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RealBand
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Joined: Nov 2016
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 547 |
PG Music are charging quite a hefty upgrade to just go from 2020 to 2021 with seemingly little to show that it is worth it. But RB going 64 bit just might.
Any opinions please?
Thanks
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Actually it is the same upgrade as any year. As far as the value. I think so, based on several things I would pay $179 for a package of 202 new RTs (not including the RTs in 49 pak and Xtra Pak) and the new styles. The other things are 64 bit RB, and the new Chord drag feature. These are cool.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Joined: Aug 2011
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There are several updates I think make upgrading worthwhile. Here are some that come to mind:
01) The audio editor can now be used on any track.
02) Hi-Q or high quality pitch and time stretching algorithm is available for RealTracks and RealDrums rendering.
03) 16, 24 and 32 bit audio is supported. The rendering default is now 24 bit.
04) Audio rendering is faster and more efficient.
05) Mute and solo mixer settings are song preferences instead of global preferences.
06) When rendering separate track audio files flat and center settings can be used for each track instead of the mixer settings.
07) A track setting enables BiaB to automatically fix "bad" notes in a RealTracks chord so the chord matches the chord sheet. A user can also use the audio editor to manually fix a chord in a audio file.
08) Either the default midi synth or a plugin midi synth can be selected on a per midi track basis.
09) Multiple plugin windows can be open at the same time.
10) You can now copy and move audio from track to track the same as you midi.
Especially when it comes to audio, there is much less reason to move to a DAW other than personal preference. Many things users previously used DAWs for can now be done in BiaB. Not only is there more audio functionality but rendered audio and audio playback will sound better.
My personal opinion is this release is one of the best and most important releases. Improving the audio engine opens to door to a lot of feature improvements and changes that were not previously possible.
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114 |
Half off seems like a good deal to me.
But I'm not sure about paying the same amount... $200 to get all the style paks ever made?
That's as much as I'm paying for the upgrade to Ultra-Pak plus.
How important are the style paks?
I am planning on using BIAB to record tracks to use as backing tracks for jazz saxophone for professional release.
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038
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Half off seems like a good deal to me.
But I'm not sure about paying the same amount... $200 to get all the style paks ever made?
That's as much as I'm paying for the upgrade to Ultra-Pak plus.
How important are the style paks?
I am planning on using BIAB to record tracks to use as backing tracks for jazz saxophone for professional release.
That's a personal choice question. If you normally find a style that matches a song then no, you likely don't need the style paks. After all, they are additional styles that use existing material. If you can find a style that feels right for a song after you switch out some RealTracks I'd still say no you don't need the style paks. However, if you find styles that, as soon as you hear them they inspire you, or lead you in a direction you hadn't planned then I'd say yes. The styles in the style paks are inspiring. They have a different sound and feel from the standard styles. This is not a put down of the standard styles but the reason style paks exist is to inspire and offer additional choices. Standard styles exist as a basic building block.
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
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If you already have BIAB 2020, just get the PlusPak for $99
It comes with the new version of BIAB and RB, plus ONLY the new real tracks and styles. Plus some bonus styles.
Some of the more expensive packages include ALL of the previous styles and realtracks... but if you already have them, why pay more to buy them again?
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RealBand
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Joined: Sep 2001
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i bet the RT to midi is a program change not on the actual RealTrack itself. or the installer updates old RTs.
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Pat, that's a very interesting question! In order to get the midi tracks for previous RT's, does one have to buy the full 2021 version paks or does the PlusPak (with the 2021 BIAB) have the engine to add midi tracks to all previous RT that I might have?
Hopefully one of our beta testers or PG direct can clarify this.
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2008
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i bet the RT to midi is a program change not on the actual RealTrack itself. or the installer updates old RTs. You might be right Bob. My comprehension takes a few passes through the same information before I "get it" ;-)
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114 |
If you already have BIAB 2020, just get the PlusPak for $99
It comes with the new version of BIAB and RB, plus ONLY the new real tracks and styles. Plus some bonus styles.
Some of the more expensive packages include ALL of the previous styles and realtracks... but if you already have them, why pay more to buy them again?
I have 2016 Pro, so I was initially just going to go to 2021 BIAB Ultra Pak Plus....thinking that was enough. But then I saw the offer to get all the extra style paks.
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114 |
Very useful response Jim. I will probably eventually get them all...but I think maybe later is better than sooner. I really havn't used the program much at all yet. Probably better to see what's there first. I am hoping that the move from Pro to Ultra Pak Plus will give me greater freedom and flexibility.
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
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saxgentleman67,
Updating from 2016 to 2021 is a B-I-G jump. I can't even think of all the program changes that have been made in five years.
The most basic purchase is the 2021 Program update. This only includes the programs, no add-ons. But there have been substantial changes to the program from 2016 to now.
One big update is the program has a new audio sound engine. Not only can you use 24 bit audio but you can also use different audio sample rates. Audio renders are much faster.
Another big update is the algorithm used to change audio pitch and tempo is new. RealTracks can be time or pitch shifted more than before with less artifacts.
Both Band-in-a-Box and RealBand are available as 64 bit programs. That makes them compatible with modern plugins.
PG Music offers a no payment now, four monthly payments plan that's worth looking at.
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2020
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I personally think 2021 is very much worth the money, as there are a ton of great new features (especially the Utility Tracks and higher quality time stretching)! Of course, I might be biased. Please see my signature... If you already have BIAB 2020, just get the PlusPak for $99
It comes with the new version of BIAB and RB, plus ONLY the new real tracks and styles. Plus some bonus styles.
Some of the more expensive packages include ALL of the previous styles and realtracks... but if you already have them, why pay more to buy them again?
I'd be careful recommending this, as the PlusPAK really only works when upgrading from the previous year's UltraPAK - it can get messy when a customer upgrades to the PlusPAK from Pro or MegaPAK, as all the previous Realtracks aren't there for the new styles to work with...
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 12/18/20 07:20 PM.
I work here
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745 |
My favorite is the utility tracks!
...Deb
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
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I thought this was a RB question now i'm confused
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
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Rob,
From RB patch release
New - program will now let you save audio tracks as Utility Tracks when saving to an MGU or SGU
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,792
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,792 |
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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RealBand
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,147
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maybe someone can explain why after taking a BIAB song into RB with all the extra flexibility, extra tracks, all the regeneration possibilities - midi, midi supertracks and RTs, and easier editing without complicated workarounds RB offers , you might want to take it back into BIAB?
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2013
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maybe someone can explain why after taking a BIAB song into RB with all the extra flexibility, extra tracks, all the regeneration possibilities - midi, midi supertracks and RTs, and easier editing without complicated workarounds RB offers , you might want to take it back into BIAB? One opens a BIAB project in RB that was carefully constructed using Multi Styles extensively only to learn RB doesn't recognize Multi Styles... One opens a BIAB project in RB that was carefully constructed with frozen tracks perfect for the project only to learn RB doesn't recognize and preserve frozen tracks. Back to BIAB to export.... BIAB's more fully featured than RB. It is much better to construct tracks and styles in BIAB than RB if you're into a project and find tracks lacking as the project progresses. BIAB's StylePicker is better and more efficient than the StylePicker in RB. BIAB's ACW is better and more efficient than RB's. Projects evolve and BIAB does many things better at track construction than RB or any other DAW. I don't think it's at all unusual to get tracks into RB only to find they are not completely satisfactory for the project and BIAB is the right tool for that job.
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.
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Charlie, I have a question regarding frozen tracks, are not all tracks in RB actually “Frozen” since they don’t regenerate unless you specifically want to?
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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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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XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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