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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 34
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 34 |
Meh...
Each year I look forward to seeing what new wizardry PG Music cooks up for the new release. This year, I'm sad to say, I'm underwhelmed with a release that seems a fitting end to 2020. There's usually a new feature I'm super-psyched about or some RealTracks that I can envision using but not this year. Not really.
It's not that the new features or tracks are bad, they just don't blow me away like some past releases. It feels like a very low-key update. To me it's like the team said, "Well, we have to put something out there for 2021. I know! We'll enhance what's already there, slap some new Real Tracks on it, and call it a day!" I'll buy it before the end of the month and re-evaluate at that time, but nothing I see in the marketing materials that makes me think, "Wow! I can't wait to get my hands on that feature!"
Feature-wise, I believe I'll use the Utility Tracks and the fixing sour notes within the polyphonic audio the most I'm sure. The rest of the enhancements are pretty... meh. The ability to work with the audio, etc, is negated for those of us who use an external DAW. Maybe, I'll use it at some point? But I already do this kind of editing within my DAW.
The 24 bit announcement is probably the most exciting part of this entire release.
What really brings this 2021 release down for me though are the new Real Tracks. I haven't been this disappointed in years. There's an abundance of Jazz, New Age, and World Music on this release. None of that excites me in the least. I do use jazz basses on tracks from time to time and I know there are those who will relish these tracks, but for me and what I do, I'll probably never touch them. I would like to hear the "Bonfire" and "Sad Ballad" set 374, but there were no demos loaded on the webpage. I've wanted some updated bluegrass stuff for some time now, so I'm hopeful for these but won't know until I can hear the demos. I'm disappointed too that there wasn't more vocal stuff added this time around. The vocals made quite a splash when they were introduced so I'm surprised to see so little added.
Like I said, I'll pick it up as I do every year but I'm already looking forward to next year and hope it's not as flat as this year's release.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149 |
not wanting to rain on anybody's parade but it seems to me PG Music have tried to fix 'problems' like extra tracks on the mixer which are not really problems at all if you use RealBand and BIAB together. Now posts are complaining that RealTracks bounced to a utility track won't regenerate. There are many more tracks in RB and they will regenerate. you can add new ones and edit them to your heart's content. multiriffs are amazing. i wonder what PG Music would do with BIAB if they weren't trying to fix things that you can do really well already in RB. maybe that would be a lot less 'flat'.
but of course i will be upgrading, buying the 48 pack and xtra styles 10.
BIAB and RB together suit me perfectly so i can't complain too much
Last edited by Bob Calver; 11/30/20 11:22 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 270
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 270 |
I skipped 2020 for all of the above reasons and have just updated to 2021. Yes, "Meh" is definitely the correct technical description.  I've been updating since 1997 and used to look forward to the annual, and for a while bi-annual updates, then would spend a week or so exploring the new features, styles, RTs etc. Over the last few years my flabber has not been gasted. I installed 2021 two days ago and already have seen all I need to see, I've really only updated for the RTs and even then only about 1/3 are of any use to me. I'm coming to the conclusion that I've reached the end of the road with BIAB. For 5 or 6 years now, the progamme does what I need it to do for my workflow, and I probably have more RTs than I'll ever use. Having said that I will still watch for future developments. Vintage
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 34
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 34 |
I'm not ready to throw the baby out with the bath water but it's getting close. Put it this way, if PG released the RT by themselves, they would have a hard sell with features trying to get anyone to update the product. Other products I use regularly entice existing users all the time.
I'll get it for the RT and like I said, I see very few useful ones this go around for what I do.
Something I'd like to see each year is PG to conduct a poll sometime in advance of recording their new Real Tracks and Real Drums, and ask actual users what types of updated tracks they'd like to see more of in the new release. Or record and release some more throughout the year based on the interest. Repackaging the existing ones into a "Country" or "Rock" or "New Age" pack and trying to unload it for 50 bucks isn't really a big deal for those who do the full update.
BiaB has been a love/hate affair with me through the years. On one hand, I do honestly love it. I've used it on sessions, even produced a minor iTunes Top 100 hit with it, several years ago. I can't say enough good things about it and I can't emphasize that enough when I criticize it as well. The business model seems so antiquated in today's market. For those of us who record music, every other company out there seems to have their fingers on the pulse of their buyers. But PG lumbers along with a business model straight out of the 1990's. If they ever get a serious challenger to this platform, BiaB will lose because of its inflexibility. Case in point... how long have users asked for the ability to subdivide changes into 8th notes instead of the quarter notes they have now? And yes, I know you can mess around with tempo or half-time or blah, blah, blah. But you shouldn't have to create workarounds. Which would be most appreciated? The ability to change on 8th notes or another enhancement to a minor notation feature that makes it print prettier? I exaggerate a bit on the latter but it's the kind of "exciting new features" they roll out every year and market as a big deal. It's not. And don't get me started about marketing the product. At this point, if I owned the company, I'd change the name because most people don't even realize how powerful it is. They still think of the old-school MIDI product for Windows from the 90's. I'd license scaled-down version into someone's DAW so they could sample it for themselves. And I sure wouldn't put all my eggs into a single release every year in December and not really offer an expanded product line the rest of the year.
