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How do you use the Sound Canvas VA in BIAB, it is a VSTi ?
The DXi synth works fine as Default Synth, but the Roland Canvas don't work. According to the display, the tracks are well fed with MIDI data but, no sound get out.
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Well, folks, it is very simple task to link VST-plugin and MIDI-output of any program. 1. You need a free program called MidiYoke. It gives you several virtual MIDI input and output devices. Every version of windows is supported, even Win 2016 Server TP4  2. After that you set the MIDI-output of your favorite program to "Out To MIDI Yoke: 1". 3. You also need any of programs called "VST Host". "VST Host" from Hermann Seib, for example. Or SAVIHost. Or any other free utilities. This kind of "VST Host" programs can load VST-plugin and then you can set its input to "In From MIDI Yoke: 1".
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OK with MIDIYoke.
I would dream of a direct integration of VSTi in BIAB without any additionnal software....
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No MIDIYoke or LoopBe app needed you can use VSTi's directly in BIAB . But those apps are useful to have for different reasons and in complex config's.
BTW that New Roland VA comes with too many restrictions - you need to click on the buy button and then read the "reminders"
The old Roland sound canvas plugin/app was good but these days $125 is too pricy you can get Coyote Forte for a third that or buy Cakewalk Music Creator here and it comes with TTS-1 a Roland SC like plugin ( sound clone) a lot cheaper. And I am a Roland Fanboy
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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No MIDIYoke or LoopBe app needed you can use VSTi's directly in BIAB . Larry, could you please detail how you proceed to get the Roland Sound Canvas VSTi as default synth ?
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I think this new SC looks interesting. It's more than just a GM synth because they say it has 1600 sounds with lots of editing.
I'm going to DL the trial and I'll report back but it will take a few days.
Just watch the Biab set up video to see how to set it up. It's simple and no problem at all.
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.
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Just added VST Hyper Canvas by doing: Upper Menu: Opt. -> MIDI/Audio driver setup Check: Use VSTi/DXi Synth Button: VSTi/DXi Synth Settings () Button: ADD VST... But i'm agree with Roland Canvas don't work. According to the display, the tracks are well fed with MIDI data but, no sound get out. This new-year-2016 Roland Sound Canvas is silenced in a BIAB-VST mode. The channel charts are moving up and down, but no sound cannot be heard. The MIDIyoke does a job though! Thank you folks, for mentioning new ROLAND module!!
Last edited by glossum; 01/05/16 07:44 AM.
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Love to hear your report (i am on phone today so internet crippled)
But sounds like its a vsti version of most Roland GS Sound Canvas 's (for those who don't know GS is an expansion of GM thst allows variations of base 128 GM sounds as weel as other functions - Bob i kniw you know that but i think some reading this thread might not )
So suspect it 's like your Sonic Cell or my sc-8850 (1640 sounds) or SC-880 or SD-80 or 90
Don't get me wrong a good GM with GS expansion sounds/functions plugin is welcome and the "street price" will probably be closer to 100'ish but the listed restrictions by Roland was like a cold shower
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/05/16 07:41 AM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Don't get me wrong a good GM with GS expansion sounds/functions plugin is welcome and the "street price" will probably be closer to 100'ish but the listed restrictions by Roland was like a cold shower And, I just read all the specs, what restrictions? 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.
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I use soft synths as well (Dimension Pro-Cakewalk) which has some excellent sounds), as well as several already mentioned that come with Sonar. But, to echo what JazzMammal said regarding hardware synths/keyboards, I use a first generation Yamaha Motif keyboard, as well as second generation Yamaha ES Motif Rack unit more than soft synths. The advantage of hardware synths is much less overhead on the computer, and, I might add, pretty amazing sounds and replication of various instruments. While not quite as flexible as soft synths, most modern day (and even my hardware synths) can be updated with new sounds/patches, etc., as well as creating customized sounds. Whether playing the keyboard or using the rack synth with my synth enabled guitars, I can capture (mostly) what is played both audio and midi through the instruments and bring it right into notation.
Richard
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Bob - I think these are the restrictions he was referencing (from the Roland web site):
Due to host application specifications, system exclusive messages cannot be sent from tracks to SOUND Canvas VA in the following hosts.
[Windows]
Windows® 7 SP1/Windows® 8/Windows® 8.1/Windows® 10
- Cakewalk SONAR PLATINUM/Professional/Artist(32-bit Edition/64-bit Edition)
- Ableton Live9 (32-bit Edition/64-bit Edition)
- Ableton Live9 Lite (32-bit Edition)
- Presonus Studio One 3 Professional (32-bit Edition/64-bit Edition)
[Mac]
OS X 10.8.5 or later/OS X 10.9/OS X 10.10
- Apple Logic Pro X (64-bit Edition)
- Apple GarageBand (64-bit Edition)
- Ableton Live9 (32-bit Edition/64-bit Edition)
- Ableton Live9 Lite (32-bit Edition)
- Presonus Studio One 3 Professional (64-bit Edition)
- MOTU Digital Performer 9 *Only VST Plug−in
Due to host application specifications, you cannot use control changes to make correct bank selections and program changes in the following host application.
