|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90
Enthusiast
|
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 03:21 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,108
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,108 |
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 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
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 02:24 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90
Enthusiast
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 733
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 733 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,933
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,933 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,419
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,419 |
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 (latest version)
Cakewalk Sonar; Melodyne-5; Scaler 3; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
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?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 110
Apprentice
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 265
Apprentice
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,607
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,607 |
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 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 90
Enthusiast
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311
Journeyman
|
|
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 11:59 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110
Apprentice
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,317
Posts803,304
Members40,097
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean