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So, I'm working with a Satellite C675 Windows laptop, upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10. With the stimulus money, I'm considering getting a more dedicated laptop to run BIAB/RealBand, along with Finale, possibly AVS Video software. Currently I've got Band-in-a-Box and RealBand 2019 Full (Windows) on the external drive.
What should I be looking at? Currently have Band-in-a-Box UltraPAK Upgrade with RealBand. I teach, so I'd like to be able to create good-sounding backing tracks for lessons as well as possibly for use in a live duo situation. Currently not using out outboard gear, would like to keep that to a minimum.
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1237)
64 bit application
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
I needed a new laptop that I use for live shows, I bought an Acer 2 in 1. I thought a tablet might be handy however I never use it in tablet mode. What it does have is a i7 with 8G memory and 512G SSD. I only use this device to play backing tracks plus as my amp using TH3 as the basis for my guitar amp. I connect via a Presonus 24C USB audio interface. I also have a FCB1010 MIDI foot controller hooked up to this to control the amp sim. As well as that Songbook to display my songs and control the show. What I have is overkill but for the little extra it is worth it.
I’m not plugging the Acer but I would say go for more than you need. (You will use it)
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 05/10/20 10:55 PM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
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biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Well, I'm thinking of using my stimulus check, so maybe $600-800, with a little left over for peripherals, such as an interface, or maybe some suggested soft synths?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1237)
64 bit application
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 59
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 59 |
Used my stimulus payment ($750 AU) to upgrade from a Celeron CPU 64g storage 4 g ram to an Asus Zen Core i5 8 g ram and 256g ssd. Running biab ultrapak from 256gb micro SD card in slot provided.
Real styles with all real tracks now load and ready to play in a couple of seconds. Took up to a minute on previous computer.
This laptop minimum recommended for processing 4k video by my video software supplier.
Garth
Windows 11 i5 Laptop PC, Raspberry Pi4B 8gb running Linux and Windows 11. BB2022 Ultraplus. Sonar. Yamaha DGX 660 piano. Audacity. Irig Keys Controller.
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The fact of the matter is that practically any decent recent laptop will do a great job for you. Just spend as much as you need but there's no need to buy the latest and the greatest. Unless you're setting up a pro studio, any good off the shelf lappy will do the job just fine.
I actually did a similar thing to what you're considering. When I decided to get back into digital recording after OS upgrades killed my first studio, I bought a nice laptop, an interface, and speakers to get set up right. That was back in the day when even the cheapest laptops were not cheap. BTW, that laptop runs Windows ME and is still totally functional and gets used on occasion. I later built a desktop that I still use as my main DAW daily.
I'd seriously look into getting a nicer USB external musical interface and stop trying to use the built in sound card on the laptop. The realtec cards are not designed to do what we do. Spend a couple hundred dollars on a nice Presonus or Focusrite and do it right. You need a card that runs native ASIO, has a minimum of 2 inputs with low and high impedance jacks, phantom power, and the outputs you need.
Have fun.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Also, if you are serious about getting into softsynths then RAM is an important feature. I would suggest you get 16 gigs of RAM.
But if you are not going to get into softsynths then 8 gigs of RAM is plenty.
A third thing to thing about is near field monitors. A good computer, an audio interface, and near field monitors are a necessity for recording and playing music IMHO.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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I always provide the same answer when asked about what computer someone should buy. Buy more than you think you need in processor, memory, storage etc. Buy as much as you can get for what you are willing to spend. Several good ideas already posted about external interfaces etc.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
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I agree with etcjoe on processor and ram.
You may consider skipping the touch screen capability. That might add $100 to the price.
I purchased a Dell XPS I use for BIAB when I travel. It has a touch screen.
First thing I did was hook it up to a bigger monitor.
BIAB just begs something larger than a small laptop screen.
The mixed metaphors (touch screen on one/ no touch on the other) were both confusing and annoying.
Turns out I almost never use the touch on the xps.
YMMV.
Anyway, might give you enough extra to buy more RAM or a faster multi-core.
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
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I LOVE REFURBS. but get a warranty.
enter into google the following.
"intel i5/i7 ssd 8/16 gigs ram REFURBISHED".
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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I LOVE REFURBS. but get a warranty. Yes sir, I'm all about those too, more specifically with Dell. I stick with Intel chips too. A weak computer with a weak AMD processor is a bad combo as it gets older and out of spec.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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This is a good time to do the research. We find no shortage of people eager to relieve us of the stimulus check. It's not mad money. I say it is a good time because there are tech suppliers willing to devote more time to pre sales than during the usual hectic pace. Lucky for you, one of the best is not so far away. No, i have no connection. https://www.microcenter.com/site/stores/cambridge.aspxSix applications were mentioned: BiaB, lessons, performance, personal duet recording, and some video, later. Maybe have the following window open when talking to tech support: https://www.microcenter.com/site/stores/cambridge.aspxMy thought is that you have a system designed and build it as budget permits, keeping the big picture in mind. Also, laptops aren't seen so much in live performances lately. One reason is that the environments are so unpredictable. Maybe you can look again at your projected application list. Two last things: 1) you want to talk to someone who is up to date on audio visual compression advances. Thanks to You Tube and Soundcloud, compression and straming are hot topics with big $$ on the line. Not your father's MP3 or MP4. 2) note the increased use of external hard drives, HDD, such as Passport and Seagate. I'm no expert, but check me on this with someone who is, regarding compression and storage. Externals can be slow. Suggesting to mention this to the pre-sales. --------------- Finally, look at what Getac is doing. For what it is worth. https://www.bobjohnson.com/getac-laptops/
Last edited by edshaw; 05/13/20 12:12 PM.
