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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2004
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OP
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I know it's subjective but I think I found a better GM soft synth than the Coyote Forte or the Roland TTS-1. I was at Guitar Center yesterday and saw the M-Audio Key Rig on sale for $50. Eurika! So far I've been very pleased and just wanted to pass the info on.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2003
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This is also what I use. Just a tip that you might have missed, Channels 1,2, &3 are set to the separate synths above the GM module. When you un-mute the 3 channels in the GM module and turn off the 3 synths, it will run a lot faster & smother...at least it does on my system. Hope this helps! 
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Does it work with a 64-bit OS?
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 225
Apprentice
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Apprentice
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Isn't the M-Audio Key Rig a keyboard?
I think it is a keyboar, that comes with a software GM synth, that you are referring to.
However, I think that synth will only work with that keyboard attached to the computer's USB port. (Kind of like an ilok device, but much larger.)
So, if you are suggesting that people buy the keyboard just to get the GM synth, they will have to realize that they will need to have that keyboard attached to their computer, any time they want to use that synth.
Or--does M-Audio now sell that synth separately, and not require a particular hardware connection?
If so, any demos, etc., that one could hear? Even for $50, I don't think people would want to shell out the money without hearing it.
Yes, since Bandstand has been discontinued, there isn't really much available in the way of plug-in GM synths, other than TTS (comes with Sonar), and Coyote Forte. Garritan had once announced that they would be releasing a GM synth, called GEM,but they apparently dropped the idea.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196
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Apprentice
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M-Audio's Key Rig (and a companion product, Drum & Bass Rig) was originally a software package, available for both PC and Mac. There was a favorable review of both products in the July 2005 issue of SoundOnSound magazine -- that's when and (mainly) why I bought them. You could use them as standalone synths or as plugins, and they had some nice sounds -- GM was covered, but only part of the package. I used them for a while, then Bandstand came along and (personal opinion) I thought it did a better job with most GM sounds. It looks like M-Audio now ships KeyRig only with a couple of its small controller keyboards, and only for PC. But you can still find the software package online here and there for about $70 (or apparently, $50 through at least one Guitar Center). And M-Audio's support page shows that drivers are available for Vista and for Mac through OS 10.5.2. Is it worth $50 - 70? Maybe. The review is still online at soundonsound.com, and I thought it was pretty accurate. It's a legacy product, but so is Bandstand, and while I was never bowled over by its GM sounds, it had some other synths and sounds that were fun to play with.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2006
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Hi, I posted something about this topic the other day, but couldn't find it. Anywho.......There are a couple of good options other than that mentioned above. 1. The Roland TTS-1 softsynth. This is bundled with Cakewalk Sonar, which can be a little pricey. Now Cakewalk has an entry level product ($35) called "Music Creator 5", which bundles the TTS-1. Not a bad deal, and the sounds are much better than that of the Roland sound canvas, about equal to Forte Coyote, but more control. Music Creator is actually a great program for the price, there are tons of good features as a DAW. Here is a link to a video explaining the features> http://www.cakewalk.com/products/musiccreator/videos.asp2. If you are really picky about the quality of your samples, and still want full GM compatibility, you should look into the VIR2 "One". Although the price is more ($199) the quality is fantastic, and you don't have to worry about manually loading each patch per song, as you have to do with Kontakt. Here are some demos and info> http://www.vir2.com/4DCGI/vir2/products/vione/index.html?1198Hope that helps, Ed
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Wow! The VI.One is brilliant! It's added to my wish list.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
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maiki, I got the KeyRig software with my KeyRig49 keyboard. It does not require that the keyboard be connected to the system for the software to work. (I also own the Bass & Drum software, and really like some of the bass sounds) Overall I like it a lot better than the VSC, and it's sounds blend better with the RT/RD also. I just got the 2010 UltraPlus Pak, so if you want to post the names of a few styles you would like to hear I will record them & post them for you.....:) I have not tried out any of my soundfonts thru the SFZ+ player yet with the 2010 pak, so this might change over the course of this next year! And Edward Buckley, Thanks for the V1 link!
Last edited by jcspro40; 01/01/10 08:06 PM.
