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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I use BIAB almost exclusively to generate MIDI tracks, which I then port into Propellerhead Reason for revoicing and processing. Reason is essentially a giant MIDI synth, ROMpler, and effects rack. With version 6 it is also a complete DAW. If you're not familiar with it, here's an overview: https://www.propellerheads.se/products/reason/ I currently have BIAB 2009.5. To date I have played with Real Drums and Real Tracks as a novelty. I get great results, it's just not about what I do primarily. I want to know whether 2012.x has significantly enhanced MIDI functionality to justify upgrading. The sale price was something of a shock. I was expecting something under $200*, at which point it would be a no-brainer. I have the cash, but it is part of a limited reserve. So again, is there any compelling reason for someone who mainly uses its MIDI features to upgrade now? I have to send this quick--there's a violent thunderstorm overhead. I may add some thoughts later. R. *No, you can't have any of what I was smoking. 
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
If you only want to check out the Midi functionality, you may consider the Pro upgrade - $79. For my needs, I only use BIAB for Acoustic Bass and RealDrums for Jazz and Bossa. I've never been totally happy with with RealTracks; especially for Jazz. You can find a few discussions on the forums about this topic.
So far, I like what I've seen with the new Midi SuperTracks. The phrasing is pretty good AND the notes can be modified. Hopefully, there won't be much of this but at least it is available. RealTracks does not offer that option.
You may want to call PG Sales and discuss your needs.
R
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
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Joined: Dec 2005
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If you purchase the $79 upgrade now.
This would give you options of upgrading to other offered special
paks in around 4 more months. Totals for both upgrades would be
less than now.
Just a thought or two!
Last edited by seeker; 08/09/12 03:17 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Quote:
Of course you do!
I knew dat, silly! 
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
The sale price was something of a shock. I was expecting something under $200*, at which point it would be a no-brainer. I have the cash, but it is part of a limited reserve. So again, is there any compelling reason for someone who mainly uses its MIDI features to upgrade now?
there is a wider price gap when upgrading from a recent version as opposed to 1 or two versions ago. Maybe due in part to the fact that in one year if you don't keep up, you can get 2 versions behind. In two years you get 4 versions behind.
One good reason to buy now is to keep from getting so far behind that you can't afford to get current
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 98
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 98 |
I'm sure I don't know as much about midi as you, but with the introduction of Midi Super Tracks, I would think that PGM will focus on more of these in future releases, making the upgrade now less painful than a future upgrade (which is what Pat was saying as well - I think).
In addition, for me at least, there is sometimes a blurred line between "need" versus "want". Certainly you are fine without the upgrade, but if you will feel any regret for not upgrading, then you should prolly go ahead and get 'er done....
Just my $.02, but good luck either way...
Living in The Music City
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
It's hard to say Ryszard. I don't think there's actual changes in the Biab midi engine or the way it handles and edits midi. It appears that's all the same. The big deal is the Supertracks. Think of the Supertracks in the exact same way you think of the Real Tracks. It's all about the track styles. The performances are just as good as the performances in the RT's they're just midi. Putting Supertracks into your Reason software would really make them shine but only if they're in the styles you use. Yes, they are midi so you can edit them including changing instruments like a bass into a trumpet but you're not going to change the basic style of them like changing a killer country rock piano Supertrack into a polka or something. Still midi is so easy to work with, it's nothing to take snippets of that midi piano Supertrack in Reason and move it around anywhere you want quickly because it's midi and not audio. It's hard to tell you just how good these Supertracks really are. With a good synth which you have, they sound very close to the Real Tracks and actually better in some cases.
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.
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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!
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Happy New Year!
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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
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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