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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
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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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
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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
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,443
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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.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796 |
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
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Joined: Apr 2020
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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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
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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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,142
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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 10:34 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
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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.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114 |
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114 |
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,793
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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.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, 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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114 |
<< 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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,275
Veteran
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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. 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.
Martin
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114 |
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,275
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,275 |
. . . 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 . . .
Martin
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
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. . . 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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,793
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,793 |
<< 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.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, 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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
Apprentice
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Thanks Charlie. Much appreciated.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,668
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,668 |
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.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
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Thanks for the info Andrew.
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
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- 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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- 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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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