|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 867
PG Music Staff
|
OP
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 867 |
56. What is the difference between the Audiophile editions of Band-in-a-Box and the regular Band-in-a-Box packages?
Windows:
The Audiophile editions ship pre-installed on a portable high-speed USB 3.0 hard drive, and has everything that the "regular" versions of Band-in-a-Box and RealBand have, plus all the uncompressed audio in WAV file format for ALL the RealTracks and RealDrums, so the highest sound quality is preserved. We normally ship RealTracks audio files as compressed WMA files (usually 128 or 160 kbps) instead of WAV files. The WMA files are excellent quality, and make the program MUCH smaller (roughly 120GB).
With a typical setup at home, many people would not be able to hear a difference, but some advanced users prefer to have the original WAV files. Note that it is possible to uncompress the 'regular edition' M4A files to AIFF, however these will not be the same as the original WAV files, having already been compressed once. Also, please note that the 'Audiophile editions' do include the WMA files as well, which gives you the option of installing the program on your computer the same way as with the 'regular edition'.
Macintosh:
The Audiophile edition ships pre-installed on a portable high-speed USB 3.0 hard drive, and includes everything that the regular Band-in-a-Box packages have, plus all the uncompressed audio in AIFF file format for ALL the RealTracks and RealDrums, so the highest sound quality is preserved. We normally ship RealTracks audio files as compressed M4A files (usually 128 or 160 kbps) instead of AIFF files. The M4A files are excellent quality, and make the program MUCH smaller (roughly 120GB). With a typical setup at home, many people would not be able to hear a difference, but some advanced users prefer to have the original AIFF files. Note that it is possible to uncompress the 'regular edition' M4A files to AIFF, however these will not be the same as the original AIFF files, having already been compressed once. Also, please note that the 'Audiophile editions' do include the M4A files as well, which gives you the option of installing the program on your computer the same way as with the 'regular edition'.
Alyssa - PG Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,560
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,560 |
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; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 36 |
Is the bitrate mentioned above still correct? I was hoping the compressed versions would be at least 320kbps m4a. 160kbps WMA quality seems to be what we would have used around the year 2001-2005. If you already have the WAVs on hand (since you sell Audiophile Editions) it would be great to replace the old WMA's with higher bitrate versions now that our computers have much more storage. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,031
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,031 |
Ryan_P, First welcome to the PG Music forum. There has been a long standing request for the Audiophile edition to offer RealTrack and RealDrum files with 24 bit depth. +++ HERE +++ is one request from 2015. If you like the idea you can add your support for the idea with a +1 post. A +++ related +++ request is to have 24 bit RealTracks and the capability for Band-in-a-Box to render 24 bit tracks. However the fact that RealTracks and RealDrums are 16 bit does not reduce the quality of the recordings. Listen to the raw files and you'll find all are professionally recorded. I made the requests because 24 bit files allow a user to use more of each track fader while mixing. Many Band-in-a-Box users including myself are inexperienced at mixing so any advantage that will make mixing easier I want. Listen to some of the compressed RealTracks and RealDrums. I think you'll discover whatever compression algorithm or algorithms PG Music uses does a really good job.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,560
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,560 |
Also, don't forget some of the tracks using the lower bit rates are monaural.
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; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 110
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 110 |
The Audiophile version does not get a discount on upgrades, unless you're going to upgrade every year.
Keep that in mind if you're considering upgrading.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 110
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 110 |
And, while 24-bit would be great, I'd be happy with upping the sample rate to 48k. Higher sample rates would help generate far fewer artifacts with all the time shifting the program is doing. Audiophile version or not, some of these tracks sound just horrible when they pitch-shift and/or time stretch. It's a physical limitation of 16/41.1 audio.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,150
Posts801,346
Members40,061
| |
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