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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 |
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 11:39 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,674
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,674 |
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 11:45 AM.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2025/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
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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
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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: 12,674
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,674 |
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 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2025/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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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: 6,385
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Posts: 6,385 |
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 05:22 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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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
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
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
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!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
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
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
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!
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 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.
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 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.
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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