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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14 |
Hi,
I am very new to recording and using electronic equipment though I have been working in the computer service business for many years. That being said I purchased Band In A Box a few months ago before I had my audio interface (from guitar to USB) so I jammed with it a bit, programmed a few chord changes, and put it down for a while.
My main objective is to be able to compose, record and play tunes I write, mainly. At this current time here is a list of equipment and programs I have accumulated in the last few months:
Laney IRT-STUDIO amp with GS212PE speakers
Fender Stratocaster American Standard
BOSS BR-800 Digital Recorder
M-Audio BX5 Monitor Speakers
BOSS ME-80 guitar effects, and some amps as well.
Fender Mustang Mini - While waiting for my IRT-STUDIO Amp
Line 6 POD Studio UX2 - audio interface for guitar/vocals to USB port on computer
Band In A Box Pro
Reason Limited
Line 6 POD Farm 2
Line 6 Gearbox
Cakewalk SONAR LE
Cubase LE (trial version)
Reaper (trial version)
At this point I don't have much of a head about me to use MIDI and all the recording concepts. I have read a few boards and there are many guys that have 3-4 of the DAW programs and are not even using all of the power, don't read the manuals and just end up using one for certain functions and so forth. I have also seen others who are complete freaks that use everything, I don't feel I want to get that deeply into it. I just want to be able to lay basic tracks, grab some drums, bass and piano / guitar or what have you from BIAB and record along on some tracks, etc...
I have recorded a few basic tracks with the software above, not yet with BIAB, just jammed along. I notice the Audio record button suggests a windows interface not sure if this include USB audio interfaces or how so I guess that is a good place to begin. I would also like to be able to take drums from BIAB, in a structure, and either export and import into Cubase, Reaper or Reason (or another DAW I decide on) into a track and use it that way.
Please offer any suggestions and I apologize for being long winded.
Thanks.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600 |
Surprised no one has answered you in any way. But here's my take.
The best book for beginners is a book called home recording for beginners. It uses Reaper as its daw of choice which you say you have. It starts you off recording happy birthday in audio.
Start recording projects in basic terms. Do some 12 bar blue things. Work with the programs and learn them one step at a time.
Go through the turorials in the help files. One at a time. Don't skip anything. Go from one to the next. When you get into a jam ask on the forum for that product. 6 months to a year from now you WILL be makng decent recordings with your stuff.
Just keep at it and have fun
Dell 610 dual Monitor, win 7-10, Sonar Plat, ProTools 10 & 11, Reaper 4, BIAB/real Band 2022, Easy Drummer, Superior Drummer, Kontact Essentials, Personnel Orchestra, Korg Legacy Analog & Digital
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,637
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Joined: May 2000
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With that much equipment I'd suggest learning to use RealBand (included free with BiaB) instead of focusing on BiaB.
BiaB is simpler to lay out songs with (and faster sometimes), but RB offers more options for routing tracks and using multiple input signals, and output ports, etc.
Plus it offers most of the track generation features BiaB offers, and works more like the other DAW software you have. It's much like BiaB but different in a way that if you understand how other DAWs work it can be more comfortable to learn. Just my 2 cents
The reason I say this is becaus of your statement "and record along on some tracks" (plural).
BiaB has one audio track .. RB has 48 available, so you can record multiple tracks much easier .. and cut paste from one to the other .. etc.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
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Joined: Jun 2005
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I don't feel I want to get that deeply into it. I just want to be able to lay basic tracks, grab some drums, bass and piano / guitar or what have you from BIAB and record along on some tracks, etc... I have to smile when I read this. This is what most have said in the very beginning of their voyage into the depths of digital audio. It goes something like this: "I don't want to become a freakin computer nerd, all I want to do is make some music and record it for my friends!!" That was me about 10 years ago. This stuff is deep, challenging and very frustrating for noob's because of the language. You're in the computer service business. You know what a power supply is, what a sata connector is, what the CPU is, an SSD, the heatsink, what this is, what that is. You mention that stuff to most of your customers and their eyes glaze over, correct? Well, do you speak the language of an audio recording engineer, do you know what a soft synth is vs a hardware synth, what midi is in relation to audio, the difference between MME and ASIO, why you can't use 64 bit plugs with a 32 bit app, do you know what a plug is and what latency is, all that kind of thing? If not just take your time have patience, read a lot and ask questions here and we can help you get through it. Yeah, I know you don't need to become a recording engineer, you just want to record some basic tracks, why is this so complicated? Why am I not getting any sound, what is with this stupid half second delay, why when I hit record I don't see the meter move, why does the audio have these little glitchy noises in it? And the biggie, whatinhell is this access violation? Yep, been there, done that and yes you will become a recording engineer, and a midi/audio expert and become another version of a computer nerd because without a good grasp of that language this will all be mud to you. The good news is it's great fun and the people in this forum are great to work with. Bob
Last edited by jazzmammal; 06/20/14 12:35 AM.
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,930
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Sounds like you have some good gear there to start with.
Once I discovered and started to use Band in a Box (BB) I pretty much stopped using midi to the extent I had done so previously.
I still use it on occasion but it's pretty rare actually now for me to have midi tracks in a project.
Reason being...... BB & Real Band. (RB)
I use BB to write the songs.... then I save them and reopen them in RB. RB renders the tracks with audio and I can ask it to render other instruments as well that may not be in the BB style..... such as adding steel guitar, dobro, mandolin, fiddle to a hard rock basic style. RB lets me do that.
I then save the RB project as a SEQ file and I export the tracks, one by one to a folder where I keep them.
I open Sonar and import the tracks and do the mixing, editing, EQ, and other things towards the goal of the final mix. I also record my live parts... generally guitar parts and all vocals in Sonar at this time.
Have a listen to the music I write and record in this manner on my website.
The way I do this is but one way you can use BB/RB in conjunction with the other programs. After trying a few different ways, you will settle into a method that works best for you. I settled into using mainly audio tracks and have never regretted leaving midi behind. Of course, I do still use midi, but only when I can not get the results I need for a specific part. I haven't used some of the synths I have for several years now..... Of course, country doesn't use many synths either.
Always ask questions if you get stuck or just need to understand something better.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 06/20/14 06:06 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36 |
Hi,
I am very new to recording and using electronic equipment though I have been working in the computer service business for many years. That being said I purchased Band In A Box a few months ago before I had my audio interface (from guitar to USB) so I jammed with it a bit, programmed a few chord changes, and put it down for a while.
My main objective is to be able to compose, record and play tunes I write, mainly. At this current time here is a list of equipment and programs I have accumulated in the last few months:
Laney IRT-STUDIO amp with GS212PE speakers
Fender Stratocaster American Standard
BOSS BR-800 Digital Recorder
M-Audio BX5 Monitor Speakers
BOSS ME-80 guitar effects, and some amps as well.
Fender Mustang Mini - While waiting for my IRT-STUDIO Amp
Line 6 POD Studio UX2 - audio interface for guitar/vocals to USB port on computer
Band In A Box Pro
Reason Limited
Line 6 POD Farm 2
Line 6 Gearbox
Cakewalk SONAR LE
Cubase LE (trial version)
Reaper (trial version)
At this point I don't have much of a head about me to use MIDI and all the recording concepts. I have read a few boards and there are many guys that have 3-4 of the DAW programs and are not even using all of the power, don't read the manuals and just end up using one for certain functions and so forth. I have also seen others who are complete freaks that use everything, I don't feel I want to get that deeply into it. I just want to be able to lay basic tracks, grab some drums, bass and piano / guitar or what have you from BIAB and record along on some tracks, etc...
I have recorded a few basic tracks with the software above, not yet with BIAB, just jammed along. I notice the Audio record button suggests a windows interface not sure if this include USB audio interfaces or how so I guess that is a good place to begin. I would also like to be able to take drums from BIAB, in a structure, and either export and import into Cubase, Reaper or Reason (or another DAW I decide on) into a track and use it that way.
Please offer any suggestions and I apologize for being long winded.
Thanks. Very impressive list. I started back in 2002 with Sonar 2.2 and learned (sometimes the hard way) MIDI. I have very recently gotten into BIAB (BB) through the encouragement of my brother who used BB (from way back, not sure now long) to help him write songs in BB and that's what I am now starting to do. But the learning curve is pretty steep. I like to write in BB and then bring the song/melody into RB to massage it. I then, export the single tracks (of the instruments) into Sonar via the "dropbox " method. As was stated above, use the many very good videos either produces by PGMusic or the others produces by very talented BB users for educate yourself on the many nuances of the very fine program.
Last edited by Del3535; 06/24/14 06:46 AM.
Del
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
You have chosen a good place to start with BIAB and RT. Bear in mind that these products are unique. Most recordings are not done in these programs they are done in dedicated sequencers - Pro Tools , Cubase etc. However, you will get more satisfying and quicker results in BIAB and RT. Its a LOT easier. RT is a basic sequencer with special sympathy's for BIAB which is the worlds best accompaniment software.
I would say as first base, there are three things to learn
1] How to record Audio (fairly straightforward - mike positions, levels)
2] Understand MIDI and VSTS (virtual Instruments) (See WIKI)
3] Understand sampling/samplers and loops
You can get lots of freebies - thousands of applications - effects, instruments (VSTS) sequencers, even whole orchestras. A good source is KVR.
The main thing is to not get overwhelmed, don't digress too much from making music
Welcome
Z
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 99
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 99 |
Lots of great advice you've gotten so far. I am new also. Been at this for about 1-2 years, but still lots to learn.
I found the best way for me to learn the program was to take a song I know well and try to recreate it in BB. I determine the song format/structure/outline (don't know the correct term for this), put in all the chords and start searching for the best match of Real tracks style to get me close. Once I determine the format for the song, I open it in RB and start adding, changing and removing tracks/instruments to get as close as it can. Then I will export to a DAW and add my guitar or vocal there. I mix in the DAW.
Once I know how recreate a song with all it's parts, I can then more easily get BB to help me create what's in my head.
Just my way of learning. I am sure you will get more examples and you have plenty of great gear to get you going.
Good luck and be careful. It's addictive and all consuming. Once you get something started and begin to see your creation come to life, it's hard to set it aside to sleep, eat, work, etc......
Last edited by marty c; 06/26/14 03:49 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,822
Veteran
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Posts: 24,822 |
Kratz0, you have been given a lot of good advice so I will give you only one new piece of advice. If you don't already have a favorite DAW that you are using, I see that you have three-entry level ones listed, then use RealBand. RealBand (RB) can do more that the ones you have now. Many of us only use Band-in-a-Box (BiaB) and RealBand and the end results are identical to any other DAW on the market.
Some of use do use other DAWs and in fact I use Sonar X3e. Many of us have work flows like this, BiaB to RB to our DAWs. I have said this many times if you don't have a DAW that you are already using then there is no need to buy one as RB will do all you need it to do to produce pro sounding songs.
Good luck.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14 |
[quote=rharv]With that much equipment I'd suggest learning to use RealBand (included free with BiaB) instead of focusing on BiaB.
BiaB is simpler to lay out songs with (and faster sometimes), but RB offers more options for routing tracks and using multiple input signals, and output ports, etc.
Plus it offers most of the track generation features BiaB offers, and works more like the other DAW software you have. It's much like BiaB but different in a way that if you understand how other DAWs work it can be more comfortable to learn. Just my 2 cents
The reason I say this is becaus of your statement "and record along on some tracks" (plural).
BiaB has one audio track .. RB has 48 available, so you can record multiple tracks much easier .. and cut paste from one to the other .. etc.[/quote]
excellent, concise advice, doing just that now, thanks!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14 |
[quote=jazzmammal][quote=rkatz0]I don't feel I want to get that deeply into it. I just want to be able to lay basic tracks, grab some drums, bass and piano / guitar or what have you from BIAB and record along on some tracks, etc...[/quote]
I have to smile when I read this. This is what most have said in the very beginning of their voyage into the depths of digital audio. It goes something like this:
"I don't want to become a freakin computer nerd, all I want to do is make some music and record it for my friends!!"
That was me about 10 years ago. This stuff is deep, challenging and very frustrating for noob's because of the language. You're in the computer service business. You know what a power supply is, what a sata connector is, what the CPU is, an SSD, the heatsink, what this is, what that is. You mention that stuff to most of your customers and their eyes glaze over, correct?
Well, do you speak the language of an audio recording engineer, do you know what a soft synth is vs a hardware synth, what midi is in relation to audio, the difference between MME and ASIO, why you can't use 64 bit plugs with a 32 bit app, do you know what a plug is and what latency is, all that kind of thing? If not just take your time have patience, read a lot and ask questions here and we can help you get through it.
Yeah, I know you don't need to become a recording engineer, you just want to record some basic tracks, why is this so complicated? Why am I not getting any sound, what is with this stupid half second delay, why when I hit record I don't see the meter move, why does the audio have these little glitchy noises in it? And the biggie, whatinhell is this access violation? Yep, been there, done that and yes you will become a recording engineer, and a midi/audio expert and become another version of a computer nerd because without a good grasp of that language this will all be mud to you.
The good news is it's great fun and the people in this forum are great to work with.
Bob[/quote]
Yes (and thanks for the great reply), I am actually quite technical and know what all those terms mean and am also intimate with computer technology, to the extent that what has transpired in the music world since I left it (around 24 years ago) just blows me away! My statement (question) is one of operation and integration, just trying to cut a shorter path to functionality as you may well appreciate! ;)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14 |
[quote=Guitarhacker]Sounds like you have some good gear there to start with.
Once I discovered and started to use Band in a Box (BB) I pretty much stopped using midi to the extent I had done so previously.
I still use it on occasion but it's pretty rare actually now for me to have midi tracks in a project.
Reason being...... BB & Real Band. (RB)
I use BB to write the songs.... then I save them and reopen them in RB. RB renders the tracks with audio and I can ask it to render other instruments as well that may not be in the BB style..... such as adding steel guitar, dobro, mandolin, fiddle to a hard rock basic style. RB lets me do that.
I then save the RB project as a SEQ file and I export the tracks, one by one to a folder where I keep them.
I open Sonar and import the tracks and do the mixing, editing, EQ, and other things towards the goal of the final mix. I also record my live parts... generally guitar parts and all vocals in Sonar at this time.
Have a listen to the music I write and record in this manner on my website.
The way I do this is but one way you can use BB/RB in conjunction with the other programs. After trying a few different ways, you will settle into a method that works best for you. I settled into using mainly audio tracks and have never regretted leaving midi behind. Of course, I do still use midi, but only when I can not get the results I need for a specific part. I haven't used some of the synths I have for several years now..... Of course, country doesn't use many synths either.
Always ask questions if you get stuck or just need to understand something better. [/quote]
This is the sort of nuts and bolts reply that really helps, thanks, I have seen many great replies on the board but this one is golden (IMHO), however, I disagree with you about your way is "one way", I would say your way is ONE of the ONLY ways to do this! :)
Also judging by the quality of your recordings it might be THE way to do it, thanks!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14 |
Thanks for your reply, here is mine:
1. Yes, however, with my Laney IRT-STUDIO amp I plug it directory into my computer from the USB interface or if I am using the Focusrite 6i6 can plug into one of the inputs there so no need to learn about miking until I need to use that garbage can with glass in it!
2. Yes, yes, yes and wow, completely astounded at what is out there and what can be done (complete orchestra for under $200, excellent pianos and virtually (literally) all synths ever made!).
3. Please clarify, if you will, what you think understanding of samplers and loops is. The reason I ask is I have found there to be certain "beliefs" in my mind about this subject that isn't in reality how they are used and I'm still working that one out, thank you in advance.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14 |
Well I purchased a Reaper license for a few reasons:
1. The Reaper Forum has many excellent and helpful folk on it.
2. Reaper is not expensive and is reportedly very stable.
3. Reaper is used by my high school composition teacher who says he knows some of the developers, has been using it for many years.
4. Reaper can do everything all the other DAWs out there do, except the stuff I don't know about, engineer stuff, perhaps.
5. Reaper also twisted my arm with the Personal Edition pricing which is exactly the same functionality as the commercial license.
That being said I will definitely learn to navigate RealBand and might end up using it in most cases. Best regards!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,064
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,064 |
Reaper is as good of a DAW as any out there, excellent value and has a very strong forum. Looking forward to hearing your first music production.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,940
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,940 |
yeah you made a great choice with Reaper! I have tried on several occasions to use Realband and it is so quirky and archaic in the way things are done I get very frustrated very fast. Reaper is state-of-the-art in both its functionality and its design so you will not only be able to accomplish everything you wish but you will enjoy using the software!
my work flow on songs where I use BIAB is now like this,
1) BIAB to get the basic song written
I often use Realtracks only (but lately I have had great success in using MIDI and then bringing those MIDI tracks into Reaper for use with Kontakt 5)
2) set all tracks to center pan, remove all reverb, set all to same volume and export them as separate mono normalized WAV files
3) bring all tracks into Reaper and mix, edit, apply VSTs, etc.
4) master in Reaper
If I do not get the tracks I want sometimes I will save the song with another name (SONG-2) and change the Realtracks before I do steps 2-4 above.
In rare cases where I cannot seem to get what I want I will open my song in Realband and try to get something better there. But the only reason I would resort to this is for the bar-by-bar Realtrack regeneration feature that Realband has; if they added this feature to BIAB I would never use Realband!
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 07/26/14 09:11 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1 |
I need some help from somebody who is an expert at using band in a box. I am a beginner
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,004
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Posts: 13,004 |
You came to the right forum. Now start a new thread and fire away.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
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Posts: 2,499 |
DITTO what Jazzmandan said: START A NEW THREAD But to help us help you maybe in the new thread: list your PC (OS, how much memory, HDD size, processor type/speed), what is your sound card (e.g., built-in Realtek audio chip, Sound Blaster Titanium PCIe, external M-Audio USB device,etc.) Do you have a MIDI interface (even a simple USB to MIDI cable)? Finally maybe in a few words (don't really need life history) your MUSIC experience and PC experience. Not being snide just it's easier to help someone if we know terminology/vocabulary level we can use. Do you have enough music background to know basic music terms (scales, keys, tempo, chords, clef, Dim7, ) if you studied at Julliard then you can teach US  Do you know the difference between MIDI and AUDIO? And on PC side are you a limited user who checks email once in a while or a power user who writes assembler code. Do know what a user account control is in Windows, know the difference between the file Explorer and Internet Explorer, etc. and BTW: HELLO and Welcome 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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,930
Veteran
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Veteran
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Posts: 10,930 |
This is the sort of nuts and bolts reply that really helps, thanks, I have seen many great replies on the board but this one is golden (IMHO), however, I disagree with you about your way is "one way", I would say your way is ONE of the ONLY ways to do this!  Also judging by the quality of your recordings it might be THE way to do it, thanks! I appreciate the kind words, however, there are others here who create really nice music and do not use my workflow pattern. Thank you for listening to some of my music..... most of it was done following the pattern I set out in the first post I made on this thread. It works... and having Sonar LE is a great thing..... jump in and make music.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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