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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 681
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 681 |
I understand the mark-up of products for profit but for me to start out for what I need is $700.00. I was laid off last year and there is no return as company is gone. I use my time while my wife works two jobs to keep us afloat playing music at home. When I did buy band in a box in 1994 it was great at the time and did all I needed plus powertracks for my midi but now it seems I would be better off going hardware/software, pro tools etc. I love music but the pro version barely has enough for a beginner to start. Any and all answers to this would be appreciated as I was about to make a purchase until I saw how much it would cost to start out.
critter
Critter
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hello. As I mentioned in your other thread about horns, it couldn't hurt to call PG Music and ask them if you qualify for any discount on an upgrade. You did not reply to my post, so I do not know if you tried that.
It is hard for us to know what you need, but if you are "starting out" you could do a great deal with the Pro version. It certainly has far more power than any of us had with this program just a few years ago, and we were able to make some pretty good music. Then, when you outgrow that, call PG Music sales and ask for their pricing to upgrade to a more powerful Pak. Or, wait until the next program update, which has traditionally occurred twice per year, and upgrade then, since they have several price points depending on what you already own.
This is a most fair company to deal with. Besides, I've always thought it was great that they did not make everyone buy everything just to start; you can ease into it.
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: Feb 2010
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Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 681 |
I thought I did reply, Maybe I am not doing something right. I do see my answers under horns still sorry about that. I hope this gets to to the right place.
Critter
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi. Yes, you had three replies on various topics, just nothing to the idea of calling PG Music.
I also don't recall if you said anything yet about what kind of equipment you already have, such as what soundcard, MIDI synth, etc. That could be helpful for us as we go forward.
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: Feb 2010
Posts: 681
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
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Okay, I was using a yamaha mt-100 cassette 4 track recorder, now I have a Boss 1600, I bought a rode nt1-a mic, etc. Before this I would record from midi tracks to the mt-100 through a spirit 16 track console, then it would go to my effects rack, which has, mav-8 midi patch bay, alesis compressor/limiter, alesis midiverb 4, dod 430 equalizer, then to bbe 462 sonic maximizer. Then I would download to my Sony minidisc recorder. Now I want to do all through the br-1600. I still think I need my rack setup before mastering but I am not sure. I like and play rock and blues, so I need rock and blues patches with the realtracks type of thing and I still wish there were horn sections. I hope this helps.
Critter
ps my keyboard is a korg 01wfd
Last edited by critter; 02/12/10 12:43 AM.
Critter
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi critter,
I take it that you are looking at the Audiophile edition. Can I suggest that if the budget is tight, it might be worthwhile thinking about the UltraPlusPak or the EverythingPak. I have the UltraPlusPak and it's sensational (the UltraPlusPak is the cheapest product that has all Realstyles, Realdrums and Style Sets). I also note on PGMusic's website that it says "Upgrade from 2008 or earlier". The 1994 edition certainly fits that criterion.
Regards,
Noel
Last edited by Noel96; 02/12/10 03:34 AM.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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That's right Noel. If he's a registered user he could get the Ultra Plus Pak for $299.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 85
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
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Not to confuse the matter too much, but I bought the MegaPAK (the minimum level that had ALL styles), and have been quite happy with the results, even though it had a limited set of RealDrums/RealTracks.
Here's why it worked for me: After some initial experimentation, I never used the RealDrums/RealTracks at all. I now use MIDI tracks only, and just route the output through some high quality virtual instruments and it sounds fantastic. Also, I feel like I have much better control over the MIDI than I do the "Real" instruments.
critter, if you're on a budget and you're okay with tweaking/routing MIDI channels, you might consider an upgrade to the MegaPAK coupled with a good, yet inexpensive soft-sampler -w- library, such as Vir2's "Vi.One", which is only $99 at Musician's Friend/Guitar Center.
But this is just my way of working. The "Real" instruments in BiaB certainly give some bang for the buck in terms of rapidly getting something going that sounds pro, out of the box, and the UltraPlusPAK for a $299 upgrade price, shipped ready to rock on a USB drive, is a pretty good deal.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 241
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 241 |
Patience is a grown man's virtue. Santa has been very good to me. If you wait until the Christmas specials and update every year from there, you will find that you will be able to afford a package that will eventually include everthing you need. However you will find yourself getting a little more aggressive and buying applications you want instead of need. That's the benifit of Band-in-a-box. They make everything (options) so affordable, that you just can't resist, espically during the holidays. Most of the up-grades I have purchased over the years averaged from $39 to approximately $160, but I bit the bullet and waited for the holiday specials. Therefore as a start, you could upgrade to 2010 Pro for approximately $69. That would get you Real Band, lots of Styles and some Real Tracks. Spreading your money out over time is probably a good way for you, as it was and is for me. The reason I up-grade every year is not because of features I may or may not need, but because I know that the function of the program get better and better every year. Hope this helps.
Last edited by David Walker; 02/12/10 11:26 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
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I on the other hand always add real instruments to my stuff. Always.
And I have a Ketron SD2 but the two work well together, and I thought the VSC DXi worked ok too. Not as well as the Ketron but it worked ok.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Posts: 4,900
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Quote:
Hello. As I mentioned in your other thread about horns, it couldn't hurt to call PG Music and ask them if you qualify for any discount on an upgrade. You did not reply to my post, so I do not know if you tried that.
It is hard for us to know what you need, but if you are "starting out" you could do a great deal with the Pro version. It certainly has far more power than any of us had with this program just a few years ago, and we were able to make some pretty good music. Then, when you outgrow that, call PG Music sales and ask for their pricing to upgrade to a more powerful Pak. Or, wait until the next program update, which has traditionally occurred twice per year, and upgrade then, since they have several price points depending on what you already own.
This is a most fair company to deal with. Besides, I've always thought it was great that they did not make everyone buy everything just to start; you can ease into it.
+1
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,792
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This might sound a little hard but i do not mean it that way. But instead of playing music while the wife works two jobs waiting for a job to come your way. Throw a load of tools in your truck go down to all the local real estate offices and see if they need any handy work done for repos and home sales that might ned attention before escrow closes. Change a few Locks, fix a few hinges, patch a drywall hole or two make a few dollars and help the misses out, she might be more favorable to you upgrading the toys if you were helping to haul the load.
If not the handy type get a job flippin burgers, greeting at walmart, baggin groceries, checking at Lowes, stocking shelves, twirling signs, washing cars, fixing window screen, mowing lawns, cash register at the gas station. Anything. I was out of work for almost two years and i made $40,000 that year doing odd jobs and repairs.
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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Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
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Posts: 681 |
I just responded to your entry, at length but it would not post. Bottom line is I tried all that and in Sheboygan Wisconsin there is nothing left. I have tried, nothing there in any form. Unemployment is high here, my wife flips burgers part time at Mcdonalds and her hours are cut so salary managers can do it due to lack of sales. She has a full time factory job which could close up shop anytime. Like I ended the post that would not post, I have always been the bread winner, 10 years ago I had a full time job, a part time job and did week end gigs in a band. Bottom line, I feel like an invalid leaving on unemployment benefits.
Critter
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Posts: 1,116
Expert
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Expert
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Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Robh,
I don't want to call you an jerk so i won't. I've been out of work in NC for over three years. There's a new tractor supply store moving into town. They advertised for 17 $7.00/hr positions. They got over 1000 applications according to the NCESC. Don't go slinging this holier then though crap until you know what you're talking about.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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This has led me to add a few things to my prayers this morning.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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My appologies guys, there are difficult times out there. My point is that there are ways to make money, maybe not great money, but money. I have seen folks struggle and it is disheartening to say the least. I can see my comments were rather insensitive and i truely am sorry for that. I meant to motivate rather than put down, but it certainly did not come off as intended.
Critter i am sorry for your struggles, and hope you find the way through it all. I guess my point is that in truely bad times one needs to do more than just appply for the run of the mill jobs, they need to think outside the box. I was trying to offer some of that.
Silvertones i agree i was being a jerk, without meaning too, but still. I do not consider myself holier than anyone, but i also know what it feels like to be unemployed, I spend a year cleaning up the mess from a business that went south, and two more without a real job. I guess i was fortunate because i found things to do, and worked almost every day. I did odd jobs, repaired peoples homes, worked with anyone that needed help. Took on part time jobs that were only temporary, but somehow made it all work.
I hope you all take my thoughts as intended, and not as they came out. Rob
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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Apologies accepted Rob.Water over the dam.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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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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Robh,
1st of all I am sharing the story below with the intent to help Critter in his times of need. And for what it's worth I took your post as being constructive also, not condescending in anyway. You mentioned repairing screens, and that struck a chord with me (Abm7) no just kidding about the musical chord, but after my 1st retirement I felt like I could still be productive along with playing a few music gigs here and there. Not that I needed the additional income but with the hopes of leaving jobs for my grandchildren in times of tough economies. So with this said here is my attempt to give Critter some advice that hopefully will help him to start bringing in some additional income. So I looked around at how the energy cost rise was affecting every homeowner and looked for a niche business in that field. To make a long story short I started a little solar screen business. And Critter this is a business you can start without investing one cent!
Just find someone a town or two away already in the business and work out pricing with them where there is still profit left for you selling and installing the screens job after you pay him for building them. If you can use a tape measure and a screwdriver you are ready to go.
I did this three years ago and starting last year one of my sons started working with me partime in our own shop manufacturing and installing our own solar screens. The income is still not at a place where it will support a family but the profits did start instantly and it has purchased a shop full of equipment and inventory that "by the Grace of God" will start turning into sweet profit this spring.
So Critter please don’t let yourself get beat up by the tough times you are going through, as often through adversity comes entrepreneurship and better times. Look for the need out there, I am sure that many people in your neck of the woods are still working and have homes and businesses to take care of, besides the many who are looking for ways to lower their home or business energy cost.
Critter, please PM, call or email me if you think I can be of any assistance.
Regards,
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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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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!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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!
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
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April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
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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.
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