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Although I'm pretty happy with the sound in the Garritan Personal Orchestra, I've been looking for something more "pop" sounding. I wanted something with a more "bite" and a more intimate sound, sort of like the the string octet in "Eleanor Rigby", or something from ELO. After spending way too much time with Google, I came up with the following list of contenders: - Kirk Hunter Solo Strings I $100, requires Full version of Kontakt.
- NI Sessions Strings $120, can use free Kontakt Player.
- Dan Dean Advanced Solo Strings $150, can use free Kontakt Player.
- London Solo Strings $150, can use free Kontakt Player.
- Vienna Symphonic Library Solo Strings $200, has custom player and USB Vienna Key.
- Kirk Hunter Pop/Rock Strings $250, can use free Kontakt Player.
- NI Session Strings Pro $300, can use free Kontakt Player.
- Spitfire Solo Strings $300, requires full version of Kontakt.
- LASS First Chair 2 $300, can use free Kontakt Player.
Given my various constraints (not much money, not having a full version of Kontakt), the list was quickly shortened. Deciding on which library had the "best" solo violin was difficult from the demos. I like a more "romantic" sound with a wide vibrato, but that generally doesn't blend, so most libraries go with a less dramatic approach on their solo violin. The Kirk Hunter Solo Strings I has a "Romantic Violin" patch, but the library only runs under the full version of Kontakt.  I ended up going with NI Session Strings, which doesn't offer individual instruments - I'm not even sure there's a viola in the section - because more than other library it's got that "sound" that I was looking for. Plus, it's got a nice (non-programmable) arpeggiator that's nice to play with. (The "pro" version of Session Strings is even nicer, but far beyond my budget). I've not had a chance to see how well it fits with BiaB, but I'm pleased with how it sounds. But it lacks solo instruments, and still leaves me without the solo violin sound that I wanted. From what I've heard in the demos of the "affordable" libraries, it's not immediately clear how much better these would be from what's in GPO (which can be quite good). Of course, when I checked this morning, I found that the Kirk Hunter Libraries half-off until September 30, 2012. (This excludes the Solo Strings libraries). I doubt it would have changed my final decision, though. Does anyone have any experience with these libraries, and thoughts about solo violin sounds? I'm sort of hoping the Garritan comes out with an affordable solo string library at some point, but I've not heard that there's anything in the works.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Some folks I know use the East-West stuff, but it's 4-5 times more expensive. I'm lucky, my daughter plays viola well enough that the simpleton parts that I can write can be played by her!
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While I’ve been asking for BAIB “strings” I’m NOT a big VSTi spender/user (but I have plenty of the usual suspects)
I hadn’t shopped around for VSTi strings in a while but I usually don't buy either becasue:
1) TERRIBLE sound with too much vibrato or none at all, or
2) Way too expensive (pretentiously so), or
3) Too expensive and have additional must buy add-ons LIKE needing the “full” Kontatk player, or
4) Too expensive and sound bad to boot, or
5) they need dongles or are so protected to be a major PITA to use - I won’t buy/use ANYTHING that needs a dongle for my personal use! I won’t even allow customers BUY SW apps that need them if possible.
But I ran though your list (real quick) and since solo strings and “bite” were your big requirement I’m surprised that you DIDN’T go for London Solo Strings ? Just based on the demos and trying to use the a least cost model kind of approach (higher cost libraries have to OBJECTIVELY WIN their way into contention.)
Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 09/04/12 02:35 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Quote:
But I ran though your list (real quick) and since solo strings and “bite” were your big requirement I’m surprised that you DIDN’T go for London Solo Strings?
That's a good question. On paper, London Solo Strings looks like a good deal. It's got a ton of articulations, and is relatively inexpensive, and I spent a lot of time looking into it.
Much of the problem is that it's hard to get a good idea what a library sounds like from just a couple of samples, and the reviews are sparse. So there's not a whole lot of information available on the library.
There aren't a lot of places I could find audio demos for the library. There are some on the Big Fish Audio site, and a YouTube review review.
