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#632978 12/28/20 08:13 AM
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I have used the customer chat service the last few days with Catherine.

It's like puling teeth to get answers. And then she changes the terminology when she answers and wonders why I am confused.

It's like this every time I have chatted with her.

Unbelievable.

I'm hoping someone from management will see this.

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I suspect you are asking questions for which there is no easy or "definitive" answer. And regarding terminology; BIAB is filled with the most obscure and obtuse terms and abbreviations accumulated over the past 20+ years. That's the product. Don't blame it on the sales/support team. It is just the way it is here.

Try asking here in the forum and if the only response you get is to contact PGM, then likely there is no definitive answer to be found anywhere.

Cheers,
Dan



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You've asked some very interesting questions that are perhaps outside the norm, like focusing on Ableton Live. I still don't know what you would like your method of composition to be. There also appear to be some unresolved questions about styles versus bonus paks versus RealTracks etc. and I can see where this might lead to an impasse. How about trying your questions here again?

Dan is right, we can only be stumped at worst, but collectively we are pretty good.


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Well, honestly .. PG has one of the best and fastest support departments IMO. And to boot that; there are quite a few forum experts willing to help out.

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I have heard that. However, that has not been my experience.

I asked very simple and clear questions, just about what was included in a particular package. What I got was an argumentative response. Perhaps it's just the one person. I have had good luck every other time in the past. But it's annoying when I keep getting the same person, who almost seems like she is going out of her way to be combative and adversarial.

Either she is trying to do too many things at once, not doing any of them well. OR she is untrained.

I mean when I ask a question comparing to things, using BIAB terminology and then she changes the terms I used when answering it does not make it easy to understand.

The forum has been great. I just had a few basic questions before purchasing. Really didn't expect the response I got.

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Thanks Matt. I appreciate that.

I am just trying to get some clarity on whether or not I need to spend an extra $200 to get the Xtra Styles Paks 1-10.

The sales page does not specficially say anything about the number of Real Styles included. It only mentions 2000 (I think) of the Midi Styles.

Assuming by composition...I mean the straightforward recording of backing tracks that are good enough sounding to put out commercially, not necessarily on a CD though.

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yes if you want to have all the styles PG have created you need the extra styles discs.

mind you if you asked 'do i need to buy the extra styles' the answer might be 'what do you want to do?' rather than yes or no and things might get more complicated.


Last edited by Bob Calver; 12/28/20 11:34 AM.
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Keep in mind that like most businesses this time of year, they are probably working on a very small staff as people take the holidays off. The person you worked with may have been inundated with calls/chats.




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Originally Posted By: MusicStudent
I suspect you are asking questions for which there is no easy or "definitive" answer. And regarding terminology; BIAB is filled with the most obscure and obtuse terms and abbreviations accumulated over the past 20+ years. That's the product. Don't blame it on the sales/support team. It is just the way it is here.

Cheers,
Dan



That was not at all the case in this situation.

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Originally Posted By: sslechta
Keep in mind that like most businesses this time of year, they are probably working on a very small staff as people take the holidays off. The person you worked with may have been inundated with calls/chats.


I understand that. I understand busy. I don't understand argumentative and completely failing to address a very simple tangible question.

It was such a bad experience over a few different chats, that I am considering not making the purchase at this point. Not sure that I want to have to deal with that ever again.

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<< I am just trying to get some clarity on whether or not I need to spend an extra $200 to get the Xtra Styles Paks 1-10. >>

If that is your simple question and "Assuming by composition...I mean the straightforward recording of backing tracks that are good enough sounding to put out commercially, not necessarily on a CD though."

The answer is clear..... Yes you do. As a composer that uses BIAB, you will find these Xtra Paks essential over time. The versatility of BIAB depends solely on the amount of content you have to work with. The core BIAB program is the same across all versions.


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Originally Posted By: Charlie Fogle
<< I am just trying to get some clarity on whether or not I need to spend an extra $200 to get the Xtra Styles Paks 1-10. >>

If that is your simple question and "Assuming by composition...I mean the straightforward recording of backing tracks that are good enough sounding to put out commercially, not necessarily on a CD though."

