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I'm using a Sonic Cell as my audio/midi interface and I'm getting a crumpling cellophane type of sound through the monitors with a rhythmic cycle to it . I've narrowed it down to the USB connection from the SC to the computer and doing some surfing it apparently is a ground loop type of thing. The USB cable carries a ground wire in it. The first thing I did was plug the computer, keyboard, SC and the mixer into the same power strip so they all have a common ground but alas no change. It also doesn't matter if I use balanced cables or not.
My final test was unhooking everything from the SC except for the USB cable and my headphones. No noise until I plug in an audio cable into either the audio input or output on the back of the SC. The instant the cable makes connection I get the noise until I unplug the USB even when the cable isn't plugged into anything else like my mixer or keyboard. The SC works fine as a stand alone module, it's when I use the USB I get the noise.
As for possible solutions I've seen recommendations for a USB Galvanic Interruptor gadget that goes between the USB cable and the computer. The other possiblity is to use a power conditioner box like the ones by Furhman folks talk about. Both of these are not cheap, they're in the $50-75 range which seems like a lot just for a little noise.
For another hundred I could get a new dedicated PCi or firewire interface (my mobo has firewire) and bypass the USB and just use the SC as a midi sound module like I was doing before my EMU 1820M died.
Any suggestions?
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Dumb question - have you swapped out USB cables?
Larry
edited: another "just checking" item: you have same sample rate selected in both PC software and SC?
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/20/14 11:00 PM.
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Nother needle in haystack Idea...
Dressing the cables, making sure all ac away as much as possible
and then crossing perpendicular. Also is there any type of RF
devices near your system? Cells, external building signals
repeaters, towers etc...
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...No noise until I plug in an audio cable into either the audio input or output on the back of the SC. The instant the cable makes connection I get the noise... Classic AC Ground Loop symptom, stop focusing on the USB and correct it at the analog inputs and outputs, which are the circuits actually being affected, regardless of where the multiple AC ground occurs. Audio Isolation Transformers inserted there should stop the problem cold and safely. Power Conditioner is not likely to help here. If you are in the US, try connecting the AC of the unit via a three-prong to two-prong AC adaptor, UL listed. That will break the multiple path to AC ground and thus usually clears up the problem. Other countries this may not be legal to do. That means you would have to find and purchase Line Level Audio Isolation Transformers for the analog inputs and outputs. --Mac
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…. I get the noise until I unplug the USB even when the cable isn't plugged into anything
Bob
Granted could be AC ground loop and agree that power line conditioner unlikely to help (this issue), but the Sonic Cell uses a wall wart for 9V DC input so the "3 to 2" prong trick also probably doesn't help and based on how Bob explains issue: when analog L/R outs are connected (to mixer? to PC?), sans USB cable inserted, no noise - is that correct Bob? Is this also sans 5-pin MIDI cables? That is, if 5 PIN MIDI cables hooked between Sonic Cell and PC, and Sonic Cell analog outs are connected to mixer - no noise? Also did this just start - or has it always done this? I'm just suggesting Bob tries some freebie things (cable swaps, swap out 9V DC wall wart if able,..) before plunking down $ for Line Level Audio Isolation Transformers. And as some really "out there" trouble shooting this noise is independent of where input level pot on back of unit is set as well as independent of where mic/guitar/line switch is set? Yes these are dumb items to look at - just more troubleshooting/isolating. Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/21/14 08:25 AM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Ground loop isolator/eliminators are very cheap at Radio Shack, as has been pointed out in the past. Well worth the few dollars. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
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Thanks guys. To answer,
Yes the SC uses a separate PS with two prongs so no help there.
When I finally got down to the final test, all I had to do with the audio cable is simply connect one end to either the audio in or out with the other end not connected to anything.
I haven't tried connecting the midi cables because trying to use the SC for audio recording using my keyboard I have to use USB, that's how the audio gets into the computer and into RB. I'm recording audio at this time, not midi.
I haven't tested the position of the three way switch on the combo input jack because I get the same noise by plugging into either of the audio outputs anyway. Again, this is plugging in with one end of a cable with the other end just sitting on the desk not plugged into anything.
I don't want to put anything in the audio path because it could color the sound and like all of us I want a pristine clean recording but if you guys think a transformer would be completely transparent I'll give one a try.
I haven't done much home recording for the last year and when I did I was using my EMU 1820M which since died so no I didn't notice any noise. I'm primarily an audio guy so I wasn't using the SC for that, I was just using it as a midi module for Biab and now that I'm writing this I didn't notice any noise using it via midi.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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...Again, this is plugging in with one end of a cable with the other end just sitting on the desk not plugged into anything.
Whoa, hold on there. Are you saying that merely plugging one end of an audio cable to either an input or an output of the Roland yields this noise? Are you saying that you can leave that unconnected cable plugged in, but pulling the USB connect stops the noise? That can't be a Ground Loop if so. What it might be is an unshielded USB cable, though, or perhaps an unshielded or poorly shielded audio cable. --Mac
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Exactly but Bob's whole config is now confusing to me so Thanks guys. To answer,
….
When I finally got down to the final test, all I had to do with the audio cable is simply connect one end to either the audio in or out with the other end not connected to anything.
…..
I was just using it as a midi module for Biab and now that I'm writing this I didn't notice any noise using it via midi.
Bob
Slow count…. I inferred incorrectly form your earlier post, you indicated that AUDIO as monitored via Sonic Cell headphone jack was FINE - as long as there was NO USB cable connected to SC. So in a word is that statement True or False? Also forget my seemingly red herring item about MIDI cables - I wasn’t sure how you were TRIGGERING the SC as a sound module (5 pin MIDI cables or USB cable) you just confirmed that is all good (I think you did anyway). In any case, these aren't the droids you're looking for. So that we have it clear, what exactly is your audio path: from first module to last (e.g., keyboard to mixer, guitar to mixer (mic or direct immaterial for NOW), additional sound modules to mixer, then mixer into SC and finally Sonic Cell out to PC via USB cable - again JUST AN EXAMPLE) While you might have a ground loop issue I was just trying to isolate actual culprit/issue so that you KNOW where it is and it doesn’t bite you again LATER if and when you again change configurations. Sounds like you have multiple external HW sound modules items (at least a Keyboard, mixer, and the SC). If you are truly trying to use the SC as your final audio input to PC - please describe how: 1) Audio into PC via the L/R Lines out of Sonic cell into PC MoBo or sound card (I suspect unlikely given your other statements), or more likely 2) Audio into PC via Sonic Cell USB audio to PC. If that is case, You do have all the right and current drivers installed on PC for SC and again confirm you have matching sample bit rates between PC (Roland SW, ASIO4ALL, or whatever) and Sonic Cell itself. Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/21/14 03:09 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Are you saying that merely plugging one end of an audio cable to either an input or an output of the Roland yields this noise?
Are you saying that you can leave that unconnected cable plugged in, but pulling the USB connect stops the noise?
That can't be a Ground Loop if so.
What it might be is an unshielded USB cable, though, or perhaps an unshielded or poorly shielded audio cable.
--Mac Yes, exactly. Another forum recommended this to someone with a similar problem: http://www.saelig.com/product/UBUSB1001.htmAnd Larry, yes plugging the audio outs from my Kurzweil into the SC and connecting the SC's audio outs to my mixer but unplugging the USB cable is fine either through the SC's headphones or my mixer. It's when I realized that that I unplugged everything but the SC and the USB cable to the PC. I tried two different cables, one is a fairly thick Roland 6 footer that came with the SC and the other is a standard thin 10 footer I use for the printer. I tried both of them in different USB ports with no difference. Earlier I tried several different audio cables both balanced and unbalanced from a 3 foot shorty and a 20 footer and again no difference with just changing audio cables. Now I think I agree it's the USB cables themselves so maybe I should either try to find a heavier shielded USB cable or get that Isolater in the link I posted above? Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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I really DOUBT it's the USB cables now but if you can find a KNOWN good one by all means try it. Also I suspect you do NOT need that $60 USB thingamabob (yet). And as Mac mentioned it could be a bad audio cable (broken/unconnected shield letting EMI/RF like noise bleed in)
USB and USB cable isn’t like XLR, low impedance guitar, home theater audio, or any other braided analog cable - it's for DIGITAL signals, it doesn't carry analog anything. It carries four signals:
+5VDC, + data, - data, and ground
USB cable thickness is not a useful metric here ut it DOES need to have an unbroken shield to keep artifacts/EMI out of nearby analog signals, etc.
Something else is going on here if not firmware SNAFU (why don't you upgrade or even just redo firmware update), sample rate mismatch, etc. then it COULD be, but this is all speculation now so just thinking out loud, possibly an actual trace break/crack inside unit; or the USB jack inside the unit or OTHER issue inside unit probably right where all the physical strains are at "backplane."
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/21/14 06:36 PM. Reason: typos and new useless thought
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By the way I assume your GOAL is to send mixer audio (keyboard, guitar, etc.) into Sonic Cell, then have Sonic Cell sum/merge (call it what you will) its audio with the MIXER stereo pair output and send the resultant Sonic Cell stereo pair to the PC over the USB? You did mention you want to use the SC as yoru PC audio I/O box.
So simplified flow would be: keyboard sounds -> mixer -> Sonic Cell - > PC (via USB not via SC audio outs into your PC MoBo sound card - assuming you have a analog audio input on MoBo).
Just verifying the intended final config.
BTW looking at manual pages 140 - 146'ish - seems that changes to internal routing, USB use, etc. has to be WRITTEN to SC memory (Fantom XR is similar it has to be power cycled to change its USB states).
In any case, looking at those pages leads me to think there could be some bad looped back audio potential when coupled with PC and MIXER if nto paying attention.
I realize nothing I just stated is helping you- I'm just thinking out loud and maybe it will trigger someone else to stumble onto or deduce actual problem and fix!
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/21/14 07:14 PM.
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Thanks Larry for your comments. I did reinstall the SC driver after checking Roland's website. They've stopped supporting it, the last 64 bit driver was 2009. I uninstalled/and reinstalled it anyway with no change. I also checked the sample rate plus the SC has a USB button right on the front panel, push it and it toggles between no audio and "USB audio".
This is why I'm asking these questions because I also wonder if it could be a physical problem with the SC but, it's been sitting on my desk for about 5 years. It's barely been moved, never gigged for example. Still, somehow the USB connection could have gone bad I suppose. I could go buy a new USB interface and if it works keep it but if it also has noise return it.
As for your comment about the USB cable itself, I certainly have no clue but before I posted here I did a lot of surfing and found several comments from people who seem to know what they're talking about saying the ground wire in a USB cable can indeed cause problems but I don't know that.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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I see you were writing the same time I was. My use has always been simple. I've never used the mixer into the SC but it's an option. All I've ever done as far as home live recording is plug my keyboards either audio or midi into the interface not the mixer. I use the mixer for monitoring only because I don't use powered monitors I have a separate power amp.
Someone, you maybe, asked if I've heard this noise before. It's been quite a while since I've used the bedroom audio system because I've set up my system with Windows Media Center and watch and listen to everything including Biab/RB in the living room through my big home theater system. It's only for live recording that I would use the bedroom system any more. I don't remember hearing this noise before but then I may have never used the SC for this before because when I was doing recording last year I wasn't using the SC as the interface, I had the EMU before it died.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Bob--
*Is your computer a laptop? If so, does the laptop's AC power adaptor have a three-prong plug on it?
If its a desktop, it likely does.
Try plugging your computer's power in via one of those UL-listed 3-prong to 2-prong adaptors and see if the offending noise is still happening.
--Mac
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Bob
I would also "re-flash" the SC firmware to the last version available from Roland - looks to be 1.20?? (I realize it's old, and maybe your SC is already at 1.2, just like teh Roland Windows drivers are old but this is just for completeness)
Also try Mac's suggestion.
But, and now please forgive me for being this dense, I put this mental picture together from all previous information:
Your Sonic Cell is making this noise separate and distinct from any other equipment, INCLUDING PC's, being on or even connected to the SC. That is, you could take the Sonic Cell to the your local coffee shop (or in my case bar) hook up headsets, play a built-in Demo song and you would not have any noise in the headsets; however, as soon as you plug a USB cable in, irrespective of the fact that the other end of said USB cable goes nowhere, you now have this noise.
If that is case - then the UNIT has issues (probably fixable - if you have any good techs around)!
If that is not case, then some where I connected dots that weren't there.
----
LIGHT BULB - INTERNAL BATTERY.
While VERY, VERY unlikely to produce symptoms such as you describe the internal battery (probably a CR-2032, 2025, or similar) could be dead or below voltage. Usually means user memory slots get all "funky" but where Murphy exists all bets are off.
I have so much equip that I keep records of type and when last changed. Only thing I truly hate about Alesis equip is that their stuff all seems to use solder in batteries (same CR 2032's but with leads that have to be soldered and unsoldered, not hard just a PITA).
I try and change every 5 or so years - cheap insurance against failure at wrong time. My GR-50 I let go for the first 13 years with no issues but I couldn't stand it anymore so it's in rotation with everything else now.
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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These details are so hard to keep track of in the forum.
I did reinstall the SC driver. It doesn't reflash, it's a separate driver. It starts with a partial install with the SC turned off, then a box pops up telling me to turn the SC on with the USB plugged in and then it completes the installation.
What we're talking about now is this:
The SC IS connected to the PC via USB. When I mentioned only one end of a cable being connected I was referring to an AUDIO cable. All I have to do is TOUCH either the in or out on the back of the SC to get noise but again that IS with it connected via USB to the computer.
I already tested the SC as standalone with NO USB. I can plug in the keyboard with audio cables, take the output to my mixer and everything is good with no noise.
Mac's suggestion is simple so I'll try that next and it's a desktop not a laptop. I'm nervous about using a basic two prong adapter plug on a desktop but I'll do it just for a quick test and try not to die. If it works I'll pick up a proper one.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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1. Yes, there IS A FIRMWARE update (it is different and distinct from the Windows drivers you mentioned) http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=SONIC%20CELL&id=1812278There are three downloads on that page: -- a README.PDF - that you REALLY need to READ first (even though the readme is last thing on the web page) - a sonic_cell_up.bin file in zip format (it is the actual firmware update to be applied), and - a PDF list explaining what was changed/updated - tech geek crap 2. UNCLE, at least for me, I think we have come about 6 pi degrees (a circle and a half - and back to might be ground loop somewhere) on when/how you get noise. Sorry, couldn’t help. Let us know if/when this gets corrected - good luck. Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/22/14 06:31 PM.
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No, man ya gotta pay attention. Look at the last OS, it says Vista and look at the date in the top right corner of the Read Me doc it says Nov 2008. I bought my SC about five years ago, it already had v1.20 on it.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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I did read that and note I said a previously (about two posts up) to RE-FLASH even you already had v1.2 as a sort of "just because" or "just in case."
Think about how many times have you re-booted a computer "just because" things were acting weird or hinky or how many times you or others have reset BIAB to factory settings "just because."
It is a long shot only, and I agree this is probably NOT needed and will probably do nothing. and for the record, in general I would not recommend re-flashing stuff willy-nilly.
As for Roland site listing PC OS's: if you scan the README you can see (deduce) from that you can disregard the
" Windows Vista / Windows XP / Windows Me / Windows 2000 / Mac OS X"
heading because the bin file will load into Sonic cell irrespective of OS used as long as you have a USB connection. All Roland was really saying there is you need a computer OS that has USB support.
From the Readme:
"Items required for updating the SonicCell
-The SonicCell itself
-A USB memory
-A computer with USB port
-The update file (sonic_cell_up.bin)
Checking the version
1. Check the version of your SonicCell before you update.
2. Turn the power of SonicCell on.
3. Press [MENU] button to call the MENU screen.
4. Turn [CURSOR/VALUE] to select Version Info screen.
* If your SonicCell already has the latest software version, you don't need to update.
Cautions when updating (Important!)
・ Don't use this system program for any product other than the SonicCell. Doing so may damage the
data or system of your other product.
・ We recommend that you save your user data before you perform the update. If a problem occurs and
your user data is lost, you will be able to restore the original state by reloading the data you saved. For
details on the procedure, refer the Owner's Manual (p.182).
・ Do not power-off the SonicCell while the update is in progress. If the power should accidentally fail
during the update, the SonicCell system will be damaged, and the unit may become inoperable.
・ We regret that we cannot answer questions regarding the procedure of installing this system program.
You must perform the installation on your own responsibility, in accordance with the information
provided in this document.
Update procedure
1. Place sonic_cell_up.bin in the root directory of your USB memory on your computer.
2. Connect the USB memory to the SonicCell, and turn on the power.
3. When you turn on the power, loading will begin and the ACCESS LED will start blinking.
4. When the "Completed" message appears, the update is complete.
5. Turn off the power and remove the USB memory, then turn on the power for normal operation again.
Other notices
Unauthorized modification of these files, transfer to another network, or inclusion with a magazine
or commercial product is prohibited. Roland Corporation disclaims all responsibility for any
damages (including but not limited to loss of profit, loss of data, or any financial loss) that may result
from the use of or inability to use this software. This disclaimer applies even if Roland Corporation
had been previously advised of the possibility of such damages. Trademarks and registered
trademarks in this document are the property of their respective owners."
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
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®!
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