The Big Fish Audio demos didn't impress me. The instruments sound shrill and metallic - a restrained and severe string quartet sound meant more to blend than to be a solo instrument. For long, sustained chords, they sound OK, but not very pleasant. In the YouTube review at 4:08 the Violin Cresc Med sounds rather nice for a "gypsy" sort of violin, but again, each note is detached.
I can't imagine being able to use the library on a legato, singing melody line. The notes don't seem to flow together into melodic phrases.
There aren't many people who are posting examples from this library. I was able to find this video and this video, and they confirm my feelings that it doesn't lend itself to cantabile playing.
Again, that's all very subjective, and based on not enough information. If I had a chance to play with the library itself, I might change my mind. It certainly looks like it should be a good library.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Hi David, have you checked out IK’s philharmonik: http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/philharmonik/You can buy it here: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MiroslavPhilIf you watch for it you may get it at a lower price as IK has been having some serious money saving deals. I used to use the smaller classic edition of the philharmonik but I purchased Kirk Hunters Diamond Orchestra when it went on sale for half price. I’m pretty sure a couple of forum members use IK’s philharmonik so they should be able to tell you more about the sounds than the demos will. Another more expensive option is to buy the full Kontakt. If comes with some good string sounds along with many other sounds. Plus there are tons of third party sounds for Kontakt. Just a thought. Good luck and I hoped this helped. Ps – an after thought. I would not buy a sound set that has vibrato built in. That limits the usefulness IMHO. I always look for sample set with no vibrato, that way I can add it as I need too. Plus I can adjust the vibrato to match the song style.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Quote:
Hi David, have you checked out IK’s philharmonik
Hi, Mario.
Yes, I've got it - thanks for reminding me!  I picked up the light version on the $15 deal some time back, and then convinced myself I needed to upgrade to the full version. I don't remember the price, but it wasn't too bad.
It's a nice sounding violin... Probably good enough for what I'd be using it for. I've seen a lot of posts where people refer to it, so I wonder if I'm underestimating it. Both the VIOLIN 1 LP and the VIOLIN 2 LP have (to my ears) painfully obvious loop points. But the unlooped VIOLIN 1 is actually quite nice.
To be honest, I'm not sure I need a solo violin... I was just wondering if people had experience with any of the libraries, and could shed some light. It's hard to make a decision based on an audio demo, because you can't tell the limitations of the sound.
Plus, I thought I should mention that Kirk Hunter's stuff is half off. 
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I used to use the smaller classic edition of the philharmonik but I purchased Kirk Hunters Diamond Orchestra when it went on sale for half price.
How are the solo strings in that library? It looks like it includes the Solo Strings 1. I was tempted to purchase that and live with Kontakt's "demo mode" timing out every 15 minutes. But with the KH half-off sale, the Pop Rock Strings are a bit more attractive, since the work with the Kontakt Player.
But I don't know how playable his solo strings are...
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Another more expensive option is to buy the full Kontakt.
Sadyly, that's outside my budget right now.
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I would not buy a sound set that has vibrato built in.
I assume that adding vibrato is a function of the library? If you use a simple sine wave as an LFO, it'll sound weird. A violin player starts on pitch, rolls the fingerpad away to bring the note under pitch, and then back to pitch again.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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David, the solo strings in Kirk’s diamond orchestra are outstanding. It is the best sounding soft synth orchestra that I have ever heard. It is very realistic. But it should be for the MSRP! I must add that I have not heard the even more expensive orchestral synths as they are way out of my price range.
You really don’t want to mess around with the demo mode in Kontakt player. It’s a PITA.
Kontakt’s Session Strings is really good for pop/rock music but you need a full version of Kontakt to run it. Again it is out of your price range but I just thought that I would let you know it’s there. I have it and use it for pop/rock.
Like you said adding vibrato via the mod wheel (LFO) can sound really weird. I use the pitch bend wheel or the pitch bend via my wind controller (same thing, different ways to do it) to add vibrato. It is much more realistic.
