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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I play in a classic rock band and am forming a duo so for the most part I am doing classic rock with some newer stuff thrown in. My band doesn't have much time for practice as a unit so when I want to add song I can set up backing tracks and send them a demo to practice then when we are at a gig we can go over the song at sound check and add it to the list that night. Since the band isn't getting as many gigs I wanted to do the duo for my own entertainment. So while I am adding many of the songs I do with the band, I am also putting in songs that "I" like. There is a bit of freedom in not having to worry about whether you are able to dance to a song or not. The other thing is since I went with a tablet for song sets I find that with a chord chart and backing tracks I can really expand my repertoire. The duo thing will be a new thing for me but I have played in a band for 40 years and we have always found danceable songs that were hits to be safest for our audiences.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,980
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,980 |
I play in a classic rock band and am forming a duo so for the most part I am doing classic rock with some newer stuff thrown in. My band doesn't have much time for practice as a unit so when I want to add song I can set up backing tracks and send them a demo to practice then when we are at a gig we can go over the song at sound check and add it to the list that night. Since the band isn't getting as many gigs I wanted to do the duo for my own entertainment. So while I am adding many of the songs I do with the band, I am also putting in songs that "I" like. There is a bit of freedom in not having to worry about whether you are able to dance to a song or not. The other thing is since I went with a tablet for song sets I find that with a chord chart and backing tracks I can really expand my repertoire. The duo thing will be a new thing for me but I have played in a band for 40 years and we have always found danceable songs that were hits to be safest for our audiences. There was a time after one of my bands broke up that I continued to play some of the booked gigs as a solo performer. Just me and my acoustic guitar. It actually worked out well. At the time, there was no such thing as having a home studio since the gear was either not yet available or cost prohibitive. BB has changed that. In today's environment, it would be so simple to put together a good sounding solo act. But doing studio work has ruined me. I'm not interested in being out in clubs after midnight..... or the drive home at 3am... no, I don't miss that. But yes, there was an immediate freedom that came in being able to play anything I wanted. And most of the clubs I was gigging were not dance clubs so that aspect didn't enter into consideration when making up set lists.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 11/03/15 03:54 AM.
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: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,509
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Joined: Jul 2000
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I went duo in 1985, and won't go back.
Oh, I miss playing in a bigger band but I don't miss (1) the band member that gets too high to play well (2) the band member who is more interested in the opposite sex than the music (3) the band member who shows up late or takes long breaks (4) the band member who doesn't learn his/her parts before rehearsal.
I do like (1) the better money per person of a duo (2) having a partner with the same work ethics as me (3) the uncomplicated juggling of more than 2 lives with the music business.
I do miss the spontaneity of other musicians in the group improvisation sense (my backing tracks never surprise me), the flexibility of everything live, and more people to help schlep the PA set. But all in all I'd rather do the duo.
Someone mentioned one-chord songs. They are usually difficult to cover, because they have strong identifiable signature licks and kicks, which BiaB by it's nature doesn't do, that's where a good MIDI sequencer comes in.
I find improvising a long solo over a one chord song much more challenging than chord changes. It's more work to keep it from getting boring without chord changes to play around with. And playing with backing tracks, you need a good cue to tell you when the solo is over, because if you get distracted, you might lose the count or the feel of when the solo is over.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,908
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,908 |
Oh, I miss playing in a bigger band but I don't miss (1) the band member that gets too high to play well (2) the band member who is more interested in the opposite sex than the music (3) the band member who shows up late or takes long breaks (4) the band member who doesn't learn his/her parts before rehearsal.
Insights and incites by Notes
I have had the same problems. I will add one more that I had problems with: (5) the band member's spouse/girl-boy friend who thinks he/she can run the band.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
Since our band stopped doing bars and really play very limited gigs the band thing has been more enjoyable......we get along pretty well. The core 3 musicians have been together over 20 years.....we have gone thru our share of 4th musicians and also played as a trio when needed. My fiance is now the 4th and that has proven to be an incentive to continue. She was a chorus teacher and piano teacher for about 20 years. She was a concert level pianist but now has shoulder trouble so she has to limit her playing a bit....I never realized how physically demanding playing piano can be as I am just a hack guitar player.
I am looking forward to the duo thing even if it is just so I never have to play "Louie Louie" again....
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888 |
Another source for signature licks and runs if you don't play a particular instrument or you are exclusively a rhythm guitar player and don't play any lead - and don't have easy access to one, are MP3 quality level audio clips from Internet sources such as YouTube.
As BIAB has shown us, wma or mp3 quality level files are sufficient for use at live gigs.
Searching for song specific lessons and tutorials on a site such as YouTube, one can usually quickly find several lessons that are high quality tutorials. Somewhere during such a lesson, the teacher will play specific riffs/runs/chord progressions at the proper tempo and in the key of the original recording very accurately and isolated from any other tracks playing. The audio of these lessons can easily be downloaded to your computer, imported into your DAW and mixed with your BIAB generated tracks to create a very precise, authentic and accurate cover of the song.
As an example there is a YouTube tutorial by Don Felder, formally of the Eagles, of him teaching his licks, runs and fills for Hotel California.
He goes through the complete song so the audio can be cut into individual stems or as RB names them, scraps. One advantage of this particular video for me is that he has transposed the key to Am which is much better for may vocal range than the original key of Bm.
I don't play live gigs and only download stems from the internet for my own personal, educational use. I'm not a lawyer so I cannot make any recommendation to the legality of use of a tutorial clip or even a midi file for use in a commercial setting.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
I play in a classic rock band and am forming a duo so for the most part I am doing classic rock with some newer stuff thrown in. My band doesn't have much time for practice as a unit so when I want to add song I can set up backing tracks and send them a demo to practice then when we are at a gig we can go over the song at sound check and add it to the list that night. Since the band isn't getting as many gigs I wanted to do the duo for my own entertainment. So while I am adding many of the songs I do with the band, I am also putting in songs that "I" like. There is a bit of freedom in not having to worry about whether you are able to dance to a song or not. The other thing is since I went with a tablet for song sets I find that with a chord chart and backing tracks I can really expand my repertoire. The duo thing will be a new thing for me but I have played in a band for 40 years and we have always found danceable songs that were hits to be safest for our audiences. I don't want to hijack the thread, but I'm always interested in the gear other duos are using. Stuff like – what kind of amps/speakers/monitors, etc. Could you humor me and give me some details? Regards, Bob
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I have 2 sets of Alto powered speakers 15" and 10". I will probably use the 10" for the Duo. I use the 15" with a pair of Alto subs for the band. I have a Yamaha MG82cx mixer for the duo. We are using hot spot style monitors (I have been experimenting with in ear monitors which I may go to....still undecided on that). I plan on going direct in with everything no amps and use the monitors for stage sound....easier to control the sound.
My fiance has a Korg Krome keyboard and I use a Godin guitar with a Roland GR55. I have 2 TC Helicon Harmonizers so we can add thicker harmonies if needed. I have a 10" android tablet with Mobilesheets which allows me to set up chord charts and backing tracks.
We have just started working on the duo so we need more practice before going live.
Last edited by pedwards2932; 11/03/15 01:45 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
I have 2 sets of Alto powered speakers 15" and 10". I will probably use the 10" for the Duo. I use the 15" with a pair of Alto subs for the band. I have a Yamaha MG82cx mixer for the duo. We are using hot spot style monitors (I have been experimenting with in ear monitors which I may go to....still undecided on that). I plan on going direct in with everything no amps and use the monitors for stage sound....easier to control the sound.
My fiance has a Korg Krome keyboard and I use a Godin guitar with a Roland GR55. I have 2 TC Helicon Harmonizers so we can add thicker harmonies if needed. I have a 10" android tablet with Mobilesheets which allows me to set up chord charts and backing tracks.
We have just started working on the duo so we need more practice before going live. Sounds like a nice setup. The Altos get a lot of love from the SR guys. I'd love to go with powered boxes, but we've got a lot invested in the system we use. The places we play tend to get kinda loud, so we're using 2 Yammy 15's amd ywo Yammy 12's for monitors (and sometimes, we can't hear them!). I wish you luck with the duo. It's about the only format that gets any work these days! Regards, Bob
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590 |
TC Helicon vocal gear is just great. It's a steep learning curve at times, but I love my Voicelive 2 and I'm integrating more and more. I also love the TC Electric Nova multi guitar effects unit. They're both a bit old now. I guess if I was buying, I'd take a hard look at the Voicelive 3 Extreme especially for duos or solo acts.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I have the Voice live touch that I use and an H1 that she uses. The VL Touch is a nice unit but real easy to mess up the settings live. The H1 is simple and almost bullet proof. She has a much better voice than me so the H1 works great for her. I think the TC Helicon are really great units.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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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!
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
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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®!
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