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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444 |
Hi people. I've had a busy year moving house Feb 2015. It meant I had to rent an office all year. An office I never but rarely use. Looking at plans to turn an outside utility room into an office at my new house. In mean time I bought BIAB 2015 Everything pak this time last year but have never used it. I have never used it all year because of my situation.
My question is, is it worth upgrading or making do with my 2015 until end of 2016? Hard to answer I know but I'd be grateful for some feedback on the new upgrade please.
Thanks
Paul
Last edited by PaulH; 12/30/15 04:15 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,096
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,096 |
It seems to me you answered your own question. Enjoy your new 2015 version. I bought BIAB 2015 Everything pak this time last year but have never used it. I have never used it all year because of my situation.
Paul Advice from one who money burns a whole in my pocket if I don't buy something new. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 303
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 303 |
The Real Tracks is the main reason I upgrade although the new Style Picker is nice.
HTH.
Paul
Paul
BIAB 2026
Intel i7-4790K, Win10 Pro, 16GB Ram
1TB OS, 2TB Audio, 1TB Samples
Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen
Cakewalk Sonar, 64 bit
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853 |
If you've got the 2015 EverythingPak and have not used it, then you've got a lot of stuff to play with without missing any of the new features. I'd say start playing. About the time you get done playing, it'll be time for 2017 and you can catch up then.
But be sure to play with it. Take regular breaks from the mundane and make some music. It truly is good for the soul.
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: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,191
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,191 |
Paul,
You only need the plus pak at $99 to get all the new realtracks.
If you skip this year but upgrade next year it will cost you $169 but upgrading both this year and next with plus paks costs you $198.
SO only a saving of $29 by skipping a year, £20 or so in sterling
Was going to skip this year too, until I did the maths.
Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/30/15 08:56 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
I skipped 2015, but went ahead and got 2016 ... and it arrived today. I probably won't get to do much with it until january. FAWM starts in February, so I will be putting it to use soon.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,880
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,880 |
I have very mixed feelings. Frankly the tech is still way out of date. Although the minor upgrades to the gui are welcome, there is nothing really to say that is a game changer, the Style picker is slightly improved, the addition of lyrics to the main screen, and the ability to show Roman numerals as well as chords, is better - though it screws the size of your bars in the display. I think they could have done a lot more, to make the gui better. Most leading music software packages I have used go through a complete redesign every five or so years, not so BIAB.Things like seeing your chords as you type should be a given, and should have been fixed a decade ago.
No 64 bit, no VST, no phone app, no rethinking, just the same old tramlines.
The new real tracks are frankly superb, they are the most authentic emulations. The Big Band Crooner style is very impressive, if... you keep to a friendly chord structure such as the template songs.
It's a lot of money for an upgrade, if you wait it will be more (nice) frankly I think it's too much, except that the real tracks are sooooo good.
If I were only interested in the program I would not be upgrading until I see some real development which is woefully overdue
Z
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
Then again, there is only one day left for the special pricing on upgrading to 2016. To me, it was worth doing so.
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,191
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,191 |
Then again, there is only one day left for the special pricing on upgrading to 2016. To me, it was worth doing so.
One day I'm not so sure, is usually extended to the 15 jan each year, wait for the announcement of the 1 jan 16. musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/30/15 08:46 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,191
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,191 |
I have very mixed feelings. Frankly the tech is still way out of date. Although the minor upgrades to the gui are welcome, there is nothing really to say that is a game changer, the Style picker is slightly improved, the addition of lyrics to the main screen, and the ability to show Roman numerals as well as chords, is better - though it screws the size of your bars in the display. I think they could have done a lot more, to make the gui better. Most leading music software packages I have used go through a complete redesign every five or so years, not so BIAB.Things like seeing your chords as you type should be a given, and should have been fixed a decade ago.
No 64 bit, no VST, no phone app, no rethinking, just the same old tramlines.
The new real tracks are frankly superb, they are the most authentic emulations. The Big Band Crooner style is very impressive, if... you keep to a friendly chord structure such as the template songs.
