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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12 |
I have BiaB running on my desktop MacPro, but I keep reading various posts about how advanced the PC version is.
I have a nice i7 Pentium sitting unused in the corner and am wondering if it's worth dusting it off to run BiaB PC.
BTW, I am not really switching to a PC. The i7 would be dedicated pretty much to just BiaB.
I own the Mac USB UltraPlusPak so I'll have to check on the cost to switch/add the PC version?
Last edited by ajoe; 01/27/10 10:39 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772 |
if you look down the left side (you will probably have to scroll) of this link you will see the cross-grade prices, but I would give them a call to verify (it's not clear which direction this cross-grade is going --> Windows to Mac, or Mac to Windows.)
Last edited by jford; 01/27/10 10:45 AM.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12 |
Thanks John!
Do you have any experience with the PC version?
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772 |
I have extensive experience with the PC version; but unfortunately, none with the Mac version, so I can't provide you a point of comparison. There are others here that use both versions, so they may chime in.
I do read the Mac forum, however, because I believe we can all learn from each other and there are many overlapping features. Which OS folks use doesn't matter to me.
My son uses a MacBook, but his previous machines were all PCs. So he runs the Windows version of BIAB in a VMWare Fusion window under Windows XP.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I have experience with both versions. The PC version is indeed way out in front at this point in time, and if you have a (gasp!) i7 available, you have a FAST machine for working with BiaB there! RealTracks/RealDrums will load like the proverbial lightning, man.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446 |
The Windows version of BiaB has always been (and probably always will be) better than the Mac version.
I have no inside information, but I suppose it is simply a matter of numbers. The latest estimate I read in the computer "trade" magazine I get is that 5% of the microcomputers are Macs, and fewer than that are Linux. That means well over 90% are PCs. It just makes good business sense to spend more time developing PC software.
If you have any of my style disks or fake disks, contact me privately after you make the switch and I'll send you links to download the PC versions for no charge at all.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Hey,
I've used PC and Mac for years, and since the very first version of BIAB for Atari. While it's true that the Mac version lacks some features of the PC version, when you take into account the Driver, latency and timing issues of PCs, My experience with BIAB is always better on the Mac side. I still can't get my interface to work with windows 7, I have to keep switching between ASIO and MME when using a midi controller with BIAB on PC when it does work. I have none of those issues with the Mac version and the Latency is so low it almost does not exist. Sure, it is easy to find people who will knock the Mac, 99% of them have only used a PC and have no idea how much better the Mac OS is for music production. I have BIAB on the PC, but if I want to get something done quick and easy, I go to my Mac.
If I were you, I would stay with the Mac version.
Ed
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12 |
Quote:
If I were you, I would stay with the Mac version.
Thanks everyone for the comments.
After giving this some thought, and realizing I would have to purchase both an upgrade for BiaB and Windows (I was running Win7 beta that expires in March), I really can't justify the switch.
I don't know what's left out of the Mac version, but I haven't really found anything missing for my needs. And, as Ed points out, I might just be buying myself a lot of stress. The PC version might have a few more bells and whistles, but it certainly can't be an more stable and dependable than it is on my Mac.
Last edited by ajoe; 01/29/10 04:22 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116 |
I think the Q you have to ask yourself is more of when and where in the creative process you need/use BIAB? When I use BIAB I do it very early in the process and then I need to be moveable and then really the version on my MacBook is the one to go to (although the PC-version of BIAB is superior). All the midi-styles work on both platforms anyway - the realtracks don't.
I use BIAB mainly for LapSteel, Harmonica and Mandolin + some old midistyles that I did in the past. The LapSteel was a huge leap forward for BIAB and I wish they would focus a little bit more on instruments that give a bit of character, insted of yet another strumming-guitar...?
