As mainly an acoustic folky i was a little curious about NEW ACOUSTIC RTs for folk, bluegrass, Celtic, ethnic, percussion etc, and the new 2023 Audiouphile releases. IMO, and after a listen through the demos it seems that most stuff is again a lot of the same poppy-rocky material as so many other old RTs; distorted Electric guitar sounds and drums again.
No acoustic bass, and especially NO new Andy Leftwich material!, Latter made some great universal, unsurpassed and very useful mandolin and fiddle RTs. full of clever riffs of a quality i never experienced with most other acoustic RTs .. (IMO!).
I still miss a good set of Irish style backing bazookas with the lighter sound of a greek-style 3 string round belly instrument as played by the likes of Alec Finn and Donal Lunny. Let alone uilleann pipes.
So I think i'll let Audiophile be for this round, as not much there really interests me personally, but maybe some of you can make me change my mind? A good friend and long time BIAB user i talked into buying Audiophile 2 years ago feels the same way ..... F
IMHO, the XtraPAKs and XPro4 have the better RTs - those are worth getting for sure. I am underwhelmed by the other new RTs with the 2023 UltraPAK, to be honest.
Cheers, Mike
My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
IMHO, the XtraPAKs and XPro4 have the better RTs - those are worth getting for sure. I am underwhelmed by the other new RTs with the 2023 UltraPAK, to be honest.
I'm confused by this statement... I thought the "XtraPAKs and XPro4" were just new RealStyles that used existing RealTracks.
I do however, prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's.
Again, I find this statement confusing. Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?
I do however, prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's.
Again, I find this statement confusing. Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?
That is exactly what I was saying but then again it is 100% subjective depending on the musical taste of the listener. Other's will more then likely absolutely love the RT's over the XtraPak and XtraPro sounds. Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with any of them, it is just that my taste in music does not venture that much into other areas like synth, pop, new world, new age, disco, etc...
Nothing wrong with them, just not my forte.
BIAB2026 Windows 10 Pro (Never Windows 11!) WA6NCB
I do however, prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's.
Again, I find this statement confusing. Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?
Other's will more then likely absolutely love the RT's over the XtraPak and XtraPro sounds.
I'm sorry, but I still don't understand your comparison between "RT's", and "XtraPak and XtraPro sounds".
Okay, someone probably will correct me if I'm wrong:
Look at X**** (whatever) styles the same way as you would look at User styles. Yes, X* styles are a based on existing styles. Those existing styles are used to come up with completely "new" styles (same as with User styles).
I think what we're saying is that more thought and originality has been applied to those X* styles. Better arrangements, instrumentation, etc. than those "regular/new" styles that cam with whatever version of BIAB 2023 one bought.
Now, this is just my interpretation as to what X* styles are and why they are more appealing to some of us. Someone else may weigh in to either correct me or elaborate even more.
Cheers, Mike
My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
I think what we're saying is that more thought and originality has been applied to those X* styles. Better arrangements, instrumentation, etc. than those "regular/new" styles that cam with whatever version of BIAB 2023 one bought.
Yes, this makes sense to me, and is what I suspected you meant when I asked the above question; Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?
BTW, I tend to agree, to some extent... but to me, some are gems, and some are just more gravel.
I think what we're saying is that more thought and originality has been applied to those X* styles. Better arrangements, instrumentation, etc. than those "regular/new" styles that cam with whatever version of BIAB 2023 one bought.
Yes, this makes sense to me, and is what I suspected when I asked the above question; Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?
BTW, I tend to agree, to some extent... but to me, some are gems, and some are just more gravel.
Glad, we're on the same page!
Cheers, Mike
My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
I'm sorry, but I still don't understand your comparison between "RT's", and "XtraPak and XtraPro sounds".
IF I have been reading this right, the created Xtra & Xpro Paks sound BETTER that the RealTracks that come with the new release is what is being said....the Created Mixes using previous styles DO sound more "Alive" than the new RT's IMHO....
The only Xtra or Xpro Paks that I can find that DO come with NEW RealTracks are Xpro 3 & 4....so i will assume that is what is meant (and we all know what happens when one Assumes! LOL! )
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
In BIAB, there are RealTracks (and RealDrums), and there are styles. Styles you buy, or styles you can make yourself, are just collections of specific RealTracks and RealDrums that are given a convenient name. If you only use RealTracks and RealDrums, you don't really need styles at all; they are just easier to have and search for.
For MIDI, the style does do a lot more by way of instructions. However, if I use a collection of only RealTracks, no MIDI, then a polka style, Chopin, a blues, or a modern jazz style will sound the same in that song IF you select the same RealTrack(s) by number and use the same tempo and key signature.
The 'regular' BIAB packages come with lots of RealTracks and styles. The more you pay for a package (Pro, UltraPak), the more you get of each, since the base program is the same.
Then there are EDITED 'Bonus 0 or 49-packages' each year offered for extra money, and these also give you BOTH additional styles and additional RealTracks.
The quality of the RealTracks (the question about 'better') from any source is the same as the others they produce. If someone likes or doesn't like how something sounds, it's their opinion. The style likewise is just a curated collection of RealTracks, so it has no 'quality' and you are free to like their choice of how these tracks sound together, or not. If you only like some of the style, swap out the tracks you don't like to create and save your own style.
Then there are 'Xtra' packages each year offered for extra money, and these also give you BOTH additional styles and additional RealTracks.
"additional RealTracks" Matt, are you sure about that?
I know that some "additional RealTracks" are offered with the "Bonus 49 Pac", but I'm not aware of any "additional RealTracks" included in the Xtra Styles or XPro Packs. am I wrong?
The XtraStyles do not include any additional RealTracks because as long as you have the 2022 UltraPAK from last year you'll have all the RealTracks you need.
The 2023 XProPAK 4 does include some RealTracks and RealDrums that are not included in the 2023 or earlier XProPAK. This is from the XProPAK4 installer file:
Quote:
100 Rock/Pop, Jazz, Country, and Miscellaneous styles (STY), including RealTracks and RealDrum files.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
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.
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)
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