|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
Okay, I have several new data:
1. There was no fluorescent light in my room. The closest CFL is two rooms away.
2. There are no dimmers or "choppers" in the house.
3. My DAW froze briefly yesterday. During that time the static noise disappeared. Does this point to the VPU? (I hope not, I paid $200 for that sucker.)
4. And the biggie: I put in a 3/2-prong adapter, and Lo! both the hum and static have become barely audible. As in, I have to put my ear up to the drivers to hear it. The noise coming from the liquid-cooled PC is louder. The hum and static are barely audible from my normal listening position.
Onward. 1. & 2. - good. 3. - Probably not the CPU directly, but there may be poor onboard PSU filtering. (there are CPU power supply regulators on motherboards these days - have been for a long time) It's also possible the 5V filtering for the USB supply is not great. 4. - Excellent - now we know there is a definite correlation with an earth loop somewhere. Is there anywhere in the signal chain where an earth can be lifted that will always be part of the overall signal chain? Perhaps you can describe where connections go from PC to speakers? Also, given that the hum is only reduced and not completely eliminated there is still some tracing to do. That said, removing a signal earth somewhere rather than the PC's mains earth MAY do it.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya  --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Lawrie,
1. I should have spelled #3 above. I meant the video card (VPU), not CPU. IT's a Zotac 560 2-Gb card.
2. Signal goes from back panel USB port—which MAY be USB 3, I don't know how to tell—to PreSonus AudioBox (PAB) USB. Signal also comes from Behringer 16 x 2 mixer to PAB preamps. Signal comes out of the PAB to (a) Behry 4-ch. headphone amp, and (b) JBL PSW-D110 sub ins, and out of Xover to (c) Behry TRUTH B2031A active two-way monitors.
Note: It ain't the speaks. There is abso no noise when the PAB us D/Ced from USB. The mixer has also been positively ruled out as a source.
3. I have no idea how to lift ground in the signal chain. Please say more.
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,590
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,590 |
The USB 3.0 ports on my machines all have a blue strip inside the connector. USB 2 has a white strip.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
Lawrie,
1. I should have spelled #3 above. I meant the video card (VPU), not CPU. IT's a Zotac 560 2-Gb card.
Ahh, I would have called that the GPU (Graphics Processor Unit).
2. Signal goes from back panel USB port—which MAY be USB 3, I don't know how to tell—to PreSonus AudioBox (PAB) USB. Signal also comes from Behringer 16 x 2 mixer to PAB preamps. Signal comes out of the PAB to (a) Behry 4-ch. headphone amp, and (b) JBL PSW-D110 sub ins, and out of Xover to (c) Behry TRUTH B2031A active two-way monitors.
Note: It ain't the speaks. There is abso no noise when the PAB us D/Ced from USB. The mixer has also been positively ruled out as a source.
OK, so the PAB is like the centre point of a star. Grounded PC to USB I/O port on PAB, Possible double insulated mixer to audio I/P on PAB, OUTPUT of PAB to headphone, OUTPUT of PAB to SUB and thence Speaker system via X'over...
3. I have no idea how to lift ground in the signal chain. Please say more.
Hmm, if I am correct and the mixer is double insulated then I would open the ground wire in the audio cable between the PAB and the Sub. If the mixer is NOT double insulated, AND the previous doesn't do the trick, then I would open the ground in the AUDIO cable(s) between the mixer and the PAB. To open the ground: Balanced cables - cut the shield wire at ONE END ONLY UnBalanced cables - cut the -ve (normally shield wire, though the sheld and the -ve may be bonded together - possibly only at one end, in which case cut both) at ONE END ONLY. As I am skilled with making cables I would just "do it" but if you're not then I would test with cables that are (old) on their way out, or which I have spares for, so as to not be too worried about the damaged/lost cables if it didn't work. Remember, you are still testing at this stage.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Lawrie,
1. I should have spelled #3 above. I meant the video card (VPU), not CPU. IT's a Zotac 560 2-Gb card.
Ahh, I would have called that the GPU (Graphics Processor Unit).
