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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 5
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 5 |
Hi All,
Longtime user of BIAB. Go back to the DOS version in the 90s.
I usually update every 4-5 years depending on the new features added.
I currently run BIAB 2016 UltraPak, so I'm due.
Been checking in on the forum throughout December and January, but I'm hesitant to upgrade, as I'm reading lots of posts about issues with the new BIAB 2021.
So has the latest patch stabilized things? I know PG Music releases patches throughout the year and I know that the first version in December is always a work in progress.
But I just read some postings on the BIAB VST plugin forum, and the consensus seems the DAW plugin is better, but still not complete - and that's @two years old now.
I really don't want to wait a year for full, bug-free functionality of BIAB 2021.
So what say you, the experts?
Is it worth upgrading from BIAB 2016 to 2021?
I use the program to layout the instrumental parts/arrangement for my original songs, then import the midi files/Real Tracks into my DAW where I add vocals, mix, and season to taste.
Thanks,
Danny V.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,055
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,055 |
I believe that it's stable enough to be OK to upgrade to, and remember, there will be patches being progressively released so if you encounter issues, these will hopefully be resolved.
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: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,004
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,004 |
Things have stabilized a lot since the initial 2021 release. While I'm still learning to use some of the features new for this year the Band-in-a-Box program is pretty stable. I'm really liking the new audio engine and the new time and pitch stretching algorithm make a noticeable difference
I believe you'll find the sum of all the updates since 2016 to be worth your time and money.
Sale ends January 15. If you don't agree the update is worthwhile there is the no questions asked 30 day money back guarantee.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,486
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,486 |
I recommend upgrading while the sale is in effect - one more day. I cannot comment about the plug-in except to say I don’t hear much anymore about how it’s missing critical things.
As for the main program, you will first notice graphical changes, so remember Ctrl+T.
We recently had a large number of patches of some annoying things, but 2021 has always been stable.
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: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,055
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,055 |
Yes, agreed also. If you are considering updating, take advantage of the discounted pricing while it lasts (last day...)
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: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,889
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,889 |
I guess it depends on how you use the program. I use the feature to change styles on a bar extensively and that feature was working fine in 2020 but broken in 2021. So I have reverted to 2020 and hope they fix this some day so I can use what I paid for.
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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 |
Same, but i must say their support crew is somehow proven to be very good and reliable ... For my use BIAB works OK, only Realband needs some Real Fixes LoL.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,411
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,411 |
Speaking for myself, BIAB 2021 is very stable and well worth the price... I know of no other software program that can do what BIAB does, and it seems to be improving steadily.
Bandcamp Win-11; BiaB-2026 Audiophile (latest version)
Cakewalk Sonar; Melodyne-5; Scaler 3; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 83
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 83 |
Works excellent for me. There have been multiple updates very quickly so most glitches remedied stat.
Mike
Focusrite 2i2 2nd Gen
Windows 10 pro 1709 16299.125
Intel core i7 6700k CPU @ 4.00GHz 4.01 GHz
16 gig memory
BIAB UltraPak version is 2025 (Latest)
Cubase pro 9
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,489
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,489 |
I agree with all the others, upgrade now to save some money in the long run. Overall, the program has been improved quite a bit and with the latest updates is quite stable and useful.
The issues that are still on-going are digging further down deeper into areas that a general user may not ever see or use....at least for me.
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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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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PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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!
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Forums57
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