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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 204
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 204 |
I've bought every upgrade since before time. I love the program but...
I just can't see any good reason to spend my annual $150-200 on this upgrade.
Very few new features, 32 bit, new content? meh, Anything new in RB
I hope someone can talk me into changing my mind, please
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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speaking only for myself... if they never changed the program again, I'd still keep upgrading to get the new styles and RT And I seem to recall reading somewhere that there are twice as many RT included in this release than has been the case in the past.. let me see if I can find that just to make sure.... (looklooklooklook....) OK, here's a quote from the WHAT'S NEW page: We’ve added
202 new RealTracks, DOUBLE the 101 that we’ve usually released in the past! There's your reason. And if you upgrade every year, seems like you should be able to sneak under the fence for a lot less than $200!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697 |
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Short term memory is getting shorter.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I notice that in all the flowery prose about how great the new program is, MIDI is only mentioned in passing in the very last sentence.
Basically this is all about new Realtracks and the various hacks to the base program needed to make them sound decent. I am wondering really how much one's life is improved by adding 200 Realtracks when you already have 2000 of them.
This gets a giant yawn from me, and I think I have only passed on one or two annual upgrades the past 15 years. I don't need BIAB to evolve from being 20% as good as a proper DAW to being 25% as good. I already have a 100% good DAW. I just need BIAB to work more seamlessly with my DAW.
I guess I have an extra $200 I wasn't counting on having now. There are plenty of DAW-friendly tools I can spend that on.
BIAB: 2024 UltraPak DAWs: StudioOne 5 Pro, Cubase 15 Pro Audio: Scarlett 18i20 OS: Win10 64-bit CPU: Haswell 4790 Mem: 24 GB Vid: GTX-760Ti sonocrafters.com
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
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Pumps2. >>> I notice that in all the flowery prose about how great the new program is, MIDI is only mentioned in passing in the very last sentence I don't accept these comments. There are 34 new MIDI SuperTracks available with this version. The total number of MIDI SuperTracks available is 202. That represents over 240 hours of recorded MIDI, played by world class artists - exactly what people who love MIDI have been asking us to do, and we've done it. >>> I notice that in all the flowery prose about how great the new program is, MIDI is only mentioned in passing in the very last sentence. I also do not accept this. Here is the VERY FIRST SENTENCE- The HEADLINE (not the "very last sentence"). I count 2 mentions of MIDI, and a new MIDI synthesizer (sforzando), and improved MIDI notation with articulations. Introducing Band-in-a-Box® 2017 and an amazing collection of new content including 202 RealTracks, 34 MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, 12-Key RealTracks, Hi-Q Guitar Notation, Re-Discovered RealTracks/ MIDI SuperTracks styles, a new synthesizer (sforzando), over 120 new RealStyles, and more! The reason I am calling this to your attention pumps2, is that you said this Pumps2: "And for the same reason, I have very little use for the PGMusic realtracks. Give me great MIDI lines and I can run that through the best VST instruments out there." http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=39194&Number=377304#Post377304So we've given you 202 MIDI SuperTracks with 240 hours of amazing MIDI, recorded by the best-of-the-best musicians. So we're expecting you to do what you said that you'd do, namely "Give me great MIDI lines and I can run that through the best VST instruments out there."... not "This gets a giant yawn from me,"!
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 225
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 225 |
Respectfully, I disagree completely with Pumps.
I can't have enough Real Tracks. To me, the Real Tracks alone are worth the upgrade. In fact, I would upgrade even if the ONLY new thing were real tracks.
And, I highly appreciate midi super tracks.
As far as working seemlessly with my DAW, that's really not a main concern of mine, at all. I'm perfectly happy with exporting wav files from BIAB to my DAW. I really don't care.
Everyone is different I guess.
Thanks PG, keep up the great work.
Last edited by Jon Thomas; 12/01/16 11:34 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
I WILL upgrade! And, like Jon Thomas, I would upgrade even if the only updates were new RealTracks! The updates to the main software are appreciated but, by themselves, would not cause me to upgrade (at least until a complete GUI overhaul and 64-bit implementation appears.) But, where else can I get a bunch of brand new RealTracks ready to mix right into my songs? And for a discounted upgrade price? No-brainer!!!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2015
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You are right again ! and as you says just for the double extra RTs this year, and the Classic or New Theme/Skin switch in BB great move for old n new users, and ReWire soon, how can you say no.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
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About working seamlessly with a DAW.
Peter just posted (as in today) in another thread that he is planning to implement full ReWire support early next year. Pipeline has been all over this and posted some animated gif's showing a ReWire VST which is not full ReWire but it does work. The VST works with Real Band but only partially with Biab right now. Full ReWire means that Biab would be the master to a DAW slave and you DAW power guru's know what that means. A lot of good stuff is what that means. This is very exciting and is something that has been in the Wishlist for like, forever.
The point is things are suddenly moving quickly in PG land (remember the VST tempo sync issue?) so old assumptions are falling fast.
