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Question for this group:
I've always used RB...I don't do any live performances, or even live recording into the DAW. But I'm getting frustrated with how often it crashes...I seem to spend more time sometimes trying to recover or fix something, or make something work the way I want it to.
I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience (running W10), and I'm thinking of converting to something that claims to be more stable.
Interested in feedback...Thanks! I’ve said it before each DAW be it RB, Sonar, Reaper, Pro Tools, Ableton, Studio One or any other of the many available have their good points and also areas where they could be improved. When it comes to RB I find I useful for regenerating parts in RealTracks where I want to. I then export to .wav then pull the wav into Reaper where I feel the tools are better for manipulating audio. I tend to use Sonar for editing MIDI because I am more familiar with MIDI in Sonar. I believe once you learn one DAW it is not so steep to learn another. Most of the rules apply similarly albeit maybe a slightly different way to achieve it. I also found in learning a different DAW I have learnt approaches I can apply in other DAWs. It is a continual learning exercise that’s what makes it fun for me. Different tools for different jobs. IMHO Tony
Interested in feedback...>>>Feedback is simple. The solution to each of those issues and more is simple. A stand alone multitrack recorder will do all of that and much more. Doesn't have the glamor and glitz of a brand name DAW to brag about but starting from scratch, one can be recording a song before a DAW can process through start up and be armed to record. You get the benefit of a multi track recorder that includes a proprietary DAW software designed not to crash the system due to memory being overtaxed. The software gives you all the basics of good plug ins to do a project from start to finish without the aid of a computer or external DAW program while retaining the ability to easily and quickly have access to your favorite or least favorite DAW if you wish. Some Multitrack recorders are also audio interfaces and controllers if that is the workflow you desire. But to address your specific issues stated above, there is not much of a learning curve as the OS systems mostly migrate similar in features and techniques between models and brands. This means if you start with a basic, low cost unit and upgrade to a better quality more full featured unit, they will operate similarly. For instance, there is only minor differences between operating a Zoom H1,H5,H6 or R8. The same for Tascam units. Stability is rock solid. Period. I have never had a crash with my multi track recorders. Years of faultless service. I have owned or still own Zoom r16, r24, H1, and still own an H5. Never a crash with any of them. I had Tascam Porta Studios, DP004, 2488neo MarkII and DP-24 without any failures. Some multi tracks are better suited for the home studio environment than others. I have found the Tascam DP-24/32 series to be the most full featured for studios and also the easiest to navigate. I prefer the DP-24 over the DP-32 simply because the additional tracks and features of the DP-32 don't justify the cost difference. This market is evolving and there are many new units being introduced that focus on home studios and bear consideration. To retain using a DAW, many brands offer mixers with USB connection and also audio interface capability. Others may also include control capability or both. But there's a new generation of digital stand alone multitrack that record 12, 24, 32 or more tracks in the same manner as the current DP-32, Zoom r24 series of multitracks and record the individual tracks and a stereo mix in the unit itself but also function as a live mixer, USB connectivity and multitrack audio interface. Presonus AR series, Studiolive series and the new Tascam 24 are examples. Higher end digital mixers by Yamaha, Allen & Heath and Behringer have DAW mode and multitrack audio interface and have pro grade digital effects. Behringer units are interesting because they have stage head units that are controlled wirelessly/wired by tables in 12,16 and 18 input units and also a desktop unit that all share the same OS and features that is also the same OS and features of the X32 line. Learn one OS and you can operate their entire line of mixer/recorders. None of these stand alone or hybrid mixer/interfaces have near the learning curve of even the most basic DAW but each and everyone of them will connect in some way with your favorite DAW if that's what you want to do. None of these units require complex setup and configuration.
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Cubase 10 Pro, Reason 10, Reaper, Bandlab Cakewalk Kevin 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I don't view Realband as a legit DAW. Way too quirky and buggy. Any DAW would be an improvement. The only redeeming feature is its integration with RealTracks.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Tony has it right. Use RealBand for what it does best/uniquely then move the project to your choice of DAW. I may use five or more audio software programs on a project before it’s done.
EDIT: I see other good replies follow. Lots of good advice in this thread.
Last edited by Matt Finley; 12/13/18 07:50 AM.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Reaper and ProTools. Reaper because of there free videos and ProTools cause its Pro Tools!