It's a lot of money for an upgrade, if you wait it will be more (nice) frankly I think it's too much, except that the real tracks are sooooo good.
If I were only interested in the program I would not be upgrading until I see some real development which is woefully overdue
Z Well it can be a little costly if you go for the 49 bonus pak Zero, I had a look though it and decided that probably all of the extra realtacks in the 49 bonus pak would probably already have a good substitute in what I have got already, so didn't go for it, just the $99 plus pak. Worked out in sterling at £67.50 approx., hardly going to break the bank. Musiclover
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11,034
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11,034 |
There's nothing wrong with the 2015 version.
Plenty of real tracks to get the job done. IN 2016, you get more new real tracks but hey... I'd explore 15 first.
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: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,097
Veteran
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,097 |
PaulH,
Life sure has a way of getting in the way of fun sometimes, doesn't it.
There isn't a good answer because everyone finds different aspects of BiaB and RealBand important.
I would say if ReaTracks are important then you should upgrade and get the 49 bonus pak since the 49 bonus pak will not be available later on.
If the RealTracks are not important then don't upgrade. 2015 has enough features to keep you busy for a year.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
>> My question is, is it worth upgrading or making do with my 2015 until end of 2016? Hard to answer I know but I'd be grateful for some feedback on the new upgrade please.
Hi Paul,
- The special prices are up to 60% off regular prices, and these end Dec. 31, 2015. For example. The Everything Pak Hard Drive upgrade is regular $379, but it $179 during the December special.
- We've had these special prices each December for the last several years, but that is not to imply that this will be the case next year.
- Getting the update before Dec. 31/2015 is risk-free. There is a 30 Day "no-questions" Money Back Guarantee, and this includes Band-in-a-Box 2016 updates, bonus paks, or first time purchases - actually any software that we make. We've had this same policy for 25+ years.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,142
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,142 |
...
- Getting the update before Dec. 31/2015 is risk-free. There is a 30 Day "no-questions" Money Back Guarantee, and this includes Band-in-a-Box 2016 updates, bonus paks, or first time purchases - actually any software that we make. We've had this same policy for 25+ years. And there my friend is the ultimate answer! If you change your mind you've got a month to do it. No problems.
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 2012
Posts: 3,964
Veteran
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,964 |
PaulH,
If we were just talking about the program itself I'd say stay with 2015...so far I prefer 2015 but maybe that is because I was used to it. I like the type in a cell chordsheet, not sure about the new stylepicker as it seems buggy right now and not sure what other new features would count as a major upgrade for me.
But because there are RealTracks available and some in the 49 pak that will not be available later on, I'd recommend the upgrade! Life's short...eat dessert first!
-John
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444 |
Thank you people, always interesting viewing peoples opinions.
I've never considered the PlusPAK before. Looking at the spec, for an upgrader from 2015 I don't see any difference between PlusPAK vs EverythingPAK? I keep all my downloads so what am I getting if I buy the EverythingPAK upgrade compared to PlusPAK upgrade?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,191
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,191 |
Probably a few extra how to video's Paul, which are probably available online anyways.
Easy enough to download, its about 6-7gb and saves on taxes to UK that way.
Of course if you want even more realtracks you can pay extra for the 49 bonus pak, which don't come with the everthing pak anyways.
The pluspak is enough for me.
Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/31/15 02:02 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
The difference is that the PlusPAK is just the new stuff. And it is download only.
The EverythingPAK gets you a new harddrive with everthing you already have plus the new stuff in the PlusPAK.
The 49-PAK gets you an additional collection of RealTracks and styles that probably are only available through this PAK for a very long time.
I have bought an initial EverythingPAK a couple of years ago and all updates and upgrades have been done via the PlusPAK.
If you don't buy the upgrade because of the software, if you're using RealTracks, both PAKs are worth it in my opinion. If they sit on your harddrive somewhere they usually don't grow mildew.
Have a Happy New Year.
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444 |
Thanks for all your replies. Because of your helpful replies I bought the UltraPAK + 49PAK. Just downloaded but I may resist installing for now because of the many bugs I see people posting up. I may wait for an update fix. Thanks again. 
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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.
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