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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: 3,168
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,168 |
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: 3,743
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,743 |
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: 3,168
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,168 |
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 08:52 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 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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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