The answer is clear..... Yes you do. As a composer that uses BIAB, you will find these Xtra Paks essential over time. The versatility of BIAB depends solely on the amount of content you have to work with. The core BIAB program is the same across all versions.


Someone had told me they do everything in MIDI Styles to start with, NOT REAL Styles. I guess that is what confused me. It sounds like you are not one who uses the MIDI Styles?

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Originally Posted By: saxgentleman67
I am just trying to get some clarity on whether or not I need to spend an extra $200 to get the Xtra Styles Paks 1-10.

I don't understand all the fuzz. Xtra Style Paks 1-10 are explained in extenso even with examples here -> https://www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php?os=win.

These sites are self explanatory - why would you need to call anybody at PGMusic?

On a more personal note, I do suggest you refrain from acting ad hominem - otherwise you should consider getting rid of those letters 'gentleman' somewhere within your handle.


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Originally Posted By: MartinB
Originally Posted By: saxgentleman67
I am just trying to get some clarity on whether or not I need to spend an extra $200 to get the Xtra Styles Paks 1-10.

I don't understand all the fuzz. Xtra Style Paks 1-10 are explained in extenso even with examples here -> https://www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php?os=win.

These sites are self explanatory - why would you need to call anybody at PGMusic?


First, that's NOT why I called PG. It was a simple question about how many REAL Styles are included in the Ultra Pak Plus.

Second, I asked the question about Style Paks, because I don't yet have a good context of understanding since I havn't had a chance to really use the program much.

Third, why would you post something so completely unhelpful to someone asking for help?

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Originally Posted By: saxgentleman67
. . . why would you post something so completely unhelpful to someone asking for help?

Because the referred website tells you all you were asking for? All you need to do is some reading and listening . . .


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Originally Posted By: MartinB
Originally Posted By: saxgentleman67
. . . why would you post something so completely unhelpful to someone asking for help?

Because the referred website tells you all no were asking for? All you need to do is some reading and listening . . .


I disagree.

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Originally Posted By: saxgentleman67
Originally Posted By: Charlie Fogle
<< I am just trying to get some clarity on whether or not I need to spend an extra $200 to get the Xtra Styles Paks 1-10. >>

If that is your simple question and "Assuming by composition...I mean the straightforward recording of backing tracks that are good enough sounding to put out commercially, not necessarily on a CD though."

The answer is clear..... Yes you do. As a composer that uses BIAB, you will find these Xtra Paks essential over time. The versatility of BIAB depends solely on the amount of content you have to work with. The core BIAB program is the same across all versions.


Someone had told me they do everything in MIDI Styles to start with, NOT REAL Styles. I guess that is what confused me. It sounds like you are not one who uses the MIDI Styles?

Yes, I start nearly every project with a midi style. Especially covers or a song I'm trying to "in the style of". I do this for several reasons. For covers, a good midi file gives the expected riffs, phrases, timing, melody for a guide, as well as the feel and groove of a song. It is infinitely easier to audition and select a RealTrack to an existing and accurate production than the opposite. Almost always a midi song is easier and faster than working with an MP3. It's faster and normally more accurate in populating the chord chart with the chords and midi generations are faster than RealTrack generations. I don't worry about the accuracy of the midi sounds initially and that's an issue only if I retain a midi patch in my project.


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Thanks Charlie. Much appreciated.

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In rough numbers there are about 2000 MIDI styles, and 3000 RealStyles in the UltraPAK, and 2000 other RealStyles that are available in the Xtra PAKs.

"RealStyles" are .STY files (like MIDI styles are), but they are made up of real audio recorded instruments (RealTracks) instead of MIDI parts.

If you have the 2021 UltraPAK + the bonus 49PAK, and have installed the latest update patch, you have all of the RealTracks available at the current time.

Xtra Styles are additional STY files that we've been making over the last few years, that are made up of RealTracks that already exist in the UltraPAK. Indeed, you could make your own Xtra styles if you were dedicated and have a lot of free time.


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Thanks for the info Andrew.

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PG Music News
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

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!

Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
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

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

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!

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Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!

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!

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  • 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.

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  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
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  • Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
  • Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
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  • Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
  • RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe

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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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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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 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!

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Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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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