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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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My page long post was deleted twice in this thread. In essence, I what I said was that it maybe just SLIGHTLY early for prime time hyping? Maybe it is better to wait and fix a "few" things. So when you DO try amplify "marketing" by creating content / blogging etc. it would be met with less resistance from average new user who you are trying to capture and who is less than "open" to idea of imperfections. People's opinions are the key of modern "marketing" and ideally you want to keep the negative number below 5%. What I am afraid is that this might create adverse effect before some issues are resolved.
P.S. Dear moderator(s) my previous and current post relates directly to this topic and your police actions are baseless. I am afraid, I will have to abandon my participation in this forum all together if this continues from your side.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
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SLIGHTLY early for prime time hyping? What? BIAB has been on the market for over 20 years. You have to sell it for what it does not how it does it. A good salesman does not sell the steak he sells the sizzle.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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MusicStudent, I think you do not see this clear. Before 2019 I had a feeling that BIAB is on decline as a software. After PG made a decision to go 64bit and introduced VST, a strong feeling of hope was born. May veteran users correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that was one of the biggest software pushes in years. Now, it is relatively small stuff left to do, to make the software more appealing to "average" consumer compared to all the work that was done recently. Sort of: "Cleanup construction debris before inviting future home owners". They might stay in this house for years. When you "sell the sizzle", you might burn a customer's tongue... And that "customer" will scream loudly. And you know those customers, they are always right. I think it is in everyone interest (especially the seller) for a customer to walk away with a product and be happy with it the next morning... and maybe tell a buddy or two about it  To my understanding that is the art of "good" salesman. Not to make a quick coin. P.S. My understanding PG Software was around for 30 years, not 20 as you mentioned.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
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I keep hoping the new MIDI standard being developed will at least support chord symbols. MIDI 2.0 is already here. See Details about MIDI 2.0™, MIDI-CI, Profiles and Property Exchange. I had a quick glance at it. Many improvements for interconnectivity and accuracy, but I couldn't find a word about extending the file format with chord or other notation related messages. Masi
Band-in-a-Box, BiaB-plugin, Reaper, Win10 64bit, i7-8565U, 24GB RAM (always latest versions)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Dan (music student), Misha has a point. The release for 2019 was a biggie, and what many here wanted 64 bit, and the plugin brought a lot of enthusiasm for DAW users. However there are still nagging issues that never got addressed. The windows release last year pushed deep into the development cycle for Mac. Causing Mac release to delay till it pushed into Win 2020. So here we sit with plugin version 2 not fully completed, BiaB just now slowly becoming stable, RB still loaded with small issues. And we begin to push into the Mac cycle again. A never ending circle of incompleteness.
Slowing down to complete the 2019/2020 releases, maybe a fresh face with some GUI clean up would really help. The problem is PGM relies on the upgrade cycles for cash flow revenue to survive. How do we the end user help to end this so start loop? Well my 2 cents worth is this. Don’t ask for too much this year except to complete what is started.
1. Bring the plugin to a solid and useable version with the punch list of bugs knocked out. 2. Slow down the constant feature upgrades in BiaB, and fix a few long asked for bugs/limitations. 3. Give some more RTs, and especially RDs with Real charts. 4. Fix a few nagging issue with RB so it can be more attractive to DAW users.
Misha, while I totally agree that BiaB needs a fresh facial, maybe that could be the next big release 2022 and allow 2020 into 2021 to get this stuff really done once.
What then does that require from use you ask? That we upgrade this year even if the program doesn’t have “50” new features. Especially if it gets many issues addressed and completed.
Last edited by Rob Helms; 01/25/20 02:46 AM.
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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MusicStudent, I think you do not see this clear. OK, I admit my hearing is very poor. This is been a problem for me for quite some time. But my vision is ... well, still pretty good. So I do clearly see your point. I am just trying to stay positive and take the high ground. Less deletions of posts by moderators that way. You don't survive on this forum for over 20 years without some balanced perspective on this product. And regarding the sizzle, Perhaps you are not familiar with the origins of the phrase. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW6HmQ1QVMwAsk yourself what can BIAB do? Then what other package can do it? When I ask myself those questions each year I pull out my credit card and update. I can't make the music I make without BIAB.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Dan (music student), Misha has a point. Yes he does and the new kid is adding some very positive input to the forum lately.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Dan, I heard the phrase before  Clicked your Mr.Wheeler link and let it roll in the background while I worked. Nothing like a good Saturday morning sales pitch preaching. I liked the question he asked the audience: "have you ever made a friend in a hurry?" ---- If this thread relates only to marketing existing product "as is", I can just shut up (some folks sure would be happy with that  ) If it is a little more than that... a Decon's example of EDM content.... I am a more than certain, those kids who deal primarily with EDM music will express their concerns once / if they buy the package and most likely it would be outside this forum, where users are almost like a family. For the most part I am with Rob H. on the features vs stability. I strongly believe that a better polished product will "sell" better. My interest in this... I do want BIAB alive and well 5-10-15 years from now. It is very doable. Deacon, forgive me for intruding, your idea is good!! I just think with just a little muscle power it has much better chance of success.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Rusty, I agree with your points however I think the point Dan is making is the same one I've said before too. Enough is enough talking about this. Like I wrote in another thread Peter is well aware of all these concerns, witness the fact he just replied here! He knows, it's his company, his vision, his decision as to how all this proceeds going forward so let it go and move on. I would say you're one of the expert users of Biab so jump on some of the nooby posts and help with their problems getting started. With no editorializing about how the program should be improved, haha.
As to DeaconBlues reason for starting this thread, yes get this going now with what we have. I like the fact that Peter said Biab has already captured some Ableton customers with the plugin. That's great, build on that.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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What I like is that this is good dialog. Peter Gannon does care about his customer base and I hope we all have the companies, and Mr. Gannon’s best interest at heart. Creating a product like this is a monumental task, and therefore a labor of love. I wanted to say these are critical times, but I think the word important is a better fit. There have been some huge things done here. Hopefully there are many good things to come.
Bob you are so right about one thing here, there are so many things to do helping others to wrap their minds around the program rather than take every opportunity to make a point. There is infinitely more that works great here than what doesn’t. While we want to see some cleaning and tightening work done, BiaB does work great just as it is.
While there are several things that are not completed yet in the plugin, much does work and work well.
Last edited by Rob Helms; 01/25/20 12:37 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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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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Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
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Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
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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!
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!
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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!
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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.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
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