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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
Hi there ! I'm new to BIAB I play mainly Jazz/Fusion guitar and are wondering what I should choose out of the huge selection of software packages. I like the idea of real drums and everything that sounds real  I also wonder what the difference is between BAIB and RealBand ? Right now I got my eyes on the First-time Purchase $129 package What do you think ? Thanks
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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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 |
Welcome to the friendliest forum that I know. If you can afford it, get the UltraPlusPaK or the EverythingPAK. These Paks are the most complete (there is also the Audiophile with better sounding sound files because these are not compressed like the .wma in the other Paks). If you're not satisfied, there is an unconditional 30days money back guarantee. The difference between BIAB and RealBand: Both share some core components BIAB creates rather fast and easy an accompaniment in different styles. I use it mainly for "rabbit prototyping." RB is a digital audio workstation with some capabilities of BIAB, but exceeds some of them and some are not as powerful. Both programs are part of the package. Both programs go together very well.
Last edited by GHinCH; 05/03/16 06:29 AM.
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 2000
Posts: 12,844
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
The $129 first time package is what is called the "Pro-Pak"; however, that title might be a little misleading. The actual BIAB and RealBand programs are exactly the same regardless of the package you get; the difference is in the number of add-ons you get - RealTracks, RealDrums, MIDI Supertracks, MIDI styles, etc. The Pro-Pak is really the entry level version of Band-in-a-Box/RealBand, so you can get a sense of what it can do for you; however, it is extremely limited in the number of styles and sounds you get (you get about 1/10th the RealTracks in the Pro-Pak as you do in the UltraPlusPak or the Everything-Pak. However, if you can't afford the Ultra- or Everything-Pak, I would definitely go with the Mega-Pak over the Pro-Pak, as you get almost twice as much with it, and it will allow you to be much more creative. And as Guido said, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have plenty of time to try it out and see if it's what you are looking for. Just so there is no confusion, since you don't have BIAB yet, you cannot order the PlusPak, as this package requires you to already have the previous version of BIAB (2015) installed on your computer. This pak just updates your 2015 with the new stuff from 2016. Look carefully at the options you get in the various BIAB packages, and if you are confused, please feel free to ask us here.
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 2011
Posts: 11,038
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038 |
magicaldog,
Welcome to the forum!
The good news is all Windows based packages of Band-in-a-Box include both Band-in-a-Box (BiaB) and RealBand (RB) software programs. So you will able to try them both and examine their capabilities.
While each package includes the same programs, each differs with amount of accessory content (styles, RealTracks, RealDrums, etc.) included.
The Pro and Mega Paks include some, but not all accessory content. The content is bundled into "bands" where each band addresses a music genre. The packages are the most inexpensive way to learn what the software programs offer and how they work while still having examples of the different types of content the programs can use.
I started out by purchasing the Pro Pak too and I'm glad I did as it gave me an opportunity to learn the operation of the software programs without also getting familiar with thousands of hours of available accessory content.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
Wow Thanks guys ! I feel quite dizzy after checking out what is available My main concern is that I don't want to pay for something I wont be using. I am mainly interested in Jazz-Latin-Funk-Blues MIDI styles doesn't interest me very much ! I just found the Jazz RealPAKs page which sounds really nice ! Seems like buying the "Pro-Pak" for $ 129 and then adding the Real stuff I like is the best way for me to go !
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
+ $ 600 is a bit over the top for me right now  ! I went for the $ 129 Pro Pak + RealTracks Set 238 Downloading right now but it is sloooow ( 350kB/sec)
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
+ $ 600 is a bit over the top for me right now ! I went for the $ 129 Pro Pak + RealTracks Set 238 Downloading right now but it is sloooow ( 350kB/sec) Take it for a spin and post any questions here. Welcome to the Forum!!
Last edited by dga; 05/03/16 03:17 PM.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,094
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,094 |
I went for the $ 129 Pro Pak + RealTracks Set 238
I think this is a good decision for a starting point. You won't be sorry with this, and you can always upgrade. And, welcome to the neighborhood!
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: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
Thanks everybody
BIAB works and sounds great but for some reason I get a Blue Screen every time I connect my USB Hub after installing BIAB ???
Does anybody here know how to authorize Sampletank 2.5 that came with my order of BIAB ??? (The PDF file says: The Serial Number is the code written on the Registration Card)
Only problem is that there are no Registration Card since I downloaded the product ???
Does anybody use Sampletank 2.5 ???
Thanks
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,585
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,585 |
To get Sampletank authorised, you'll need to create an account at IK Multimedia. I suggest doing this first. When completed, login to IK Multimedia and you'll find a section under Support called "Authorization Manager". Download this and use it to get Sampletank up and running.
Also, once Sampletank is authorised, you'll probably need to set BIAB so that it runs in Administrator mode (this depends on your operating system). To do this, right-click on the BIAB shortcut, select Properties and then, under the Compatibility tab, activate "Run as administrator".
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
Thanks
Is there any tutorial on how to setup Sampletank to work with BIAB ?
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038 |
Thanks everybody
BIAB works and sounds great but for some reason I get a Blue Screen every time I connect my USB Hub after installing BIAB ???
Does anybody here know how to authorize Sampletank 2.5 that came with my order of BIAB ??? (The PDF file says: The Serial Number is the code written on the Registration Card)
Only problem is that there are no Registration Card since I downloaded the product ???
Does anybody use Sampletank 2.5 ???
Thanks Are you trying to run BiaB using external storage through the USB hub? Does the USB hub have anything to do with using BiaB? I'm trying to figure out if the USB hub, blue screen and trying to use BiaB are related. Using Sampletank with BiaB is a separate issue addressed by other posters with better information about that issue.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
Thanks
Is there any tutorial on how to setup Sampletank to work with BIAB ? After a lot of grief trying to set up Sample Tank for the first time. I called PG support and the support TECH took over remote control of my computer and set it up. I'm not so proud that I will not share this with you here on the Forum. PG support is the greatest in my opinion. Why waste hours when it only takes minutes to solve this problem in this way.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
Is it really that difficult !
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
It's not difficult, but it's just several steps to go through to authorize SampleTank.
I actually wrote up something on how to do this. I'll see if I can find it, although, it was quite a while ago.
EDIT: I found the posting I made, but unfortunately, the file is no longer at that link anymore. I'll see if I have the file on my computer when I get home from work tonight (unless someone beats me to it).
Last edited by jford; 05/04/16 07:10 AM.
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: May 2016
Posts: 112
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 112 |
I am confused !
I get both Bass and Drums on the same channel when assigning Realtracks.
Why is the count-in sometimes snare an sometimes sticks ?
Any help appreciated !
Thanks
Last edited by magicaldog; 05/06/16 01:28 PM.
Jazz! Sure - But far from smooth !
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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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XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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