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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 181
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 181 |
I'm very excited about the new release. And I'm thinking about now also finally moving to Audiophile. Obviously the only impediment to Audiophile is the (significant) added cost. I've heard here over the years two somewhat contradictory comments: (1) most people can't tell any difference in the sound, and (2) if you are using BIAB for a commercial release (as I do) you need to get Audiophile. I'd be very interested in hearing from those who have weighed those issues (and any others) how they did so and why they ultimately decided the way they did. Thank you.
www.LawTunes.com: The LawTunes - The Musical Scales of Justice - Original Lawyer Rock & Roll www.SurfChords.com: The SurfChords - The Endless Summer Continues and The Wave Never Ends
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392 |
As you've noticed, this is a complex topic that defies any sort of "one size fits all" answer.
While it is easy and probably correct to conclude that the audiophile version MIGHT be beneficial for "commercial releases" there are LOTS of different kinds of "commercial releases"...from those mega-projects where 10s of thousands of dollars are spent PER TRACK to gigging bands that hope to sell a few thousand CDs tops.
Pro studio engineers often scratch their heads wondering why they spend so much time, effort and money...even on major releases when the vast majority of listeners are hearing the music on relatively crappy car stereos and/or generally low end home systems that have NO CHANCE of reproducing what's on the CD.
IMO, music produced with the standard BIAB files and MASTERED CORRECTLY would be just fine for relatively small scale commercial releases.
Trust me on this...if the data on the CD exceeds the reproduction capability of the user's listening device...they ain't gonna hear all that's on the CD....period.
Best,
Jim
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
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I agree with everything said above. I would add this. Since you are, in fact, producing material for commercial release, if you did go audiophile, you would have the satisfaction of knowing that you had started with the best source material possible, and that listeners who had the audiophile equipment to appreciate it would be rewarded as well.
Since I don't have such gear, or likely the hearing to appreciate the difference anyway, I can't tell you whether it would be worth it. However, if I was in your position and had the means, I'd go with the audiophile package.
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 420
Journeyman
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Journeyman
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I always like to buy the best. Audiophile version of BIAB is the best PG Music produces. I'm not convinced the gain is worth the hefty price tag otherwise they would have made a demo showing this and why we should upgrade. I cannot afford the audiophile version now and my only use at the moment is for my personal enjoyment so the expense makes no sense for me. However, please let us know if you do buy the Audiophile version and comment back on your experience.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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In another recent thread requesting a demo of the difference, I mentioned that there is a problem doing that because the demo will become a compressed MP3 file for the Internet. The process of creating a file with loss and compression would likely eliminate the subtle differences.
You need a good set of ears, good playback equipment, and a good listening environment to hear the difference. Then you mix your project knowing it will sometimes be played back on a system where the difference does matter (though unfortunately and increasingly on those where it doesn't).
I'm one of those geeks who had an audiophile card from stereo review magazine in the early 1970s. I'm also a pro player and arranger/composer. I can hear the difference easily on some instruments like acoustic piano, acoustic guitar and drums (notably cymbals) even though my high range hearing is limited to about 12k Hz like many of the rest of the social security crowd around here. I work with the best possible sound because it makes a difference to me what the quality of my product is. This is true even though what I use BIAB for primarily is composer's demos for other musicians with whom I work, but I do add the occasional BIAB instrument to a commercial recording.
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: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 181
Apprentice
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 181 |
Thank you all for your input. All your points are good ones. It remains a tough decision and I remain torn. I obviously want my albums to sound as good as possible, which is why I always have them professionally mastered. I have invested in quality hardware and software. Of course, extrapolating from one of the national media reviews of my new holiday CD, my money might be better spent on singing lessons. Thanks again.
www.LawTunes.com: The LawTunes - The Musical Scales of Justice - Original Lawyer Rock & Roll www.SurfChords.com: The SurfChords - The Endless Summer Continues and The Wave Never Ends
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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...my money might be better spent on singing lessons. That is good thinking. So what're you waiting for? (Note to Mac's secretary, send Invoice to LawTunes for two consults this morning...)  --Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 181
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
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Posts: 181 |
Invoice is of course welcome, but be forewarned that I do pay with copies of my CDs.
www.LawTunes.com: The LawTunes - The Musical Scales of Justice - Original Lawyer Rock & Roll www.SurfChords.com: The SurfChords - The Endless Summer Continues and The Wave Never Ends
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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A reply deserving of the Esq. title, sir.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 420
Journeyman
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Journeyman
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Posts: 420 |
I assume that Mac's youtube video is with BIAB audiophile edition? If it is, the issue is to compare std vs audiophile. I appreciate that there is some loss via internet compression but that is also true for the wma files also so there should be some noticeable difference between the two versions even on the internet.
I have some idea what the difference might sound like, maybe the std version is a tab flat or lacking presence compared to a slightly livelier audiophile version? But based on the fact that PG Music havnt created a demo for us to compare and people have mixed opinions I'm guessing the difference is not much.
I listened to a video on youtube demonstrating the use of a vocal booth vs no vocal booth with this guy speaking. The difference wasnt much at all but it was there. I've learned that anything audiophile is only slight differences, and in some cases one has to really listen hard to tell the difference. I'm thinking of comparing HiFi cables for example. The same could be true of BIAB audiophile version.
I'll ask this question again from another post, I've noticed playing a tune in BIAB and swapping between RealTracks takes a number of seconds, it's a real pain. Usually BIAB will prepared 4/4 files when uncompressing? Some RealTracks are fast at uncompressing and others take what seems like ages. How does Audiophile compare on this level? Is switching between RealTracks when looking for a suitable track faster or slower with Audiophile? If faster this would be another reason for me to consider?
Last edited by PaulH; 12/07/13 07:45 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,352
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Hi Paul. I think the hi-fi cable difference is snake oil to pad the commissions of audio salespeople, but I agree with your basic thought that the differences are subtle.
Remember, there is no uncompressing needed when using the audiophile version. Perhaps you meant to say "regenerating" rather than "uncompressing"? The primary reason BIAB provided us a few years ago with the ability to uncompress the WMA files was to speed up regeneration (even though the quality was unchanged). We tried to measure informally and even then, the speed up was maybe 15% at best, but that made a difference because everything ran much slower then: remember the +/- files? There were three times as many files needed for RealTracks before the Elastique algorithm eliminated that need. Is the difference in regeneration speed NOW worth the expense of upgrading to the audiophile version? Probably not, if that were the only reason to upgrade. But is it a factor to consider along with the audio benefit? Yes. A lot faster? No.
EDIT: Paul, you said above you use BIAB for personal enjoyment. I really wouldn't worry about getting the audiophile version for that purpose.
Last edited by Matt Finley; 12/07/13 08:09 AM.
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: May 2000
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I assume that Mac's youtube video is with BIAB audiophile edition? I've never published one. Assume you mean, "Matt" up there? --Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
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Oh. If it is one of my videos, they are all done by actual musicians, live in concert or club, or in the studio. The short promo of my CD is from music recorded in studios a couple of years before BIAB made RealTracks available.
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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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: 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!
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This Free Bonus PAK includes:
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-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)
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- 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest 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.
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