I like that you won't have to go through all the authorization processes we currently have to do. This is good news. I suspect future updates will not be free, but who knows.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
I did a lot of reading on this. Apparently they want all of us to download and use this new version. I've condensed a few key thoughts from the threads:
Cakewalk by BandLab – a free, streamlined version of SONAR Platinum
No matter what plug-ins or bundles you’ve bought in the past – anything that worked with SONAR before will work with Cakewalk by BandLab and should integrate seamlessly.
We have removed certain 3rd party plug-ins and content that we felt were unnecessary and/or not feasible to be released in this first version. Updates will come and more features and content will be available in the core pack.
You have to download and install via BandLab assistant.
Does this mean they have ported PLATINUM to Mac??? No, the Mac version of BandLab assistant allows access to the loop content and of course the BandLab Mix editor today.
The date in the license/about us is just an arbitrary 6 month date set for authorization checks. It’s a holdover from the old SONAR authorization and is going to be removed when the programming is further updated. It's NOT an expiration date per Meng.
Very cool. A couple of things caught my eye, Bluetooth MIDI and touch. I've seen enough vids about using touchscreens with DAW's and for notation that I'm going to pick up a 24" touchscreen monitor, just haven't decided which one yet. I know that Biab/RB are not enabled for this and some other DAW's are not as well. This could be a nice addition to the toolbox.
Jim, are you sure about the 32 bit plug-in statement. I used to run 32 bit plug-ins through jBridge in Sonar Platinum. I can also do that in my current Studio One Pro DAW.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Nope. I'm not sure about the 32 bit plug-ins. Other users reported 32 bit plug-ins are not reported during the VST scan and do not work. There have been several emphatic responses from both Noel and Meng that there will be no 32 bit edition and no 32 bit support.
Will it work with jBridge? I don't know. Sonar by Cakewalk used a native bit bridge.
I downloaded but am in demo mode and can't save anything. It has a blue box that says go to bandlab assistant to update activation status but I am in bandlab assistant and I see know way to activate it, from there or the bandlab assistant, to which I am signed in, with my account.
Any ideas?
How do you activate this thing and get out of demo mode.
I can't find the switch.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
This is from a now "outsider" remember I gave up on Sonar a year before Gibson dumped it.
this thought is badly stated (in a rush):
Before this news flash I signed up on Bandlabs site (I was lifetime SPLAT "owner") but it looked like Bandlab's handling or approach is would 75% social ("sharing and caring - community music") and 25% nose to the grind stone DAW/MUSIC WORK
But best wishes to those that try it and work with it
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
Nope. I'm not sure about the 32 bit plug-ins. Other users reported 32 bit plug-ins are not reported during the VST scan and do not work. There have been several emphatic responses from both Noel and Meng that there will be no 32 bit edition and no 32 bit support.
Will it work with jBridge? I don't know. Sonar by Cakewalk used a native bit bridge.
I found out that the 32-bit software that didn't work with bit bridge most of the time worked with jBridge. I just wonder if that has been changed.
A number of DAWs are now only 64 bit. That is the wave of the future.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Well I have just downloaded and installed ,and must say all went smoothly and worked first time. I kept my old Sona 8.3 just in case and they both exist side by side . What a refreshing cool interface this is from Sona 8.3.. Works like a charm and as I let it import my preferences from my existing version all my old projects get up and go including many that have Kontakt on multiple tracks and other plug ins like Amber piano and various synths that came with 8,3 like tts1, Z3TA, Rapture 4le, etc and my Mini Moog! So well pleased Maybe I should have had an upgrade to Producer before . but then Hey this one is FREE. Have fun Mike
I got mine installed as well. It went smoothly (slthough there were no installation options that I saw in terms of what to install and where, although I did select just the base product, since I had all the add-ons from my previous Sonar Platinum install), and it picked up my previous settings, as well as keeping content on my E: drive where I had it for Sonar Platinum.
Now I'll have to play with it more to make sure all is good. My Sonar Platinum is still installed side-by-side, but as time progresses and updates happen, I'll probably remove Sonar and stick with this new Cakewalk.
Add to that recently getting Samplitude, Studio One, and Harrison MixBus (as well as RealBand, PowerTracks, Reaper, n-Track, Tracktion, MultiTrack Studio Pro Plus, and MixCraft Pro Studio), I think I'm pretty well set DAW-wise for a long time to come.
Dang, that's crazy, isn't it?
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
I don't have an answer for you. I haven't read of anyone else ending up in Demo mode and I'm pretty much a novice myself. I still use Music Creator 6 as my main DAW and have been getting familiar with Home Studio when this news hit.
MC6 is 32 bit. I'm running HS in 32 bit mode so the tools that ship with it, such as Studio Instruments VSTi, will be compatible with PG Music products. Home Studio 64 bit mode is available by clicking one checkbox.
I am in contact with their support team, and they have no answer. I signed up for bandlab, they have my ID and my previous purchases, I downloaded assistant, etc, downloaded product from assistant, still have demo mode.
They cannot offer a fix.
I have no clue until they get back to me.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
I am in contact with their support team, and they have no answer. I signed up for bandlab, they have my ID and my previous purchases, I downloaded assistant, etc, downloaded product from assistant, still have demo mode.
They cannot offer a fix.
I have no clue until they get back to me.
Probably a bad install. Wipe everything and re-install.
Just can't figure out how to uninstall Bandlab assistant, it should be gone from the uninstall but it keeps magically popping up although my computer says it is no longer there.
Ah, Singapore.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
When I installed, I had to do it twice. Apparently an update appeared in the middle of me doing it, but on the second go-round, all worked well. Did you select just the program or the whole package (I selected just the program, since I have all the add-ons from my previous Sonar installation)?
If you have trouble with the uninstall, you might want to try Revo Uninstaller - I use that generally to good success when having trouble installing. You may need to re-install first to make sure the program is there, but Revo will start with a standard uninstall, but then let you scan the registry for registry artifacts and disk folders and files artifacts, which you can delete. I usually reboot after doing the uninstall, just to clear everything out.
So far, Cakewalk by BandLab seems to work like Sonar. I had to make a couple of minor changes soundcard-wise, but all is good now.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
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.
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)
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!
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!
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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!
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!
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!
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.
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I haven't read of anyone else ending up in Demo mode and I'm pretty much a novice myself. I still use Music Creator 6 as my main DAW and have been getting familiar with Home Studio when this news hit.
Norton Music
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