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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi,
I have 2012 version of BB. Just the bare basics which came with it. Except for a Forte soft synth downloaded from PG music. Been thinking of getting a sound module like the ketron sd 2 or the roland sound canvass. People say they greatly enhance the sound of midi music. Would getting some real tracks be as good? Which would be better? One or the other or both? The only real tracks I would need would be a cello, viola, grand piano & maybe an alto sax. Can real tracks be purchased separately or do you need to buy a whole package of stuff not wanted?
Thanks
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That;'s great you want to upgrade the sound. Just be careful not to confuse audio with MIDI. The RealTracks are audio and are available in groups, by style, as well as a full package. They will not play your MIDI melody or soloist tracks, however; you would still hear that via Coyote Forte. If you want to upgrade the sound of the MIDI, you not only have choices of a hardware synth like the two you mentioned, but also software synths ranging from free to as much as you want to pay. What is most important to you?
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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In addition to the good information above, the RealTracks are probably likely to give you a more realistic result than MIDI will overall (and please, I'm not starting a MIDI vs RealTracks war - I use both)
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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Russ,
What do you require of BIAB? If you can give us a bit of an outline as to how you use it, it will help with making suggestions.
Kind regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Personally, I use both Real Tracks and MIDI. If I was forced to give up one or the other, I'd give up the Real Tracks and keep the MIDI.But my needs may not be the same as yours. BTW, the Ketron SD2 is an excellent sound module especially for a General MIDI sound set. It has the best sounding GM set of all the dozen sound modules I have and better than the soft synths I've heard that have a GM bank. Now why would I keep MIDI? MIDI is thousands of times more editable than audio (Real Tracks included). And 'editability' equals creativity and flexibility. And don't believe the BS about RTs sounding better than MIDI - virtually every recording produced in Nashville, LA, NOLA and elsewhere, every song you hear on the radio that has been made in the last 30 years has had MIDI embedded in it's DNA. There are bad sounding MIDI synths and there are good ones. Don't confuse the bad ones with the good. There are things I do every day with MIDI that are impossible to do with audio. If you have a similar sounding recording studio, the same mics, the same console, the same instruments, the same amps, and the same talent you can do a few, but not all of the things listed below: - Insert song specific licks. Many popular recordings have little melody, simple chords but depend on song specific licks (motifs or figures). Without them you don't have the song. You can insert them in MIDI without changing the instrument sound
- Same for rhythmic kicks (breaks, shots) that occur in specific songs
- Some songs require more or less snare drum, more cowbell, less cymbal or whatever. Easy to do in MIDI
- You may want to change drum instruments, for example a ride to the ride bell or cowbell on a Latin/Rock song. Easy in MIDI, impossible in audio
- How about changing instruments? In a particular song, that piano part might sound better as a Rhodes, Clav, or Bright piano - a few clicks away in MIDI
- My Edirol SD-90 synth has many different clean guitar sounds. I can change a guitar to a Tele (front or rear pickup), Strat, LP, 335, funk, or something else.
- Expressive devices like crescendo, diminuendo, accelerando, ritardando, and fermata without annoying audio artifacts are a snap with MIDI
- Don't want that roll when changing from an A to a B substyl? Copy and paste a non roll measure - no problem
- Want the A in one BiaB style and the B in another but the instruments don't match? F5 and change the instruments of the second style to match the first
- and these are only a few
Now don't get me wrong, I like the Real Tracks and think there is genius and/or magic in them. When they are right, they are right, but when they are only partially right, I can't make them right - not even with Melodyne.There are advantages to both RTs and MIDI, and I like having both tools in my audio tool box, but if I had to live with only one, it would definitely be MIDI. But like I said, your needs may be different from mine so I can't make a recommendation, only tell you what is important to me. 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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Hi,
I have 2012 version of BB. Just the bare basics which came with it. Except for a Forte soft synth downloaded from PG music. Been thinking of getting a sound module like the ketron sd 2 or the roland sound canvass. People say they greatly enhance the sound of midi music. Would getting some real tracks be as good? Which would be better? One or the other or both? The only real tracks I would need would be a cello, viola, grand piano & maybe an alto sax. Can real tracks be purchased separately or do you need to buy a whole package of stuff not wanted?
