|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
I'm really gonna show my age with this comment. I miss the old Tascam 244 Portastudio. With all of our discussions about BIAB, RB, DAW's, VST's, Ozone, Reason, Rewire, Jamstix, BFD, synths, loops, etc, etc, etc, ...... the emphasis is on what tech you're using and less about music. With the old Tascam 244 Portastudio, you didn’t have to be a “gearhead” or a “geek” to use it. There were no driver issues, software problems, confusing terminology or hardware conflicts. Just plug in a mic, record a click track from a mechanical metronome on Track 4, then pick up a guitar, hit the record button and start playing. If you needed "backing tracks" that you couldn't play, just call up a friend, tell them you had beer and weed, invite them over and tell them to bring their instrument. After a couple of Buds and a few bong hits, you slap some headphones on them, stick a mic in front of them and hit record.  The only effects I used during recording was on the guitar amp when I was playing electric guitar and then on the final mixdown when I ran all 4 tracks through a 10 band EQ and a reverb unit and into a 2 track cassette. It was a piece of cake. I got more songs recorded on that old Tascam, (30-35 originals), in a few months time than I ever recorded the rest of my life. My interest changed to live playing only and by the time I got interested in recording again, it had gotten so complicated and expensive to do so that I never got anything finished. Oh well. 
Last edited by bobcflatpicker; 12/30/12 03:02 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,366
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,366 |
Bob - I'm right there with you on this one.
There was something immediate and satisfying about 4 track tape and when I listen to some of the things we recorded that way, they still sound good. Unfortunately, technology's like a drug that's hard to give up once you've tried it.
Most of my recordings now, start off as three or four tracks on PowerTracks and it's only when I've got the "groove" working and the song structure finished that I allow myself to start filling the other tracks.
Even with the stack of effects available, I find most of the time I'm only using a compressor and a reverb.
But don't ask me to give up my computer!
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Quote:
With all of our discussions about BIAB, RB, DAW's, VST's, Ozone, Reason, Rewire, Jamstix, BFD, synths, loops, etc, etc, etc, ...... the emphasis is on what tech you're using and less about music.
This is absolutely true. I've hit on that where I spoke of whether your music technology serves you, or do you serve it. But there really is nothing to stop all of us from moving into the 'showcase' forum and chatting more about composition and critiquing each others musical outputs. Actually - PG can help here; they should open up a forum called "Writing and Composition", where the emphasis is SOLEY on music. You would know that when you take your 'tech' hat off, this is the place to go to find like-minded musicians (the same ones on the forums you already know and love) that want to talk just about the music itself, without detailed discussions on tech.
Quote:
With the old Tascam 244 Portastudio, you didn’t have to be a “gearhead” or a “geek” to use it. There were no driver issues, software problems, confusing terminology or hardware conflicts.
...and, you NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY to bring a virtual band into your living room. And you never tried to assume the role of a sophisticated recording and sound engineer with the capability to do things in your living room (or basement - don't know where you work) that could only be done previously in a large room full of VERY expensive recording equipment - sort of analogous to the size of the first computers build by IBM, and the size of the iPhone 5. Think of the size the iPhone 5 would be using the initial technology by IBM to build the early computers.
Bob - there's nothing to stop you from going back to the 'old days', except that you've eaten from the forbidden tree...thanks to PG, you know it can be done, and is within your reach, and you CAN'T TURN YOUR BACK to it - you WANT it, and you're willing to pay the 'software and hardware integration' costs - e.g. LOTS OF TROUBLESHOOTING TIME. The time we spend on driver issues and software problems and hardware conflicts is due to an immature product and the lack of quality assurance and testing between different vendors software and hardware product combinations. Think about how many different software and hardware developers have written or built circuits, and never tested them end to end with RB or BB in the middle, as the brain. YOU ARE THE END TO END TESTER, finding all the system integration bugs for these vendors. And it's really not anyone's fault (well, maybe we can blame the software and developers a little; if they followed all standards and specs perfectly there might be less issues overall). These software and hardware products - software apps, drivers, 3rd party circuit boards, hardware mixers, hardware effects, PCIe cards and sound cards, and USB cards and 1394 cards,yada, yada, yada are connected in ways to each other that would be impossible for each developer/engineer to test - and the scenarios, issues, conflicts, and bugs that arise could NEVER have been anticipated in advance. Actually - from this perspective, you should be amazed that things work as well as they do.
I've accepted that to have a home studio, and to really know how to use it, I've had to become more of a technologist.
Keep this in mind:
1.) You WANT a great backing band without the need to call your friends over, and thanks to PG, you know it can be done, and is within your reach...not that you don't want to see them, they're just too busy to come over as frequently as you'd need them given your 'musical appetite'.
2.) You WANT the COMPLETE CONTROL of your backing band, to be able to change any musician's playing style, or voicings, or phrases...and thanks to PG, you know it can be done, and is within your reach.
