Does PG Music have track system for user report the bug? If it does not, then should have one to track all bugs user report and displays the status of the bug.
This is not a good way to support the customer Without a public bug tracking system. How do one know the bug being reported & PG have acknowledged the bug? How do one know the bug being fixed? -what version, date?
If one finds the bug before report, one can look the bug has been reported or not at the public tracker (save customer time)
Jim’s good answer above describes the present system. While not perfect, it tends to filter out the actual bugs from the situations that are more a question of user understanding and education.
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; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Matt, I do not agree to this: "it tends to filter out the actual bugs from the situations that are more a question of user understanding and education."
It is always a hunt for resolution and reliance on particular user's memory of scattered posts & solutions and a will of those mentioned to help. If the bug reporting thread is in place, it would be a simple "bump": "I have same issue". Without starting another thread. If it was reported and not resolved, send poor soul to bump that thread. If it was solved, point to "Resolved" post.
1) It could create a single database for known issues. 2)Fixed or "Resolved" (User error) posts archived to the bottom of the list. 3) could be done with a simple "vote" button. And automated. 2-3 confirmation "votes" of the issue could prioritize it's standing in the list in bold and make devs aware. --------------
I do not not see a single reason why having bug reporting thread is an issue.
I don't see how any vendor could have a public bug tracking system that wasn't vulnerable to inappropriate entries based on misunderstanding and/or desire, and didn't open them up to a kind of populist terrorism. But I don't really know, are any other vendors doing this? Not talking about open source projects here.
OK, that's what I was wondering about, point taken.
Except... the Native Instruments link gets you "This forum is closed for good after over 15 years of fun. It’s now only accessible as a read-only archive until further notice." And if you follow the link to their new forums, "Bug Reports" has zero posts!
... it tends to filter out the actual bugs from the situations that are more a question of user understanding and education.
Though some of those misunderstandings and some of that need for education could perhaps reasonably be considered shortcomings of the software.
I my time as a developer I had actively to encourage our sales and support people to feed information back to us. "I don't care if the customer 'gets it wrong' or just feels it isn't righ ... I'd like to know about it. We may address it, we may not, but if we don't see the message we'll do nothing."
We set up a system deliberately not called a bug/fault report and actively encouraged any feedback they liked. And they did. Most was also sensible and constructive.
One of the things that does is pick up bugs/faults/quirks that the more experienced users never see because "they never do that"; Sometimes there were good ideas that previously wouldn't have come to us. PGM's wishlists help with that.
Actually, later we also had a couple or so meetings each year with the sales and support guys, where we all just talked about the system. Sometimes things came out in those meetings that people thought were "just silly", that were actually useful to know.
Originally Posted By: Mark Hayes
I don't see how any vendor could have a public bug tracking system that wasn't vulnerable to inappropriate entries...
You're right that a free-for-all would be a bad idea, but it would be nice to have an opportunity to see what's been recorded, what if anything is being done about it, what version contains any fix, and/or where the workaround and/or misunderstanding/education data can be found.
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 .
You're right that a free-for-all would be a bad idea, but it would be nice to have an opportunity to see what's been recorded, what if anything is being done about it, what version contains any fix, and/or where the workaround and/or misunderstanding/education data can be found.
I do wish I could check somewhere to see the status of the "Mac users can't import ABC notation files" bug. As it is, I just have to try again with each new version.
Hmmm, I wonder if this could be accomplished without PGM's active, on-going participation? Maybe a standard could be agreed upon for titling user reported bug report posts so a simple search would return only those? And maybe ask PGM to add a pinned post with instructions for titling your post along with instructions or a link for searching? And maybe PGM could grant forum admin permissions to a trusted, long-term beta tester to edit titles to maintain consistency, mark as Open, Verified, Resolved, etc.?
Just some thoughts from a calm, bugs-don't-bug-me-so-much-these-days guy!
Hmmm, I wonder if this could be accomplished without PGM's active, on-going participation?
How can you track the status of bug reports without the participation of those whose job it will be to act on them?
A report comes in. Looks like a bug. At some point PG developers may determine it wasn't really a bug, or that it's a bug already fixed internally and scheduled for release next month, or that it's a bug but it will not be fixed until the next major release. Who's going to update the bug report?
An open bug reports subforum / tracking system would bring, IMO, a lot of benefits over the actual old-fashioned system of hidden beta forums and just a few beta testers, which is clearly not working very well.
Musescore, Reaper, and many, many other modern programs are so solid partly because A LOT of users are beta testing those products, and open bug reports and discussion are encouraged by developers and long time users, offering constant feedback about reported issues.
Hmmm, I wonder if this could be accomplished without PGM's active, on-going participation?
How can you track the status of bug reports without the participation of those whose job it will be to act on them?
A report comes in. Looks like a bug. At some point PG developers may determine it wasn't really a bug, or that it's a bug already fixed internally and scheduled for release next month, or that it's a bug but it will not be fixed until the next major release. Who's going to update the bug report?
Well, this kinda already happens here when regular forum users reply to folks asking about a bug. You're right that a developer run system would be best but if that isn't possible maybe we can hack something together that would at least cover the more serious issues?
I like the idea of "issue" instead of "bug" since 1) often it is a user issue or 2) it could be a design choice/compromise. It would be unfair to PGM to label these "bugs" and frankly, unnecessary.
Maybe a user-initiated Issue List would grow to become something PGM values and adopts down the road?
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
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
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 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 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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