[Windows]
Windows® 7 SP1/Windows® 8/Windows® 8.1/Windows® 10
- Cakewalk SONAR PLATINUM/Professional/Artist(32-bit Edition/64-bit Edition)
Due to host application specifications, there is a limit to the parameter that can use automation in the following host application.
[Windows]
Windows® 7 SP1/Windows® 8/Windows® 8.1/Windows® 10
*Compatible with only parameters that knob is attached.
- Ableton Live9 (32-bit/64-bit Edition)
- Ableton Live9 Lite (32-bit Edition)
[Mac]
OS X 10.8.5 or later/OS X 10.9/OS X 10.10
*Compatible with only parameters that knob is attached.
- Ableton Live9 (32-bit/64-bit Edition)
- Ableton Live9 Lite (32-bit Edition)
The SOUND Canvas is not normally recognized as a plug-in in the following host application.
[Windows]
Windows® 7 SP1/Windows® 8/Windows® 8.1/Windows® 10
- MOTU Digital Performer 9 (32-bit Edition/64-bit Edition)
We do not confirm compatible with SOUND Canvas VA other than that above the DAW software.
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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Yeah but that's just normal CYA stuff. You know, "Hey I just tried to play this wonderful midi file I downloaded from a free website and it sounds like crap, what gives?"
When they talk about all those exceptions, it won't read this or that what they're saying is if you load in a midi file that was created say in Kontakt using non GM controllers to get the performance nuances those little nuances won't play correctly because this synth isn't Kontakt. Many users especially here have no clue about those sorts of things. Many folks here simply want brain dead plug and play and once you get above the basic GM synths we've talked about, it doesn't work that way. The better synths require some tweaking from the user.
The one thing I saw was the minimum computer requirements. the CPU should be no problem for older systems but it says 4 gigs of ram. There are still quite a few users here running old XP systems with 2 gigs ram. That apparently won't cut it.
As far as the listing of compatible software, nobody ever lists Biab but Biab handles VST's just fine so it should work but that's why they have a free trial which I will try soon.
Bob
Last edited by jazzmammal; 01/05/16 09:50 AM.
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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What John said.
NOT trying to discourage, as matter of fact I just re-looked on the spec page and this just confirmed that THIS plugin is IDENTICAL (sound wise and part/poly wise) to my SC-8850
From Roland spec list:
"Number of parts 16 parts
Maximum Polyphony 64 voices
MIDI Format Conforms to GS, GM2, GM
Sound Maps 4 types (SC-8820, SC-88Pro, SC-88, SC-55)"
The SC-8820 and SC-8850 had same sound sets (analogous to how SD 80 and sd-90 have same sound sets) -
(look here to see who supplied the SC-8850 patch map to PG.)
Which makes it really good GM (GS/GM2) plug-in but sounds will be little dated. And PERFECT for BIAB and fast song generation for all non-real track parts!
I USE my SC 8850, I also use my old Alesis Nanosynth but when serious "endgame" is needed I use other rack gear or other plug-ins than SC, or TTS-1, or Forte, or even "plug ins" like Dim Pro!
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/05/16 09:48 AM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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actually the biggest gotcha for ME would be this one (Sonar is my goto DAW)
"Due to host application specifications, you cannot use control changes to make correct bank selections and program changes in the following host application.