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For my little input on this, after reading some of the above comments ..
RAM is not to be discounted. The more RAM you have, the more efficient your processor can be under heavier loads (although you can go into overkill on this just like you can on any of the parts).
Once a system has to start using the temp hard drive storage (when the RAM gets full), it slows down a lot ..
In my experience a so-so processor with enough RAM will outperform a better processor with less RAM once that temp hard drive storage/swapping starts getting invoked too often due to lack of RAM.
Once the RAM starts needing that hard drive temp file too often things can start bogging down.
On my newest system, W10 running just the OS and a browser to post this, takes up about 4 gig of RAM.
In other words, I think I'd get 16 gig RAM if you can swing it .. 32 may be overkill, but 8 may be limiting in the future.
just my thoughts, take with 2 grains of salt if needed
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Journeyman
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OP
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Posts: 699 |
These are all good answers and very helpful. I like the idea of the Asus Zen Core(is that i5 or 15?), although I would maybe consider upind the RAM, a la Rharv's recommendation. Of course, I'm not sure if upping the RAM is possible, but that's another question that I can address offline.
So, I'm thinking about my applications of the software. Currently, I'm doing backing tracks for lessons, and I'm getting good used out of what I have now, on this laptop that I'm typing this on now. I'm using BIAB and Real Band from the external drive presented by PG Music(actually, I backed that up and I'm using the back-up). I'm not having any issue with speed, as I'm not using it live. I'm not using BIAB or Real Band live, just creating sound files of the sequences. I'm considering recording some of my vocals, guitar, and/or bass parts into Real Band for demos in order to hustle band positions and auditions, maybe demos for arrangements in a band situation. I'm working out the kinks of using a Behringer interface to get these things to record in Real Band. I guess the two unknowns, or little knowns, would be what I may want to do for the impending duo situation, and outside of BIAB, I may want to be able to do some video for online lessons and/or band demos. I'm not even sure if it needs to be HD vid. I've been editing video on this machine with AVS software pretty well for lessons and stuff.
I've got a singer who I used to work with, and she now wants to do some duo work. Some of the things she'd like to do would be "Ain't Nobody" by Chaka Kahn, other funk and blues material that we both like. Some of this seems like it's going to be pretty challenging to do with one guitar and two vocalists. Back in the day, we worked together in another keyboardist's sequenced band. I don't have access to that guy any more, and as I'm pretty good with arranging, I'm considering running sequences off of this impending laptop. Is this a good use of my resources, or should I just create the backing tracks in Real Band and save them as soundfiles, playing/singing with the soundfiles live? I know that the original reason to do sequences was to be able to mix the different instruments live for different rooms, and recordings weren't quite as portable. Is it still worth playing live with a sequence, or are recordings the way to go?
That said, would I be looking at soft synths? I'd like to not be filling my house up with external hardware, such as keyboards and hard synths. I'm not a keyboard player, and am more of a step-edit kind of guy(I'm a guitar player).
I throw myself at the mercy of the court. What should I be considering? I like the idea of the Asus coming in between $600-700. Looking at how the world is going with the virus, I don't know that I want to go much more than that, and would prefer less. Or am I trying to spread things too thin?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1237)
64 bit application
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 699
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 699 |
What does everyone think about the Chromebooks?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1237)
64 bit application
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892 |
As far as I know Chromebooks only run Chrome OS.
You probably don't want that.
BIAB won't run on it.
Not sure any DAWS run on it.
I'll bet Chrome runs real well on it.
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745
Journeyman
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Posts: 745 |
I won one at a raffle.
I played with it for a while. It is somewhere in the house. Not sure where.
...Deb
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
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Yeah, it's pretty much just for web browsing.....
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,618
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Posts: 27,618 |
Hardware-wise, to run BIAB, first get the fastest CPU you can afford.
Next, get enough RAM although it's hard to go wrong here anymore. 8 GB is plenty unless you work with a lit of software synths.
Then get a fast disk, SSD if possible.
Don't worry about graphics capability or speed.
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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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 699
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 699 |
What's the difference between the Focusrite and the Behringer UM2? What makes the higher price worth it?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1237)
64 bit application
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
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.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
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
Sunday, May 17: Closed
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!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
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!
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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