3.) You WANT to be able to record your backing band, and control the mix, and use all the advantages that a computer can provide in cutting, pasting, moving, and editing recorded music (be that analog, or MIDI)...and thanks to PG, you know it can be done, and is within your reach
4.) You LIKE, having a bunch of like-minded musical friends from all over the world that teach, help and inspire you to learn more about music and become a better musician, and are willing to chat with you every day over the forums...and thanks to PG, you know it can be done, and is within your reach
4.) You WANT to be able to say "there is a big learning curve to these products, and I conquered it"...and thanks to PG, you know it can be done, and is within your reach
5.) You LIKE tinkering with your computer, and getting sophisticated software to do what you want it to.
for 'the knowledge of good and evil'As you learned about me, I've realized that
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Roger, Quote:
don't ask me to give up my computer!
I wouldn't dream of it. I would have a hard time doing without my PC too.
As far as recording music goes, it went downhill for me when I got a drum machine to replace the mechanical metronome. My next purchase was BIAB. I haven't finished a recording since. There's always some new tech, new software, new DAW.
Too many options.
I just think recording musicians were in some ways better off when computers and musicians were "mutually exclusive" to each other.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Joe, Quote:
Keep this in mind:
1.) You WANT a great backing band without the need to call your friends over, and thanks to PG, you know it can be done, and is within your reach...not that you don't want to see them, they're just too busy to come over as frequently as you'd need them given your 'musical appetite'.
2.) You WANT the COMPLETE CONTROL of your backing band, to be able to change any musician's playing style, or voicings, or phrases...and thanks to PG, you know it can be done, and is within your reach.
3.) You WANT to be able to record your backing band, and control the mix, and use all the advantages that a computer can provide in cutting, pasting, moving, and editing recorded music (be that analog, or MIDI)...and thanks to PG, you know it can be done, and is within your reach
4.) You LIKE, having a bunch of like-minded musical friends from all over the world that teach, help and inspire you to learn more about music and become a better musician, and are willing to chat with you every day over the forums...and thanks to PG, you know it can be done, and is within your reach
4.) You WANT to be able to say "there is a big learning curve to these products, and I conquered it"...and thanks to PG, you know it can be done, and is within your reach
5.) You LIKE tinkering with your computer, and getting sophisticated software to do what you want it to.
No, ...... I don't! (Well, ... for the most part anyway.) LOL. 
My recordings went to hell when I started trying to integrate a drum machine, ... and then later BIAB into them. (OOPS. Sorry, ... I know that's not an accepted idea on here. I know I shouldn't speak honestly.)
Things went along VERY smoothly when there were only humans and a "record" button.
That may explain why I'm such a big fan of acoustic music. I wish I'd never sold the old Tascam 244.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826 |
Hi Bob
i had a 144 and when i got it home it had not been changed to the uk standard as they where imported from the USA so they gave me a large power supply which i have still got i made nearly 200 one man bands new orleans tunes on it and not one since using the computer,it did not go wrong once where my computer seems to have something wrong every day like yesteday it reverted to a piano sound from a trumpet sound nnd so i spent most of yesterday trying to find out what was wrong,i still don`t know
regards Dave Hoskins
i always play the right notes but not always in the right order
yuo would think i would have come up with a hit tune by now
Last edited by jazzband; 12/30/12 05:25 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
...simply put, there are lots of bugs in the products once they're integrated together, and it takes an enormous amount of time to overcome them - such is the nature and plight of the early adopters - but you get to say "Hey - look what I can do"...and YOU CAN CHOOSE TO GO BACK TO THE MANNER IN WHICH YOU WORKED MORE PRODUCTIVELY - maybe you should consider doing that ? - buy a product which does one thing and does it well - perhaps you're best served by a dedicated digital recorder with only 3 or 4 buttons. there is no shame in that - especially if you want to focus on music and not technology...hek, I may do that myself soon, just to stay focused. When I hit a technical hurdle with my music - I can't walk away...that's because at heart I'm a technoogist - and I think many on this forum are also - just look at their occupations. It's no coincidence that the power users also happen to work in IT, networking, electrical engineering and audio design,
One day in the future, all the buggy stuff that bothers you about RB/BB and using MIDI will be gone, because the product will have been used enough and the bugs identified and fixed, that future users of the product will be able to focus more on the music. This has happened in every other computer area - using the Internet, the web browser, online shopping, watching video over the internet...it will happen with MIDI/DAWs/Accompaniment software eventually. I realize this doesn't help you at the present moment : )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Joe, I think you’re missing my point. When it comes to music, I’m not a fan of electronic “aids” or effects. When I go out to hear live music, I don’t want to hear “backing tracks”. I want to hear humans, even if it’s just a solo guitar or piano. As far as the “technology” of PC’s, I’ve built most the PC’s I’ve owned. I’m also the one my friends and family call when their PC’s aren’t working. So there’s no need for me to be ashamed. Quote:
there is no shame in that
(Where the hell did that come from anyway?)
