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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2012
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OP
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Hello All. My name is Joanne and I am new to this forum. I have been dithering about buying band in a box for a while but have now decided it is the time. I am starting out on my songwriting journey and after listening to some of the original music produced using BIAB and Real Band I feel it is for me!! I am really looking forward to it and have a couple of songs ready to be worked on! My question is what package to buy that will be the most cost effective for me. I am probably only going to be writing folk, country, and maybe some praise and worship, maybe some blues. I doubt I will ever be much good at writing, say, rock, jazz or funk. What would you the forumites suggest I buy to get the most bang for my buck? I have considered just buying the PRO or MEGAPAK and then buying the individual Real Tracks I fancy. What can you suggest? Thanks in anticipation Joanne www.joannecooper.co.za
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Hi Joanne,
I use BIAB for songwriting all the time. My experience is that it's best to spend as much as you possibly can so that you get the most you possibly can. You won't be disappointed. I have the UltraPlusPak.
Like you, there are a number of genres that I don't write in. The UltraPlusPak has all Realtracks, Realdrums and all styles. This means that I have the most versatile collection of sounds and tools possible for my songwriting. With so much at my fingertips, I've found that I don't confine myself to genres at all.
One of the big advantages of BIAB is its ability to mix instruments as I want in a way that suits my individual songs. I don't have to select a 'song' on the basis of a genre. Also, it's often cheaper to buy the UltraPlusPak (with everything) than to buy a few different Realtrack packs.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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OP
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Thanks Noel. I think I will invest in that. I look forward to becoming a regular here and posting some of my original songs!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,199
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,199 |
Hi Joanne, Buy the one that is the most you can buy. I have the Everything Pak. You say that you don't write songs in Jazz,Rock or Funk. With band in a box you can mix and match different instrument styles by making up your own styles. e.g. you can have a country bass a rock piano a jazz guitar and funk drums.  This means that you can gain inspiration from hundreds of your own styles. Or you can just use the styles that are in Band In a Box. You will not be disappointed whatever Pak you buy. Regards George
Windows 11 64 bit, Biab 2024 1111, Realband 2024
i7 Desktop Computer 16Gb Memory
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
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hi Joanne!
sounds like you and I are on similar paths! I started writing songs earlier this year and bought Band in a Box about two months ago! I bought the UltraPlusPak and I am positively thrilled! still learning it but it is amazing so far. I look forward to hearing more from you. :-)
John
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,217
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Hi Joanne, I'm looking forward to hearing your work You really won't be sorry. Around 2006 or 2007, I was hesitant and bought the cheapest version of BIAB going because I didn't want to waste my money. Back then, it was before Realtracks were invented. Once I started playing with the program, I loved it! At the very first bargain-value upgrade option, I got everything and I've maintained that ever since. The software is a songwriter's treasure chest full of gold. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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OP
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Thanks everybody. I bitten the bullet and bought the Ultrapak.
Regards
Joanne Cooper
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Congratulations on your purchase and welcome!
One thing that has not been mentioned yet is that if you have any questions this is the place to come. These forums have the nicest people on the planet. Many here are pro users of BiaB and RB and they are more than happy to assist anyone who needs helps.
Also be sure to view the tutorials. They are extremely helpful and will shorten you learning curve.
Good luck.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491 |
Hi Joanne, You'll find that you have a great package! With RealTracks & RealBand as a DAW, (if you use it?)....everything you need!  Regards, Joe G.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 426
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 426 |
You will not regret it! It is the most brilliant software i have EVER paid for ......
I'm doing allright for Country Trash ....
I used to care, but things have changed (Bob Dylan)
BIAB 2025W + RB
M-Audio FastTrack C600, Rode NT2-A
Digitech VoiceLive 4
Epiphone Sheraton, Ibanez 12str, Washburn 6str, Cort 6Str Nylon
Yanagisawa Tenor Sax
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,773
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Hi, Joanne -
Welcome to the forum and I look forward to hearing your music.
If you have any problems or questions, please feel free to ask. We're a friendly bunch here and happy to help out. Sometimes the answer might be that you need to read a section of the manual (which you should) or watch one of the video tutorials, but unlike many other forums, you WON'T get a reply like, "I wish you newbies would just read the friggin' manual".