Thanks Ahhhh and so beings the search for the best sound. I prefer to use a combination of real tracks and midi as well as live playing. But to answer your questions........... You can in fact buy the individual real track packs. Browse this page: http://www.pgmusic.com/realtracks.all.php?os=winfind the ones you like and get them. They will save you a bunch of time when you do not need a specific melody played. If you want a cello part to play a specific melody, you will either need to hire a cello player and record them or use a decent synth with a reasonably realistic patch or better yet, a sampled cello. The better samples will cost you more than a patch player, but, the difference in quality is apparent from the beginning. For about the price of the sound module, you could alternatively pick up a copy of Kontakt. It is one of the better synths on the market and comes in on the low end of the ones the professionals use for film and TV scoring among other things. It uses samples and comes with an entire orchestral compliment of samples and there are tons of 3rd party sample libraries made for it that are available at decent prices. It leaves TTS and most all the other "included in the package" synths in the dust when it comes to versatility and quality. Using Kontakt and one of it's cello or piano samples, you can easily get the right sound to the melody you want played in the song.... use real tracks for the background parts and it will amaze you at how real it sounds. Check it out. >>>> http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/samplers/kontakt-5/
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 02/07/16 05:48 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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Although I do use RTs on occasion I mostly use MIDI for the same reasons as Notes. As Notes indicated there is a lot you can do with MIDI, however it does have a learning curve. Fortunately almost all of what you learn can be applied to any MIDI sound source, that is one set of instructions for many different hard or soft synths. Plus this is not a steep learning curve.
My experience says that you can get excellent results with either of the sound modules you mentioned for the cellos, violas, and grand piano. Straight out of BiaB they may sound dull but with a little MIDI manipulation they can sound as good as RTs IMHO plus you can make them play what you want when you want with the sound you want very easily.
I would either use RTs for the Alto sax or a much more expensive MIDI sound source. Saxes are impossible to realistically emulate with inexpensive sound sources. I had to buy Samplemodeling's saxes and a wind controller to get realistic sounding saxes. A good keyboard MIDI controller with an expression pedal would get the same results except that I do not play the keys very well.
A MIDI rule of thumb is the more money you spend on a sound source the more realistic your sounds will be. This includes both hard and soft synths. Having said that your two choices are a perfect way to get into MIDI.
I agree with the other posters that it is not an either or choice when it comes to MIDI and RTs. Use the best tool that fits the job.
{edit} I see that Herb was writing at the same time! Kontakt is my go to MIDI sound source. If you can buy that do it. You will be much happier in the long run.
Last edited by MarioD; 02/07/16 04:56 AM.
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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Hi russ66,
In 2012 every Band-in-a-Box (Biab) package included some midi styles, the Coyote WT soft synth and at least one RealBand combo. So you have everything to need to discover using all the different types of accessories available to Band-in-a-Box at that time. As others have indicated it boils down to do you prefer using midi or audio.
I strongly suggest that, at the very least, you update the Band-in-a-Box program to the current edition (2016 for Windows or 2015 for Mac). Then you can take advantage of new audio sources such as loops and UserTracks.
Both Usertracks and loops are audio so you will find there is a great amount of audio available for use without additional investment.
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Russ, a few questions and a comment for you:
1. How well do you understand midi?
2. What's your budget?
3. How much do you know about controllers?
The thing is Notes is a pro at this. He's an excellent player and plays reeds, guitar and keys. Maybe more, not sure. He has controllers and knows how to use them.
I kinda think that's not you Russ because if it were you wouldn't be asking your question.
High level midi work is not for older nooby's. It's for young cats who learned it when they had the time which is the reason for the RT's. RT's get you close and sound great without tons of midi frustration. But if you want note for note perfection then midi is the only way other than hiring players.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Yes, MIDI like any instrumet takes a learning curve. But you don't have to be young to learn it. I started in my 40s.
Learning MIDI was much, much easier than learning guitar. And listening to your creations as you learn is fun.
Since you posed the question as an either/or situation, the choice has to be MIDI or else you are stuck with whatever someone else played. You may as well listen to the radio or spotify.
MIDI lets you unleash your creativity and make YOUR music instead of someone else's music.
Of course, it's best to have both and use either RTs, MIDI or both. You can't have too many tools in your musical tool box.
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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Hey, thanks to all of you for the replies. Here's my situation. Yes, I'm still a newbie even tho I've had BB for 3 years now. I'm 71 yrs. old. when I started with this I barely knew the diff. between a track & a channel. I don't understand a lot about midi. Midi, Schmidi! I have however learned how to put in songs readily with some basic edits & tweeks to enhance it. I don't play keyboard & don't understand controllers. I bought BB as an accompaniment tool (for which it is hyped). I've always played acoustic guitar & sang & was intrigued when I heard others using digital music for backing tacks. I have about 90 songs in BB now and use it for singing & playing guitar live @ small venue settings. Mostly care facilities & the like. I have a Bose L1 compact & have recently bought a Bose T1 tone match & really like sound it gives me for my voice & guitar. I am now thinking to enhance the sound of the backing tracks. The songs I sing are ballads, the sweet oldies songs & classics (stuff older people would like) some gospel & some Celtic. Maybe some soft rock. I only use a couple of styles. Smooth & easy going but not jazz. The instruments I choose are grand piano, fretless electric bass. standard drum kit, (witch is RT) a cello or viola for strings, piano or electric jazz guitar for melody although not in a jazz style. Been thinking about putting in some loops in some songs with a sax for the solo but don't like the sound of the midi sax in BB. This is what got me thinking about getting a sound module for better sounding instruments. I do no recording, except my voice on the audio track to add a little background harmony to my live singing voice on some songs. I'm a simple guy with a simple need here. Just would like a little better sounding instruments. That little Ketron sounds interesting. This has been lengthy, but I hope it gives a clear picture of who I am, what I do & what I need. What say you guys?
russ66
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Been thinking about putting in some loops in some songs with a sax for the solo but don't like the sound of the midi sax in BB. This is what got me thinking about getting a sound module for better sounding instruments. ....... What say you guys?
russ66 Just use Real Tracks. Simple. Sax real tracks in this tune: http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=8255563And this one: http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=8085316And this one: http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=8235970they work superbly
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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Russ
After describing your situation and experiences, I agree with Herb's comment above. Unless you require specific riffs and special music phrases, Realtracks will give you great sounds, fantastic realism with minimum effort.
Trev
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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Hey, thanks to all of you for the replies. Here's my situation. Yes, I'm still a newbie even tho I've had BB for 3 years now. I'm 71 yrs. old. when I started with this I barely knew the diff. between a track & a channel. I don't understand a lot about midi. Midi, Schmidi! I have however learned how to put in songs readily with some basic edits & tweeks to enhance it. I don't play keyboard & don't understand controllers. I bought BB as an accompaniment tool (for which it is hyped). I've always played acoustic guitar & sang & was intrigued when I heard others using digital music for backing tacks. I have about 90 songs in BB now and use it for singing & playing guitar live @ small venue settings. Mostly care facilities & the like. I have a Bose L1 compact & have recently bought a Bose T1 tone match & really like sound it gives me for my voice & guitar. I am now thinking to enhance the sound of the backing tracks. The songs I sing are ballads, the sweet oldies songs & classics (stuff older people would like) some gospel & some Celtic. Maybe some soft rock. I only use a couple of styles. Smooth & easy going but not jazz. The instruments I choose are grand piano, fretless electric bass. standard drum kit, (witch is RT) a cello or viola for strings, piano or electric jazz guitar for melody although not in a jazz style. Been thinking about putting in some loops in some songs with a sax for the solo but don't like the sound of the midi sax in BB. This is what got me thinking about getting a sound module for better sounding instruments. I do no recording, except my voice on the audio track to add a little background harmony to my live singing voice on some songs. I'm a simple guy with a simple need here. Just would like a little better sounding instruments. That little Ketron sounds interesting. This has been lengthy, but I hope it gives a clear picture of who I am, what I do & what I need. What say you guys?
