Trouble is if you spend all your Christmas money on it and other stuff (XLN, Toontrack, UVI, ...) you'll need to ask mom for more money for BIAB 2020 if and when it comes out or go back to work or sale a guitar or a kidney ... -LOL
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
As much as I need the latest NI, I'll stick with the option of selling the guitar, 'cos I think selling the guitar is probably less painful .
I have the latest Kontakt so thank God I don't have to make a choice. But if I did it would be a kidney. It would be a lot less painful then selling a guitar
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
You'll need to ask mom for more money for BIAB 2020 if and when it comes out
Hahaha..... Luckily you can split your BIAB bill into a few payments these days. Did that the last time around and it made my bank account breathe a little easier!
PG needs to move their development and sales cycle up a month.
I see this every year - everybody seems to beat PG to folks'es wallets in early NOV or late OCT. I suspect there are some PG sales that are actually lost because folks see the shiny new "other toy" (can you say .... SQUIRREL ) a month sooner.
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Seriously, who spends this kind of money on music software - other than a pro studio? And these prices are half the normal price?
BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
Well I for one would not be going for a Komplete Set but there are some instruments for Kontakt Player I’d like. I think in a lot of cases “amateurs” (non professional studios) build up bit by bit. Over a number of years one can build up a huge collection a lot of which rarely if ever gets used (same could even be said of RealTracks) but it is fun to play with and if ever you need it, you have it.
As far as building up a studio like setup, I think over time one gets closer and can eventually cross grade or whatever at a reasonable cost.
My thoughts Tony
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
To be fair the prices you showing are prices for Komplete, and for any version of Komplete the 50% off offer is ONLY for UPDATE or UPGRADE, if you don't qualify for either then you are paying full freight, so hen yes those prices are not 50% off they are just full MSRP
However, most of the other stuff like full Kontakt is 50% regardless of prior ownership of anything (so $199 instead of $399) and folks here generally suggest it as one of the ROMplers to have, especially at that price - because of all the add-on library's available.
Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 11/21/1906:01 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
While NI does have sales, they don't come around very often, so I would suggest that if you are thinking of getting anything from them, now is the time (I'm not hawking their wares, just stating what I've seen over time).
I've got Komplete Ultimate Collector's (and a few additional libraries that weren't included in the, well "Komplete" package - reminds me of the "EverythingPAK discussions we've had on this forum) , so nothing really for me here (except maybe the Noire piano).
I do love the sounds I get from Kontakt libraries. I don't love that Kontakt itself takes awhile to load, and then the library you want can often take awhile to load. There used to be a way to get libraries to load faster in Kontakt 5 (by re-saving them), but that doesn't seem to really work in Kontakt 6 (after they changed structure).
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA
OK, I think I now better understand the means to the madness of this very large product offering. There are actually some individual pieces I can recommend. I have the Sessions Guitarist - Strummed acoustic 2 and the Picked Acoustic. We have talked about this here in the forum over the years. This has been featured in my music and it is a joy to play with.
So this gets my gold seal recommendation. How about any recommendations from others.
BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
NO - you can buy strummed Guitar at half price 49.50 without owning ANYTHING. And I just looked at tech requirements - that library will work with NI's FREE Kontakt player version 5 or higher. So no need to buy anything else.
However, I think some libraries do require full non-free Kontakt so be careful and READ the requirements at bottom of the pages, again this one Session Guitarist Strummed Acoustic only needs the FREE player.
The need to have already owned something was for the "Komplete" packages
Larry
PS John is right NI sales are few and far between so...
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
I was looking at Session Guitarist Strummed Acoustic 2 for a long time. I tried Ample Sound "Free" version and I still think for the price (free) it is a very neat plugin, however I was never able to get strumming programmed the way I wanted it to sound. Coincidentally I was in conversation with pipeline about another topic. He was super helpful and demoed some patterns from the Strummed Acoustic 2. Fortunately or unfortunately it got me hooked, so I pulled the trigger and got it. Played with it for an hour today. I believe it is totally worth $50. Yes, it has plenty of limitations, but as most of you probably know, it is very hard to get realistic sound of acoustic guitar from plugin, especially strums. This is probably the closest to real thing I tried.
I do not have a lot of time to work on my music projects due to family expansion, but just could not resist this one
Seems it could do some cool stuff within BIAB when sending chord track to it. I have to find time to set it up right, but even the way it is, it should be fairly straight forward to make decent tracks in DAW.
P.S. NI does not have a return policy, but seems these Strummed VSTs are in demand on secondary market (KVR). Assuming you do not like it, you will most likely will get your money back after the sale is over by selling it to someone who missed the action.
Like Tony said, I have so many already that I don't have time to use. But because I own Komplete 9 (with Kontakt 5) I qualify for the upgrades.
For $49.50 I could upgrade to Kontakt 6. And for $99 I could upgrade to Komplete 12 (standard edition) in order to get Kontakt 6. There are also several libraries and synths in Komplete 12 that I do not have (nor need) but would like added to my collection.
So, here are some questions in case anyone can offer any insights.
I heard there were lots of problems with Kontakt 6 back when it was first release...have those been resolved mostly?
One thing I have always hated about Kontakt 5 is the small window you have to work inside. Have they increased the window in 6?
Also, will I lose any of my current libraries that are working perfectly under Kontakt 5?
I heard there were lots of problems with Kontakt 6 back when it was first release...have those been resolved mostly?
I remember the rumbling about this long ago. Don't hear much about it recently
Quote:
One thing I have always hated about Kontakt 5 is the small window you have to work inside. Have they increased the window in 6?
Still small
Quote:
Also, will I lose any of my current libraries that are working perfectly under Kontakt 5?
Both version 5 and version 6 run side by side. I have new stuff which runs only in version 6, so I don't see it in version 5.
Quote:
Finally, can I run Kontakt 6 alongside Kontakt 5?
Yes
BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
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These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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:
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-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
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-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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