|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459 |
Hey, all. I would've posted this yesterday, but I was way, way too busy, including taking advantage of this deal. XLN Audio's Addictive Drums, the full freakin' product, is available at Guitar Center this weekend -- basically yesterday and today -- for $49.99, rather than $149 or $200 or whatever "deal" you can usually find. You go to a Guitar Center, buy a registration code -- printed on the receipt -- and then go home and download a 1.1 GB .zip file, register the product, and dang do you get some good noise. Between this and the BFD Eco deal ($29, still going on from all fine retailers till the end of the year) and RD, I don't think I ever have to worry about drums again. 
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Tom,
Since you're using both, which is better? Addictive Drums or BFD Eco?
If you had to buy only one, which one would it be?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459 |
Sorry for not being here earlier to answer -- if your local GC is closed now, the point may be moot. If I had to use only one, I think I'd actually go with BFD Eco. It's a little easier to use, and has a standalone module with an internal drum track that's pretty handy. I'm glad I've got both, though, and if XLN put AD on sale like this, it's a safe bet they'll do so again. I've looked at several drum instruments this year, and lemme tell ya -- - First, I wouldn't recommend anything that needed Kontakt unless you're very familiar with it; I got a no-brainer from audioMIDI on the Steven Slate Drums EX, and they sound great, but I so dislike dealing with Kontakt that I never use them.
- Second, Mdrummer and Jamstix are reasonably good possible alternatives, if you prefer their workflow, and you can download demos of them.
- Third, avoid EZ Drummer and Superior Drummer like the zombie virus. The sound, the workflow, the interminable registration system, the fact that they don't have a demo and I had to buy a Korg nanaKontrol {which I was going to get anyway, but still} to get EZ Drummer Lite because they don't sell it by itself and it's frickin' useless... did I mention I don't like EZ Drummer?
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 272
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 272 |
Quote:
Second, Mdrummer and Jamstix are reasonably good possible alternatives, if you prefer their workflow, and you can download demos of them.Third, avoid EZ Drummer and Superior Drummer like the zombie virus. The sound, the workflow, the interminable registration system, the fact that they don't have a demo and I had to buy a Korg nanaKontrol {which I was going to get anyway, but still} to get EZ Drummer Lite because they don't sell it by itself and it's frickin' useless... did I mention I don't like EZ Drummer?[/LIST]
Pat, I highly recommend Jamstix. Great sounds, reasonably priced, and when you have a problem you get the kind of personal attention from the program creator that we've become used to with PG Music. You won't be able to use one of Jamstix's strengths of jamming live along with a song in Realband, but that is an issue with RB not yet being able to deal properly with tempo-based features in other plug-ins. Even so, I think Jamstix is well worth it just for it's wide variety of drum and percussion sounds and other features.
Terry
BIAB/RB 2018 PlusPak. Dell Inspiron23 running Win10, 12GB RAM, 2.5GHz i7, Presonus AudioBox USB interface.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,981
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,981 |
I'll second that shout out for Jamsitx, cool app and great support forum. Although, I fall back on RD's regularly due to their utter simplicity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459 |
Indeed, I was gonna get JamStix (and I suppose I may still eventually) until the deals for BFD Eco and AD came up. I would recommend waiting, if you can, because the best place to get it is at their home page, http://www.rayzoon.com, and they infrequently have sales... but one of those times is Black Friday weekend. 
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Several years ago, BFD gave away a fully functioning demo of BFD on the cover DVD of Computer Music with the only restriction that it was stereo out only. BFD normally has multi-outs that you can process downstream.
I found it to be very useful with one exception - either the closed or open hi-hat sample would not respond properly to velocity - you got one level and one level only.
I ended up putting that on it's own track so that I could tame it.
However, very nicely recorded and easy to use, though deep.
Jamstix - I have version 2 and have used it successfully in all of it's modes; jam to audio, jam to midi velocities, and as a drum sample playback unit. This is with a host that properly interacts VSTi with tempo cues, which PG products do not. There is something unique about PG products (perhaps the SMPTE coding capability?) that does not work properly with tempo locking VSTi like Jamstix. Also very nicely recorded and more affordable for additional kits than BFD.
Great customer support from Rayzoon/Jamstix. With the exception of the hi-hat funkiness on BFD - never had to contact them for customer support.
-Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193 |
The only drum modules I own are Session Drummer 2 & 3 within Sonar, JamStix, and of course Real Drums/MIDI drum styles in PG Music.
I thought about trying out the other popular drums sets but I have been thoroughly satisfied with what I have.
JamStix can be very easy to use or as complicated as you wish to delve. The samples are not bad either. As mentioned, the support is superior.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427 |
+1 for XLN's Addictive Drums, I have a few drum samples programs but this is the one I always go to. Highly recommended.
I do use EZDrummer, but only the latin percussion addon kit for realistic shakers, tambourine, congas, etc. I don't use the main kits as I really dislike how they've recorded the kick drums - they all sound too hard/solid.
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459 |
Quote:
Several years ago, BFD gave away a fully functioning demo of BFD on the cover DVD of Computer Music with the only restriction that it was stereo out only. BFD normally has multi-outs that you can process downstream.
I found it to be very useful with one exception - either the closed or open hi-hat sample would not respond properly to velocity - you got one level and one level only.
I ended up putting that on it's own track so that I could tame it.
However, very nicely recorded and easy to use, though deep.
[ ... ]
-Scott
Never saw that CM issue -- in fact, I never heard of BFD until about a year ago. BFD Eco is missing some features, and has less detailed sounds than BFD2. From the FAQ:Quote:
Each kit-piece features a maximum of 24 velocity layers, at 16-bit resolution, for each of its articulations. Any expansion pack kit-pieces are also reduced to this detail level when loading them within BFD Eco.
BFD2 has 55 GB of samples, I think all at 24-bit. In any case, I haven't had any problems at all with Eco. It's fun.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
I know this is an old thread, but perhaps someone can help me...I have a copy of BFD Eco, but cannot figure out how to integrate it into Realband. I'm sure I'm missing something on the conceptual level...I've tried to handle it like other vst modules, but it seems like it needs more "steps" to get it to actuate in RB...anyone have any tips, or point me to some assistance...the BFD manual hasn't helped me.
Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
You're not going to like this. Programs that need tempo information like drum plugins don't work properly inside RB. Something to do with vst implementation. I know, I know, we've b...and moaned about it for at least 5 years now, Peter even said about two years ago it was getting fixed but then, nada. Must be some major problem I guess. Those drum modules do work fine as sound synths only though. If you want to use it with Biab or RB to playback a generated midi drum track no problem but you can't use BFD, Jamstix or any other drum program to generate it's own drum track.
Right now the only workaround if you want BFD to create something for you is to load it up in another host like Sonar, Reaper, Cubase etc and then import that track back inside Real Band.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,459 |
Have you tried dragging and dropping the MIDI grooves from BFD Eco into RB? You know, just drag it right onto a drum track. Then you can use BFD Eco as a VSTi without having to worry about how its internal tempo is set.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
I just said that didn't I?  Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,311
Posts803,195
Members40,092
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean