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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241 |
Hi all,
I come here again for some insights. I'm considering getting the ULTRAPACK BIAB program which already contains many many real styles. I see there are some Styles Packs from 1 to 8. I've listened to them briefly and don't really see how necessary they could be when one has already all the styles of the Ultrapack.
Can you give me your view about it ?
Are the Ultra pack really necessary ? Do they bring something none of the numerous styles included in the Ultrapack wouldn't ?
Thanks!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,919
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,919 |
Necessary? No. Desirable? Yes.
Xtra Styles use the same RealTracks available to every other style. However, Xtra Styles add unusual effects, use loops and the RealTracks themselves in ways one would not normally expect.
If you are not comfortable with mixing, adding effects or creating styles they are worth having to study and learn. The "sound" is much more modern than anything you'll hear from a traditional Band-in-a-Box style. My guess is the person making the Xtra Styles is a relative new hire brought onboard specifically to modernize the sound of the product.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
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BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241 |
Ah ok, I understand now the concept of Pack styles (it was obscure to me, just seemed like an addition of new RT when it is a mix of them with some effects). Thanks Jim & Matt for your help ! 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
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Just to emphasize what Jim said...the styles paks do NOT contain any new RealTracks. They simply combine existing RealTracks into new sets or styles.
There are a couple of things to understand here...
1) if you have all of the RealTracks then you could create any of the styles yourself by simply combining RealTracks and saving as a style but it would take a lot of time to do so. in that sense the styles paks represent a huge shortcut to finding great combinations of RealTracks that work together as styles.
2) if you do not have all of the RealTracks you may find that some of the styles in the styles paks do not work for you because they depend on those missing RealTracks!
My opinion? Buy all of the RealTracks and buy all of the Styles paks!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241 |
Just to emphasize what Jim said...the styles paks do NOT contain any new RealTracks. They simply combine existing RealTracks into new sets or styles.
There are a couple of things to understand here...
1) if you have all of the RealTracks then you could create any of the styles yourself by simply combining RealTracks and saving as a style but it would take a lot of time to do so. in that sense the styles paks represent a huge shortcut to finding great combinations of RealTracks that work together as styles.
2) if you do not have all of the RealTracks you may find that some of the styles in the styles paks do not work for you because they depend on those missing RealTracks!
My opinion? Buy all of the RealTracks and buy all of the Styles paks! Thanks, I understand better. I intend to purchase the ULTRAPACK so I guess I will have the max RT available (minus the Xtra pack combos). Question : can I tweek the Xtra Styles editing them by adding or removing stuff or are they "untouchable" ? EDIT : are all the tracks from the Xtra packs RTs ? Some sound MIDIish to me..
Last edited by Angelomusic; 12/22/19 02:24 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
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The Xtra Styles are completely editable. Every Style, MIDI, Supermidi or RealTrack, is completely editable.
Another option you may want to experiment with is to create Medley tracks. Each Legacy Channel (1-7) in the Mixer can have up to 10 different instruments on it. A quick way to audition this feature is to Select Medley Styles from the Stylepicker. These are Medleys created by PG Music staff that are programmed to work seamlessly into the chord chart of your song. These medleys showcase some of the various ways to trigger the instrument changes. They can be programmed to change every two bars, four bars or 8 bars, by part marker and you can manually create your own multiple instrument track to change instruments at any bar. Note that it can be any count of instrument changes from one to 10 and importantly, instruments do not have to be different instruments. Programmed changes can be two instruments switching back and forth multiple times on a track. Do this on two separate channels but using the same two instruments allows for some very complex arrangements to be created within BIAB without ever leaving the program for further processing in a DAW or RealBand.
Bouncing mixes of multi instrument channels to audio and importing them back into your project and placing them onto legacy channels as Performance Tracks develops a BIAB song project of dozens of instruments onto dozens of tracks. Using each of the 7 channels to interchange 10 instruments totals to 70 instrument changes.
An interesting thing I've noticed but am only speculating to how the results come about is the fact that the BIAB generation engine 'reads' ahead and 'sees' the upcoming instrument change and in turn 'selects' more appropriate instrument one ending bar audio and instrument 2 intro bar audio and cross fades wonderfully. You will encounter instrument changes where the audio of the two instruments simultaneously overlap. That requires some manual work to accomplish in any DAW but is done automatically within a BIAB project using the multi instrument feature.
This feature in BIAB 2020 has added features and enhancements from previous years and it's well worth the time to explore.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, 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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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,919
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Posts: 10,919 |
snip ... (A)re all the tracks from the Xtra packs RTs ? Some sound MIDIish to me.. In another post, which I can't find at this time, a PG Music developer involved in creating the Xtra Styles stated they try to use all the resources Band-in-a-Box offers. My resource list would include as a minimum: loops, multiple drum tracks, multiple instruments on a single track, part markers, midi SuperTracks, mixer settings and effects.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241 |
@Jim : ah ok so that's why sometimes I hear a midi kind of sound. Not a big deal it's not in all of them I can deal with that.
@Charlie : wow! So many things you can do with BIAB. Looks like the one who only use it as a simple backing track machine would miss a lot of all that BIAB has to offer. Sounds exciting because it makes BIAB really a composing tool with endless possibilities. I guess I will have to give it time to process all the features of BIAB.
Last edited by Angelomusic; 12/22/19 12:15 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 241 |
Just curious to those who have the Xtra styles Packs :
1/ How many of those Packs do you have ? Did you just buy 1 or 2 or the whole set of 8 ?
2/ Since they are more modern and fancy, do you use them more than the traditional RTs ?
Thanks!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745 |
I have all 8.
When I started I was only playing bluegrass. Because of Band in a box I am now willing to experiment with the different styles.
...Deb
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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.
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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.
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