spite of some issues with the BB Plug-in, I'm confident PGMusic will fix them. Also I've learned a lot of valuable info, reading this Forum and playing with the new program... Do it...
Bandcamp Win-11; BiaB-2026 Audiophile Cakewalk Sonar; Melodyne-5; Scaler 3; NI Komplete: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
After many years of upgrading immediately I have decided to wait until the special offer is about to end - and the offer time period is usually extended.
It is true that all the bugs get sorted out but some of them take much longer to correct than others and why do I really need an immediate upgrade? I have decided to take a more adult approach.
Tony If we all decided to wait then the bugs would not be found until the introductory offer is over. The reason most bugs get found at this stage is more people are testing the program by using it in different ways. In most cases beta testers are few compared to the general population and work off scripts to test changes and the like so there will be areas not yet tried. I think the way PG respond to the issues raised by users via the Forums and/or Support Desk is great. To me it is important to get involved early. Tony (also)
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 36 |
Hi, Hold off or upgrade, same thoughts here. The point of interest is the VST capability, otherwise I am not interested in an upgrade. But exactly that seem to be the weak spot at the moment. But, if I wait, the special offer will end. So, upgrade with the hope the PG will sort the problems out?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 110
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 110 |
I, too, am on the upgrade bubble. I'm currently running BIAB 2015 and have no issues with it. With my workflow, I'm don't think many of the new features will make any difference to me. I'm more interested in the additional Real Tracks I would gain and whether I would see any speed increase using the 64 bit over the 32 bit.
Rich
Windows 10, 64 bit | BIAB 2019 PlusPak | Studio One 2 Artist
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 265
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 265 |
One possible option that hasn't been mentioned is placing an order for the upgrade while the prices are reduced, but delaying the shipment until a certain build number is released or until some specified future date. The Sales Dept. at PGM was gracious enough to let me do this last year.
Jim Psalm 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.
BIAB 2018 build 519; Dell Inspiron N4110, Windows 10 64 bit, Intel Core i3-2350m running at 2.29 GHz, Memory: 6 GB DDR3, SDRAM 1MHz
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 22 |
Upgrade now. I'm quite happy with the upgrade. PGMusic is always great about addressing problems and it's easy to patch when they release new fixes. I haven't run into anything yet that caused me to need to roll back. Having said that, it had been a few years since I upgraded so I'm seeing the cumulative work of a few years and there's a lot to like from that perspective.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199 |
Like Jeff, I haven't had problems. Both versions of 2019, BIAB 32-bit and BIAB 64-bit, work fine for me.
The only thing I did after installing the software was to change the audio driver to MME from WAS.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796 |
Apart from some initial bugs 2019 is stable, i use it with ASIO, and might be that some audio handling like transpose and imports need fixes, but PG usually comes up with solutions fast. It was the same with 2018 ... after some bug fixes it was quite OK. After sales support like PG delivers is really something else, they've got some team there. And we are ready and eager towards a full blast VST update ... F
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90 |
Thank you all so much for talking the time to reply to me, I really appreciate it.
All in all I have decided to give this years a miss, I have been upgrading every year now, but do feel at this particular time, I would be happier skipping this one, but at the same time coming back to have a look at what is on offer in future years.
I do love Band in a Box and have had countless hours of fun and enjoyment from it.
Thank you all so much once again.
Martin
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311 |
It’s obviously entirely your choice. If there are a few teething problems with the 64-bit and maybe the VST you can still use the program in 32-bit without any issues. It was a major leap forward this year I think for the program so a few issues were bound to reveal themselves. There are still a great number of RealTracks and RealDrums and other features you benefit from in the new release.
Again it is entirely up to you of course.
Last edited by funkycornwall; 12/14/18 10:59 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110 |
I received my 2019 BIAB Upgrade hard drive late Tuesday and installed it the next day. Although it took 2 hours and 40 min to transfer the massive file (I would never attempt to download it, even though I have a fast connection). I haven't encountered any problems so far. I use Sonar to mix, master and record vocals and live playing.
I had finished the arrangement for a new song the day before the hard drive arrived. I used the new VST plugin to transfer that song's BIAB real tracks to a new Sonar project file and it seemed to transfer with out a problem. I can see that this will become my preferred way of transferring wav files to Sonar. I try to sign-off on a song's arrangement and instrument choice before I use Sonar to add vocals, guitar and mix and master - that's how I work. The updated BIAB/RB with the new BIAB VST looks like a great working tool for me.
We should expect updates/fixes to the program throughout 2019; that's how the software game works. The last few years many users asked for a 64bit version; now they've got it, but they've also got a choice to run the 2019 update in either 32 or 64.
I use BIAB to make music. I believe the 2019 Update will help me continue to achieve that goal.
Regards, Ray
Keep on Rockin' Sonny Ray
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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: 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 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.
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