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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8 |
I folks:
I'm relatively new to BIAB. I have BIAB2014, received as a gift. It came with a few Real Tracks and such. Not many mind you, but enough to make me appreciate how cool they are.
Anyways, I'm trying to make my first BIAB file. I wanted to take the sheet music for Vince Guaraldi's O Tannenbaum and make a BIAB file to use to play along as my band while I play on my upright piano.
Please understand, I'm kind of new at this. But I'm looking for some advice.
I created a new file and chose ZZJAZWAL.STY Jazz Waltz Style to get a 3/4 score going. (Took me the longest time to figure out time signature is tied to the style).
I edited my song settings to have (1) chorus. I really plan on manually creating the sheet music measures end to end, not really in a form of AABA or anything. Just plan on entering in all the bars manually for the whole song.
I've added the first 16 bars using chord notation in my BIAB file. WHen I play it, it kind of sounds bad.
So I was looking around at the Real Drums I got with my version. I Found something called 'jazz brushes' that seems to make it sound better. (it took me a while to figure out that most of my Real Drums are incompatible with 3/4 time).
Anyways, I guess it's a long winded way of asking if anyone has ideas for better Bass, drum, or other RealTracks (?) that might make the accompaniment sound better.
I have very few (maybe 6) basic Acoustic base RealTracks. Accoustic base simple and very simple work, but are boring. The four others just don't seem to match the feel of the song.
THe original Guaraldi version doesn't really have much more than drums (brushes), base, piano, I think.
But I was wondering if there's some other suggestions that might add some interest to the accompaniment? Maybe jazz guitar or something.
Anyways, this is just all for practice. It is my hope that I can use it to practice by.
I took a year of Jazz piano lessons and can kind of play the first 16 bars just by sheet reading. I never learned improv, but i"m hoping to be able to use this to eventually practice my own improvisations over the 2nd 16 bars, and conclude with a repeat of the first 16 bars.
This is just for fun, just for learning.
I'm a 49 year old jazz piano novice hoping to be able to play better and maybe learn enough to improve with this one song. THen on to the next!
I know I have years of practice in front of me. But this Christmas, I would really like to see if i can play this one all the way through and sound not half bad as a Christmas present to me. I've hacked this song for years and never really got serious about getting through end to end.
Thanks for reading (if you've read this far). I'd love to see if you have any ideas.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,057
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,057 |
Hi. Welcome to BIAB and to this forum.
First, I want to compliment you on your attitude. Sometimes first posters get on here and rant about what they don't understand. You recognize this is an incredibly powerful program and we look forward to working with you as you improve.
You have part of the solution in your question: get more styles and RealTracks if you want more choices and versatility. We often find people come to that conclusion after working a little with the starter "Pro" version, which I assume you bought. It is likely more economical to upgrade to the MegaPak than to purchase individual RealTrack add-ons, and if you decide to do that, call PG Music Sales. They are most fair and will help you.
As to the specific song, a couple of ideas. First, yes, the style will set the time signature but that's not all there is to it. You can use a RealTrack designed for 4/4 and it will play in 3/4, simply dropping the fourth beat. The recording from A Charlie Brown Christmas moves from 3/4 to a nice easy 4/4 at 126 bpm. BIAB requires you start to with 4/4 and use the F5 key to alter each bar you wish to have a different time signature, including, in this case, bar one.
I assume you are looking for a straight-ahead "light" jazz waltz style to match the marvelous work of Vince Guaraldi. I compose jazz and I always use the BIAB RealTracks for bass and drums, but sometimes at higher tempos I prefer the MIDI piano. BIAB also has SuperTracks, which are also MIDI, and they can be amazing but sometimes need a little editing. Finally, in the menu where you choose a RealTrack, look for an option near the bottom that makes it a Simpler arrangement. The faster the tempo, the more you may want to invoke this option.
I love the jazz guitar sounds in BIAB, but I think your particular song would be better without guitar.
For your song, it's hard for me to remember what styles you have, as I've had them all for decades. If you get stuck, find a place to upload your song (like Dropbox), and you can place a link to it in a post here. We can then look at it and perhaps help. You will learn best by doing it yourself, but there may already be a BIAB version of that song already done by someone, if you are interesting in studying it.
That's probably enough, or too much, for now. Ask for any clarification you need, and just play with the program a lot; you never know what you will stumble onto.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8 |
Thanks for the quick response, Matt.
I will look into the mega pack. ANd in the mean time, I"m going to see if I can make it a bit better sounding for now to play along with.
In the Guaraldi tune, he's really doing all the magic. THe bass and drums (brushes) add wonderful support. I'm no Guaraldi. i can play the notes from the sheet music just fine in terms of the first sixteen bars.
I'll dabble a bit more with what I've got and just get in front of the piano.
Man...what a difference REalTracks and Realdrums makes compared to some of the other options.
I really need to get more style packs, though. THere's hardly anything in there 3/4 time in a Jazz Waltz.
Last: Matt, I stopped by and listend to your clips of Brazillian Wish. All I can say is wow! I normally don't like horns because they are often too bright and they hurt my ears. But the richness of the brass in those clips is just amazing! So wonderful and rich!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,273
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,273 |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fh133ZO1AEMatt, got it right of course, that swing ain't 3/4! Nice rendition though. Good luck.
BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,273
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,273 |
.. I normally don't like horns because they are often too bright and they hurt my ears. ...  hehe Merry Christmas.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8 |
Hey JazzManDan...
I didn't notice, but you are right, the the 2nd 16 bars starts at 4/4 time.
It also seems as if Vince is playing the first 16 bars kind of rubato. It's hard for me to hear the 1,2,3 ...1,2,3...while he's playing. But the sheet music ("A Charlie Brown Christmas") is definitely 3/4.
This is why I'm a student and he's a master!
Thanks for pointing that out. I didn't notice the time signature change.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,057
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,057 |
Thanks! And yes, he plays rubato in 3/4, then a nice steady 4/4 swing at 126 bpm. That's why I gave you the tricks for how to do that.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8 |
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827 |
. . . It came with a few Real Tracks and such. Not many mind you, but enough to make me appreciate how cool they are. you could have a look here UserTrack List
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 174
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 174 |
Robert: Usertracks are a good suggestion for the time being and... you may want to wait till Dec ??, for upgrades as PG Music usually comes out with Xmas deals for BIAB.
Welcome to the club.
Cheers
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8 |
Thank you. I was wondering if they did have any holiday specials... 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,681
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,681 |
Nice paintings. Whimsical subjects considering what you are seeing when you look out your window in Elma this week.
Charlie
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8 |
Thanks, Charlie. You know, like with many things in my life, I paint to escape to places I'd like to be at, adventuring. Western New York can be pretty, as can central New York with the Fingerlakes. But I pretend I'm actually at that place while I paint, and then after wards, the completed paintings take me away again!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8 |
FOrgot to say thank you, Charlie. And, yes, the week was a tough one. We had six feet of snow. My wife and I live in the area that got hit the hardest. It was no fun, I tell you that much!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,720
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
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do you compose music to accompany your paintings
not that they need it but just a thought
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8 |
That's an interesting idea...composing a tune for each painting. But no, I don't do that. I do listen to music while I paint. It's amazing how much a song can affect the mood of a piece. I have times when I listen to Jazz, and I have my usual collection of 80's rock / pop. ZZ Top, Cars, Sting, The Police, Madonna, Dire Straits, Billy Idol. I have to get some Pat Benatar and Heart and some Blondie Greatest hits to go along with that collection. I love to have rock/pop going as it gets the energy and vitality going while I paint!
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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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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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