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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 11
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 11 |
I'm looking at biab on sale for $99.us. How complete is it? how much deeper is the next version for $199.us? (Sweetwater prices)
Thanks s
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
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PRO is pretty basic.
You get the full working software of course but there are fewer RTs etc, as you might expect. Mega pack has lots more of all types and so on.
Look in the headers here at Band In A Box for Wndows and compare them all. Serious users go Ultra or Everything but you can start small, gain expertise and build up. It's all about your wallet!
Oh BTW - IF you DO buy PRO, in December PG always brings out latest BIAB (2016) at fairly healthy discounts. Maybe upgrade then? Its what I did.
HTH
Ian
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
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Posts: 12,848 |
The price difference is in how many additional styles, RealTracks, RealDrums, supermidi instruments, etc that you get.
Look at the pricing and feature comparison on the PGMusic BIAB product page to see what you get with each PAK.
Without knowing the details, I suspect the $99 package is the ProPAK, which is just the BIAB program with a sampling of styles. It's really too give you an idea of whether you like the program or not. If you end up using the program seriously, you're going to want the additional styles and RealTracks.
Remember, if you order from the PGMusic eh site, you get a 30-day money back guarantee.
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 11
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 11 |
Is biab via pg music shipped from Canada, if so are there tariffs and extra charges?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616 |
Yes, it is shipped from Canada.
By the way, those are good answers you already received. I thought I would just clarify that the main BIAB program is the same in all versions; the only difference in what you buy is how many extras you get. Even for the audiophile version (CD quality tracks) the main program is the same.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
I believe that tariffs and local taxes only apply when shipped outside of North America. As Matt indicated, and I should have included that yes, the program itself is the same regardless of which PAK you purchase. The differences come down to how many different styles and RealInstruments are available to you when you use the program. Think of it like when you purchase a graphics program, where the higher priced versions use the same base application, but have additional clipart available to you. But for BIAB, it's in the available sounds versus the visuals. You can click here to see the pricing and content chart. Just be aware that for the Windows version, a new version typically comes out in time for Christmas, so if you purchase today, you'll be looking to upgrade in a few months to the latest version. I don't want to dissuade you, because you can get a lot done in a few months, but it's just something to be aware of.
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 11
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 11 |
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,982
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On this page.... http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htm scroll down to the REAL TRACKS line.... click on the active links to see what real tracks you get with the various packages. I looked at this line and used it to decide where I wanted to get in. I need steel guitar so I bought the level that had them. I have since, upgraded and now have the Everything pak and have never regretted paying the cost for it. I get the update every year as well.... there's always something new in the upgrades.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
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Wait until December or you'll pay twice! Plus, get the version that includes all RealTracks! Simple!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
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Wait until December or you'll pay twice! Plus, get the version that includes all RealTracks! Simple! Exactly!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Sale Sale Sale comes but once a year at Christmas time!
If I remember last year there was no discount for first time buyers, but I think people got around this by buying the pro pak first and then simply buying the upgrade, to the ultra pak, means usually that you get the whole shebang including all realtracks for probably around $250 in total.
Musiclover
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,126
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Joined: Jun 2012
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Of course there's no absolute guarantee that there will be a Xmas Sale. Historically, PGM have never advertised any forthcoming sale by providing advance notice, but by the same token, there usually is one in November / December.
It might actually be a bit later this year, while they cram in all those great ideas from the wishlist <hint>
(There used to also be a mid year upgrade sale, but this seems to now be directed to the Mac release rather than a year.5 upgrade)
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
Sale Sale Sale comes but once a year at Christmas time!
If I remember last year there was no discount for first time buyers, but I think people got around this by buying the pro pak first and then simply buying the upgrade, to the ultra pak, means usually that you get the whole shebang including all realtracks for probably around $250 in total.
Musiclover Quite so. Paying $99 for a working BIAB with SOMETHING of everything will quickly let you see if you like BIAB or not and if you hate the darned thing its only $99 lost. AND - IF there is a SaleSaleSale (betcha there is  ) then an upgrade will cost less. Ian
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 31 |
musiclover's comments are right on. I bought the pro version last year for about $99 to try it out and then upgraded to the UltraPlusPak during the Christmas sale for $159, so all in it was $258 - a substantial savings over the regular retail price.
Win8.1 64bit, Intel I7 4700MQ, 8GB ram, 1TB HD, Studio One Artist, Melodyne Essential, Musescore
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,982
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There's a 30 day MONEY BACK guarantee.... so buy the highest level you can afford.
If you buy in at the bottom, you don't get many of the good real tracks. If you use Band in a Box (BB) without the real tracks you may be very disappointed since it WILL be using midi tracks and synths to do the music.
Many of the styles are based totally on midi and ...well this is my opinion..... I hate the way they sound and never use them. I use the BB styles that are the real track based styles. They sound better and they tend to be in the higher up versions.
Remember the 30 day refund. However, chances are really really good, that if you buy "up the food chain" a bit.... or heck... go for the gusto and get the Everything pak on hard drive, after you use it for a few days, you will NOT return it for the refund. It's THAT good.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 09/18/15 03:08 PM.
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.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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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!
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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!
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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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