I just liked music better before electronic gimmickry became a part of it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
I think my message came across the wrong way. I didn't mean to imply there was ever any shame at all - I was trying to express that it's actually admirable to be able to focus on your music rather than being distracted by the electronics and production.
I'm with you on all of your points. I actually view acoustic music (without electronics) as almost a 'different' animal than what happens once we introduce electronics - and it requires a level of "musicianship" and skill much more demanding in many respects than the electric and technology supported instruments. And it is irreplaceable by electronic insturments.
I do think given all the electronic imagery and distractions, we have to really work harder to stay focused on our music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Quote:
I wish I'd never sold the old Tascam 244.
I have a Yamaha MT3X I'd be willing to part with at either a rock-bottom price or for some flatpicking lessons. But then again - I'm not so sure you would find cassettes for it. I've actually used it only as a mixer, and never recorded with it - though if there's a rubber band mechanism inside, I'm sure with the age, it's worn out. It's sitting on top of the used Korg T1 I bought 22 years ago at 3K and never really played : )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,632
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,632 |
I have a Tascam Porta07 with power supply and manual thats headed to the trash, unless you got shipping cost covered..
Last edited by rharv; 12/30/12 07:11 AM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
hey - I almost had a chance at getting Bob to give me some flatpicking lessons - rescind that offer (just kidding)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,632
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,632 |
Check my edit, it wasn't a 244 .. so you still have a chance
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
"Tascam 244"? I still have the Model 144 I bought in 1979! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
Back in the day...
Just before Tascam came out with the Portastudio there was the TEAC Model 124 SYNCASET STEREO CASSETTE DECK which allowed you to record to a cassette and then rewind and record again (dub)onto the same cassette, blending the two recordings.
Fairly high end at the time, before all the dual dubbing decks came out (soon after I bought it!).
Of course once you over dubbed it was written in stone so it was wise to copy the first and subsequent takes to a second cassette deck in case your next take was a missed take.
Then of course you had the problem of possibly speeding up or slowing down the original track if the two decks were not in perfect speed sync (which mine were not).
After a few takes ping ponging between the decks I was giving Alvin and the Chipmunks a run for their money.
Ahhh yes...the good old days!
Carkins
PS I guess you could approximate that tedious retro process by recording into RealBand,save the track to a rewritable CD, Play the CD through headphones while playing along into RB.
Rinse repeat.
No sync/latency issues but a lot of wasted time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
There was also a 1/4" reel-to-reel version of the Portastudio, which I don't think ever went into production. Tascam decided to go the cassette route instead. The Portastudio has been reborn again - for the Ipad. http://tascam.com/product/portastudio/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
All that changed was that you can now go direct to disc, allowing you the option to not be "written in stone". You can find 8 track TASCAM direct to disc units for $75 all over the internet. I sold mine in spring for $100. Pawn shops usually have these. I know craigslist will have them too. The DP-01, like I just sold, is listed for $70 in an ad near me. SO easy to use!!!
So don't miss it. Replace it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Bob,
my niece married a musician who, like many of us, doesn't like to mess with the technology, he just wants to immerse himself in the music. His solution is to cultivate a friend who LOVES the technology part and who wants to be part of the local music scene. (There seems to be a never ending supply of music scene wannabes)
Through the week he works on his ideas. On the weekend he calls the techie over to record him.
He's happy. The techie is happy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The multitrack cassette is a rather poor sounding technology that I for one will never miss...
Tape hiss (yes, even with Dolby), limited high end, wow, flutter, limited bass response, in many instances the pitch changes as the takeup reel gets larger with tape, the loss in overdubbing, all of these anomalies have been solved via pcm digital recording.
If you don't get into using the PC or Mac for multitrack recording, there are plenty of dedicated digital decks available today that blow the old Tascam and other cassette multitrackers out of the running. And lots of 'em are as simple to use, as well.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Well, I started on a TEAC reel to reel 2 track machine. That was home recording for me for awhile, then I dropped the hobby when I had to return the TEAC. Many years later I 'sequenced' on my Ensoniq ESQ-1, then Ensoniq VFX-SD.
Then in roughly 1996 or so, I bought my first copy of PG PowerTracks Pro Audio and used that for a good 6-7 years.
Then I bought a copy of Computer Music magazine at Borders and on the cover CD was a freebie DAW called CMuzys, along with a raft of freebie plugins.
Guess what, some of those freebie plugins let me relive playing electromechanical keyboards that I played live in the 80's, which was before I was doing the recording on the TEAC.
These days, I have those same kinds of keyboards available to me in my pocket in my iPhone - SERIOUSLY good emulations and surprisingly playable even on the dinky iPhone screen.
They are in Garageband in the iPhone, which will function just peachy as a good ol 4-track (and more) audio only recorder if you want to use it that way. Even the mic in the iPhone is serviceable. So, if you have an iPhone or iTouch and a spare 5$, you can have your portastudio back if you want it.
So, while we may pine for the old days, the new technology in some respects allows us to relive and repurpose the good of the old technology.
-Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,318
Posts803,313
Members40,097
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean