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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: 444
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 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.
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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
Apprentice
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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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: 444
Journeyman
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Journeyman
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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 08:45 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
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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 09:09 AM.
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.
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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 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.
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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 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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
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.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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