As Peter Gannon says, "have fun!". We all do with these great products, Band-in-a-Box and RealBand.
Again, welcome!
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
There's a manual? Videos? ha, ha -- the only way to learn is to pick a song you want to do in BIAB and start doing it. Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead!
As you get stuck, the manual can be useful -- but you will be better off asking questions here. Don't get me wrong, manuals and videos are great, but in my opinion, if you try a bunch of stuff first, the manual will make more sense.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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This forum should be used as a last resort AFTER you have perused the Manual, the Help files and the online FAQs.
This forum is a wonderful resource, but consider what would happen if *everybody* demanded forum attention as suggested.
Lots of helpful users here, please think about the amount of time and effort they put into helping others and try to help them help you.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
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I can't help but to support what Mac says here. I've had some questions that I posted answered with kindness and support, only to find out at a later date, that the manual had the answer to begin with. Shock, huh? LOL! Anyway, welcome to the community Joanne!!! You'll end up loving the people here. I can guarantee that. I'm not of much help, because I am using BIAB in the most simplistic way: - I have an idea - pick a style I think that will fit my idea - enter chords - pick RTs - once happy, I render individual WAV files - import into my DAW - if I so choose, record whatever instrument I want to play live - save, export as MP3 and show it to the world. As simple as it gets Cheers, Mike
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Sorry, my opinion is that a lot of times the manual is the last resort. Most manuals are really good -- if you know how the program works. If I have a problem with how something works in the computer world, I google it first. Now, if you could query the manual or on-line help by using a google type query, then I would agree with you.
You all are free to say I am wrong, but I just can't see myself ever agreeing with you on this point.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
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Google is most certainly your friend. Can't disagree with that one, Kevin.
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,934
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OP
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Posts: 2,934 |
Thanks all for the welcomes... I am expecting my Ultrapak plus to be delivered on hard drive by the end of the week. I live in South Africa so am hoping there won’t be any snags with customs etc...Our broadband here is not great so to download 60 gigs of data would have taken me the rest of my life. I have printed out a version of the manual for 2011 which I found on the net so I am perusing that. I have a few original songs that I am going to try and put some backing to as soon as I get my stuff!!! I like Mike’s simple approach and I think that is what I will do….I am also looking forward to using the program to recognize chords in an MP3 as I have a lot of Karaoke files and often get the request…late into the gig to say “Can you play “Sweet Caroline”…so being able to get the chords from the mp3 on the fly will be great…
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,217
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Hi Joanne,
I find the Audio Chord Wizard an amazing tool but it's not really designed to work on the fly. While it does a brilliant job interpreting chords from audio files, it is not perfect. Often timing and pitch issues within the file can lead to chords that need tweaking. It would be a good idea to play around with this tool before unleashing it in public.
All the best with your songs!
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Posts: 8,109
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There are so many features to this program, many people get intimidated by it and don't know where to start.
I recommend that new users get acquainted with the program by listening to the demo songs for a LOT of styles... all of them if you have the time. Turn off the melody as you listen. Chord patterns aren't protected by copyright, and a lot of songs use the exact same chord patterns.
If you listen to a thousand or more demo songs without the melodies to put a different spin on the chords, you're bound to hear many songs that are either exactly like, or very close to other songs you want to record.
And even if you aren't trying to recreate covers, it's a good way to get inspired. Many people start with a demo song and rearrange it to meet their own needs. No need to get bogged down in feature shock. Play with what's already been created for a while.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Posts: 2,934
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Thanks Pat. I am looking forward to it and hope I will not find it too intimidating...I do find cakewalk/sonar very confusing and have long ago given up trying to work it out. I have had some success with putting styles to my own compositions with a very basic Yamaha keyboard. I am hoping that this will be just a simple but far more professional sounding. Noel..I do expect the audio chord wizard to not be perfect..…I have tried a chord recognition tool that comes as a plugin for Winamp. It is not great but it can do the trick IF I know I can sing the song very well. I mostly just need to know the key of the song, some basic chord changes and I can wing it. Most of the times I do requests is when it is late at night, the crowd is rowdy and don’t care too much about perfect guitar playing….
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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 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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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