Product owner: BIAB Win 2009 MegaP|Mac 2011
PoCoX8|MD3|H4|VSS3|DVR2|
PT 9.0|Reason 5|K4|Goliath|Ivory|Trilian|VG2|
MacBook 17"|2.8 mhz|4 GB|OSX 10.6.7|One|Bandst.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
ajoe
before i comment let me say i have no loyalty to any computer brand.
i worked in the puter industry for decades and saw most facets from manufacturing thru marketing.
imho if you dont use that i7 its a waste.
its the first time ive become excited bout a intel processor cos in the past i liked
amd for value for money.
if it were my system i would be useing the heck out of it for songs and lots of other things also.
i would install 2 cheap 70 buk 7200 rpm 32 mb cache drives.
one for win and one for recording to...and to quote one of rharvs great song titles..
i would ride the wind. the i7 is a grrreat processor imho.
it seems such a shame not to use it.
at my suggestion a friend just got an i7.
his first reaction was wow.
its a pity they are so expensive.
just my 2 cents.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116 |
Discovered something yesterday - if you edit your own user-styles - do it on the PC! Here the Mac-developing team really has to step up to the plate and get the Mac on level with the PC. Horrific. I have to transport files back and forth from PC to Mac to do this step in the process.
Product owner: BIAB Win 2009 MegaP|Mac 2011
PoCoX8|MD3|H4|VSS3|DVR2|
PT 9.0|Reason 5|K4|Goliath|Ivory|Trilian|VG2|
MacBook 17"|2.8 mhz|4 GB|OSX 10.6.7|One|Bandst.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 57 |
No experience using BiaB with PC here, but I do use BiaB in tandem with LogicExpress (a Mac program) - and I find the wedding of the two programs an absolute dream come true of possibilities.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12 |
Quote:
...I do use BiaB in tandem with LogicExpress (a Mac program) - and I find the wedding of the two programs an absolute dream come true of possibilities.
Hi George,
Now I am curious about your workflow.
I use Logic also. I just export the MIDI files from BiaB and drop them into Logic, but wondering if you have found a better/different workflow that is more seamless?
Thanks.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 57 |
ajoe-
With RealTracks and Drums, I now also import audio as well as MIDI into LogicExpress. Once in Logic, I love to improvise numerous tracks of piano just letting my creativity go wild. Only after, do I go back and listen critically. I retain parts of each track that I like, sometimes piecing together snippets from different takes. I sometimes mouse in added notes, altering velocities, adding harmonic enrichment. Even with mouse in hand, I sometimes feel I am still improvising. After deciding on the piano part, I will then go back to see if there is some way to alter my MIDI drums simpatico with the piano - accents and rhythmic dialogs. I often look for humorous exchanges. Musical instruments are like characters in a play!
George
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116 |
I found several editing functions that I have gotten use to on the PC that isn't available in the Mac-version and therefor I will try to install the PC version on Paralell Desktops - anyone tried that option?
Product owner: BIAB Win 2009 MegaP|Mac 2011
PoCoX8|MD3|H4|VSS3|DVR2|
PT 9.0|Reason 5|K4|Goliath|Ivory|Trilian|VG2|
MacBook 17"|2.8 mhz|4 GB|OSX 10.6.7|One|Bandst.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30 |
Hi,
I am running BIAB 2010, Real Band and PowerTrax on Windows XP using bootcamp. I also have BIAB 2009.5 on my mac partition. Both work very well without many problems. I initially had a small problem with getting everything organized on the Windows side, but that wqs primarily due to not being familiar with Windows XP. Since ironing out midi, external drives, where to put what,etc. I have had no problems. I must say that I much prefer the Mac side, possibly because I am used to the work flow. BIAB 2010 seems to be faster that the mac version, but that said, I still prefer the Mac. My work flow is BIAB-GB-Logic Pro. On the windows side it is BIAB-RB or PowerTrax.
I am using a 20"iMac intel core duo, 3GB memory, 2.16GBprocessor, 500GB(Mac) and 1TB (XP) external hard drives. Alesis IO/26 firewire mixer. Mac partition 220GB, WindowsXP partition 30GB.
Hope this helps.
TakeCare
Bill
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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)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 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!
Watch the video.
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!
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.
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