|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,329
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,329 |
Do users here usually get good results with Kontakt? I load instruments, assign the correct instrument numbers, and I usually get a mess. I also have Sampletank, the instrument quality doesn't comapare to Kontakt, but I almost always get good results. I've been thinking of getting Goliath I think I've read it is generally GM friendly. The sounds are great but I read more complaints of the Goliath's PLAY engine than any sample interface out there.
I love the Kontakt interface as a DAW plugin, just for the record.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125 |
I use Kontakt 5 player with the Session Strings library. The Session Strings are excellent.
However, the VST never gets remembered and defaults each time a load a song. I have to call up the VST and reload it. I've reported this issue but so far nothing. Is that the mess you get?
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: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,978
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,978 |
I use Kontakt but only in Sonar.
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: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125 |
I use Kontakt but only in Sonar. I know why...
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: Mar 2011
Posts: 123
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 123 |
I use Kontakt but only in Sonar. I know why... I too have found many programs that work and play better with Sonar, but I have had issues using midi files generated by BiaB. Using drag and drop I import them into Sonar and everything works flawlessly, but what I have found is that when I go back a week or a month later, the midi files don't play right. They look normal in piano roll view but many of the notes simply don't trigger anything. For example on a drum track the kick and snare notes don't play. Or on a string pad with long held chords, the middle note won't play. Keep in mind I have Sonar 5PE which is older but still pretty robust
BiaB 2024
Reaper v7.15
Melodyne Essential 5.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,329
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,329 |
To elaborate, I have four MIDI options: TTS-1, ST2, Ketron SD2 and Kontakt. The first three work fine with little tweaking, even in STs's case where I have to load instruments, no big deal. Kontakt almost always requires a lot of tweaking to get the song sounding good, and often I cannot get it to sound as good as my other options. Sometimes drums will not play correctly, or I just cannot get strings or horns to sound right (and by right I simply mean the way all the other MIDI devices I have are playing them). But when I do get things working in Kontakt, it sounds very very good indeed.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125 |
I think the problem relates to the fact that BiaB (and RB) don't correctly store and recall the VST settings. Connecting to external hardware MIDI devices doesn't require this operation, but a soft-synth does. That's the frustration I have anyway.
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: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499 |
just an FYI
There is a difference between GM "compatible" (as listed in the EW literature on Goliath) and GM COMPLIANT and it is a difference with a distinction. Translation, you can't just load up a GM MIDI tune and have it get all the part maps right. You have to load the sounds a part at a time, exactly like Kontakt, Sampletank (sans the Omni Synth 2 add-on), VI One, or any non GM COMPLIANT synth - internal VSTi or external HW.
Also if it's East-West - there will be a dongle required (and I quote form their requirements)
"iLok required (not included)"
No argument, from a sound perspective it does look interesting OTHER than the iLok thing - that's why I never bothered with EWQL or other EW products
IF YOU GET IT let us know how it works out,
good luck
Larry
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
Also, with Kontakt instruments, you will find that the supported note range of playable sounds is not same as with a GM synth. Also, the mapping of sounds is not necessarily the same as the GM standard. That is why you sometimes get note dropouts. I've found some of the basses respond in a different octave than what BIAB outputs, so that has to be adjusted as well. I'm not being negative about Kontakt; it's just the realization that it's not plug and play.
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,906
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,906 |
I found it a real PITA trying to use Kontakt in BiaB, again it is not an issue for me as I use Kontakt in Sonar, so I stopped messing with it.
As John said you have to make sure that all the notes BiaB generates for an instrument falls in the range of Kontakt's instrument. If you are getting dropouts that are within Kontakt's range then double check Kontakt's polyphony.
As for the drums not playing be sure that the MIDI drum patch you are using is mapped for GM drums. Many drum programs or patches have their own drum maps. If you don't know what that means it's one program or patch will have, for example, a kick drum on MIDI note C1 while another may have it on C2 or any other note. Drums can get confusing very quickly!
