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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Now that BIAB 2017 has been released, like most years I'm considering upgrading. I thought that my (and perhaps other's) decision about upgrading might be made easier if there was a thread where BIAB 2017 users state which specific new or improved feature(s) they find most useful and/or is their favorite. (..and a brief discussion of why.)
Would anyone like to start it off?
Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 28 |
I'll start with the new GUI. I feel like I've returned to the 21st century. Now if I could get those colored icons returned...
BIAB 2016/2017 Everything
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
>>> I'll start with the new GUI. I feel like I've returned to the 21st century. Now if I could get those colored icons returned... Thanks. Yes, we went with gray scale, because that's what many people told us was the "modern way that all other DAWS do it". And they are right, if you look at them, you'll see lots of shades-of-grey too. Anyway, we do plan on an **option** to make the buttons color, because lots of people (like me) are getting older and like some color to help find things. But at least we don't get the reaction to the GUI that "it still looks silly with all those colored buttons... have a look at a modern DAW like...". And of course, by pressing hot key Ctrl-T you get to see the full-on big color buttons that we've come to love (or hate  )
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174 |
>>> I'll start with the new GUI. I feel like I've returned to the 21st century. Now if I could get those colored icons returned... Thanks. Yes, we went with gray scale, because that's what many people told us was the "modern way that all other DAWS do it". And they are right, if you look at them, you'll see lots of shades-of-grey too. Anyway, we do plan on an **option** to make the buttons color, because lots of people (like me) are getting older and like some color to help find things.
But at least we don't get the reaction to the GUI that "it still looks silly with all those colored buttons... have a look at a modern DAW like...". And of course, by pressing hot key Ctrl-T you get to see the full-on big color buttons that we've come to love (or hate ) Thanks, first thing I noticed when I went to full screen are those hard to see icons. Please if it would be possible to put a option for coloured icons asap as it sure would help these tired old eyes DR Gannon. Thanks Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/03/16 12:52 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 28 |
Thanks. Yes, we went with gray scale, because that's what many people told us was the "modern way that all other DAWS do it". And they are right, if you look at them, you'll see lots of shades-of-grey too. Anyway, we do plan on an **option** to make the buttons color, because lots of people (like me) are getting older and like some color to help find things. But at least we don't get the reaction to the GUI that "it still looks silly with all those colored buttons... have a look at a modern DAW like...". And of course, by pressing hot key Ctrl-T you get to see the full-on big color buttons that we've come to love (or hate ) Thanks for adding the color option! That'll be awesome, and the GUI does resemble a modern DAW. So nice and clean! I locked into it immediately. Rick
BIAB 2016/2017 Everything
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600 |
I'm old! Bow 73 and my eysight is Baaaddddd.... My memory is also bad co I need to have all of the lyrics show up on the screen. With some songs it mad thend and 3rd verses really hard to see. Not now!! First thing Inoiticed if this is going to make things so much better.
Seems every update just out does the lastone. I'm just getting started and having a ball all ready! Thanks again PG
Dell 610 dual Monitor, win 7-10, Sonar Plat, ProTools 10 & 11, Reaper 4, BIAB/real Band 2022, Easy Drummer, Superior Drummer, Kontact Essentials, Personnel Orchestra, Korg Legacy Analog & Digital
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Hmmm... I expected more comments on this thread when I posted it.  So, let me re-phrase my question..... I'm still trying to decide which upgrade to go with (and if I'll upgrade to 2017 at all). I basically use BIAB as nothing more than a background band play-along tool, and I already have more RT's, styles, etc than I know what to do with. Are there any features introduced in 2015, 2016 and/or 2017 that make it worth upgrading for someone like me who probably doesn't make nearly as much use of "other" features, as most here seem to do? Yes - I'm aware of the new (optional) GUI on 2017, and that's certainly welcome. But is there anything else for me? Thanks. Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
>>> Are there any features introduced in 2015, 2016 and/or 2017 that make it worth upgrading for someone like me who probably doesn't make nearly as much use of "other" features, as most here seem to do? Yes - I'm aware of the new (optional) GUI on 2017, and that's certainly welcome. But is there anything else for me? Yes, there are. It sounds like you have 2014. So you'd be getting: - 3 years worth of new features. That includes the: - new GUI toolbar/mixer for top of screen - redesigned chordsheet, much more flexible - redesigned stylepicker, much faster and more features - about 500 more RealTracks. Note: You don't need to be using all the ones you already have to get use out of 500 more. It's like a carpenter's tool, if you get more, and they are different, you can find a BETTER one for the job you need done. For example, if you are doing a Hawaiian song, you might want a Hawaain Pedal Steel, not any-old Pedal Steel (there are some nice Hawaiin ones in 2017). If there's something more specific you're looking for, let us know. I'd recommend an upgrade to the UltraPlusPak HardDrive. That's all pre-installed on a USB drive, ready to run, and has all the latest RealTracks etc. to fully catch you up. You can order that for $169 here http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htm
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,888 |
Only you can answer your question. There have literally been hundreds of enhancements, new features and patches that improve BIAB since 2014. I think with so many changes, even using BIAB at its most basic level, there are changes that you likely will find useful. Version 2017 will provide you with cumulative enhancements, fixes and new features.
I have upgraded every year since 2013 and have always been satisfied.
With version 2017, regardless of your level of use, you should hear a difference in the quality of RealTracks in version 2017 and the Supermidi Tracks are just that, Super. The SFZ enhancement should also provide a more pleasing sound if you use midi.
Charlie
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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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!
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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®.
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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.
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-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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-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
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- 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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