I can't spend your money for you Pumps2 but imho now isn't the time to bail.
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 582
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 582 |
I know nothing about VST’s, Rewire, or any of that fancy stuff. No interest. But, like others, I’ll upgrade for new, fresh, realistic styles. I know how to arrange BIAB songs and play out live. That’s my main focus and purpose for using BIAB. Been with the program since its infant days.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 71
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
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Posts: 71 |
>>> I notice that in all the flowery prose about how great the new program is, MIDI is only mentioned in passing in the very last sentence.
I also do not accept this.
The page I was looking at had MIDI only once ant it was at the end of the page. I thought I was looking at http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.htm, but that is not the same information I saw before, so either that page changed or I am confused about where I was. In any event I am delighted to hear that there are new superMIDI tracks, and that certainly changes my desire to buy this upgrade. Thank you for correcting the record. I see new SuperMIDI tracks described here: http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.bonuspaks_2017.htmDoes that mean there is no new MIDI content in the 2017 release unless you buy the Bonus Pak?
Last edited by Pumps2; 12/01/16 05:24 PM.
BIAB: 2024 UltraPak DAWs: StudioOne 5 Pro, Cubase 15 Pro Audio: Scarlett 18i20 OS: Win10 64-bit CPU: Haswell 4790 Mem: 24 GB Vid: GTX-760Ti sonocrafters.com
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,446
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Perhaps you meant "new" super MIDI tracks. True.
When BIAB 2017 was first released today, the BIAB for Windows page was updated, but several others including the site's home page were not updated right away and had last year's info. You weren't seeing things.
It looks up to date now.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 71
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2015
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Perhaps you meant "new" super MIDI tracks. True.
When BIAB 2017 was first released today, the BIAB for Windows page was updated, but several others including the site's home page were not updated right away and had last year's info. You weren't seeing things.
It looks up to date now. Yes, that was a typo. I corrected it before I saw your post. Thanks for the clarification about the web content timing. I'm not thrilled about having to pay an extra $49 above and beyond the normal upgrade to get this MIDI content, but it looks like a good set of stuff. I will most likely do this upgrade.
BIAB: 2024 UltraPak DAWs: StudioOne 5 Pro, Cubase 15 Pro Audio: Scarlett 18i20 OS: Win10 64-bit CPU: Haswell 4790 Mem: 24 GB Vid: GTX-760Ti sonocrafters.com
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Sorry. I see I was typing while you fixed it.
I think there is a great deal to like in this new version besides the RealTracks. Hope you are happy with it.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Yes, there are some sensational new features in this version, and you'd be forgiven because it may be easy to overlook them by perhaps taking an initial cursory glance.
Nevertheless, the new features, the new modern interface and ability to use the classic interface, the new real tracks and more, makes this one of the best upgrades to date.
For me, I'm definitely running with 2017.
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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regarding a strong preference for MIDI over the audio real tracks:
I get that the ability to rearrange notes in MIDI makes it more useful than audio in a traditional sense... but it's worth noting that distinction has been blurred for quite some time, and now with Elastique 3 it is blurred even more.
In Real Band, the ability to expand the horizontal resolution of a track makes it easy to find and isolate single notes... which can then be individually pitch-shifted and/or time stretched. For small tweaks my experience with this technique has been positive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Mario D suggested a MIDI only upgrade in another thread. Peter Gannon replied that is a good idea and will make sure a MIDI only upgrade is available.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Peter Gannon replied that is a good idea and will make sure a MIDI only upgrade is available. I'm not sure I understand. There is no MIDI-only upgrade, is there? You have to buy the regular upgrade PLUS the extra $49 pak, correct? It becomes a moot point for me because I am doing that upgrade right now anyway. I do applaud the fact that PGmusic has done some work on MIDI styles this time out. I'm not saying that everybody should work exclusively in MIDI. I do use the Realstyles for quick things -- scratch tracks and such. But MIDI has a lot of advantages when one views BIAB as part of a toolkit that needs to be at least somewhat integrated.
BIAB: 2024 UltraPak DAWs: StudioOne 5 Pro, Cubase 15 Pro Audio: Scarlett 18i20 OS: Win10 64-bit CPU: Haswell 4790 Mem: 24 GB Vid: GTX-760Ti sonocrafters.com
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Peter Gannon replied that is a good idea and will make sure a MIDI only upgrade is available. I'm not sure I understand. There is no MIDI-only upgrade, is there? You have to buy the regular upgrade PLUS the extra $49 pak, correct? It becomes a moot point for me because I am doing that upgrade right now anyway. I do applaud the fact that PGmusic has done some work on MIDI styles this time out. I'm not saying that everybody should work exclusively in MIDI. I do use the Realstyles for quick things -- scratch tracks and such. But MIDI has a lot of advantages when one views BIAB as part of a toolkit that needs to be at least somewhat integrated. As I write this post there is no MIDI only upgrade path however Peter Gannon indicated in ++ THIS ++ post that he is going to ask marketing to make a MIDI only upgrade package.
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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