|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 12
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 12 |
I've been watching this forum regularly since BIAB 2015 for Windows was released as I want to upgrade from 2014. However, the number of problems other folks are having with 2015 are beginning to put me off. All I want is a proper bug-free working product for making music but, as things stand, I think I would be spending more time trying to work around the many bugs that this program has. Does anybody know if PG Music intend to release the definitive 'fix' for all the problems in the near future?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10 |
My thoughts are this: there will NEVER be a "definitive" fix for all the problems. Here's why - in developing complex software, there are always areas of the problem to be solved that are not as well understood as others - and you can only create software that implements "what you know". Making music is a VERY complex problem, with lots of areas for misunderstanding and lots of areas for just plain, "I don't know". In addition, writers of software do so with their own ideas about how the resulting product will be used - but actual users almost ALWAYS come up with new and creative ways to use products. Creative endeavors are always like that.
Microsoft, which has LOTS of developer and analyst resources still has bugs in their software. PG Music has a talented group of analysts, developers and musicians working on it, but do not have the resources of Microsoft, so we cannot ever assume that the software will be perfect in all usage scenarios.
So, when you decide whether or not to upgrade, seriously consider - there are LOTS of people making LOTS of music and having LOTS of fun with BIAB 2015. There are also some that are having problems with it. Your question to answer is: do I want the new features badly enough, and can I make ENOUGH of my music to justify the potential frustrations along the way. If the answer is yes, then upgrade. Otherwise, wait.
Last edited by Mark McDowell; 01/09/15 04:58 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486 |
Hi rasta,
I have 2015 that I run on Vista 32-bit. It is running fine and is as stable as 2014 for me. (I have the Everything Pak.)
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,799
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,799 |
Here's my take on this issue.
I have seen lots of releases on new software from a variety of companies....
As soon as it comes out, everyone rushes to buy it and the complaints start rolling in. Never fails.
I, at some point, decide to take the plunge and buy it/upgrade.
I install it according to the instructions, and load the updates (if any) and start the program. 99.9% of the time I have ZERO issues. I can't even duplicate some of the issues if I try.
So, if you want to upgrade.... go ahead and do it. Don't worry about issues that someone else is having because there is a good chance you will not have troubles.
Issues can come from a variety of other issues..... hardware in the other machine..... people pushing the limits..... full hard drives....... etc....
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
+1 Well said Mark. Welcome to the forum. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505 |
I agree with Mark and Noel.
rastas66, from your forum registration date, you may have only been through one release of BIAB, and if you didn't buy in early December, you may not know that it is perfectly normal to release a few quick patches. I consider that the company does this to be a tremendous strength, not a problem.
In my usage so far, version 2015 has the fewest problems of all recent BIAB releases, and I have experience with BIAB going back to the early 1990s.
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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46 |
I held off until 30 Dec 14 before placing my order.
But I do agree with you, and almost did not place my order at all.
Seems to be many more problems being reported for this release than any previous releases.
This is the first time I felt more fearful in placing my order than excitement.
I am hoping that by ordering the DVDs and not attempting the download option, maybe I won't encounter as many negative issues.
(But I'm still waiting for the DVDs to arrive)
There are a great bunch of folks here on the forum and at PG music that have helped me with problems in the past and I have never got stuck with any unresolved problems.
So with that past success, I took the chance and renewed again this year.
Last edited by DHD; 01/09/15 09:11 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071 |
All good information above.
Keep in mind that the discounted upgrade price will very likely not be extended beyond Jan 15th. PG Music periodically release patches, so you will be able to get these if available.
I'm running 2015, with no 'show-stopper' issues.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893 |
A extremely hard decision this year for a number of different reasons. It will likely come down to the wire....
