Well, it would be great if they have spent the time making the holds, shots and endings sound more natural across all styles and maybe fixing the midi file output.
Already a great product for the most part but I find these 'little' things spoil it sometimes. Very fiddly to get them all right I daresay but essential for the finished article.
I would rather they did that than release more and more Gigabytes of real instruments that only work 90%.
Cheers M
I agree, the intros and endings seem an after thought but a good ending or intro can really make a song come alive. The other thing I've noticed is that the sound quality between real styles vary a lot. This is not so could if putting an album together and you use different styles from say "country" sets. Some will have better drums sounds than others, better base sounds than others etc. The differences are massive. I doubt PG Music could solve that but certainly record new real tracks with better levels, mixing and recording equipment for better continuity between tracks.
Ruby took me years to learn Cubase, I haven't used it at all this year. BIAB I use every day and I have never 'learnt' the program. I just type in some chords, pick a style and off I go, sometimes I dont even have to do this!
If you learn RB then the fundamentals of recording will be apparent without the numerous options, and options of the options of the options that Cubase has.
Tinny speakers - not good for mixing, but... listening to the final mix through them is educational as that is what your listeners may be using. Many great producers do this - Phil Spector, Quincy.. so you just might want to keep them in your studio
I just bought BiaB WOW I AM IN THE GAME of production. My songwriting will be back better than ever. My online albums will be in over 750 Stores. My dreams are coming true!!! lol I just ordered it all for 709 dollars total. I got the 25 dollar bonus deal. The audiophile version. They don't cut the prices for first time buyers. So I get no discounts I guess. I think they should have gave me 50 dollars off though really. But anyway I put it all on my credit card. I didn't get around to saving any money for it. I think I will pay maybe 159.00 on it tonight though. That leaves me a balance of 550 dollars. Next month pay 200. So as you can see this won't be costing me in interest. I am looking forward to getting started with this soon.
Hey Matt Finley, by the way. Do you think they added quite a bit to the program this year? Do you think it sounds like more than usual? What did you think when you first read what you are getting in the 2014 version? Since you are very experienced with this program and what you usually get. Do you think they gave you more than you expected? Let me know please.
I like the Real Band idea for me. I don't need all the hundreds or Cubase nonsense they give you. I will do like you. Enjoy BiaB. Have some good times. Make some great recordings. No need to act like a multi-million dollar producer with a million options. How about enjoy BiaB with all the options you need. Keeping it to a happy medium with everything you need to make your songs sound great!! WOW!
Yes Finely, now I will inundate the forum with questions instead of my BiaB dreams! I will add more substance to the forum with questions and when I learn some things I will answer some questions later also lol
Congratulations on your purchase. Yes, I am a twenty-year user. In all that time, I have never been disappointed in a new version. Sometimes we don't get all that we asked for in new features, but that is always offset by brilliant innovations that we come to appreciate once we understand them. This version includes changes that address two common requests, to overhaul the user interface and allow users to create their own RealTracks. As time goes on, that will be a game changer for this program. Don't overlook some of the exciting developments in MIDI, too. There's more than enough new here to excite.
And it's not a well-kept secret that some of us are beta testers, so we have been using the new program for awhile. That's why I'm hanging around tonight, to answer questions about the new version where I can. My knowledge goes way beyond reading about the new features.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Hey I just ordered the 669 Audiophile deal. But I just noticed this Omnipack for 769.00. Maybe I should get that. Does any of you know about that one? Sounds like you get a lot more. I may have to cancel to order that. Tell me more about that if you can.
And it's not a well-kept secret that some of us are beta testers, so we have been using the new program for awhile. That's why I'm hanging around tonight, to answer questions about the new version where I can. My knowledge goes way beyond reading about the new features.
Matt, some screen captures of the new user interface would be great!
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Here's a screenshot of Ray's setup, taken during the beta, chosen because I thought it looks nice.
Bear in mind that things like toolbars, etc. at the top half are User Customizable now, you can choose to eliminate or add icons, etc. in order to have what YOU want to see at any given time.
You are saying now people can create their own Real Tracks? Before nobody could create them? But now they can? How was this allowed? What did they do to the program that made this possible? Also if this is true will producers be out selling BiaB Real Tracks that they have created themselves? So we will see Larry's Jazz Real Tracks for 50 dollars online?
Also I cancelled out my order and bought the OmniPAK Audiophile for 100 more dollars. Coming to 809.00 delivered. I thought maybe I should go for it. I just bought a new guitar a few months ago and it looks like they have a lot of nice lessons. If I can learn something from these lessons I will have spent my 100 dollars wisely. If I were to buy all of these separately it would cost me a bundle. Some of the program I might never use. But I think it might have been a good idea to go for it.
I also went for the 25 dollar Bonus for the 2014. So I got everything I could get. This is a good investment for me. I know 800 dollars is a lot for poor boy's on a limited income but I will take maybe 4 months to pay this off. When I start putting together some great tracks with this I can start my songwriting. I will put together my music first. Then I will put my words and music to my tracks. Start writing my albums. I will listen to The Great American Songbook for some great ideas.
I sing these songs in Second Life Live all of the time. I try and emulate the singers most of the time. Sinatra, Perry Como, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett. I do my best. If I can write songs similar to what these guys have done WOW! But who knows what I will come up with. As I said before one of my first projects is to do something like Sinatra did with Antonio Carlos Jobim with some Bossa Nova flavor to it. That is my hope. I think they have a lot of Bossa Nova with BiaB.
Anyway I will have plenty to work on in 2014. I am sure some of my BiaB productions will be great. I will become a prolific songwriter again after many years of not writing. I will create my own music business. No need to contact any of the Big Shot companies. No need to beg for their acceptance. I am doing my own thing. I will sell some online albums. Even if it is 2 or 3 albums a month I am a winner lol. This is all for my own satisfaction. Sure who knows I might try to submit them to a couple companies for kicks later. But really it is all for my own entertainment!! We are all stars wit BiaB by our side!!
Congratulations on your purchase. I wish you the very best, and encourage you to be patient and take your time to learn all of the fantastic features that this program suite can provide.
I think we all admire your enthusiasm, and hope you achieve all of your aims.
Welcome to the Band in A Box Club!
Regards Video Track
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
... Also I cancelled out my order and bought the OmniPAK Audiophile for 100 more dollars. Coming to 809.00 delivered. I thought maybe I should go for it. I just bought a new guitar a few months ago and it looks like they have a lot of nice lessons...
I can't find any reference to the audiophile "omnipak" anywhere. Where is that discussed?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
But I have to admit, it's tucked away a bit and certainly doesn't jump out at us, like the others do. Maybe it's one of Peter's secrets
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Why not retire this post and start a 2014 - "as its happening" one?
Yes, I agree, this thread has followed some very interesting paths. I asked about the same thing a few weeks ago.. Maybe it's time to continue these discussions under an improved / more-relevant topic heading...
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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.
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)
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!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
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