2. Signal goes from back panel USB port—which MAY be USB 3, I don't know how to tell—to PreSonus AudioBox (PAB) USB. Signal also comes from Behringer 16 x 2 mixer to PAB preamps. Signal comes out of the PAB to (a) Behry 4-ch. headphone amp, and (b) JBL PSW-D110 sub ins, and out of Xover to (c) Behry TRUTH B2031A active two-way monitors.
Note: It ain't the speaks. There is abso no noise when the PAB us D/Ced from USB. The mixer has also been positively ruled out as a source.
OK, so the PAB is like the centre point of a star. Grounded PC to USB I/O port on PAB, Possible double insulated mixer to audio I/P on PAB, OUTPUT of PAB to headphone, OUTPUT of PAB to SUB and thence Speaker system via X'over...
3. I have no idea how to lift ground in the signal chain. Please say more.
Hmm, if I am correct and the mixer is double insulated then I would open the ground wire in the audio cable between the PAB and the Sub. If the mixer is NOT double insulated, AND the previous doesn't do the trick, then I would open the ground in the AUDIO cable(s) between the mixer and the PAB. To open the ground: Balanced cables - cut the shield wire at ONE END ONLY UnBalanced cables - cut the -ve (normally shield wire, though the sheld and the -ve may be bonded together - possibly only at one end, in which case cut both) at ONE END ONLY. As I am skilled with making cables I would just "do it" but if you're not then I would test with cables that are (old) on their way out, or which I have spares for, so as to not be too worried about the damaged/lost cables if it didn't work. Remember, you are still testing at this stage. Lawrie, you're absolutely right about the GPU. Minor brain fart there. Yes, the AudioBox (PAB) is pretty much the heart of the system. Hadn't thought of it that way until you pointed it out. I'm pretty good at making and repairing cables. I just bought some heavy-duty molded Hosa brand cables to go from the PAB to the sub and thence to the satellites (FL and FR). I'd really rather not hack into those. Question is, how do I tell whether the mixer is double insulated? It's a Behringer Eurorack MX 2004A. The mains cord has two prongs, but goes thru an external transformer to a cord with a multipin connector into the mixer. I have no problem mucking about with the short (<1 m) audio cables with what look like Switchcraft 1/4" plugs running from the mixer to the PAB. Final question for this session is, how risky is it to leave the PC plugged into the 3/2 adapter? I'm sure enjoying the noise-free thing here. R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
It is more risky for the PC than for you.
Do you sometimes experience the little electric shock when you touch something after walking on a carpet? This little lightning might cause some parts in your PC to drift into the eternal sleep.
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
Question is, how do I tell whether the mixer is double insulated? It's a Behringer Eurorack MX 2004A. The mains cord has two prongs, but goes thru an external transformer to a cord with a multipin connector into the mixer. I have no problem mucking about with the short (<1 m) audio cables with what look like Switchcraft 1/4" plugs running from the mixer to the PAB.
Final question for this session is, how risky is it to leave the PC plugged into the 3/2 adapter? I'm sure enjoying the noise-free thing here.
Hi Ryszard, you've answered it yourself: 2 pin plug (from the manufacturer) = no earth = double insulated. How risky..? How long is a piece of string? If nothing fails there is no risk at all, but I would in no way advise you to do that. I have, however, had a thought: If you have, or acquire, a powered USB hub, you could connect the PC to the hub, and the hub to the PAB. With any luck the earth from the PC would be interrupted at the hub and there would still be no noise, but the PC would still have its earth connected. Problem is I don't know if the earth would, in fact, be broken at the hub... OK, just checked on I have and the earth is extended so power can be extended from the hub  However, you mentioned being skilled at making cables. Does that mean you'd be happy to have a hack at a cheap USB hub? If so, open it up, identify where the USB power comes in, make sure it isn't needed for the hub to be activated (external power should take care of that (I hope)) and break the tracks or whatever. Make sure you DON'T break them where power from the wall wart feeds USB devices plugged into the hub.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I do have a USB hub which is presently in use. Before performing experimental surgery on it, I'd like to revisit the idea of a power conditioner/isolator. What exactly do you recommend, and how likely is it to solve the problem? Would I need one for my entire outlet strip, or just for the PC?
