Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
I just purchased the 4 PAK Xtra tracks for Xmas hoping to play around with them, however like best laid plans they don't seem to work very well with my BIAB 2017 Pro version. The first new pattern for a new song was a World Celtic Harp that I liked and now it says Real Band does not have this instrument? I didn't see anything about having to upgrade Real Band for new instruments. A couple other new patterns I chose said the Real Band tracks weren't available. Anyone know what's up??

Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,846
J
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
J
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,846
Originally Posted By: Belladonna
I just purchased the 4 PAK Xtra tracks for Xmas hoping to play around with them, however like best laid plans they don't seem to work very well with my BIAB 2017 Pro version. The first new pattern for a new song was a World Celtic Harp that I liked and now it says Real Band does not have this instrument? I didn't see anything about having to upgrade Real Band for new instruments. A couple other new patterns I chose said the Real Band tracks weren't available. Anyone know what's up??

If you are talking about anything with new RealTracks I am pretty sure they make the new RealTracks only work with the new version of BIAB.

But, if you are referring to the "Xtra Styles PAK 4" then it says "These Xtra Styles require Band-in-a-Box® version 2017 or higher and use RealTracks from the UltraPAK or Audiophile Edition." which should mean they will work with 2017. However, the problem will likely be that your 2017 Pro version did not include the RealTracks being used in the styles. Remember, the styles paks do not include any RealTracks and they only group together existing RealTracks.

You should contact PG Music asap to verify and return the PAK if it will not work with what you already own.

Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 117
C
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
C
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 117
Originally Posted By: JohnJohnJohn
Remember, the styles paks do not include any RealTracks and they only group together existing RealTracks.


What? I did not know that.


Windows 10 build 16299
2018 Ultra
Intel i5-3550 @ 3.3GHz
p8z77-v pro
RAM: 32GB
Roland V-Studio 100
Alesis VX49

https://soundcloud.com/dirtbom/
Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
I have the 2017 BIAB Pro version which I purchased last May and then I added the upgrades and patches in September 2017. So for Xmas I decided to get the Xtra Styles 4 PAK and they said it worked with 2017 BIAB but did not specify that you had to have a certain BIAB or RB, otherwise I would have upgraded or at least knew that they wouldn't work with what I have. Disappointing to say the least.

Last edited by Belladonna; 12/24/17 12:53 PM.
Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,920
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,920
Yes,

Each Xtra PAK is a collection of styles. The Xtra styles may use ANY 2017 or earlier RealTrack so you need to have all RealTracks published as of 2017.

+++ This +++ page describes the Xtra PAKs. The screenshot below shows the boxed caution stating all RealTracks are required for the styles to work.

I would contact PG Music Sales after Christmas to determine your next course of action.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
xtra caution.jpg (167.63 KB, 101 downloads)

Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1217) RB (Build 4) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
I did get more styles, but some of the instruments didn't translate over to Real Band and yes I am missing some instruments, like a harp that I wanted. Will have to get with PG after Xmas.

Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,920
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,920
I believe I read in another post you (Belladonna) have the Pro PAK. The Pro PAK is a great introduction to Band-in-a-Box and RealBand. That is the package I first purchased to learn about the capabilities of the two programs.

Unfortunately, the Pro Pak has the least amount of accessories. In a way that's a good thing because the lack of accessories lets you concentrate on learning program capabilities. When I upgraded to the UltraPlus PAK I spent more time listening than learning the programs. Of course that's fun too!


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1217) RB (Build 4) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Yeah! I went with the basic introductory one because I was not sure I could learn it or use it. Now that I can at least record a song, I am encouraged that I may be able to actually get better at it and may be ready for the next level.

Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
Keep in mind that PG Music have a 30-day, money-back guarantee on purchases (no questions asked).

If a product doesn't do what you purchased it to do, simply ask for a refund.

Regards,
Noel




MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,920
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,920
Originally Posted By: Belladonna
Yeah! I went with the basic introductory one because I was not sure I could learn it or use it. Now that I can at least record a song, I am encouraged that I may be able to actually get better at it and may be ready for the next level.


The Band-in-a-Box and RealBand programs stay the same throughout all the various packages. What changes with each package is the amount of styles, Realtracks, MidiSuperTracks and RealDrums included.

It is unfortunate it is possible to come up with the N/A (not available) tag way too often.


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1217) RB (Build 4) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Journeyman
OP Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 723
Thanks Jim, talking to them about my options and getting to the next level.

Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
And to be clear, a lot of folks on the forum use the term "style" when they mean "RealTrack", which can lead to confusion, as they are not the same thing. Buying "RealStyles" packages only give you style files that reference existing RealTracks that are already on your computer. If you don't have the underlying RealTracks, the RealStyles are not going to work.

MIDI styles are different, in that the riffs used to create the sounds are defined directly in the style (no external dependencies). Hybrid styles (those with a mix of MIDI and RealTracks) will have MIDI defined in the style, but only reference the RealTracks (and require that they be on your machine).

And some styles may reference SuperMIDI tracks, which are separate, like RealTracks, but in MIDI format (they are not defined in the style, because they are processed by a different "engine" than regular MIDI tracks).

For the XTRA style packs to work, because they pull from RealTracks across many years of RealTrack development, you need to have one of the packages that include "all" the available RealTracks. The BIAB Pro version only includes enough RealTracks to whet your whistle to what BIAB can do. You really need to upgrade to the UltraPak to be able to really experience what BIAB has to offer.

I know this can get confusing, but this is how it works. Again, if you don't want to upgrade to the UltraPak, then contact PGMusic for a refund for the XTRA pak you purchased as part of their 30-day money back guarantee.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA

BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
It's rather disappointing that PG went to the trouble to make the new RealTracks inoperable with the prior versions of BIAB and RB.

Originally Posted By: JohnJohnJohn
Originally Posted By: Belladonna
I just purchased the 4 PAK Xtra tracks for Xmas hoping to play around with them, however like best laid plans they don't seem to work very well with my BIAB 2017 Pro version. The first new pattern for a new song was a World Celtic Harp that I liked and now it says Real Band does not have this instrument? I didn't see anything about having to upgrade Real Band for new instruments. A couple other new patterns I chose said the Real Band tracks weren't available. Anyone know what's up??

If you are talking about anything with new RealTracks I am pretty sure they make the new RealTracks only work with the new version of BIAB.

But, if you are referring to the "Xtra Styles PAK 4" then it says "These Xtra Styles require Band-in-a-Box® version 2017 or higher and use RealTracks from the UltraPAK or Audiophile Edition." which should mean they will work with 2017. However, the problem will likely be that your 2017 Pro version did not include the RealTracks being used in the styles. Remember, the styles paks do not include any RealTracks and they only group together existing RealTracks.

You should contact PG Music asap to verify and return the PAK if it will not work with what you already own.

Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
The XTRA styles pack also clearly indicate that you need either the UltraPak or higher to use them, as they require the underlying Realtracks to be be present to use them. The paks do not include any styles; they only reference existing styles on your disk. If you don't have them already, it won't work correctly.

If you have the ProPak or the MegaPak, you're going to find the XTRA styles paks aren't going to do you much good.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA

BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
Add-ons and UserTracks for Band-in-a-Box
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Originally Posted By: toucher
It's rather disappointing that PG went to the trouble to make the new RealTracks inoperable with the prior versions of BIAB and RB.
A little unfair IMO, they work hard and improved a lot over the years. Kind of logic that they want to showcase and exploit the newest features only possible with the latest updates.

The only grief i find is that some of the even older mainly 'soloist' type Realtracks are quite useless especially if you work with bar-beat count changes during an arrangement as i found. They miss too many bars. Reported a few to sales, starting maybe 2 years ago, and they still weren't fixed with the latest Realtrack updates. To name a few, Andy leftwich's mandolin soloing, and some of Brent's e guitar solo work .... they are really worthwhile to get 'right'.

But, to be fair: at the price they charge for the whole caboose, even for the Audiophile version, i cannot really feel 'ripped' off LoL. -F

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,327
Posts790,960
Members39,856
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Brazilboyz, doccawudi, StratMan1965, CPIA2002, janhardo
39,856 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 354
MarioD 221
DrDan 217
Noel96 161
DC Ron 151
Rob Helms 130
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5