I have never had a BiaB MIDI track or tracks not play correctly after they have been sent to Sonar and correctly aligned with any VSTi. Also in Sonar everything sounds much better when using non GM MIDI programs like Kontakt, SSD drums, AD drums etc.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,978
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,978 |
Also, with Kontakt instruments, you will find that the supported note range of playable sounds is not same as with a GM synth. Also, the mapping of sounds is not necessarily the same as the GM standard. That is why you sometimes get note dropouts. I've found some of the basses respond in a different octave than what BIAB outputs, so that has to be adjusted as well. I'm not being negative about Kontakt; it's just the realization that it's not plug and play. Yes... generally a Kontakt sound is a sampled sound. So the note range of a given instrument in Kontakt corresponds with the actual playable range of the live instrument in most cases. So yeah, if you have a part generated by BB or some other source including live midi.... and you have a Kontakt sample loaded.... if the source midi goes out of that instrument's range you will not hear those notes and assume it's dropping notes when in fact it's not. Load a violin sample and use a double bass midi source part.... you will see.
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: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
This is a very tricky and complex subject. Most big name and expensive sampler/synths like Kontakt like to pride themselves for being accurate. Take bass for example. If you're having bass dropouts have you checked if the actual part is supposed to be played on a 4 string or 5 string electric bass or is it an acoustic? Do you know the correct range of notes for all those basses? How about a guitar vs a banjo? Same for all the horns. If you're going to be accurate and correct then you as the music producer have to know this stuff. This is where people will say all I want to do is make some music and have some fun. That's ok until you start getting picky and want things to really sound correct and good. Then you have to be aware of all these issues.
In our case here, the source midi is Biab. Check how Biab generates the different instrument parts. I can't tell you exactly how it works but sometimes Biab will produce notes that can be considered to be out of range for some instruments. What if you're doing a SRV song where he tuned his guitar to Eb so then an accurate low E bass note is the Eb? If you didn't set that up right that Eb will sound an octave higher or not sound at all. If you're missing bass notes change the bass instrument from a 4 to a 5 string and see if that helps.
This stuff is not easy sometimes. This is why we say Biab works best with a GM synth and then that always begs the question that has been asked countless times on this forum, "Where can I find a better GM synth?" And of course the answer to that is there's only a few pure GM synths around.
It's been said a gazillion times here, Biab is great for what it does but what it's not great at is acting like a full DAW for finishing a project. This is why everybody talks about moving the Biab tracks to a DAW for completion.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 215
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 215 |
Personally I find the trickiness of using Kontakt to be one of BIAB's biggest shortcomings. Yes, one can drag a midi file into one's DAW and play it through Kontakt there. But that is not the same as being able to use Kontakt easily within BIAB, because often composition and patch choice are mutually dependent. That is, the instrument you are playing through impacts your choice of what to play through it. Having to imagine how a BIAB-generated track will sound through a Kontakt library is a big workflow speed-bump which disrupts the creative cycle. My 2 cents anyway.
I guess Rewire is not an option?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499 |
Personally I find the trickiness of using Kontakt to be one of BIAB's biggest shortcomings. Yes, one can drag a midi file into one's DAW and play it through Kontakt there. But that is not the same as being able to use Kontakt easily within BIAB, because often composition and patch choice are mutually dependent. ...? Been watching this thread for a while now and all I can say is,... what? I AGREE with the "composition and patch choice are mutually dependent" statement but not the premise that that is a BIAB shortcoming? I use Kontakt (FULL Kontakt, not the free player) the SAME way in BIAB that I USE it in Sonar, Reaper, Cubase, Mixcraft 7,.. actually the same way I use ANY non-GM compliant SS in those same programs. It is no harder or easier, for me anyway, to use in BIAB than in Sonar? What you describe should/will also happen in SONAR or Reaper. Any time you first load or "generate" a new MIDI only song in ANY DAW. You have to PICK a softsynth patch, or external HW module patch, or both, for each instrument that you think is BEST for that PART for that SONG? Larry
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125 |
Hi Larry
If you set Kontakt as a VST in BiaB and set an instrument, other features etc, then close the song and shutdown BiaB. Next time to start BiaB and reopen the song, are all your Kontakt and other VST settings still there?