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
I do have a USB hub which is presently in use. Before performing experimental surgery on it, I'd like to revisit the idea of a power conditioner/isolator. What exactly do you recommend, and how likely is it to solve the problem? Would I need one for my entire outlet strip, or just for the PC? Hi Ryszard, given you've proven the problem into the earth connection, a power conditioner would do nothing as the ground would be extended through the conditioned untreated. I would acquire a cheep USB hub to experiment on rather than use the live one...
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Lawrie: I'm sorry; I confused the issue by mentioning power conditioners. I should have limited the question to an "isolator," which was brought up at some point during this multilogue. My system is somewhat finicky about USB port placement, so I'd rather explore other solutions than equipment modification.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
Fair enough Ryszard, but I have nothing left to offer.
Should the unlikely happen and a fault occur in the PC that requires the safety ground to be in place, then the current carrying capacity of the USB and audio cables will be insufficient and they'll likely burn out, assuming you choose to continue with the 3 to 2 prong adapter.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Alright, Lawrie, a fair enough answer from you too. In that case, please tell me exactly where in the USB hub to interrupt the circuit. I believe I can do it if the directions are specific enough. And thank you for staying with me throughout this lengthy course.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
Hi Ryszard, hard to say without seeing the circuit... The connection from the PC to the hub will most likely be a "B" connector - looks like a little house when seen end on.  You will need to follow the GND printed circuit track to a point where it can be broken BEFORE it joins the feed to the outputs of the hub. One thing to be sure of is you must break the track BEFORE the feed from the wall wart too. That's about the best I can describe without the actual hub in my hands. I do stress, try this with cheepie hub first, it is still my best guess, not a guaranteed fix.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Ryzard, I told ya. Or actually Mac told me and I told you. Don't doubt the Macster.
Second thing just follow Mac's second piece of advice to me and make sure there are other grounded devices plugged into your power strip along with the PC. As long as that's the case and the PC is never plugged into that strip by itself you're good to go using the two prong adapter. Mac said this setup is UL approved, what more do you need?
Keep it simple and get back to work man. You already said things are nice and quiet.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Thank you, Bob. I'm still researching, but what you say is reassuring. There are several other three-prong devices plugged in.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385 |
Richard: I am no expert in these things, but I just noticed this MF "No-Brainer." Reading the comments, it may be just what you need, and for #30, you can probably afford to take a flyer, and sell on eBay if it doesn't do anything. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/musicians-gear-power-conditioner
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Thanks, Brad. That looks quite interesting and is certainly a great value.
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Except that's not solving the problem we're talking about here. Apples and oranges.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
Ryzard, I told ya. Or actually Mac told me and I told you. Don't doubt the Macster.
Second thing just follow Mac's second piece of advice to me and make sure there are other grounded devices plugged into your power strip along with the PC. As long as that's the case and the PC is never plugged into that strip by itself you're good to go using the two prong adapter. Mac said this setup is UL approved, what more do you need?
Keep it simple and get back to work man. You already said things are nice and quiet.
Bob Hi Bob, With respect to both you and Mac (who I suspect would agree with me in this instance), I still maintain that the current carrying capacity of the USB cable FROM the PC to the next device(s) is INSUFFICIENT to provide the protection that should be expected. If the USB ground wire and latter PC board tracks were able to carry 30 or 40 Amps for a few seconds then I'd be happy with that, but that USB cable ground wire would be lucky to carry 5A for any length of time, and the PC board tracks even less I would guess (without having seen them of course). I know people will continue to think I'm being over-conservative, but I have a very healthy respect for what electricity can do to the human body. It takes a mere 7mA (that's milli-Amps) across the heart muscle to initiate fibrillation. You can easily do that with a 9V battery if you can get it close enough to the heart! Of course, you'd need to have a hole in your chest
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
No, that's not what Mac said. Here is what he said:
"If you use the Grounded Surge strip and plug everything else into it along with the computer through the two prong adaptor, there will still be a path to AC Ground for the computer, it will just be going through the other stuff that's hooked up, one path instead of two.
This is legal in the US electrical code, that's why the adaptors are still UL listed, among other things."
The USB cable has nothing to do with this. Without rereading this whole thread, I believe you brought that up merely as one possibility for solving this. It's now been shown it's not necessary to worry about the USB cable, the other stuff plugged into the power strip is covering the AC ground.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,313
Posts803,226
Members40,094
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean