I have used PT on (8 thru 10) and off with the subscription garbage, and still have a ton of stuff in my iLok account. The reasons I don't like PT...
1. Unstable. On a machine that ANY other DAW runs fine PT freezes, hickup, and crashes. More than Sonar & Reaper for sure.
2. Too many clicks to do simple things, like creating a track....it is like an interrogation and slow compared to every other DAW I have used.
3. Locked to an iLok, the BIGGEST reason I despise PT. Pace systems us a virus that you pay for IMHO.....
I own Sonar Producer (but still use Reaper & Mixbus more), and I am sure it will run solid for years, mainly because my OS NEVER gets updated since my studio system NEVER goes online.
This is bad news for sure, I know a few folks who have had a fit, and then just settled down, cleaned their systems, grabbed all the updates, and got back to work.....
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
I have used PT on (8 thru 10) and off with the subscription garbage.....
Sorry to hear you've had so many issues with it. I've been lucky and as long as I keep my iLok and Pro Tools software with the latest version updates, I've been good. My machine stays online unless I'm recording/mixing.
Still confusing to people that can’t use a DAW without a fake mixing board on screen.
Not really, I own the newest Traction Waveform (because of a great deal on it!), so it has nothing to do with old & mixing boards....that is just what I have used my entire pro life.....
You can also hit the Traction Site and grab the Full Version 5 for free, a great way to try out the look and feel.
Last edited by jcspro40; 12/10/1708:48 PM.
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
Just FYI update Tracktion is now actually giving away version 6 of Tracktion!
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
If anyone was interested in using Home Studio but Cakewalk closed before you purchased the software, there is a legal alternative method to obtain Home Studio, Rapture Session and about 5 GB of loops. +++ THIS +++ link to the Cakewalk forum provides the details.
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
I have been using Sonar for years. I still have Platinum and many add ons that I will use as long as I can. As far as Gibson owning Cakewalk I found almost as soon as they took over good stuff coming from Cakewalk all but disappeared so I won't miss that.
In the past few weeks I have played around in BIAB a lot more than in the past even though I have been using it for several years. I found a number of the synths and things work nicely in BIAB. I can use TH2, Dimension Pro, Adictive Keys and Drums and in truth that is most of what I used anyhow. I would and do generate the rough in BAIB and mix and apply the synths in Sonar.
Since buying the UltraPak in 2016 I tend to use RealTracks and hardly use Sonar for anything other than the mix and setting the final levels. I find the concrete limiter helps keep things at a more constant level. I merge all tracks into a wav and put that onto a laptop for my backing. I have a template set up in Sonar so a lot is already laid out.
On stage I simply plug into a Roland Tri Capture, use TH2 all preset play the Wav using MediaPlayer and everything is set. All I need to do is flip though the songs.
I don't know ill miss Sonar when it dies as I have other ways to do stuff.
Well that's my two bobs worth
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
PG has Peak Limit that does the same thing, just slide it into the last effects slot. Also, have you worked with Real Band? It's not as elegant as some big name DAW's but it covers all the essentials, uses all your VST's plus it opens Biab files and has a completely different way of generating the RT's. I won't go into RB here, just check out the RB forum if you haven't already.
yep Jim I got that about three weeks ago through computer music, really impressed with Home studio.
Not 100% sure if offer is still live though with all that is going on with Cakewalk.
Musiclover
Doesn't hurt for someone to +++ click on the link +++ Even if the downloadable content is no longer available Computer Music is a nice magazine. Having said that, I found out about this just a few days ago and was able to download the content.
I checked most recent link (above) and ended up at the site below. I'm guessing Jim Fogle sees something different than my experience. I'm pretty sure I was redirected more than once. Just FYI Not anything against Jim, just guessing his cookies or something gave him a different option than I got.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I think you are suppose to actually subscribe to the mag (or site?) to get the deal but Jim should know
But I'm not going to go through the registration process just to find out
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Hi Bob, I have only recently started to play around with RealBand, it's ok but I tend to export each track as a wav then import each track into Sonar that I have pretty much setup for the output I want with minimal work in Sonar. I guess as time goes by I'll do less in Sonar and eventually it might fade away.
The real expense was with the plugins and the ones I used most pretty much work in BIAB/RealBand.
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
Every new DAW has the same issue; you have to learn it. It took me a while to learn ProTools, and Reaper, and .. just like it took a while for Realband.
/heh, maybe I'm just a slow learner //happily, I'm still learning
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Every new DAW has the same issue; you have to learn it. It took me a while to learn ProTools, and Reaper, and .. just like it took a while for Realband.
I have Pro Tools, Reaper, Samplitude and Sonar. And I mainly use Real Band. The caveat there is that IF I was a real studio, I would be using Pro Tools so bands coming to spend their money to record in my studio could bring me tracks they made at home without a lot of fancy importing. I only know 30-40 people here but most of who I know work in music as a hobby or a second income job, but none are really recording engineers as their main job. I have seen "industry standard" tossed in here a few times and I restate my doubts that any studio anywhere uses Real Band as their primary DAW.
I am a classic dabbler. Create stuff, get the mix close, and save it for a rainy year..... so it doesn't matter to me what I use. I bought Pro Tools mainly because I wanted to see it hands on, and I really do like it. Some of the logic is quite simple despite what many think.
The real difference I found with Sonar is there are a number of books out to show the ins and outs of Sonar and the various plugins. They showed not only the use but also explained the reasoning behind the methods. For example, the question arose in this forum regarding sfz files. The book on plugins had several chapters on how to create the files and what they are used for. Same for channel mixing and the uses of busses etc. How to get the best out of the tools.
It is books like this I find missing with BIAB/RealBand albeit BIAB is more self intuitive.
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
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.
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!
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.
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)
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