This is quite hit-and-miss for me (even more so in RB)
Thanks
Trevor
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: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499 |
Short answer, YES: IF I set Kontakt (SampleTank, Dim Pro, Omnisphere, Sample Moog, AD 2, VB3, whatever) in the INSTRUMENT slot (i.e., the individual slots for Bass, Piano, Drums, Guitar, Strings, and Melody, Soloist) and NOT the default slot.
If want to use ONE instantiation of ONE synth then you would set a VSTi/DXi in the DEFAULT slot and set channels and patches for each BIAB instrument. IN that case, then YES then there is an extra step, two actually, needed within BIAB (which I didn't learn until Dec):
1) Use the Plug-in pull down "Save Group" and name a .tgs file for that song, and
2) When you RE-OPEN THAT song in BIAB use "Load Group" and re-load the .tgs file.
(you can also load that .tgs in Realband same way)
The problem with NOT USING a GM compliant multi-timbral synth, like TTS-1 or Forte or even the GS Wavetable, in the Default slot is that you cannot use single voice VSTi/DXi's like Cakewalk Sound Center, VB3, AD2, unless of course you ONLY NEED one DXi/VSTi voice part (maybe everything else is Real Tracks/Real Drums).
In that case, you CAN STILL use a single voice synth (e.g., VB3) or the four parts of Dim Pro (or all 16 of Kontakt or SampleTank or…) and use favorite drums (AD2, EZDrummer 2, Jamstix) in the Drum slot, and favorite string pad (e.g., Omnisynth) in the Strings slot, etc. BUT YOU MUST THEN SAVE a .tgs for the Default slot settings - if you want to re-call them.
As to VST's (audio FX) I don't use VST's very much in BIAB but I also don't use BIAB as a DAW either. I input songs (progressions) or work out a motif idea and let BIAB give me some fresh melody ideas, sketch out tune and then move into Sonar (usually, because it's what I've been using since DOS - old dog new tricks thing).
However, the VSTs, at least FOR ME (?), SAVE and RECALL the same way within BIAB as do the VSTi's: Either saved with song in the individual Plug-in pull down Instrument slot, or as part of the saved .tgs file.
ALMOST FORGOT: your hit and miss maybe because whatever was set LAST in the Default Synth slot before closing BIAB or RealBand for VSTi/DXi's (and VST/DX's if any) is what is there when you re-open BIAB or RealBand and loading a song that had a DIFFERENT synth for the Default synth does not change that (unless you re-load that .tgs file)
Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 03/05/15 06:45 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 123
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 123 |
1) Use the Plug-in pull down "Save Group" and name a .tgs file for that song, and
2) When you RE-OPEN THAT song in BIAB use "Load Group" and re-load the .tgs file.
(you can also load that .tgs in Realband same way)
Thanks for posting this. For me, this is the type of thing that is not made clear and causes people like me to run back to the most familiar DAW as soon as I attempt something that BiaB 'doesn't do'.
BiaB 2024
Reaper v7.15
Melodyne Essential 5.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 507
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 507 |
1) Use the Plug-in pull down "Save Group" and name a .tgs file for that song, and
2) When you RE-OPEN THAT song in BIAB use "Load Group" and re-load the .tgs file.
(you can also load that .tgs in Realband same way)
Thanks for posting this. For me, this is the type of thing that is not made clear and causes people like me to run back to the most familiar DAW as soon as I attempt something that BiaB 'doesn't do'. may also be of interest.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,510
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,510 |
Yes, Larry's "almost forgot" issue is THE POINT that was causing me problems i.e always defaulting to the last opened instance in BIAB.
However, I find that none of these issues are being seen in RB. In RB, I can use SampleTank 3 or Kontakt 5 and not have any problems with patch recall as long as they are VSTi's.
If on the other hand, I use the DXi version of SampleTank 2 in either BIAB or RB, that's where the "mess" that VideoTrack mentioned starts.
Try using VSTi's in RB, I think you'll find it works much better.
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 123
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 123 |
This thread may also be of interest. Yes, it is, thanks!
BiaB 2024
Reaper v7.15
Melodyne Essential 5.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,436
Posts805,102
Members40,121
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean