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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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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
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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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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.
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: 15,975
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,975 |
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 12:34 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,915
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,915 |
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
Posts: 7,954
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Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
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
Veteran
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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: 583
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583 |
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
Joined: Dec 2015
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 06:24 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: 27,569
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,569 |
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 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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 71
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 71 |
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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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,569
Veteran
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Posts: 27,569 |
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 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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,094
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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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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
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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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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038
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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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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 71
Enthusiast
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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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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038
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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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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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