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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 143
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 143 |
For years I buy every 6 months the updates, PlusPAK for $99. But now I consider to buy just the annual updates because that is much cheaper in my opinion. I own the Biab 2011.5 version including all realtracks and other sets. The update to 2012 with the PlusPAK costs $99, but the annual update to 2012.5, MegaPlusPAK, usually will cost $139 including usb hard drive. So, that is a difference of $59. Am I right about that? It is very confusing.
Maybe I better can buy the 2012 PlusPAK update one more time and the next time just the Christmas updates. Or I can wait another 6 months to buy the 2012.5 update. Please advise.
Thanks, Jan R. piano: Hammond Skx Pro guitar: Ibanez LGB30 guitar amp: Boss Katana 50 MKII
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,150
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,150 |
If you feel you have enough realtracks to keep you busy a lifetime then just buy the band in a box 2012 update for only $29.
If you want all the new realtracks then the ultra pak 2012 will set you back $139
BUT
If you really want ALL of the new realtracks then you have to buy the Bonus pak for $25 as well as that Bonus pak contrains a nice country piano realtrack, which is not included on standard package purchauses.
Hope this help.
Happy Christmas Musiclover
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 143
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 143 |
Maybe I miss something. I already have realtrack sets 1-136 in version 2011.5. So, if I want to update I have to buy the PlusPak for $99 and not the UltraPlusPak. That is required if you have the 2011 release. The BonusPak does not contain all realtracks, as far as I know.
My question is: till now I bought twice a year the updates by the PlusPAK. That costs 2 x $99 = $ 198. However, the annual Christmas update cost $ 139. So, it is better to buy just one update a year, the UltraPlusPAK. Is that correct? I am still confused why the PlusPAK is "expensive".
Thanks, Jan R. piano: Hammond Skx Pro guitar: Ibanez LGB30 guitar amp: Boss Katana 50 MKII
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,734
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,734 |
I suggest speaking to the PG folks directly to determine what's best four you as they have the records and are most familiar with the options
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface casio wk-7500 biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,150
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,150 |
Quote:
Maybe I miss something. I already have realtrack sets 1-136 in version 2011.5. So, if I want to update I have to buy the PlusPak for $99 and not the UltraPlusPak. That is required if you have the 2011 release. The BonusPak does not contain all realtracks, as far as I know.
My question is: till now I bought twice a year the updates by the PlusPAK. That costs 2 x $99 = $ 198. However, the annual Christmas update cost $ 139. So, it is better to buy just one update a year, the UltraPlusPAK. Is that correct? I am still confused why the PlusPAK is "expensive".
The plus pak on dvd at $99 will upgrade your whole band in a box to 2012 (as you already have 2011.5) will include all the new realtracks etc.
However there is an additional option when you order where you can buy a bonus pak for an additional $25 which will include an extra country piano realtrack which is NOT on the standard buys.
Its best to upgrade only once a year around the christmas special time such as now, because you get better pricings.
Effectively what you are doing when you upgrade mid-year is paying extra for what you would get at the end of the year anyways, so you are paying just to have some updates a few mths earlier than people who only upgrade once a year.
musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/05/11 07:52 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 143
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 143 |
Thank you all for your reply and tips.
Thanks, Jan R. piano: Hammond Skx Pro guitar: Ibanez LGB30 guitar amp: Boss Katana 50 MKII
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Perhaps someone can say whether this has been true since 2009, but during that year a free program upgrade to BIAB 2009.5 was offered without RTs/RDS. It included all patches as well as many Wishlist enhancements, so was effectively a new program. I agree that buying annually during the December sale is the most practical and economical option. But if you JUST CAN'T WAIT for those new RTs the midyear purchase is the way to go.  I know that PG appreciate the business. I wish I could afford that kind of loyalty myself!
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600 |
Without a doubt the best buy is to update once a year at Christmas time. HOWEVER, the summer update usually has 100+ new real tracks and if just one of them is THE ONE you have been in need of a $99 upgrade is worth the price of not having to hire a musician to come into your studio to record that part. I look at the Real Tracks as the cost of hiring someone to come in and play the parts for me and since the standard rate to hire someone is usually around $50 an hour this pays for two hours. If just one real track is that good then I'm saving $ in the long run. BUT not as much if I just waited until the next update at Christmas. Problem is I CAN'T WAIT!!!! Sometimes I hate PG Music (-;).
Dell 610 dual Monitor, win 7-10, Sonar Plat, ProTools 10 & 11, Reaper 4, BIAB/real Band 2022, Easy Drummer, Superior Drummer, Kontact Essentials, Personnel Orchestra, Korg Legacy Analog & Digital
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,323
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,323 |
Quote:
Maybe I miss something. I already have realtrack sets 1-136 in version 2011.5. So, if I want to update I have to buy the PlusPak for $99 and not the UltraPlusPak. That is required if you have the 2011 release. The BonusPak does not contain all realtracks, as far as I know.
To be clear about the final cost of the upgrades options, in the case of physical deliveries, you have to consider all the additional charges as follows :
Option 1 : Upgrade 2011.5 : 99,00$ + shipping 10$ = 109$ (DVD Delivery) Upgrade 2012 PlusPak : 99,00$ + shipping 10$ = 109$ (DVD Delivery). So, if you upgrade twice a year : 218,00$.
option 2: Upgrade from 2011 : 139,00$ + 25,00$ (HDD Delivery) + 40,00$ (Internal customs tax/Europa). That is what I paid in 2010 in France. So, if you upgrade only one time a year : 204,00$. The differential is only 14$. I don't know the real amount of the customs tax for The Netherlands. Thas is a point to investigate. Just for your information.
Reach for excellence
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 143
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 143 |
I purchased the PlusPAK download. Thanks. I like to be up-to-date and doing so I can support PG Music to continue development.
Thanks, Jan R. piano: Hammond Skx Pro guitar: Ibanez LGB30 guitar amp: Boss Katana 50 MKII
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
Jan,
I am still "wallering" in the joy of that purchase. They will send you links, so you will be able to do quite a bit right away.
I installed the entire drive about 60 meg last evening. It takes awhile, but now I have a "permanent" back up.
There is so much in this new package.
You made a wise decision.
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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 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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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®!
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