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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: 21,022
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,022 |
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.
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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: 3,876
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
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: 1,403
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,403 |
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
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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: 20,357
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,357 |
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
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
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Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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