|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,750
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,750 |
1st if it ain't broke why fix it i recently helped a friend buy a laptop i was very disappointed in the vista experience scorers of the models on display most in the mid to high 3s! we chose a Dell s1440-022B which had an experience index of 5 out of a possible 5.9 got an external optical read wright drive since the system didn't have one built in for a tablet pc i think windows 7 is a no brainier as each successive version of windows has brought good things for others i would wait to upgrade and unless, like my friend, you need a new computer right mow i would wait for the models with windows7 installed AND USB 3.0 ports (jan-apt 2010) i have not seen enough yet to understand what benefits windows 7 offers media producers and of Course what software and drivers will be available to utilize these features we still are not able to realize the full potential of multi core processors and 64 bit Computing due to driver and software limitations
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
Quote:
i was very disappointed in the vista experience scorers of the models on display most in the mid to high 3s
Be careful with the overall base score. It is NOT an average of all the scores, but merely the lowest subscore.
For example, my computer's overall base score running Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit is on an HP computer that is now almost a year old is 3.5. The subscores are:
Processor - 5.5
RAM - 5.8
Graphics - 3.5
Gaming Graphics - 4.3
Hard Drive - 5.9
I didn't go whole hog on the graphics card (I don't play games, but maybe I'll upgrade one day), and it reflects it in the above scores. Because my lowest score is 3.5 for graphics, that's my overall base score (which I see when I select Computer Properties). As you can see, the other scores are pretty respectable. But until I upgrade the graphics card, the overall score will stay at 3.5.
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,613
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,613 |
That's a great point, John. Indeed, some music software recommends you should NOT get a high-powered graphics card, so your system and scores might actually be considered optimal.
Even with a good graphics card, sometimes it helps to throttle down the video acceleration, and I wonder if that would negatively affect the Windows Experience Index? Anybody ever try that?
Note that Vista tops out at 5.9, but Windows 7 was designed to recognize that hardware keeps getting better and it tops out at 7.9. [Why couldn't they just make it 6 and 8, anyway? Or 10 and be done with it. And, you get a 1 just for showing up.] So John, your hard drive subsystem may be even better than you think.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,613
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,613 |
Update.
For anyone considering putting Windows 7 on a netbook, as was discussed in this thread, you should see the October 2009 issue of Laptop Magazine. Their benchmark testing indicates that, for the most part, putting Windows 7 on in place of Windows XP that shipped with the unit, will slow it down and adversely affect battery life.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901 |
Matt, thanks for your comments--" putting Windows 7 on in place of Windows XP that shipped with the unit, will slow it down and adversely affect battery life." I'm also reading some comments about battery life but others have countered that the battery meter on the AsusEee netbook in particular doesn't really reflect the actual battery level. And I have had advice to overclock my netbook.
This is an interesting thread and I'm glad I asked the question to get Win 7 or not?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901 |
I have a nonworking HP laptop. I would like to replace the CPU, I think the HD's are ok, and have a testing computer for a Win 7 install. How difficult is that on an old laptop.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
My wife's netbook started clicking, and about 3 weeks later wouldn't boot. I found out how to reinstall from the xp partition and it worked until it tried to reboot again. (Thanks Bill G). Same deal. 3rd time i called. Tech support said I had to re-install the o/s. I said I did that but they said they had to log it, give me report number, and walked me through what I already knew how to do.
Then it died again.
I talked to support and this guy said it was the o/s was corrupt (bull) and that I needed a set of DVDs. I told him there is no DVD drive on the system he said go buy one! I argued that I didn't want to spend $100 bucks (a high number thinking that I get GEAR, but not liking what I'm hearing). The next thing that happens is he requires a credit card number because the DVD's are $22 for an OEM version. Now I'm unhappy.
They cave in and determine that I'm closest to Texas. Now I've been there at least 20 times, but close to me? Oh, Canada he says, goes to Toronto....geez. Gives me a number, and I shipped it out. Got a confirmation receipt the next day.
I would NOT overclock the thing, Band in a box on the external hard drive worked fine, and I suspect it would be faster on the system. And I thought it ran a bit hot, but it's almost a year old. We got it a future shop and added a year of extra coverage.
We like the computer, she can put it in her purse, we took it to Cuba twice, and it's been at our cabin 3 times. I have an external back up hard drive but just back up the photo and music files (and why I leave the music files on the external hard drive.) I suspect they are going have to bump the memory and do other stuff to run win 7.
It took a while to get used to the small keyboard but it's great for taking to gigs.
I suspect the price of some stuff is going to drop quite a bit before xmas or soon after, the dollar is close to par with the US this morning and expected to stay there until after the new year.
Hope this helps.
The replaced or repaired unit should be here this week, they said 5 to 7 business day.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,613
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,613 |
John, from the perspective of someone sitting in Bangalore, India, London Ontario is close to Texas.
Joan, how hard would it be? Could be quite hard. Just opening a laptop to replace things they expect, like memory, can be difficult. Getting to the motherboard will likely be very hard. You may even find that the CPU is soldered into it, and not replaceable. And there is always the hazard of breaking the cable that connects to the screen. Having done so once, I wouldn't attempt it again.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901 |
Great, Matt after reading your comments I'll forget my idea of restoring my HP laptop.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Joan, if you are just going to dump it - you have nothing to lose
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901 |
Well, that is true. Should I open it and see what's in there. Possibly order some internal parts just for the fun of it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
Never a bad idea to learn stuff, and opening it up will certainly be a learning exercise  As Matt says, the CPU could very well be soldered in, but I have another question - considering that CPU's are generally fairly robust once on the board, what caused you to conclude that a new CPU would fix it? I've seen lots of things fail on notebooks, but I don't recall ever having seen a CPU failure - doesn't mean it can't happen, but I would think it would be quite rare. If the machine is quite old it may be as simple as the CMOS battery - I've seen some strange behaviour in notebooks with a failed CMOS battery - stuff you don't see on desktops. However if it's that old then it most certainly is not a good candidate for Win7. A lot of Toshiba's will not start if the main battery is dead (as in stuffed - won't hold a charge), I haven't seen this phenomenon in HP's but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen - trouble is, a main battery is an expensive part to replace just on the off chance... It's worth looking for leaking electrolytic capacitors - haven't had this problem in a HP, but have in lots of other brands... The cap(s). will be slightly swollen and could have a brown stain in the stress relief lines in the end of the cap.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya  --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901 |
Since I didn't know any other names of things inside a laptop I just said CPU. It could be anything. I'm now looking for a manual on how to open the back of my laptop.
It's an HP Pavilion zv 6130us
I took out the HD, battery, and small window showing me the Ram I think!!!! But the rest doesn't seem to have screws that might open the entire back for me to look inside.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484 |
This may sound hokey but I like saying that goes, "If it ain't broke... don't fix it." You did not address why you want to change to Win 7. Is there something your present OS lacks that you know will perform better on a new OS?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
G'day Joan,
it's likely the top comes off first - there should be a few screws that hold the keyboard in - some of the might by under a snap on panel at the rear of the top (just in front of the screen) the rest will be underneath.
From there it can be quite an adventure - notebooks are made to be assembled, not disassembled and repaired...
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 901 |
I just got the cover off and it was not easy finding all the screws. However, inside I don't see anything obviously wrong. The Ram sides didn't seem snapped in and I just pressed on them and heard a little click from both sides. I might just close it up and try running it. It was mostly to add to my experience in opening a laptop and peering inside.
I have an Asus desktop and a netbook so this was just something I was going to throw away, but made a good learning lab for me.
Back to Win 7--I'm just curious and wanted some options in case there was enough to warrant a switch. Just gathering data!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
If the RAM strips weren't properly bedded in, no wonder it wouldn't work. Maybe, you've solved the problem now?
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,613
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,613 |
Sam may well be correct.
There was a great article in a recent British computer magazine in which the publisher did an expose of computer repair shops in England. The fault they created was unseating a RAM bank in a laptop!
incidentally, the article said only one of many shops fixed it without doing anything wrong. Some shops fixed it immediately, then said the customer needed a new motherboard. One charged for a new motherboard but did not install it. And several shops went on to look at passwords, bank account numbers, and erotic pictures that were planted on the laptop. The test included software that turned on the camera when the computer was booted, and recorded what happened. Not very reassuring.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
On a good note I got the wife's ACER netbook back. Sent it out Friday, cost $14 bucks shipping. Fedex just dropped it off, new hard drive, reinstall o/s and something about a new thermal module assembly. And it's again clean like it came on day 1. Warranty repair no charge. That it failed is bad. That it came back in 2 working days (it was shipped Friday, and came back on Wednesday with Monday being Thanksgiving and all the stores were closed this was quick. Actually the email saying it was shipped arrived on the Blackberry as the Fedex truck pulled up in front of the house.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Quote:
Sam may well be correct.
There was a great article in a recent British computer magazine in which the publisher did an expose of computer repair shops in England. The fault they created was unseating a RAM bank in a laptop!
incidentally, the article said only one of many shops fixed it without doing anything wrong. Some shops fixed it immediately, then said the customer needed a new motherboard. One charged for a new motherboard but did not install it. And several shops went on to look at passwords, bank account numbers, and erotic pictures that were planted on the laptop. The test included software that turned on the camera when the computer was booted, and recorded what happened. Not very reassuring.
"EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT COMPUTERS I LEARNED IN SELF DEFENSE"
There were/are two reasons for this. First, when I began trying to create music with computers I quickly realized that no one in a computer store knew what I was talking about. (Ex.: Me: "I'm looking for a General MIDI soundcard. It has 128 voices." Sales weasel: "This computer has voices. It has voice recognition, too." Etc., etc.) Things have improved in the hardware department, but these days no one knows about music software except manufacturers and other users. Do your homework, people.
The second was that I was first infected by a virus in a repair shop, before I was ever online.* The tech was honest enough to explain that he kept viruses around for research. He never did adequately explain why his disk was in my machine. I have had a deep distrust of computer techs ever since (and have experienced the same when working on others' computers.) That's when I began to learn to build and repair PCs on my own, to the point that I got my A+ certificate.
My advice to others: The thing about a Personal Computer is that You are the Computer's Person. If you're going to use it as a musical instrument--and you are, if you think about it--you should get at least as good at it as you are on your 'real' axe. You'll still run across situations you can't handle, but you'll be better equipped to explain them when you have to, and to evaluate the results when you get it back.
I wish that it was otherwise, but everything points to any use of a PC outside of running name-brand vanilla software in business applications as being a hobby. Unless you have purchased a top-of-the line purpose-built name-brand unit, once you start installing audio soft- and hardware, it's down to you and your fellow hobbyists to get through it (and sometimes not then, as we occasionally see).
R.
* (The second virus was acquired via software bought at a yard sale.)
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,440
Posts805,141
Members40,121
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean