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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 283
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 283 |
Quote:
Yes but all that Highliter pen really messes up my computer screen!!!!
Good one !
Meant no offense by my "really" comment earlier.
Just trying to make you aware of how small the manual was (5 1/2 x 8 1/2), that you were putting a $100 buck price tag on.
... and thanks for the computer screen tips, I pretty much stare at one all day too!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 288
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 288 |
A couple of comments, back in the day I printed the manuals myself, I have a duplex printer which helps, then took them to my local Staples ( Kinkos equiv here in Canada) and had them bind it. I found I did not like the zirlox binding but could special order the round spiral binding if I didn't mind waiting an extra day.
If you have an 1100 page manual, well I'd break it up if it was me but. That's 550 pages duplex-ed, that's about 5-6 dollars worth of paper, 2.5 cents per page to print $27.00 + 5-6 dollars to bind. That's under $40.00
Last summer I purchased an iPad specifically to run the iGigbook app ( fantastic BTW ) and now I put all my pdf's on it. For some reason much more convenient that printed books, always there, really thin, searchable, bookmark-able, and I can carry around all my documentation all at the same time, as well as fakebooks, gear docs, it really is a great advantage over printing stuff out.
G
Intel i5, 8 GIG, M-Audio NRV10, M-Audio BX8's, Cubase, BIAB, Win 7
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
One rather HUGE "AHA!" about using monitors for reading and studying that I discovered rather early on. Likely due to being one of the earlier day to day computer users way back when there weren't microcomputers and we worked on terminals and mainframes all day.
I'd like to share it with those who will pay heed and want to alleviate the situation.
TIP: Learn to remember to BLINK OUR EYES MORE OFTEN when working with the computer.
Don't know why, but we often will get into a mode where we tend to STARE instead of VIEW when there's a monitor in front of our eyes. That somehow can create a situation where we don't blink as often as we should, and the eyes dry out rather quickly.
Dry eyes are fatigued eyes.
Was still in my Air Force days when I discovered this trick.
Matter of fact, the only paper note hanging at the top of my terminal on that job was on the backl of somebody's calling card and had one word written on it in all caps with a felt pen (AND, YES, This was before the advent of "Post-it Notes":
BLINK
Make it a new habit and see if the task of reading from an electronic screen doesn't change from a task into a joy.
It did for me.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427 |
Where is the full manual? I've just installed 2013 and there are two PDFs in my bb directory: '2012.5 Manual' and '2013 Upgrade manual'. That implies PG haven't made a 2013 manual (yet)? So what does a complete newcomer get? It's a bit poor if they get the same, i.e. no complete manual.
John
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,354
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,354 |
That's what I have too, John. Perhaps the OP's statement that the printed manual will be available in February also means that the PDF will not be ready until then?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928 |
Well, since we're on the subject of a BiaB manual ... whether printed or electronic.
My much bigger concern than having a printed version of the manual is to have an up-to-date and correct version of the online Help.
The online Help is very old and does not include many of the (not so new anymore) features.
While using BiaB it is much easier (for me) to click on Help than to flip through a multi-hundred page manual.
Of course, YMMV.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
Mac,
Kindle, outstanding idea for me... I own an $100 Polaroid 7 inch tablet with Kindle App from Amazon on it. Reads great, color tints, font size and all. Have 16 GB on Aux card. Will put it there and enjoy WITH my PG Music software and also other programs that use PDF help files, like almost all of my CoffeeCup net software.
Above average to Outstanding!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392 |
Quote:
Where is the full manual? I've just installed 2013 and there are two PDFs in my bb directory: '2012.5 Manual' and '2013 Upgrade manual'. That implies PG haven't made a 2013 manual (yet)? So what does a complete newcomer get? It's a bit poor if they get the same, i.e. no complete manual.
John
Right...I think the issue is that the 2013 manual doesn't exist yet. That leaves us with the 12.5 manual and the 13 "New Features Guide" along, of course with the on-line Help resource.
Best, Jim
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,354
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,354 |
FYI, the 365b patch now contains the full BIAB 2013 manual in PDF form.
It's a bit over 600 pages.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Just got a cybook odyssey HD ereader with something called reflow for PDFs. This means that you don't get the pdf page showing up in the original version (unless you turn reflow off), but get it reflowed into the smaller screen.
Its never going to replace a good book, but you can take the pdf and put it in your pocket, or read it on the beach or in bed. Its also possible of course, using file conversion apps to have your manual on a kilndle, but I have never had one myself. My reader is pretty small, you can increase the font size, but its not as good as a nice big book smelling of trees. IMO.