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2004
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I think you should be careful about VI One. The sounds are great (according to the demos), but it isn't merely a GM module. In fact, the GM section looks pretty weak to me.
From the manual:
"The General MIDI is a highly compacted and optimized General MIDI bank featuring the 128 standard
GM instruments plus 8 GM kits. The entire bank totals only 32MB in size, so is very quick to
load and is intended for quick MIDI mockups."
So, if you want to spend the time to assign each MIDI track to a VI One instrument, you'll get great sound. But I doubt their 32mb GM subset sounds any better than the other GM softsynths mentioned here.
If you want a good GM module, I'd recommend using hardware. And the Ketron SD2 is the best currently produced one I've found (I own two).
I also have Key Rig, though I never used its GM module. But it is handy for live playing on a laptop when you want a large assortment of sounds in a small system resources footprint. It has some nice pianos, eps, organs, and synths, all of which sound fine in a live (MIDI backup) mix. Not so good for solo piano work.
Dave Burns
Lowell, MA
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,124
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Hello, I happen to have the m-audio software lying around unused. It installed into my steinberg vst folder but is there a way to select it in band in a box instead of the vsc dxi as I can't see it there? Thank you 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2003
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In the VST/DirectX Instruments/Plugins (select synth in list) window, Select "Add VSTi Plugin..." from the list, and then find the M-Audio KeyRig.dll and Open it.... Hope this helps!
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Thank you very much for your reply. I am having trouble loading the keyrig, if anyone would be good enough to let me know if the proceedure I am doing is correct. 1 In band in a box I open the "midi/audio drivers setup" (currently I have the soundcard set to "soundblaster live synth" (my souncard) and ticked the box "use vst/dxi synth" and also ticked the box "route midi Thru to midi driver" 2 I now click on "vst/dxi synth settings" 3 The "Vst/directx instruments/plugins" dialog opens with the vsc dxi being the Edirol 4 I now click on options and when the dx/vxt box opens I click "register a new dx plugin" 5 I now browse to the location where the keyrig is installed and click on the keyrig dll but I get an error message. If anyone can give me guidance as to what I am doing wrong as to installing the keyrig or for that matter if I have setup the normal vst/dxi correctly? many thanks for your kind help. Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 01/03/10 06:16 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,124
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Thanks...think I got it sorted, I was doing the wrong thing at step 4. Musiclover
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 88
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 88 |
It appears that the Cakewalk "Music Creator 5" is only for 32-bit systems... Has anyone tried it on a 64-bit system yet? LJ Quote:
Hi,
I posted something about this topic the other day, but couldn't find it.
Anywho.......There are a couple of good options other than that mentioned above.
1. The Roland TTS-1 softsynth. This is bundled with Cakewalk Sonar, which can be a little pricey. Now Cakewalk has an entry level product ($35) called "Music Creator 5", which bundles the TTS-1. Not a bad deal, and the sounds are much better than that of the Roland sound canvas, about equal to Forte Coyote, but more control. Music Creator is actually a great program for the price, there are tons of good features as a DAW. Here is a link to a video explaining the features>
http://www.cakewalk.com/products/musiccreator/videos.asp
"You play pretty good--for a girl."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1 |
Dave,
like you i own a ketron,
and yes , absolutely brilliant,
my challenge
i want to start recording , 8 hours a day and i dont want to have to
1. keep having to bounce down (record) drums, bass etc into sonar
2. keep carrying the keyboard in and out,
(late night mixes etc..)
any ideas what soft synth i should get..
in a nutshell i dont like the TTS, compared to the SD5..
declan - ireland
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479
Journeyman
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Journeyman
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Posts: 479 |
It appears that the Cakewalk "Music Creator 5" is only for 32-bit systems... Has anyone tried it on a 64-bit system yet?
LJ
FYI, I have Music Creator 6 on my W7 64bit computer - A-OK.
kelso
Dell Desktop XPS 8100 W10 HomePrem/64 / Core i5 760 (quad, 2.8GHz) / 8GB DDR3 / 1 TB SATA / ViewSonic VG2428wm / EMU1616 PCI / Event ASP6 Active Monitors / BIAB 2019 64 bit (609) / Cakewalk
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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 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®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- 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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
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You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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!
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Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
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