I hope this helps.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Thanks for the warning about the demo mode... If I get another Kontakt library, I'll be sure to get something that supports the free player. There's actually a cut-down demo version of 1st violins from Concert Strings 2 that gives a pretty good idea what that library sounds like. It's limited to an octave starting at middle C. And yes, the demo timeout is irritating. The Pop/Rock Strings is basically a "light" version of the Concert Strings II, with samples at every other note instead of every note. Given that the Fairlight used a single sample, I'm not in a position to complain, hrm?  (Interestingly enough, the Fairlight's recently been revived in a number of different forms... But that's another off-topic thread). Does anyone else have any experience with any of these libraries?
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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HI David,
I have struggled with strings for years. I own GPO, Some VSL and EW platinum Halion Strings and a few other bits and pieces. I agree with Larry, and I have never got good results.
The problem seems to lie (for my ears) in the versatility and the homogenity (is that a word?) of strings, plus the mass of articulations they are capable of.
Most strings packages (excluding VSL which costs a fortune) go through only a small subset of articulations and frankly they are not enough.
Even a comparitively simply sound like a staccato, in the real world, comes in so many shapes and forms - aurally, there are long staccatos, short ones, heavy attack, light attack etc. In a single (real) staccato line, a number of different sounding stacatto's are employed, depennding on the contour and dynamics of the melody. A lot of this is instictively handled in an orchestra.
There are around fifty different articulations that can be notated for in a string score, and the same caveats apply to each articulation.
Even if you have such an arsenal of sounds, how do you employ them in your standard sequencer?
The worst thing is that in a given melodic line, you might need different articulation sets. To achieve that in your bog standard sequencer, you need to have several tracks going on in tandem- for one melody line - very messy. The only sequencer I know that can use different sample sets on a single track is Cubase, and even this is involved set up. There may be others.
Even so if you want to go ahead, have you thought about HollyWood Strings from EWQL? I bleive the EW products are the best below VSL, they often do half price deals and the Play software gives you quite a bit of manoeverabily.
Zero
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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This book, http://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-MIDI-Orchestration-Contemporary-Composer/dp/0240520211Has a lot of information about how to achieve more realistic orchestral sounds from midi software. The midi software examples are dated but the how to do information is not. It may help you. I have read this book but because of family illness issues I have not had a chance to put to practice some of the techniques yet.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Mario, I got the book through my local library's lending system a while back. It's got some good stuff in it, but I was a bit disappointed by how sparse it was. For example, the chapter Writing and Sequencing for the String Orchestra is a mere 17 pages long. That's barely enough room to mention the various techniques, to say nothing of covering them in much depth. That said, I think the main way to learn these things is to listen to lots of examples, so you can understand how the articulations and phrasings work in context. Zero, working with sound libraries in the DAW seems to be the necessary evil. Some time back, I picked up a music notation program called Notion. (Actually, I picked up a bargain bin version of Protoge, and upgraded). It's claim to fame was that it had a custom library that would render articulations based on notation. But I found all the sounds to be very lackluster. One of the reasons for getting the Miroslav library was to see if that would work better with Notion, but no dice there, either. So a big bonus for a library is to use keys to toggle articulations, instead of having to load different articulations into different MIDI channels. That's the route most libraries seem to be taking these days. At this point, I'm mainly looking for a good solo violin. I should have included these libraries for completeness: - Gypsy Virtual Instrument $400 (requires iLok)
- Quantum Leap Solo Violin $100 (requires iLok)
Interestingly, these two libraries are both produced by the Nick Phoenix, and they've got radically different sounds. The Gypsy includes a number of other instruments, but it's the solo violin that really stands out. It's got a wide, dramatic vibrato and is very up-front. It's not particularly good at rapid articulations, but that's not something that I'd do much. Solo Violin is more refined and classical, with more precise articulations. The samples are only about 2 seconds long, and when you sustain them, they audibly switch bow direction. (I hadn't noticed this in the demo until someone pointed it out). The main problem it has is a sort of "fuzzy" synthetic sound - it's a bit further back from the mike, and doesn't have the same bite as Gypsy. Gypsy is out of my price range, and I'm on the fence about Solo Violin. It works very well for lyrical melodies, but it's a bit more sedate and distant than what I had in mind... But other than that, it seems to be quite good...  I guess I need to work harder at learning the violin (slow going!), or make friends with a violin/viola player.