russ66
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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From reading your post, my impression of who you are, what you do & what you need tells me to recommend an external sound module. They are the least hassle, are not obsoleted by computer operating system changes and upgrades. Stay configured once they are configured. Are straightforward to learn and solid as a rock.
Once you get comfortable with using midi, you will enjoy it and will recognize the increase in quality of your backing tracks. Since you use BIAB for backing tracks, that means you do covers. Covers many times have specific riffs, instruments, solos, etc that cannot easily be obtained with RealTracks. They are extremely easy with midi.
Don't underbuy because at this point in time you do not understand. Once you begin working with midi, the understanding comes rather quickly.
Once you begin to understand midi, you will also understand that your sound module or soft synth if you decide to go that way was an investment in your music.
Therefore, you should approach your purchase as an investment. The better quality, higher featured modules hold their value very well.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 02/08/16 02:35 PM.
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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Thanks to you all, I think I'll get a couple sets of RT for now. @ $29 per set ain't bad. I need to ask more questions of you guys from time to time, even if they are stupid questions I might be embarrassed to ask. In the few years I've had BB I have learned a lot from where I've started & BB has made me a better musician & reader of music.
russ66
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Thanks to you all, I think I'll get a couple sets of RT for now. @ $29 per set ain't bad. I need to ask more questions of you guys from time to time, even if they are stupid questions I might be embarrassed to ask. In the few years I've had BB I have learned a lot from where I've started & BB has made me a better musician & reader of music.
russ66 The only stupid question is the one that is not asked! No one here has ever made fun of a question. I should know as I have asked a lot of them!
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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You say you have BIAB 2012 and also are headed toward 1 - 2 $29 sets of Real Tracks.
Jim Fogle said,"I strongly suggest that, at the very least, you update the Band-in-a-Box program to the current edition (2016 for Windows or 2015 for Mac). Then you can take advantage of new audio sources such as loops and UserTracks."
This is a great suggestion because 2016 will get you a tone more real tracks with the upgrade. That's what I did. It's likely that the cost of the upgrade could be less that if you were to purchase the same "included" sets individually. You'd have to research that a little.
I'm also exploring the Kontact route since there are many 3rd party free samples that can be loaded into it.
Does the noise in your head bother me ?
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Russ, I'm just a kid compared to you. I was born in 1945...
This is the key question. Do you really need those song specific hooks that you hear on records? If yes, you really want those then you have to learn midi. If it's no, you can live without them then the Real Tracks are awesome, no muss, no fuss.
Here's something else. If you like song specific backing tracks you can buy a hundred or so of them from several professional studio websites for about the same price as the Biab Ultra Pak. Just sayin. You can also go on Youtube and search for the name of a song and the words "backing tracks". You will be amazed at what you can find and you can download them for free.
But to all of us here, this isn't just that it's also a very interesting hobby, it's fun to roll your own.
Let us know what you think of this and I'll have some more comments for you.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Love the "Roll your own" analogy !!
BIAB 2017 Everything, RB 2017
Lenovo All-in-One. i5, 8gb Ram, 1 TB SHDD, Windows 10
Presonus AudioBox,Studio One 3, Behringer Xenyx302,
M-Audio Axiom 61, Samson Graphite 49.
Lenove Flex 15, i3,Windows 10
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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!
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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