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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21 |
I find that every year, I visit the site in December because I want to be talked into upgrading my 2014 "Everything Pak", but although I see new styles, I never seem to find really compelling reasons to upgrade.
I'm pretty sure that I just don't really pick up on or "get" the value of the new enhancements. Maybe I'm looking for that "Wow, this is a game-changer" moment, which I never seem to see, and may be unreasonable for me to look for.
My only real challenge with BIAB is that for me, it is still extremely difficult to find just the right style for my compositions. I take responsibility for having a low aptitude for figuring that out. I do, however, find the interface to be a little dated and confusing as more and more functionality is bolted on.
So, my question is, are there any truly compelling reasons to upgrade from 2014 to 2020, especially given my own challenge of having a tough time finding appropriate styles for my songs? Is version 2010 a "must-have", or is it just a minor upgrade, practically speaking? Thanks for any input.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,961
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,961 |
For me, it is a must-have for the new RealTracks. Nothing else in the "49 new features" would cause me to pull out my credit card.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,616 |
Good questions. I see the changes since 2014 as evolutionary, not revolutionary. RealTracks were revolutionary. I think in another year we will look back and say the plugin was the next revolutionary feature.
As to the interface, that was revamped in 2018. It is a lot cleaner, but some users still prefer the old. To their credit, PG Music left the old one so you can adapt easier (use CTRL+T to toggle).
Since every year you get more and more new RealTracks and styles, I would think that six years' worth of additions would give you some serious improvement in "finding appropriate styles for my songs".
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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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
And BIAB (although not RealBand yet) is now 64-bit.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647 |
I am with steambc on this one. For me there really wasn't anything to pull the credit card from my wallet this year. They gave us some nice new styles and realtracks, but I already have more than I will ever use. The plugins have no particular interest - in fact I don't even know what they do. I only have BIAB (and an unused Real Band) so as far as I know I have nothing to plug them into. I don't need recording or audio editing
I did upgrade to the 64 bit version, only to be told by PGM that I really didn't need it.
When we get a better print notation I'll be ready to buy, but until then I'll happily use what I have. It's great, but I'll gladly give up a couple of hundred real tracks for a professional looking / performing notation module
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643)
Windows 10 (1909)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,634
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,634 |
From my perspective, going from 2014 to 2020 is a big jump and you will see lots of changes. Whether these changes are useful for you, though, will depend on your needs. What I suggest is... 1. Have a look at the below New Features video of BIAB 2020. It's just 6 minutes long. https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=568369#Post568369And here is a 58 minute, more comprehensive overview of BIAB 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn3fOGM43p82. Go to the link below and have a scan through the online manual for BIAB 2020 https://www.pgmusic.com/manuals/Since you're already a BIAB user, if you investigate the above, I'm pretty sure you will be able to assess whether or not it is worthwhile upgrading. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829 |
Pretty big updates came in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and also in 2020. Things like better auto chord wizard, enhanced abilities to use time based VSTis and several more. As mentioned the GUI upgrade in 2018. Better stretching software was added. Harmony upgrades, and the addition of Real Charts for drums are huge, and there are several more since 2014. The shear amount of RTs and styles make it worth the price, at least to me.
A couple thoughts do you use a DAW? Do you use RTs?
Last edited by Rob Helms; 01/02/20 02:03 PM.
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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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21 |
Pretty big updates came in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and also in 2020. Things like better auto chord wizard, enhanced abilities to use time based VSTis and several more. As mentioned the GUI upgrade in 2018. Better stretching software was added. Harmony upgrades, and the addition of Real Charts for drums are huge, and there are several more since 2014. The shear amount of RTs and styles make it worth the price, at least to me.
A couple thoughts do you use a DAW? Do you use RTs?
Yes, I use Cakewalk. And yes, I do use Real Tracks. Thanks for the info. It will help me to decide.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21 |
Thanks to all for your input. I'll go ahead and watch the longer version of the features overview. All I need is a gently nudge to order. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829 |
If you use Cake you will love the plugin in that DAW. The concern that it still needs may be valid, but it still can offer a lot inside a DAW for basic track creation and song bed support.
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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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 21 |
Thanks for all the help guys. I pulled the trigger and am currently downloading and installing everything through the Download Manager from within BIAB 2020.
I've got a bunch of new chord progressions that I've dreamed up in the past few months, and I can't wait to get started fleshing them out.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829 |
post some tracks so we can check them out
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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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,305
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,305 |
I'm interested in 2020 becasue of the chord wizard update & the tempo fix in that. I'm also interested in any improvements to Multi riff as I find the 2019 clunky at best.
I'm completely uninterested in MIDIand it would appear that the majority of newness is in that area.
Lots of new RealTracks - I like real tracks but use only a few of them, organ mostly, as I add my own performance to my songs. Most of the new RTs seem to be in styles that I have little or no interest in.
Finally - what I want is more tweakable RealDrums as I find the mix & EQ of most of these to be problematic. RealDrum tracks are the reason I started using BIAB but they've not progressed much since 2011. There are more of them, more transcriptions, (really? Drum transcriptions?), but no change to the how. LOTS of people tell me they copy the sample that needs emphasis & paste it into a new parallel track but that is VERY time consuming & prone to minor timing errors that destroy the intended emphasis.
So far I'm unconvinced.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685 |
rayc ..I'm completely uninterested in Midi and it would appear that the majority of newness is in that area
Do not agree , Variety is the spice of life. No way can you record the sounds people want opposed to what you have In the sound of that track in real tracks stuck with it !.. but in midi it becomes what you have in a source i.e. software/ hardware or what the .!!. I have a good sound module ..but one cannot live without the other just my penny take care.
Thanks
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,305
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,305 |
rayc .."I'm completely uninterested in Midi and it would appear that the majority of newness is in that area..."
Do not agree...
You don't agree that I'm uninterested? or You don't agree that the majority of new stuff is MIDI focussed? I think you mean you have the opposite approach or that you are very interested in MIDI. Hey, that's fine, the new version caters for you really well.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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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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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
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Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
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Saturday, May 16: Closed
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Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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!
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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®!
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