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Quote:
...I've been looking for something more "pop" sounding...
Then be advised that many of the aforementioned Strings solutions are geared towards CLASSICAL music emulation and are very likely going to be quite labor intensive when trying to insert into Pop songs.
A better choice for the task would be the standard GM String Sections available in GM synths, some may feature more strings in Upper Banks, all are designed for use with Pop musics.
After that, learning how to voice strings is extremely important. But an easy research task as everything that can be done with strings that works well has already been done. One can visit local libraries and see if they have mini-scores to peruse, or one can use their ears to transcribe voicings heard on targeted recordings that feature the type of strings wanted in your project.
But you should avoid the assumption that string emulators designed for Classical Music can be used as Pads in Pop recordings, for the most part. There are *many* differences, from bowing, use of vibratos (or not), tones, section siaze (!) -- (Many Pop recordings are made using a rather smallish string section as compared to the full orchestral string sections -- etc. These things make attempts to use such in Pop recordings very difficult if not impossible to get what is needed. Likewise, attempts to create a String Section by making separate tracks of things like "Solo" violins and the like simply cannot sound the same as what happens when an entire section is playing ensemble. Consider just the phase differences that happen because there is no control over the bowing (which, in a live human section, is often decided by the section leader and notated with pencil on the charts before performance ensues).
Don't sell the GM Strings short simply because they are in a GM bank. Of course, different mfrs, price paid for said GM Bank, etc. certainly come into play.
--Mac
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Quote:
Then be advised that many of the aforementioned Strings solutions are geared towards CLASSICAL music emulation and are very likely going to be quite labor intensive when trying to insert into Pop songs.
I'm sorry - I've been unclear here.
I've bought Session Strings, which is a "pop" section (four violins, three violas, two celli and two double basses). It's the smaller, more gritty sound that I'd been looking for.
But... I was wondering if there was a library that had a solo violin sound that's particular good as a stand alone instrument. There are a lot of libraries that have a solo violin, but they aren't necessarily good all by themselves, outside the context of a section. In particular, I'm thinking more in terms of slow, melodic lines instead of fancy passagework.
I've played with the solo violins in GPO, and with a bit of MIDI editing I've managed to get some good sounds out of it. But "the grass is always green on the other side", and I wondered if there are any other affordable options.
I've also got the Miroslav Philharmonik library, and I think I've underestimated what that solo violin is capable of. I've heard some excellent demos that use it, and I think working with that would be time well spent.
I've also played with the demo version of the Kirk Hunter Concert Strings 2, which includes a "solo division" version of the violin - basically the same samples as in the Kirk Hunter Solo Strings 2 library. The solo violin is very good (as are the sectional strings), but sounds a bit more like it's intended to be part of a section, instead of as stand-alone instrument.
So I was wondering if people had opinions (good or bad) about the usability of the violins in any of these libraries as solo instruments.
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A cousin of mine has produced a product called "Cinematic Strings". It seems to have some pretty good reviews... I don't really know anything about it myself as I have no need for sample libraries etc.: all my music comes out of the end of my trombone... http://www.cinematicstrings.com/Oh yeah, it uses Kontakt 5
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya  --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
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Quote:
A cousin of mine has produced a product called "Cinematic Strings".
That's a new one to me, thanks!
The library sounds quite nice. It also uses the Kontakt player, so it doesn't need the full version of Kontakt.
On the downside, at $500 it's too pricey for my budget, and no solo instruments. But cool anyway! It's nice to see new players in the game.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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I put together a small test of the Miroslav Philharmonik solo violin: Miroslav Solo Violin Test. The backing piano is BiaB, with an auto-generated melody also from BiaB, so it's probably not the most wonderful melody ever.  I've used a variety of articulations, edited the dynamics, and added a number of slurs. I'm sort of ambivalent about the end result, but I think it's representative of the instrument.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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David: You mentioned having IK's Miroslav Philharmonik. If you don't already have IK's Symphony Strings 2, you might consider getting it. It's from the Xpansion Tank 2 series. It could be a no-brainer right now because, until the end of the day at least, eSoundz has it available through their extended Labor Day Sale for $10. http://www.esoundz.com/details.php?ProductID=4738While I can't recall if Xpansion Tank 2 samples are accessible via Miroslav, all Xpansion Tank 2 samples AND the Miroslav samples you already have are accessible through the current versions of SampleTank 2.x. If you already have SampleTank 2.x, you should be good to go with any Xpansion Tank 2 samples. If you don't have SampleTank 2.x, you can download SampleTank FREE which, as its name implies, is free and comes with 'bout a half-gigabyte of free samples. http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/sampletank/index.php?pp=sampletank-2-xl-versionsAnd that's pretty much all I've got t' say 'bout all of that. Be well, be happy. Sincerely, Bro. Dave http://www.brodavelister.com/
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Thanks for the tip!
Looking at the sample names in the set, I believe that I've got the same set in the Miroslav Philharmonik. I hope so - it takes long enough to load! I picked up the smaller Miroslav Philharmonik CE (Classik Edition) library as a $15 deal, and they had a fairly low cost upgrade to the full edition the following month.
It seems that IK has parted the Miroslav library out in refills for various VSTis, which makes it hard to tell if an offering is a new collection of sounds or not. Additionally, Miroslav issued a new library entitled String Ensembles: Composer’s Dream a couple of years ago. Apparently it had quite a number of serious issues, and was retooled and reissued. But it's a different library - more expensive than Miroslav Philharmonik, and only containing string ensembles.
The Symphony Strings 2 SampleTank Expansion lists Violin 38_Oct Slides and Violin 40 slides_OP, which I hadn't seen in my library. If I can find them, I'll see if they're usable. I incorporated slides into my demo using MIDI pitch commands, but true slides would be awesome. If I modify the Miroslav violin demo, I might also work on adding some volume curves to some of the attacks as well, to see if they help ease some of the abruptness. Some of my phrasing needs a lot of work - the transition from note to note is too mechanical.
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Quote:
I put together a small test of the Miroslav Philharmonik solo violin: Miroslav Solo Violin Test. The backing piano is BiaB, with an auto-generated melody also from BiaB, so it's probably not the most wonderful melody ever.
I've used a variety of articulations, edited the dynamics, and added a number of slurs. I'm sort of ambivalent about the end result, but I think it's representative of the instrument.
David, If you would like you could send me your BiaB file and I will substitute your sounds with some of the sounds that I have. Just let me know. Hopefully other could also do the same.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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I appreciate the offer, but.. I spent about 4 hours tweaking the MIDI in Reaper to get different articulations and velocity settings. I modified a number of the lines so they were a bit more typical of a violin, such as adding the scale runs, so it's no longer a BiaB file. It was a great learning experience for me, but I'd hate to have someone else spend that kind of time on a demo that isn't very awesome to start with.  While I could import the MIDI data back into BiaB if you really wanted, all I really want is something that shows off the solo violin sound in the Kirk Hunter library. Basically, I'm just trying to determine how well the instrument sounds on its own, and how smooth the changes are from one articulation to the next. At this point, I'm debating between the following options: - Quantum Leap Solo Violin I really want to like this, but I don't think it's got the "sound" that I'm looking for.
Pros: Sounds awesome in a classical context. Fairly inexpensive.
Cons: A bit restrained and away from the mike - it's a very quiet sound. Requires an iLok. Sustained samples are surprisingly short. Sounds a bit synthetic.
- Kirk Hunter Pop Rock Strings I promised myself that if this library came up on sale, I'd pick it up. But I'm not quite sure how the violin sounds as a solo instrument. Are the legato phrases smooth? Is it capable of singing the melody, and not sounding like it's been sequenced?
Pros: On sale for a good price, and I'd get sectional strings in addition to solo instruments. On sale!
Cons: Too many unanswered questions!
- Use What I've Got: Perhaps the most compelling option. I don't have a project that needs a solo violin at the moment... I've just been looking for a good violin sound for some time. The instruments that I've got (GPO, Miroslav) actually sound pretty darned good, and I'm not quite convinced that the prior options will be that much better.
I really wish I was in love with one of the sounds, but I'm not... yet. But I'm willing to be convinced! 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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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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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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®!
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