Last edited by ZeroZero; 12/14/12 10:02 AM.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392 |
Quote:
Mac,
Kindle, outstanding idea for me... I own an $100 Polaroid 7 inch tablet with Kindle App from Amazon on it. Reads great, color tints, font size and all. Have 16 GB on Aux card. Will put it there and enjoy WITH my PG Music software and also other programs that use PDF help files, like almost all of my CoffeeCup net software.
Above average to Outstanding!
I am such a HUGE fan of PG Music and think they do Best of the Breed work in the software industry that I sort of hate to chime in with you on this. But you are correct. "Context sensitivity" to search terms is all but non-existant.
As for the 2013 Manual, I assume that by combining the "New Features" manual for 13 with the full PDF manual for 12.5, you will have essentially what will be the formal 13 manual...at least something VERY close to it.
If that is correct, I would buy an 8.5x11 printed version of the 12.5 manual and be fine with it. But I don't see a link to buying a printed manual on the PG site (probably my fault) and don't know if it is 8.5x11.
I do recall that the PDF manual is 600+ pages...which I suppose could be edited by at least 100 pages to exclude that which we don't need. But that's still a lot of pages and some of us would just as soon buy a manual than mess around with printing our own.
Just my $0.02.
And CHEERS for everything that PG does right which is ALMOST everything!!!
Best, Jim
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 13
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 13 |
Why print out all the pages you'll probably never use? You could print out just what you need from the PDF manual. Myself, I usually find out what I need from the pop-up hints or help buttons. Just sayin'.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772 |
Well, everyone does it differently. I usually print out the manual, because I will then read it while lying in bed before turning out the light. Much easier to read the paper than a small screen, especially where screen shots are concerned (if it's just text, my Kindle is great, but not so much on diagrams and screen shots). Of course, the added convenience of this is that I can do what I used to do in college. When you get sleepy, just put the book under your pillow and the information transfers by osmosis. 
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: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,210
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,210 |
Hi Rich,
I have a slightly different philosophy. My view is that I don't know what I don't know.
For that reason, I always make it a priority to read and re-read the manual. I like to find out the many subtleties of the program that the pop-up tips do not cover. I don't know how many times I've read something and a voice inside my head has said, "I didn't know that. That's brilliant. I'm gonna use that in my next song."
Just my tuppence worth.
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
"Knowledge is power. Learning is fun."
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 17 |
I printed out version 2008.5 of Real Band and Band in a Box. RB was 292 pages and BiaB was 510 pages. It looks like the latest version is 332 for RB and 608 for BiaB. I wonder if there would be a copyright issue if someone sold copies to someone else. (For $100 I would think about it.) I would gladly pay $50 for a 'real' copy.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,210
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,210 |
Quote:
I wonder if there would be a copyright issue if someone sold copies to someone else.
Most definitely. PG Music are the copyright owners and there is no permission that I can find anywhere that gives a user the right to reproduce and market their manuals.
In the past, when PG Music have published a manual, it's usually been sold for a nominal amount (certainly much much less than $100; I think I paid $15 or $20 last time I bought one a couple of years ago).
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,497
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,497 |
Quote:
...
And then there's the Kindle. Fantastic. ...
--Mac
Mac
I love my Kindle(s), I wish I had one most of last 35+ years when I was living in airplanes and airports. But FYSA, I just side loaded the 2013 PDF BIAB manual, as well as a converted to MOBI version (around 49 MB's converted), onto one of my Kindle's.
All I can say is: NOT RECOMMENDED (obviously the BIAB Manual was not optimized for an eReader). If bored or an emergency maybe I'd consider (can't think of an emergency where BIAB would be running and I need some info but I can't use a PDF reader )
I don’t have any Kindle Fire's to try this on but suspect even a larger color screen wouldn't help since layout is all wrong for eReaders.
However, I like a lot of others, ALWAYS prefer hard copy reading over "TV screen" reading for work or pleasure where possible, Kindles (Nooks, etc.) are exceptions.
Larry
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 20 |
I had one printed at the local Office Depot. With the plastic comb binding, it cost about $35.00.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392 |
Quote:
Well, everyone does it differently. I usually print out the manual, because I will then read it while lying in bed before turning out the light. Much easier to read the paper than a small screen, especially where screen shots are concerned (if it's just text, my Kindle is great, but not so much on diagrams and screen shots).
Of course, the added convenience of this is that I can do what I used to do in college. When you get sleepy, just put the book under your pillow and the information transfers by osmosis.
My problem would be reverse osmosis!!!
(-"
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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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