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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,130
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,130 |
I agree with Matt - the discount can only come out of PG Music profits. It's only been an issue for the past 18 months due to VAT rule changes in the EU and UK. We all used to pay the US Dollar price with no additions.
The discount code is a personal commitment from the PG of PG Music - Peter Gannon. Can't see many tech company owners showing that level of loyalty and concern for their customers. My code arrived this morning and I'll definitely be upgrading.
So thank you Peter, its reassuring that you are so hands-on. And it's also good that through live chat and these forums we get to know the team behind the software - Andrew, Simon, Chantelle and Ember to name just recent forum posters.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
I should say, I don't KNOW that it comes from PG Music's profits, but how else could it work?
I imagine it gets added into Cost of Goods Sold and can be budgeted any way PG pleases. Sales and discounts, after all, are part of doing business. Sorry. I have a Mac, Santa has a lump of coal for me.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 62
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 62 |
Before we get all sappy about how generous PG Music is I would like to call attention to the fact that prices have actually increased for many users.
In the past, upgrades came via disk drives, thumb drives, or hard drives and an immediate download capability was included as a feature. Unfortunately, the pricing model has changed. Download has become the default and thumb drives and hard drives add additional charges. With this pricing model in mind, without the hard drive, why would anyone (not subject to VAT) purchase the full download upgrade only to reload software they already have. The Plus Pak seems to be the only option that makes sense.
Over the decades I have gotten use to the quirky PG Music marketing and pricing bundles, but unless I am missing something, $149 download without the hard drive makes no sense.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,130
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,130 |
i think times change and we are all used to digital downloads as the norm. in the UK i always used to get dvds but downloads are so much more convenient.
and sorry about the lump of coal Mark but it's unusual to hear a Mac user unhappy with their choice of Mac over windows! Merry Christmas.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 62
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 62 |
It can be debated whether physical media or digital downloads are more convenient. They both have pros and cons. The point is you used to get both for the same price they are charging now for downloads only. This is a back door price increase.
I still do not understand the value of the $149 download only upgrade over the $99 Plus Pak upgrade. If it's download only, why download what you already have for additional cost when you can download the upgrade only?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,913
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,913 |
It can be debated whether physical media or digital downloads are more convenient. They both have pros and cons. The point is you used to get both for the same price they are charging now for downloads only. This is a back door price increase.
I still do not understand the value of the $149 download only upgrade over the $99 Plus Pak upgrade. If it's download only, why download what you already have for additional cost when you can download the upgrade only? I believe the $149 upgrade is going from lower priced version, the Pro and Mega versions, to the UItra version. The $99 plus version just adds the additional RTs, RDs, MIDI, etc to bring the 2021 Ultra and Ultra Plus versions up to the 2022 versions. If I am wrong then please correct me.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,130
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,130 |
yes Mario - you're right. if someone has 2021 Pro they can upgrade to ultrapak for $149 whereas if you have 2021 ultrapak the upgrade is just $99
$149 is an amazing deal if you have one of the smaller packages and download is quick and easy
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 129
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 129 |
I still do not understand the value of the $149 download only upgrade over the $99 Plus Pak upgrade. If it's download only, why download what you already have for additional cost when you can download the upgrade only?
I spoke to support about this yesterday, there is a slight difference - the Pluspak is an incremental update and not an upgrade. If I understood correctly, in simple terms, the upgrade is a full product while the update is a separate installation and can only update from the previous year. What this means in practice is that if you were in need of a fresh install, eg., after a computer crash or whatever, then the full upgrade will be a single straightforward install. If, however, you have purchased the Pluspak for the past few years then you'll have to first install your last full purchase / upgrade and then incrementally install each of the Pluspaks to bring it back up to date. No real biggie, just messier, but you don't lose out on anything. All assuming I understood correctly, somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 17 |
Installation with the Install Manager went very well (and long).
Looking forward to understand the new features
Wolfgang from wet Austria
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,130
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,130 |
the upgrade options really are quite simple. if you have 2021 ultrapak, getting the new program and new realtracks is $99. if you have the 2021 propak - the smallest pack available - for £149 you get the program update and all the other realtracks in the ultrapak which is a huge amount of extra music
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 62
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 62 |
The difference between the PlusPak upgrade and the full upgrade is understood. The real point of the discussion is that last year you got a hard drive for that same $149 and now you don't.
I have always had the Ultra Pak and every few years I would buy the hard drive update in order to have the latest factory version of the complete program. It would come in handy many times, allowing me to avoid the "Return to Factory Settings" option on my desktop or for other flexibilty. This no longer makes sense.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,733
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,733 |
It reminds me of when Apple removed the cd player to refine the silhouette and move people to the cloud. Everything is dematerialized but remains the essential: an excellent program. Less pollution, less waste, good music.
Biab Audiophile 2026 12.13 Win
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,130
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,130 |
a little bit of bad news, apparently this is the last year of the 20% discount to offset european VAT so next year we'll be back to US Dollars plus VAT for the upgrade.
thanks to PG Music for two years of subsidy but it really was too good to last.
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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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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!
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 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!
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.
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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows 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 60 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 Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. 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 Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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