Greetings. Will be making my first purchase of BIAB. Will start with 2022 Pro and then likely upgrade to 2022 UltraPak at the awesome sale price. I wish to use the download method.
Is there a best practice strategy for downloading? I do want to keep a copy of all the installation files for safety backup on an external HD and also to use those to install on a second computer which PG tells me is OK for non simultaneous use.
Is there any special advice on how to proceed with the download? Overnight for the upgrade? Use of a download manager? Way to keep all the downloaded files? Anything that I might not have asked?
Thanks so much for all your great thoughts in advance!
PG Music has a download manager. PG Music creates a unique to you download URL based on your purchase. Copy the URL into the download manager. The download manager will then download and install the files you purchased.
The downloaded files are stored at C:\BBDownloads unless you point the Download Manager to a different storage location.
I've added a screen shot of the Download Manager screen below.
Also, as a first time buyer understand there is a huge jump in included content between the ProPAK and the PlusPAK. The ProPAK has about 1/10th of the content available with the PlusPAK. For comparison the next level up, the MegaPAK has about 1/3rd the content included with the PlusPAK.
I'm not trying to discourage you from purchasing the ProPAK. I started with the ProPAK and stayed at that level for two years. I concentrated on learning Band-in-a-Box and RealBand as best I could while saving up my money to upgrade to the PlusPAK.
Initially I downloaded the individual file packages, then installed them onto my two machines in batches, partly because both machines were tight on disc space and I wanted to select what I'd use from what I probably wouldn't, partly because I wanted a safe copy.
I changed discs in both machines and they now have more space.
Doing it again now, I would let the download manager do all the downloads and installs, then just copy the whole /bb file tree across to the second machine. It can take some time either way, even with a reasonably quick connection, but it's so much easier with the download manager.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Jim, the reason why I am getting Pro first is that with the current sale, PG lets you first buy this and then upgrade to UltraPak at anytime within 30 days for their sale. Acquiring UltraPak this way saves you $191 over the price of UltraPak all in one go and the Chat folks assure me this is just fine and yes it will save me significant money
Gordon, if I download the files using the DL manager, will it automatically install for me or will I need to launch an install file within the downloaded files? I am hoping that it will NOT automatically install and let me do that manually. That way I will have a clean set of all install files that I can keep safe on a physical external hard drive, not only for a safety backup, but also to launch an install on my other computer if needed. Thanks for any clarification on the download manager functioning.
The download manager is designed to automate a first time installation or upgrade. So the download and install steps are combined into one button.
If you're purchasing from PG Music, you'll need to create an online account. The online account will include the individual files you purchased available for download. I posted a screen shot from my account to give you a visual of what I'm saying.
Jim, super helpful! Thank you for the time you have spent. After the advice from you all and chats with PG, I think I have my process down now and will start.
I am going to purchase and put all files in C:\bb. Then run the installers from there. Then make a complete copy of C:\bb to an external hard drive to act as an installer and data safety back up. PG tells me that everything from C:\bb will contain the whole package as an emergency back up and to use if I want to load onto a second computer. They say that what is in C:\bb will be the whole installer + Data package.
I did find an article at PG that actually recommended a third party DL manager which I will use. I already have and am familiar with Jdownloader which I have found to work really well and PG itself says that this will be faster and better. That surprised me!
I have been really impressed with this community so far with all the help willingly given to newbies and am very appreciative.
I know there are third party download managers mentioned in some tutorial, however as of a few days ago we now have our own Download and Install manager, which is better since it downloads AND installs all the files, making it pretty close to a one-click install.
If you will be downloading an UltraPAK, the main thing is to double-check that you have enough space on your hard disk for your download folder, and for your Band-in-a-Box install folder. They don't need to be on the same disk. For example, you could have your download folder on an external drive G:\BBDownloads\2022, and have Band-in-a-Box installed to C:\bb
Once you have sorted that out, start the Download and Install, and I suggest that you wait around for the Band-in-a-Box program installer to download. This installer file requires you to agree to a license and click through the setup wizard, the rest of them do not require you to do anything.
Once you have clicked through the Band-in-a-Box setup, and the downloads are on there way, you should be able to walk away and let it do it's thing.
You can do anything you want with your BBDownloads folder - back it up to a different drive etc.
Ahhh Andrew now THAT was exactly what I was trying to understand. Thank you for being so clear. Finally now I understand as you stated. The download area is separate from the install area and yes, you can copy that download folder off to anyplace you like, leaving the install folder with all the installed programs and their data.
Now THAT is making sense. I picked this up also by an article on the PG site that just happened to mention a download folder as C:\BBDownloads as distinctly different from C:\bb which is the usual installation folder, which let me know, yep, you can download to one folder and then install the program to the usual C:\bb site.
Whoa!!! Up and running and improvising right out of the box so to speak with a smooth jazz realband demo song loaded into the chord sheet. What a start. Happy camper here.
This installer file requires you to agree to a license and click through the setup wizard, the rest of them do not require you to do anything.
That's more significant that it may sound. If you install them individually of in batches, you have to enter the license code every time. And there are lots of them! :-)
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Folks, if you are concerned about downloading - how about setting up your computer to do the install in the evening? Retire - then you can see how it turns out in the morning.
Used the download manager it was seamless. I have an extremely fast 1 gig connection so timewise it was just a few minutes, but install worked great and I didn't have to do anything but tell it where I wanted it to go, basically. I highly recommend this. It is easy to see what it is doing and make sure you got everything this way as well.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 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!
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