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I have got to say they took their time to prepare this new driver, but THIS VERY DAY a new driver appeared on their website. http://support.creative.com/downloads/?h=7"Driver Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi series driver 2.18.0013 Filesize : 54.1 MB Download Show Details Release date : 26 Jun 09 This download is a driver providing Microsoft® Windows® 7, Windows Vista® and Windows XP support for Creative Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ series of audio devices. For more details, read the rest of this web release note." This is the first time I have been able to get some of the additional features of my XtremeGamer working on my Vista 64bit computer. The first thing it gave me was the AutoUpdate facility, then a new CD Burner Plugin for MediaSource 5 Player/Organiser, and then the Smart Recorder. Joy, oh, joy! About bloody time! 
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
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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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Hi Graham,
Well worth waiting for and they even have the next generation ready for Windows 7 and this is because this time Microsoft really cooperated with the external developers all along the way and not the disaster of Vista
Wow this is a great audio package
jazzman
BIAB - RealBand - 2022
Windows 10 64
Zoo computer with 7i processor- SSD 1TB -2TB HDD
Roland keyboards
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I should have known better than to get excited about anything Creative puts out. Beware folks! This driver can cause a problem with your computer closing down if you are using Vista. I am actually using 64bit Vista which they claimed the driver was designed for. My soundcard is XtremeGamer. The close down takes forever - up to ten minutes! There are a bunch of people on the Creative forum with the same problem. Gees, Creative are the most frustrating software company to deal with. They never get anything right. Don't you think it would have been basic procedure and quality control to test it thoroughly before releasing? 
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
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Why do people keep buying their cards for music?!?!? The card itself is called XtremeGamer, not XtremeRecorder!!!!!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Quote:
Why do people keep buying their cards for music?!?!?
Well, mine seems to be working just fine, but then again, I've only got Vista 32. I did not upgrade the drivers. I have it because it natively supports soundfonts. Sure, you can find other soundfont solutions, but just loading the soundfont directly into the sound card's bank slot is the easiest, and when I tell a (non-VSC/non-DX) piece of software to use the soundcard, it then uses my soundfont of choice.
For everything else, I've not had any problems with my XtremeGamer. I bought mine because it was the cheapest true X-Fi card (the XtremeAudio is not a true X-Fi). Of course, it is ironic that the high-end version of the X-Fi is called the Fatality.
I'm not defending Creative, because in the past I've spent several frustrating hours with them on the phone to no satisfaction; I'm just saying that my XtremeGamer seems to work fine under both Vista32 Ultimate SP2 and on my XP Pro SP3 machines.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Hi,
We had a client yesterday with exactly the same problem as you describe on Vista 64 - we simply uninstalled the download - cleared all traces and re-installed with all applications - virus - spyware etc turned off and it worked as normal
A warning is given to ensure no other application is running as this is a big driver package
The reason Creative calls the X-Fi is called XtremeGamer is because of a rationalisation of the range of cards they had prior to Vista when they had some cards doing almost the same job - they incorporated the best of audio creation and gaming and because gaming was 83% of sales they called it X-F- Xtreme Gamer with the description to state that it replaced the audio creation and gamer features in one card
I have never had a problem with Creative over 8 years of use and we rate it as the best value for money card giving the widest range of features - to date we have installed some 600 cards without problems
jazzman
BIAB - RealBand - 2022
Windows 10 64
Zoo computer with 7i processor- SSD 1TB -2TB HDD
Roland keyboards
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FYI, I just bought a new laptop, an HP Pavilion DV7-1285dx 'Entertainment Center', with Vista-64 bit on it. I'm also beta-testing the new Windows-7 Release Candidate/64-bit O.S.