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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Cakewalk by Bandlab. Free.(and prior versions). It is the only Windows DAW to my knowledge that allows for proper track navigation and zoom using a touchscreen.
I do a lot of tracking, so instead of "mousing" around, I prefer touchscreen to locate / zoom in parts, set pointer. Community is very helpful. Owner seems to be a decent guy who cares about improving things. Since Studio One 3 you may use multi-touchscren on your main PC or/and on a remote control tablet
Sergino
Bandinabox 2024 standard (2020 Audiophile)
VST3 plugins on Studio One Pro 6.1
Windows 11(SSD) - AMD Radeon R9 5950X - 32GB RAM
MOTU: 2408 MkIII - 24i - Traveler - MIDI Express XT
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Just looking at Computer Music magazine as I saw this. They rate Studio One 4 as the best daw for 2018. Elsewhere in the magazine they state the best freeware product is Cakewalk by BandLab.
Lots of other reviews puts Reaper up there. Some also rate ProTools.
Each to their own.
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 01/05/19 01:41 PM.
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
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Presonus Studio One. Only DAW I've ever used.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Just looking at Computer Music magazine as I saw this. They rate Studio One 4 as the best daw for 2018. Elsewhere in the magazine they state the best freeware product is Cakewalk by BandLab.
Lots of other reviews puts Reaper up there. Some also rate ProTools.
Each to their own.
Tony I was using Reaper and was really happy with it until I received a free copy of Studio One Artist with a Blackstar guitar amp I purchased, I liked it so much I upgrade to Studio One Pro and now use it pretty much exclusively, I still like Reaper and occasionally use it, especially when I need to test a plugin that is bombing out in Studio One, to confirm it's the plugin and not the DAW.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Studio one 4 best DAW I have tried I have Cakewalk it is also pretty solid. And Reaper very flexible but for me way to many options to fiddle with. I like how simple yet powerful Stidio one is.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I use Cakewalk's Sonar Platinum, or rather Cakewalk by Bandlab now.
I use it because it does what I need. There are lots of good DAWs out there but not all of them offer the power and flexibility that Cakewalk provides. For me there were two areas that separated Cakewalk from its competitors: having a musical notation capability and instrument definition files.
For all I know, the industry favorite, Pro Tools, may have these capabilities, but I simply can't afford it. Cakewalk by Bandlab is now free (Sonar Platinum was about $400) and that's a price I can afford.
I like Studio One, but if I want musical notation, I have to buy Notion and use it as a rewire device. And I dunno if it does instrument definitions or not.
I also like Reaper, but I haven't played around with it as much. It has a nice musical notation interface. But I don't know if it does instrument definitions. Its price is sure right, though, and Reaper has a very active community.
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Hi,
I have been using Cakewalk for many years. I like it. Several years ago I got Pro Tools and found it hard to use. I have it but don't use it. Sometimes other people who know how come over and use it.
When all the noise about Cakewalk started I went to Studio One 4. I like the program but I still have issues trying to figure out how to do some simple things, so I revert back to Cakewalk at times just to get things done.I have had Reaper for ever but never really used it much.
Of course I have the DAW in BB. It has a few cool things I use sometimes. Oh, and I forgot. I have OHM studio which is a online near real time DAW for playing with other musicians. When OHM started up it was fun because there were a large number of people to play with....now not so much.I bought a lifetime subscription when they first started.
The best DAW is the one you know how to use!!!
I think my vote would be for studio one if I can learn to use it.
Thanks,
Billy
EDIT: After I read my post I changed my mind. I don't think any DAW will be "the one". I will always have several and use each one for what it does best or is the least work to use.
Last edited by Planobilly; 01/06/19 08:11 AM. Reason: changed my mind
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Reaper, been using it since 2010 after losing a battle with Cubase
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Either Cakewalk or Studio One provide seamless integration with BiaB, in my experience. Used Cakewalk since 5-1/4" disk days. Would still be there, but I bailed when they (temporarily) shut down. Studio One meets my critical needs (comping and Melodyne integration) so I'm sticking with that for now. But every time I go back to Cakewalk I miss it. Certainly one of the best freeware apps out there.
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I'm a convert to Acoustica Mixcraft (as opposed to Harrison Mixbus). To address the OP's point about workflow -- it lets me concentrate more on music creation and less on software than anything else I've used, for whatever that's worth. As of last winter, I'd gotten at least 300 hours project experience in each of these DAWs: Cakewalk/ Sonar/ Sonar Platinum (since the late 90s, maybe 2000 hours?) CoolEditPro/ Adobe Audition Acid Pro 7 Studio One v2 and v3 and maybe 20-50 hours each in MULab, Mixbus (great sound, but very picky about VSTs on my PC) and RB (I'll just echo what someone else said -- it's buggy, super laggy, and it's only real competitive attraction is RT capability.) (I’m not the person to ask about Reaper. I hear it is super-powerful, after around 2 hours trying to so some simple things, running into spider webs everywhere, I just exited the program for good. Do a Google image search for “The Scream” ;-) ) Even before Sonar's future was thrown into doubt, I went looking for something better. I'd been hankering to get away from Sonar Platinum anyway because, despite a lot of time within that product family, and despite its amazing spec list (on paper) a) I found some things just too clunky b) some crucial things -- like automation, reliable rendering, and midi routing -- just weren't happening; c) crashed and froze often on my system (a capable and custom-built-for audio Windows 7 64 Pro with tons of RAM, fast i7, good Focusrite interface etc.); d) the move to monthly updates caused chaos for me, as old workarounds no longer worked, and new ones became necessary due to new bugs; looking back on 2015-2016, I see I ended up writing some very long and painfully detailed forensic reports designed to help forum members / staff replicate my issues. During that time, some projects were 70% music-making, 30% head scratching. For folks who have had fewer problems with Sonar, I'm glad for you. I know everyone's system-specific mileage may vary; I'll just say that mine in this case was poor. Looking elsewhere, I'd wanted to love Studio One for its super-intuitive workflow, but on my setup it proved to be too crashy and stubborn about recognising midi keyboards which other DAWs had no problem with. Also it was weak in MIDI. I'd loved the old Acid Pro but it was only 32 bit. I've not tried Bandlab, because when Gibson filed for bankruptcy, I read this review of Mixcraft 8 in Sound on Sound magazine https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/acoustica-mixcraft-8so I downloaded the Acoustica Mixcraft 8 trial version, opened up their demo song and pressed play. After about 10 minutes of mousing around, clicking here, right-clicking there, I was able to figure out enough to get my own big, complex torture-test project going, with lots of heavy Kontakt instruments loaded, midi-generating VSTis routed all over, integrated Melodyne doing its thing, an Ableton-like clip launcher doing another thing, tons of needless FX and automation ;-) i.e. pure adolescent overkill, a giant racket, but loads of fun. It wouldn't crash. Only after about an hour did I have to google for a fast answer to something. Long story short, I spend 95% of my non-BIAB time in Mixcraft now. I still use Sonar for its better comping workflow, but export the results into Mixcraft. It has a few shortcomings as a DAW (and the bundled VSTis and FX are hit and miss; but I use 3rd party stuff anyway) but it is quite respectably deep and powerful. It was put together by the same guys who developed the original Acid for Sonic Foundry, with the same love-thy-user-by-making-things-dead-obvious ethos. I'd say that if Sonar Platinum's feature list was 10/10, Mixcraft's is around 8.8; that Mixcraft is as intuitive to use as Studio One; and it is the most stable DAW I've used on any of my machines, ever. 90% of the time when it hits a hiccough and freezes (which is not too often), it is temporary, and it recovers; it rarely crashes on me, and when it has, it's recovery system has always worked. It’s what I fire up when I want to get lots done and have fun. My long-winded $0.02!
Last edited by lingyai; 01/06/19 02:35 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 457
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Journeyman
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Posts: 457 |
lingyai, thanks for that Acoustica link. I just d/l'd and installed the Mixcraft demo and I gotta say that it is a pretty cool DAW. I was disappointed to see that it didn't have any sort of built-in notation capability, but as I was digging around, I noticed it had picked up a couple of rewire programs, one of which is Notion, which I own a license for, and it set itself up automatically to load Notion as a rewire device. So that takes care of my needs for musical notation. This package definitely deserves a closer look. Best of all, it is surprisingly affordable, even the most expensive version.
I loaded one of my midi compositions, and it loaded up just fine, no hickups, and I was able to figure out how to select from a good variety of instruments, which in itself is noteworthy. Yep, I'm gonna have to spend some more time with this DAW. I suspect I'll continue to need Sonar for some things though.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50
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My first was Power Tracks and I still find it useful. Stuff I work up in BiaB and/or RB generally gets transferred there in seq. form. However, for heavier lifting I shall most likely continue to use Audition 3 as long as I have an operating system that supports it.
the Insolent LadEnough small empty boxes thrown into a big empty box fill it full. ~Carl Sandburg
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
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Well, as many discovered, some times later in life (alas too late?); Cubase is one of the best allrounders around. Recording, editing, mastering, a fabulous and very flexible (with v 9.5 PRO and improved in v 10 PRO) audio and pitch shifting tool better than i saw from Waves or Melodyne.
All sorts of built in extras like for sounds and drum grooving, audio grooving, groove analyzing tools, superb notation, video import, quite a few excellent plugins for audio editing and some synths, not to forget Halion 3 with it's very decent GM set onboard ....
Has got a learning curve, but like PGmusic a very active user helpers forum ....
----------------------------------
PS, i still have my spare license for the full retail 10 PRO version for sale, $435, with eLicenser; insured USA shipping of latter is 26 dollars extra. PM me if interested? ....
Also for sale a license for 9.5.40 PRO full Retail. They say Cubase 9.5 is as good as bug free; never crashed on m system. 355$
NOTE they're both Retail and NOT the usually advertised EDUcational versions as from cheap sellers.
Reminder: Cubase 10 and 9.5 are 64bit ONLY. Steinberg has a 30 days TRIAL download version available. You'll need to register definitely with the eLicenser before that period ends. F
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Posts: 8,808
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I have to say that really most of them will work. I mentioned above what I use I didn’t mention why. To me I have noticed that sometime people migrate through a couple DAWs and have trouble and settle on one cause “it works” I believe that many times that is because the learn how things work along the way and work out issues their system have andnthe next DAW up benefits from that knowledge and experience. Another issue is what they want to do some things fit their needs.
When I started many years ago. I had an old cassette tape based 4 track unit from Clarion. And I needed to creat3d tracks to load I to it to play things like drums and such I didn’t play or have. I bought a floppy disk version of Cakewalk, and used it to make midi piano, drum and bass tracks to play guitar over.
Next I bought at the guitar center a early version of ACID when sonic foundry made it. Upgraded a time or two then got tired of Loop based tracks as they were ok but not totally real sounding to me and a butt load of work. I picked up Cakewalk music creator 2, then 3, then 5 then bought demoed and bought a program named N Track studios it was cool but buggy as heck. Along the way I bought BiaB I believe 2006 was my first and found it helpful to make basic tracks to mix else where. I also bought Powertracks but found it didn’t do anything Music creator could do. A forum member here many remember “Mac” suggested a program called Multitrackstudios I demoed and ended up buying it. I found it to be the most stable program ever rock solid you can’t make it crash. I used that to record several projects with friends. Somewhere along the way I also upgraded Cakewalk to Sonar for its “new comping feature. And did a project in it. I tried Reaper about that time and I found it to be super flexible and almost as stable as MTS. My only issue was I spent most of my time setting it up and fiddling with the program rather than recording stuff. Then I upgraded my MAudio sound card for a new Presonus AudioBox, and it came with studio one. I found that out of the box I got more done than any program since MTS. Along the way I kept upgrading BiaB and as well RB. At one point I used Arab exclusively but it began to drag and skip on my system on playback it would record fine. So rather than drop into RB I started dropping into studio one. About that time I got busy starting a new business, and eventually move across country and took a almost two year hiatus from music. Now I’m back and on my system I have the latest Reaper, Bandlab, and Studio one with 2019 BiaB. I am testing to see which will handle my work flow. So far Studio one it the easiest to use, and most intuitive.
I might reach back and buy the latest Multitrackstudios version cause nothing mixes down like it does. Just for grins. What it does that not other system does equally is that it tests audio and midi the same you drag to a track and it outputs through the same effect both types of tracks.
In the end it is really about what you get comfortable with and allows you to be productive. I am really hopeful for the new BiaB VSTi to pan out as it fits my needs well. One thing for sure find a DAW you like and learn it deeply. Don’t jump around like I did. While it might teach you a lot about many different ways to do things you only get surface knowledge. Figure out what you like to do and how. If your a midi beast, or a audio guy, or both. Do you play three or four instruments, or one or none. Colaborate with others. Record alone or with friends. All this plays into it.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
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There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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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®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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