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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106 |
It's said that BIAB actually runs great on a PC. That's good, but only a fool would trade a mac for a PC. My last Mac ran eight years with only a handful of restarts...except for when I ran BIAB or Office Excel ( it says it all, doesn't it...;-)....).
The same is the case with my current mac. It works steady and like a horse. Except when running BIAB. It freezes, functions stop working and disappear.....and its SO INCREDIBLE SLOW !!!
For a mac user BIAB was such a strange universe to enter. The steepness of the learning curve is without comparison. Simple tasks become complicated because there often are multiple and illogic ways of doing things. Also the BIAB terminology needs an adjustment to match what is going on in the rest of the music world. For instance the Preference boxes are so confusing, that I still spend time figuring out how to achieve what I want (I have had BIAB for years now). These things might frighten older BIAB veterans, but hey....:-)....The world is moving on out here!
It's a common view among PC users that the user should be able to change and control everything. As a Mac user, a programmer/analyst and a big fan of Steve Jobs this clearly is a misconception. The interface design should make everybody able to operate the program (Like everybody should be able to drive a car, not only a mechanic). Far too often I'm a 'mechanic' when operating BIAB without being artistic or creative.
However, not all is bad. The RT's are incredible and when it actually works the output is great.
I suggest a rebuild of the whole program. And maybe PG should hire an interface specialist and redesign the whole thing. I would gladly pay twice the yearly amount for a better program. Cause the basic idea behind BIAB is great and has potential.
I think I'll give BIAB one more try. If it doesn't get any better I will have to rely on another program in the future. :-)
Sincerely
Mads A
BIAB since 2010
Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.
BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .
Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,976
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,976 |
megamads, While I agree with some of your thoughts I found your analogy of the Band-in-a-Box user relationship being more like a mechanic than a driver weak. The analogy I visualize is a good marriage. A long term relationship that is loving, sharing and giving but does require constant attention to maintain the relationship. Give a little and receive a lot in return. When I read your statement, I will have to rely on another program in the future. :-) my immediate thought was, "and what program is that?". I don't know of another program, running on any computer operating system, with the capabilities Band-in-a-Box offers. By-the-way, PG Music typically releases the next edition of Band-in-a-Box for Mac roughly six months after the release of Band-in-a-Box for Windows. Among many other changes, the 2019 BiaB for Windows release include a 64 bit version and a DAW plug-in that has additional tracks and multi-riff capability. PC users like me have been fortunate to have multi-riff capability through RealBand for some time but it will be a new feature for Mac users. The inclusion of just the 64 bit version and the DAW plug-in will likely justify moving up to 2019 Band-in-a-Box for Mac. If the future can be forecast from past experiences, the next edition of Band-in-a-Box for Mac should be released sometime in June or July so you may have new evidence to consider pretty soon! Should you ever decide to replace Band-in-a-Box I sincerely hope you will share your decision with the forum, let us know what program you choose and will provide us with your comparison about how the replacement program compares to Band-in-a-Box. I would appreciate knowing there are comparable programs. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106 |
I actually love BIAB and the idea behind it, and would spend a lot more on the program made me happy.
For a while I've been using Chordbot (on my iPad), which is way below the standards that BIAB is aiming for. However, I find myself a lot more creative and productive at the end of the day. The idea of music-making-robots are evolving these years, so I'm pretty confident :-)
My point is, that after wishing and hoping for improvements in BIAB every time a new version comes out (for many years now), I just felt like quitting today. I lost faith in that it ever would get any better.....sorry for that.
Sometimes marriages break up even though people love each other.....
Thanks for your reply Jim
BIAB since 2010
Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.
BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .
Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971 |
A few comments.
If your experience go back to OS 9 and earlier, a lot of BIAB for the Mac makes perfect sense. Will that Preference layout survive into 64 bit? I hope not for those who started on Macs in the 21st C. — but I'm quite comfortable with it.
There's a 64 bit version coming. It's been released for Windows already and the next Mac OS will require it. If not in a hurry, you might wait till then.
You do not say what your current Mac is nor what version of BIAB you are running — it definitely can make a difference.
Even more so than the version, how you have it installed can have a great effect.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,082
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,082 |
A few comments.
You do not say what your current Mac is nor what version of BIAB you are running — it definitely can make a difference.
Not criticizing your comment just want to point out the information provided in megamads signature Music teacher and professional guitar player.
Have BIAB 2017
Using Imac OSX Sierra
Plays Country, Blues and RnB
I truly do not understand megamads comment(s) Except when running BIAB. It freezes, functions stop working and disappear.....and its SO INCREDIBLE SLOW !!!
That certainly has not been my experience .
Mac Audiophile 2020 2019 2018 2017 USB plus previous years versions macOS Mojave - 10.14.6 @ Aug 16, 2019 iMac i3 3.6 GHz 8GB RAM 4K with Retina display some examples @ sound cloud done with Mac Band and DAW's : https://soundcloud.com/you/tracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
I rarely shut down my Windows version and I am having none of your problems. Perhaps an uninstall/reinstall would sort this out.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971 |
Doesn't tell us which of the 4 versions he has. As I tried to make clear, what version and how/where it's installed does make a difference.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106 |
Thanks for the respons :-)
Like Mike, I can survive the preference Layout and the maze of ticks I have to go through as long as the program does what it is supposed to.
Sorry for not updating my info:
BIAB user since 2008 (I think...???)
Mojave version 10.14.4. iMac (27-inch, late 2013), 32 GB.
BIAB 2018 (263) (with all updates), installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer, ToonTrack; Spark, Arturia; Native Kontakt; ChordBot; Funkbox; Amplitube; iRealPro; OnSong.
Education: Musicians Institute (GIT) 1989-91; Conservatory of Southern Denmark
1985-2000; Bachelors degree in science of information/programming 2005 (SDU, Denmark); Masters degree in political science 2012 (SDU Denmark).
Pro player and teacher for 15 years. Recent years semi pro player.
BIAB since 2010
Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.
BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .
Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971 |
Thanks for the respons :-)
Like Mike, I can survive the preference Layout and the maze of ticks I have to go through as long as the program does what it is supposed to.
Mojave version 10.14.4. iMac (27-inch, late 2013), 32 GB.
BIAB 2018 (263) (with all updates), installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer, ToonTrack; Spark, Arturia; Native Kontakt; ChordBot; Funkbox; Amplitube; iRealPro; OnSong.
Not dissimilar to me. There are 4 packages. Which one do you have? BIAB Mac Packages Tell me more about your 2013 iMac. SSD, HDD, Fusion Drive? Where are your VI libraries installed?
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106 |
Hi Mike
Ultrapack; SSD
VI Libraries......What is that?
Thanks for helping :-)
Mads A
BIAB since 2010
Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.
BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .
Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,082
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,082 |
Hi Mike
Ultrapack; SSD
VI Libraries......What is that?
Thanks for helping :-)
Mads A That additional/new information makes a huge difference in trying to provide you with the help you obviously require . Unfortunately there is more information required . At this stage i recommend that you contact PG's tech group because they are excellent at providing help and guidance . Good luck and happy keyboarding .
Mac Audiophile 2020 2019 2018 2017 USB plus previous years versions macOS Mojave - 10.14.6 @ Aug 16, 2019 iMac i3 3.6 GHz 8GB RAM 4K with Retina display some examples @ sound cloud done with Mac Band and DAW's : https://soundcloud.com/you/tracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106 |
Thanks Mister Mag
However, I have never experienced any other software that requires this kind of support. Some of the issues the other members ask about I haven't even heard of before. So in that sense I feel like a mechanic when operating BIAB, sorry, Jim.... :-)
ma
BIAB since 2010
Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.
BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .
Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971 |
VI Libraries......What is that? VI is Virtual Instrument such as any libraries included with Kontakt. Are they installed onto you'r Mac's internal SSD or an external drive? Ultrapack has them as well. So you installed the instruments onto your SSD and are not accessing them from the "high-speed USB 2.0 hard drive" that was one of your options when you purchased, correct? Your iMac could have shipped (a) SSD only (b) Fusion Drive (c) HDD. Is it still the original configuration or have you changed it? If changed, how? Unfortunately there is more information required . which is the reason for my questions. I am an experienced Mac tech and if he has the patience to answer, I have the patience to ask.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,682
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,682 |
Except when running BIAB. It freezes, functions stop working and disappear.....and its SO INCREDIBLE SLOW !!! Is this happening with the current version of Band-in-a-Box? There was an issue that was solved in Band-in-a-Box 2016 when running it under Sierra or newer. This would cause some actions on the main screen to respond very slowly. It seems like you have Band-in-a-Box 2018 so that obviously shouldn't be an issue, but I'm just mentioning this in case you're referring to problems you might have experienced some years ago. Otherwise, can you describe a *specific* problem that is happening right now with the program? People will want to try duplicate it on their systems, for starters.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106 |
Hallo Mike
Everything is installed on the internal HD.
Yes, I have the Ultrapack with current add-ons and updates.
My mac came with SSD.
I have not changed the configuration.
Thanks for helping.
:-) ma
BIAB since 2010
Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.
BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .
Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971 |
Even if something wasn't installed in the ideal location, as long as everything can be found, that shouldn't be an issue.
Corrupted paths are a common issue in High Sierra and Mojave. A Safe Boot fixes that and restores the caches to default. Pre OS X, this called Rebuild Desktop and was done the same way. Frankly, I don't expect it to have an effect but it's still good maintenance. This has fixed a number of annoying issues on my and my client's machines including generic alias icons:
Shut down. Boot while holding the Shift key. Log into your User account when prompted. When your desktop icons have finished rebuilding, shut down again. Boot normally.
Assuming that the SSD is healthy and not too full, the normal culprits are (a) an old bit of code that is trying to load and failing thus interfering with the process or (b) something is missing having been overwritten by something else and the OS keeps trying before giving up and moving on.
Either of these can be seen in Console.app. Every process is time stamped. Sometimes you have to drill down to get a good look. Look for something that keeps trying to load but can't or something that BIAB keeps looking for and can't find.
I've had problems with such garbage as 2005 HP print drivers trying to load in Logic, Finale 2009 Help files crashing Time Machine in 2014, Mackie HUI drivers failing to load slowing down Digital Performer... the list goes on.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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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 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!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 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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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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
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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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!
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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- 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)
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- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
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- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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- 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®!
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