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,891
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,891 |
I've been watching this forum regularly since BIAB 2015 for Windows was released as I want to upgrade from 2014. However, the number of problems other folks are having with 2015 are beginning to put me off. All I want is a proper bug-free working product for making music but, as things stand, I think I would be spending more time trying to work around the many bugs that this program has. Does anybody know if PG Music intend to release the definitive 'fix' for all the problems in the near future? There are no must-have features in 2015 that I have noticed; the top feature they advertise is improved GUI but it has honestly "improved" very little (maybe we have moved from Win 3 to Win 3.1!)  After using it for just a few weeks I'd say 2015 is no more buggy than 2014. So if you are concerned about bugs I have not seen any in 2015 that would make me avoid it. I upgraded the day it went on sale to get all of the new RealTracks. Had it only been about the new features I would have waited this one out. But, I am addicted to RealTracks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,893 |
Thanks J3, that is helpful. Actually, my main criteria is "will it help me play better"? That is my current priority as I have initiated a woodshedding effort to improve my playing skills.
Up to now my answer to this question is "no, it will not". Actually, I have convinced myself that BIAB has been detrimental to my playing over the past years. Too much reliance on the program and not forcing myself to do my part.
So I passed when the New Year dead line came. Time will tell what happens come Jan 15??
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505 |
By the way, Peter Gannon has already identified fixes that will appear in the next build. Remember that asking about updates on this forum usually makes little sense, as we are but users and do not speak for PG Music.
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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
>> Up to now my answer to this question is "no, it will not". Actually, I have convinced myself that BIAB has been detrimental to my playing over the past years. Too much reliance on the program and not forcing myself to do my part.
Wow, that's (seriously) the first time in 26 years that I've heard someone say that BIAB has been detrimental to their playing. I'm talking about if you play along with it, not just watch it. With the addition of RealTracks there are lots of ways to learn from BIAB.
What instrument do you play?
I play guitar and piano. I find that Band-in-a-Box improves my playing of both of those.
For example:
- playing along in time with other instruments is by itself great practice, and with RealTracks is a lot more fun because it sounds good.
- choosing from RealTracks artists on my instrument allows me to hear (and see in notation and fretobard) what they are playing.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
>>> the number of problems other folks are having with 2015 are beginning to put me off.
fwiw, there have been a lot less support issues with Band-in-a-Box 2015 compared to previous releases.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
One thing to remember, is that the special ends January 15, and doesn't get extended beyond that. So for example, the Everything Pak upgrade that you can get for $159 goes up to $379 on January 16. Getting the current (2015) version also means that you get all the free updates during the year.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Actually, I have convinced myself that BIAB has been detrimental to my playing over the past years. Too much reliance on the program and not forcing myself to do my part. I can understand what you mean, but I think it's misconstrued. There is such a thing as rubato playing or free timing. I prefer playing some jazz ballads solo, I can pause, steep up or slow down as I please. Also a band can hide a bit of sloppy playing (to a degree, if it must). However, you need BOTH SKILLS Despite its many foibles bugs etc - and I am a critic. BIAB is simply the BEST  it just needs to get better... Also: Compare the price of new real tracks with buying a stack of play along songs. I buy simply for the new RTs. Z
Last edited by ZeroZero; 01/10/15 02:02 AM.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600 |
Heres a vote for upgrading. No problems to speak of since upgrading to 2015. But I don't do anything with it but play the jukebox while I work on my websites so what difference does it make to me??? Someday I'm going to make some music with this program. Just gotta catch up on all my work first!!!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071 |
...
Actually, my main criteria is "will it help me play better"?
Up to now my answer to this question is "no, it will not". Actually, I have convinced myself that BIAB has been detrimental to my playing over the past years.
Dan, you should perhaps try thinking of BiaB as being other members of a band. If you were playing with real professional musicians, even just rehearsing, you would probably put in a fairly serious effort to keep up, deliver your best. Too much reliance on the program and not forcing myself to do my part.
You answered your problem. It's up to you, not BiaB! (PS: 3 days left...)
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,047
Posts799,299
Members40,015
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean