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Sorry if this is an incredibly dumb question, but what is the difference between RealStyles and Loops?
I'm wondering whether I should add Loops-with-Styles to my collection, but honestly I don't really know what they are. I've listened to some of the demos on the PG music page and to me they sound like more RealStyles.
Thanks!
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Journeyman
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Loops are small snippets of music that can be played over and over and over again. They loop in such a way as to sound seamless.
I use it when I just want a rhythm to noodle around while I play my guitar. Can also be used in a composition.
...Deb
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Loops are small snippets of music that can be played over and over and over again. They loop in such a way as to sound seamless.
I use it when I just want a rhythm to noodle around while I play my guitar. Can also be used in a composition.
...Deb Thanks Deb. That makes sense and is pretty much what I thought a loop was. But isn't that what RealTracks are as well? Small snippets of music that fit seamlessly together.
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...
But isn't that what RealTracks are as well? Small snippets of music that fit seamlessly together. To a certain degree, but RealTracks are not necessarily loops as such. They are different, separate musical phrases performed (usually) over multiple bars, that can then be seamlessly joined together. It's possible that there may never be a repeated (looped) phrase when using RealTracks. Looping indicates the same musical passage repeated over and over. RealTracks are different. Hope this assists.
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...
But isn't that what RealTracks are as well? Small snippets of music that fit seamlessly together. To a certain degree, but RealTracks are not necessarily loops as such. They are different, separate musical phrases performed (usually) over multiple bars, that can then be seamlessly joined together. It's possible that there may never be a repeated (looped) phrase when using RealTracks. Looping indicates the same musical passage repeated over and over. RealTracks are different. Hope this assists. Ah, okay, thanks. Are loops purely rhythmic, then? (i.e. they can't be changed to fit chord progressions or transposed like RealTracks can?)
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It kind of depends. I started my computer-aided music making with Loops using Acid software, the early software that made "looping" a thing available for the desktop set.
Loops in general, if the software is right, can have their pitch changed and time compressed/expanded. I think most loops are rhythmical in nature, but that might also contain some pitch information in short, repeating musical phrases that "loop" end to beginning in a rhythmical pattern.
I'm not familiar with the loops available from PGMusic enough to know for certain how they are handled within BiaB. Certainly Rhythmical loops will match tempo, and will change pitch if there is pitch to be changed.
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Right. Loops can conform to the Acidized standard. If they do, their pitch and timing can be altered by the program.
Tangmo, did you start with Fruity Loops, now known as FL Studio?
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Hi Matt. I started with Acid software from Sonic Foundry. It wasn't what I was hoping for, but I had a lot of fun with it. BIAB was what I was hoping for. There were a lot of FL users on the Acid Planet website. Loops definitely have their place and there is more that can be done with them then simply painting them coast to coast. Tools and raw materials.
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Drum loops normally have beat and tempo data embedded so the digital audio workstation or DAW can stretch or shrink the loop as needed to match the length of a bar and DAW tempo. Musical loops have beat and tempo data but also have root key signature data embedded. The root key data allows a DAW to adjust the pitch of the notes within the loop.
RealDrums and RealTracks differ slightly from loops. Users auditions and selects loops. Band-in-a-Box and RealBand selects complete audio phrases out of a 3 - 4 minute audio file. The audio phrases can range from 1 to 8 bars in length. Loops can be used by any program that can read the embedded metadata. RealDrums and RealTracks work only within Band-in-a-Box, RealBand and perhaps PowerTracks Pro (but I don't think so). Copy a RealTrack audio file and import the file into any program that can read metadata and, guess what, the program will not recognize any beat, tempo or root key metadata.
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Thanks, everyone. I am getting a better idea of the distinction between the two, though I'm still unsure about whether I should get the loops packs.
I mainly use BIAB for jazz and latin, with a dash of classic pop/rock. Would you say that loops would be a useful addition to my collection?
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my small contribution is that RealTracks give you a musical equivalent of a real musician, i have both loops paks and to my ear loops give you an opportunity to create a solid background groove where repetition is essential to a thick punchy sound.
listen to some of PG's demo tracks for xtra styles and the loops pak styles to see what you think
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<<< "RealTracks give you a musical equivalent of a real musician" >>>
That's how I think too. Except I include any style and instrument as a real musician.
I see the Chord Chart when it's populated as the demo or scratch track of a recording.
The Style instruments and any instrument additions become overdubs by session musicians.
Any chord changes, edits and regenerations as Punch-ins/outs.
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Thanks, everyone. I am getting a better idea of the distinction between the two, though I'm still unsure about whether I should get the loops packs.
I mainly use BIAB for jazz and latin, with a dash of classic pop/rock. Would you say that loops would be a useful addition to my collection? Yes.
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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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