|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241 |
Hi all,
I come here again for some insights. I'm considering getting the ULTRAPACK BIAB program which already contains many many real styles. I see there are some Styles Packs from 1 to 8. I've listened to them briefly and don't really see how necessary they could be when one has already all the styles of the Ultrapack.
Can you give me your view about it ?
Are the Ultra pack really necessary ? Do they bring something none of the numerous styles included in the Ultrapack wouldn't ?
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,073
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,073 |
Necessary? No. Desirable? Yes.
Xtra Styles use the same RealTracks available to every other style. However, Xtra Styles add unusual effects, use loops and the RealTracks themselves in ways one would not normally expect.
If you are not comfortable with mixing, adding effects or creating styles they are worth having to study and learn. The "sound" is much more modern than anything you'll hear from a traditional Band-in-a-Box style. My guess is the person making the Xtra Styles is a relative new hire brought onboard specifically to modernize the sound of the product.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,605
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,605 |
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241 |
Ah ok, I understand now the concept of Pack styles (it was obscure to me, just seemed like an addition of new RT when it is a mix of them with some effects). Thanks Jim & Matt for your help ! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,953
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,953 |
Just to emphasize what Jim said...the styles paks do NOT contain any new RealTracks. They simply combine existing RealTracks into new sets or styles.
There are a couple of things to understand here...
1) if you have all of the RealTracks then you could create any of the styles yourself by simply combining RealTracks and saving as a style but it would take a lot of time to do so. in that sense the styles paks represent a huge shortcut to finding great combinations of RealTracks that work together as styles.
2) if you do not have all of the RealTracks you may find that some of the styles in the styles paks do not work for you because they depend on those missing RealTracks!
My opinion? Buy all of the RealTracks and buy all of the Styles paks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241 |
Just to emphasize what Jim said...the styles paks do NOT contain any new RealTracks. They simply combine existing RealTracks into new sets or styles.
There are a couple of things to understand here...
1) if you have all of the RealTracks then you could create any of the styles yourself by simply combining RealTracks and saving as a style but it would take a lot of time to do so. in that sense the styles paks represent a huge shortcut to finding great combinations of RealTracks that work together as styles.
2) if you do not have all of the RealTracks you may find that some of the styles in the styles paks do not work for you because they depend on those missing RealTracks!
My opinion? Buy all of the RealTracks and buy all of the Styles paks! Thanks, I understand better. I intend to purchase the ULTRAPACK so I guess I will have the max RT available (minus the Xtra pack combos). Question : can I tweek the Xtra Styles editing them by adding or removing stuff or are they "untouchable" ? EDIT : are all the tracks from the Xtra packs RTs ? Some sound MIDIish to me..
Last edited by Angelomusic; 12/22/19 03:24 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888 |
The Xtra Styles are completely editable. Every Style, MIDI, Supermidi or RealTrack, is completely editable.
Another option you may want to experiment with is to create Medley tracks. Each Legacy Channel (1-7) in the Mixer can have up to 10 different instruments on it. A quick way to audition this feature is to Select Medley Styles from the Stylepicker. These are Medleys created by PG Music staff that are programmed to work seamlessly into the chord chart of your song. These medleys showcase some of the various ways to trigger the instrument changes. They can be programmed to change every two bars, four bars or 8 bars, by part marker and you can manually create your own multiple instrument track to change instruments at any bar. Note that it can be any count of instrument changes from one to 10 and importantly, instruments do not have to be different instruments. Programmed changes can be two instruments switching back and forth multiple times on a track. Do this on two separate channels but using the same two instruments allows for some very complex arrangements to be created within BIAB without ever leaving the program for further processing in a DAW or RealBand.
Bouncing mixes of multi instrument channels to audio and importing them back into your project and placing them onto legacy channels as Performance Tracks develops a BIAB song project of dozens of instruments onto dozens of tracks. Using each of the 7 channels to interchange 10 instruments totals to 70 instrument changes.
An interesting thing I've noticed but am only speculating to how the results come about is the fact that the BIAB generation engine 'reads' ahead and 'sees' the upcoming instrument change and in turn 'selects' more appropriate instrument one ending bar audio and instrument 2 intro bar audio and cross fades wonderfully. You will encounter instrument changes where the audio of the two instruments simultaneously overlap. That requires some manual work to accomplish in any DAW but is done automatically within a BIAB project using the multi instrument feature.
This feature in BIAB 2020 has added features and enhancements from previous years and it's well worth the time to explore.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,073
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,073 |
snip ... (A)re all the tracks from the Xtra packs RTs ? Some sound MIDIish to me.. In another post, which I can't find at this time, a PG Music developer involved in creating the Xtra Styles stated they try to use all the resources Band-in-a-Box offers. My resource list would include as a minimum: loops, multiple drum tracks, multiple instruments on a single track, part markers, midi SuperTracks, mixer settings and effects.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241 |
@Jim : ah ok so that's why sometimes I hear a midi kind of sound. Not a big deal it's not in all of them I can deal with that.
@Charlie : wow! So many things you can do with BIAB. Looks like the one who only use it as a simple backing track machine would miss a lot of all that BIAB has to offer. Sounds exciting because it makes BIAB really a composing tool with endless possibilities. I guess I will have to give it time to process all the features of BIAB.
Last edited by Angelomusic; 12/22/19 01:15 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241 |
Just curious to those who have the Xtra styles Packs :
1/ How many of those Packs do you have ? Did you just buy 1 or 2 or the whole set of 8 ?
2/ Since they are more modern and fancy, do you use them more than the traditional RTs ?
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745 |
I have all 8.
When I started I was only playing bluegrass. Because of Band in a box I am now willing to experiment with the different styles.
...Deb
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
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 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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,419
Posts804,731
Members40,120
| |
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