Oh, and simplify the product line. Do we really need the Super-Awesome-Jiffy-Neato Pack for people with brown eyes AND the Super-Awesome-Jiffy-Neato-Terrific pack for left-handed people with one blue eye and one green?
Last edited by BigWhirl2012; 12/17/20 06:50 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125 |
I do understand that the number of different purchase options and upgrades options confuses many people every year. And yes, there's always room for improvements for nearly all aspects of a product.
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 2006
Posts: 1,590
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590 |
I just contact pgmusic and ask which one gives me everything new with what I already have. I can't figure out the upgrade path. At least it's not Ozone's infuriating system that tries to upgrade you to things you already have or less for insane amounts. That really drives me nuts.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,378
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,378 |
That was a fun read I am relatively new to PG world, but I do have a more positive view than some in this thread. I believe BIAB is standing at crossroads at this point in time. It has a great potential of "getting to be known". As mentioned above, I also believe a Plugin (and a standalone of plugin) after initial conception are matured enough for prime time thanks to Adar, pipeline and many, many other people who contributed. The VST and a handful of RT's priced right could have significant shift in a better direction.... And of course a demo version, the one without reaching for a wallet of that "light" package. Not sure if it is in place, perhaps a student discount? I also agree, that it would make sense at least to try releasing some requested tracks and sell them in smaller, style or instrument specific packages throughout the year. "Cello" "Flutes" etc,... I do not see a harm in this, because if they do not get proper traction, they can be included in main catalog by the year end. "I'd change the name because most people don't even realize how powerful it is. They still think of the old-school MIDI product for Windows from the 90's" I do not agree with this statement, simply because most just do not know what it means or stands for, so they can not attribute or draw any parallels. Name is absolutely fine and fun. I would probably never (re)discovered BIAB if not for a friend that showed it to me in modern reincarnation. But word of mouth is a bit antiquated way. It needs a well deserved display. To me, BIAB is nearly complete. As soon as Utility Tracks will have same bar functions as legacy tracks, I will be 90%+ satisfied with it. But, as Videotrack said: "there's always room for improvements..."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685 |
Not bit the bullet on my Upgrade this year , although the audio engine is the selling point for me. So far the extra utility tracks.. well ,I'm still reading up on these as I am by no means a power user .
However reading all the threads , makes me wonder is some forum users always chasing the chase ?.
Each year its the same thing and it always puts me off for a while, negativity does flow with the newest release every year !.
Remembering the first time I found Biab (midi only and I was not part of the forum or knew it existed) I was gigging and making a healthy living , working on new drums and bass, that's all I used it for then, but having that function then ...!, meant my two piece ...well !!... we where pro and booked out in advance every year.
Now look at what we have got at our fingertips ?.
I have not done a lot in Biab this year, but I have went in recently to get myself back on board and I then realized what the program is capable of and how powerfully constructively it has been in the time I have used it.
That's why I am wondering if its worth me upgrading this year because I have still not got to the end of this programs capability! or near the end , as I read posts I am amazed at the discussions , jargon etc, that I have no clue about until I read and learn so !.
To me there is no end to its capability , Only maybe my own steam to use it, and be constructive to me that's my New year resolution , get back in to things and be inspired more this year.
Just my thoughts on the thread , and yea I will upgrade ... to be inspired again !!
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,076
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,076 |
The printed manual is my best resource for learning Band-in-a-Box.
When you upgrade a printed manual is not included. However you can order one through PG Music Sales at a very reasonable cost. I've found the cost to order and ship a manual is cheaper than the cost of printing the pdf file. When you order the manual you'll receive the same Band-in-a-Box manual that first time buyers receive.
Having a hard copy allows me to take it with me when I leave the house. I can read, highlight and make notes to make use of wait times. These actions also help me to better retain important information.
Just like the pdf file is updated throughout the year PG Music has several printings of the manual throughout the year. If it is out-of-stock when you call to order you can request they contact you or pay up front and they will send one when they receive their next printing.
I made several wishlist requests for PG Music to issue the user manual in ePUB format for use with all screen reader displays but it hasn't happened yet. Even if they did I'd still order a manual every couple of years.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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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!
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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 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!
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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®!
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