[Windows]
・Cakewalk
SONAR PLATINUM / Professional / Artist(32bit Edition / 64bit Edition)
"
but I WILL DOWNLOAD AND TRY TRAIL in spite of all this. But will (probably) wait till price comes down for me to seriously consider buying (mainly since it's duplicative to what I already have in HW and other SW)
but your report will be useful to others here - so please ignore my doom and gloom
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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actually to beat this horse to death Looking at list of patches they are one for one identical to SC-8850. Sound maps use same banks with same names - ditto drum maps to an SC-8850. BTW it DOES sound IDENTICAL to the SC-8850, here is a youtube on this it shows some sounds/patches with VA and then again with SC-8850. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP_67GQkKn4But if want a BETTER review of what it does well and not well (this is for "iStuff" which I don’t own any of but same sounds/app) actually go to around 13 min if you like "voices" and especially jazz scat (~15:30+ min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v24enzx3Beo the included SC-55 maps even include the CM-64 LA and CM 64 PCM sounds (which for gamers might come in handy - if you use the right VSTi .dll wrapper - TBD). So if it were cheaper I might buy it as a SW substitute to using/carrying my SC-8850 and cables. SIDE BAR: Since folks here that have a Ketron and swear by them for acoustic sounds - it would be nice if they had a Ketron plug-in counterpart to this one! Since we got off topic a little wonder why PG doesn’t pursue selling Ketron's SD-2's or one of the other Ketron variations here? Larry (I'm probably talking myself in to buying it after all)
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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actually to beat this horse to death I don't think you're beating anything Larry, this is good info and it's great that you have the hardware version to compare to, I always heard good things about the 8850. I think the real question regarding cost, is this significantly better sounding than the Forte Dxi or TTS-1? Those two are $40 each, if this is that much better I think it's worth it because what's the next step up? Not $2-300, it's more like $4-500. The cool thing about having this as a plugin is the fast rendering of your song to audio. Software can render a song in 15-30 seconds while a hardware module has to be routed back to your computer using the audio ins and you record the playback in real time, there's no "rendering" with a hardware synth. A six minute song takes six minutes to record to audio. 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.
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Some users have comments about the sound of this VSTi, so how have you tested this VSTi in BIAB ?
Has anybody get Roland Sound Canvas VA working in BIAB as default synth without MidiYoke or other virtual cable?
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Yes I was just about to comment
But you NEED JBridge. As dumb as it sounds I cannot get the 32 bit trail version to work in BIAB (or even Powertracks) (more later once I figure it out - it seems to be a sample rate issue interfering with BIAB BUT I'm still investigating so don't quote me, it could be ANYTHING (including "short between headsets") - remember it's a TRAIL version)
The 64 bit trial VERSION DOES WORK (via JBbridge).\
as with adding any VSTi/DXi as default:
1. click on the "Plugins" button
2. Click on the "Realtime VST/DXi Plugin in settgins
3. Click on the "default Synth"
4. at the top of the window that opens click on the TOP (first) slot and run scroll bar doe top bottom that says "add VSTi plugin"
5. POINT to the 64 bit version of the Sound Canvas .dll if you installed the trial with defaults than it is at
"C:\Program Files\Roland\Sound Canvas VA\SOUND Canvas VA.dll"
If you ALREADY added the 32 bit version (it has same name as 64 bit) you must FIRST delete it from the list in BIAB becasue the .dll's have the same name BIAB won't try and load the second version even though it's different (it's the 64 bit one) but BIAB sees the same name so it doesn't try to "reload" it.
You need to delete 32 bit one using the Options button in the VST plugins pull down window and you will see the remove VST button.
NOTE the FIRST time you open the Sound Canvas window in BIAB the "Parts" (or "FX' or "Options") portion of screen is cut off and you need send at least one instruments change to it then close BIAB and re-open to get the full Sound Canvas screen.
It is a BIAB display issue I will document it and send to PG support. I've had previous issues with large VSTi screens that BIAB wouldn't show whole "window" for in the past.
The output VOLUME of this VSTi (even at MAX for each part) seems to be low. And the total mix needs to be adjusted to level it all.
The 32 bit version of Sound Canvas VA works in 32 bit Mixcraft - but when I load a GM song ("Saturday in the Park") it sends the GM set to the Sound Canvas - it seems to ignore this - the parts play but are all the default Piano - also investigating that issue.
However the same song in 32 it Reaper works as expected and compared to my external SC-8850 sounds identical (when levels are set the same)
In 32 bit PowerTracks (2014) it loads up, has same display issue as BIAB (initially), and song sends all the right parts to the Sound Canvas VA VSTi but can't get any audio with - it causes no issues with running PowerTracks like it does in BIAB - just no audio.
STILL investigating (call me a geek)
.
the
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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I've read most of the responses here. I have to agree with some and disagree with others. Coyote Forte is decent enough for an inexpensive GM soundset, but it is not "great", IMO. TTS-1 is about the same as Coyote, IMO. Hardware CAN be better in a lot of cases, but it depends on the hardware. I do tend to use a Yamaha MOXF on a lot of sounds, but some of its sounds are not great, either. I also use Kontakt on some things, and on some things I use some of the cakewalk softsynths; SI Strings, SI bass, Soundcenter, DimPro, Rapture. Mostly what the answer to this thread boils down to this: it's about what you can afford for your level of satisfaction with the sounds. if you can afford Kontakt and can hear a difference between it and Coyote, then get it! if you can afford a hardware synth and can hear a difference, get it! if you are satisfied with Coyote and don't want to spend any more money, then don't! just my 2 cents
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Larry,
In my mind, I was speaking about the 32-bit version!
yes the 64-bit is very functional.
Thanks for helping !
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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!
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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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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