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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
I get most of my exercise these days from shaking my head in disbelief.
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.
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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.
I get most of my exercise these days from shaking my head in disbelief.
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?
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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.
I get most of my exercise these days from shaking my head in disbelief.
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.
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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.
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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.
I get most of my exercise these days from shaking my head in disbelief.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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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! 
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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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Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
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