I installed 64-bit/Windows-7 last night, and I downloaded and installed the new beta driver for the X-Fi, USB_W7DRVBETA_US_1_01_0092.exe, and it's working extremely well. I got BIAB/2009 working on it pretty well... I did notice one weirdness: I had to install the Coyote/ForteDXi package, and as it was installing, I saw all of the various instruments flash by as they were being installed. When I actually started up BiaB and went in to configure the MIDI options, and selected the ForteDXi, the only thing showing up for the channels in the config window for the Forte was the line marked "Drum Kit"... All of the other instruments on the channels were not showing up.
So far, all of the songs that I have "frozen" work just fine, and all of the styles where I've tried the built-in Demo work just fine. I don't notice anything weird... But it strikes me as odd that none of the channel information shows up on the Forte/DXi...
Just thought I would pass it along...
(I don't play any games, so I don't know if the new Win-7 driver works with those or not, but I haven't noticed anything else unusual...)
"You play pretty good--for a girl."
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8 years here on an old M-Audio delta 24/96 card no issues , just update the driver every now and again, and the mon mix feature is great. Having a card that was designed for recording from the getgo is worth the few extra bucks. Sound fonts are nice but with the good font players and better GM sets today not necessary. Just sayin'
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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When you've got a laptop that only takes PCMCIA/Express-54 form-factor cards, and you want something better than the built-in mediocre sound-card, you make do... Just sayin'. How nice for you that you found something that's worked for 8 years... 
Last edited by LadyJazzer; 06/30/09 03:26 PM.
"You play pretty good--for a girl."
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That can be a problem, but there are loads of options for laptops that avoid the creative issues, and have better mixer software setup, and better convertors.
But if the creative cards are working them great, but i see on just about every forum related to this subject people are having fits getting decent drivers and such, so why endure it when there are options. there is no reason to make do, when there are a plethora of options, i love that word Plethora!
M-Audio surely has had some driver issues, but they seem to always work them out.
Last edited by Robh; 06/30/09 04:59 PM.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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I tell you what... You come up with a M-Audio card that fits into an Express-54 form-factor for a new HP laptop, and find drivers for it that will work with Windows-7, and you got a deal...
"You play pretty good--for a girl."
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Quote:
I tell you what... You come up with a M-Audio card that fits into an Express-54 form-factor for a new HP laptop, and find drivers for it that will work with Windows-7, and you got a deal...
M-Audio Fast Track Pro
Not Express54, but USB connect.
Known to work and play well with pgmusic products.
--Mac
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Quote:
Hi,
We had a client yesterday with exactly the same problem as you describe on Vista 64 - we simply uninstalled the download - cleared all traces and re-installed with all applications - virus - spyware etc turned off and it worked as normal
A warning is given to ensure no other application is running as this is a big driver package
The reason Creative calls the X-Fi is called XtremeGamer is because of a rationalisation of the range of cards they had prior to Vista when they had some cards doing almost the same job - they incorporated the best of audio creation and gaming and because gaming was 83% of sales they called it X-F- Xtreme Gamer with the description to state that it replaced the audio creation and gamer features in one card
I have never had a problem with Creative over 8 years of use and we rate it as the best value for money card giving the widest range of features - to date we have installed some 600 cards without problems
jazzman
Hi Jazzman
Well, I must admit I did not shut down my anti virus. I'll give it another go. Is there a quick way to ensure that everything is
ou don't by any chance have a list of files to delete so that I have 'cleared all traces'?
I have been putting up with the slow Shut Down because it is such a pleasure to have the extra Creative software working correctly. Plus - and I don't think this is wishful thinking - the sound seems so much clearer.
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
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This is kind of my point, If i have to shut down the antiviurs and then download a driver bare on the net, no thanks! I have already had a virus wipe me out once.
If creative would make a driver that worked great, but so far they continue year after year to cause grief.
As far as windows 7, I for the life of me can't understand why someone would want to be a guinnea pig for microsoft, If this is just a curiousity fine but this is my main hobby, and a true passion. I still do not track in Vista, XP is rock stinkin' solid, I will upgrade to window 7 when it is likewise. I understand Gary cause he loves to experiment, and has th resources to do so, but be clear he still has other options available to get things done, not relying on Win7 entirely. When they call it a release canidate that is because it might be ready to release and this is the best so far, but it is not done yet?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
If all one has is one laptop, why jump into the pond on every new idea, or driver set, or interface that comes rolling by, they all need maturity before true reliability is there. There is a reaosn that noone else has a PCI express card, what it is i do not know, but on almost every forum i go to there are tons of folks suffering with creative driver issues.
The reason i still track with an 8 year old M-Audio is that in those 8 years it has never crashed, not once. When a new driver is needed they work it out in time. there is something new coming out all the time, the forums are full of people trying to get their new3 toys to work with their systems. Grief by the tons, not for me.
I do not use beta drivers, i wait till they are release versions. Like Mac said, i go for what plays nice with my software.
Last edited by Robh; 06/30/09 05:15 PM.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Yeah, but that is not very helpful Robh and this is not a BETA driver. Creative really do have the best specs for a soundcards, particularly if you want comprehensive midi functions and control. I did not have any problems over the years I used a Soundblaster Live and the Audigy in my laptop runs fine. You were quite wrong about the 'XtremeGamer' name. I selected that particular one on advice from jazzman after I had foolishly installed the XtremeAudio, which sounds like it should be the right name for a music soundcard. It wasn't, as John pointed out!
I know from listening to my mates' systems that there is nothing quite like the wonderful sound of Band-in-a-Box playing through a correctly functioning Creative soundcard. Either using their synth or Forte.
You are however quite right about the diabolical record they have with drivers for the XFi range and how unapproachable are their support. I don't know in which country they are located for the Asian region but I can tell you it definitely ain't Australia.
But I am still having problems uninstalling the new driver. Jazzman?
Grah Jive Talk
"Don't worry baby, they'll swing their arses off."
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Quote:
As far as windows 7, I for the life of me can't understand why someone would want to be a guinnea pig for microsoft, If this is just a curiousity fine but this is my main hobby, and a true passion. I still do not track in Vista, XP is rock stinkin' solid, I will upgrade to window 7 when it is likewise.
If all one has is one laptop, why jump into the pond on every new idea, or driver set, or interface that comes rolling by, they all need maturity before true reliability is there. There is a reaosn that noone else has a PCI express card, what it is i do not know, but on almost every forum i go to there are tons of folks suffering with creative driver issues.
I do not use beta drivers, i wait till they are release versions. Like Mac said, i go for what plays nice with my software.
Perhaps you've jumped to an incorrect conclusion that I "choose to be a guinea pig for Microsoft" without knowing squat about what I do for a living, (when I'm not being a jazz musician). I get PAID to evaluate OS's, evaluate sound-cards, and ensure that drivers work. I am a project manager for a large software company, and many of the recommendations that I make become future directions for other projects.
Vista was, and is, garbage. Our company is basically telling all of our clients that we will not tweak the software we install to work with Vista/64. However, like it or not, Windows-7 is going to be the next major "ubiquitous" O.S., and most large companies, (both private and governmental) are skipping Vista and looking to deploy Win-7 on a large scale. It gets released on October 22nd... That's a fact. If you don't want to use it, don't use it. If you want to continue on XP, go for it. (I happen to agree with you--XP is rock-solid...) But sooner or later XP will not be an option, and while some folks want to hang on to their Commodore-64's, Atari's, S&H Green Stamps, and buggy-whips, the world is moving on. For that reason, someone has to test this stuff and point out the problems with it. Sooner, rather than later, PGMusic and many others are going to be faced with a whole bunch of machines out there that are going to come loaded with Win-7/Basic, Win-7/Professional, and Win-7/Ultimate in both 32-bit and 64-bit flavors, and the "We don't support that" option is not going to last very long, or people will look for other solutions.
I've gone to the trouble to post what I've discovered works (so far), and what doesn't work (so far) with Win-7 and the X-Fi card on a 64-bit machine. If it doesn't apply to you, like I said before, "How nice for you." But not every situation is your situation, and it strikes me as rather self-centered to say, "If I don't need it, then no one else should need it either."
Of course, your mileage may vary...
"You play pretty good--for a girl."
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Firstly i never said that, what i pointed out is the Win7 IS not ready YET, and i have no doubt that it will be a good system, and drivers will be made for it, some are now, but it is not there YET. I am not self centered, but pragmatic. I know what works, i do not just hang around here, i have been doing this for over 10 years now since before Cakewalk came out of midi only on floppy disk. I never said you did not know squat, i am sure you do! To be clear and done with it, I said the jumping forward to every new OS and every new driver that pops up is not the best path ...... wait for it, for most people. Because MOST people do not want to beta test and lead the sharp edge of the bright new world. Most people i have talked to in this environment over the last 10 years just want stability, and to make music. conventional wisdom has always been to wait till something matures before taking the plunge.
I am not afraid or worried about the future, i use Vista at work every day, and have from the first 6 months it was out. It works just fine. Never have an issue with it. But from my experience on this forum, the cakewalk forum, over at audiominds, the old N-track forum, talking with folks at Reaper, The good folks that use MTS, 8 years association with Acidplanet is that Creative Products have a Looooong history of issues with mulittrack recording, that said i have helped many people get them up and running. They can do a very good job, I have known of several that install them for just what Graham said, to use as low latency synths, heck i started on a sound blaster. Had loads of problems, bought a delta card, problems stoped from install to now. I have used sound fonts for years. They are nice, some are superior, there are some better synths out there today, but i still use them at times.
Who ever wants to pioneer the field and use the latest beta, release issue can do that if they want. I am not putting you or anyone down, just speaking freely the other side of the coin. The fact that Creative can be problems, it always has and unless they learn to respond always will. For it's sound font abilities it is great. But i believe and always will that there are better choices overall.
I can say that, believe that, and if you do not, great. I have respect for your opinion and experience. But getting combative with me, and incinuating i live in the past will not change mine, and frankly puzzles me, since we are all allowed to have an opinion, and express it if we want. That is last time i checked. I never made it personal with you, i just stated a point, in your own post you stated you used beta drivers and the as you put it worked pretty well except some weirdness. Bingo you make my point i bet there are not a handful of musicians here that want to fuss with weirdness. Then want to record. If you do great go for it, but don't put me down for prefering not to, and expressing that view!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Hi Graham,
I have been away on tour and just logged in
We found the best way is to go to - Device Manager > Sound Video and games > Creative SB X-Fi Proerties > Driver - and either Roll Back Driver to the previous one OR Uninstall to remove the lot with "Delete the driver software for this device" checked if you feel comfortable with re-install - this is what we do
After reboot make sure that ALL applications are closed including those which go active at start up - like virus - spyware - etc before re-install of the driver update
jazzman
BIAB - RealBand - 2022
Windows 10 64
Zoo computer with 7i processor- SSD 1TB -2TB HDD
Roland keyboards
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Hi Robh, I see this debate has moved in other ways and I have some sympathy with your comments Quote:
This is kind of my point, If i have to shut down the antiviurs and then download a driver bare on the net, no thanks! I have already had a virus wipe me out once.
You can take the delivery of the disc or "allow" safe sites like Creative or DOWNLOAD the program with anti-virus etc on - but INSTALL the drivers with them turned off - It is generally advised with large driver packages to INSTALL with no other applications running especially virus - spyware etc as these can create incomplete/faulty driver files
If a DiscClean - Defrag and Spyware clean has been done, a slowdown of start up or shutdown of the computer usually points to a driver problem as the first place to look - and in this thread Graham saw the difference after the download
jazzman
BIAB - RealBand - 2022
Windows 10 64
Zoo computer with 7i processor- SSD 1TB -2TB HDD
Roland keyboards
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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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