|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 26 |
Hi, new to BIAB and have narrowed it down(mostly due to money concerns) to buy either the 2020 Pro BIAB or the 2019 MegaPak. Anyone have any idea on how different the 2020 version is from the 2019, and which one would I get more out of?
I am on a Mac and the style of music I will mostly be working on would be a kind of Alternative(not grungy) with electronic type undertones(think Depeche Mode or New Order).
Another question is would I need one of the UltraPak versions in order to use add ons like the "Loops With Style Pak"?
BIAB 2020 MegaPAK Build 426
on a 2009 24-Inch iMac OSX El Capitan Version 10.11.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,096
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,096 |
Welcome to the forum!
As you undoubtedly already know, both the ProPAK and MegaPAK include the full version of Band-in-a-Box for Mac. However, both packages have limited content compared against the amount of content available in the UltraPAK or Audiophile PAK.
My advice is to get the largest package you can afford with the intent of learning as many program features as you can. Many new users concentrate on the content and become frustrated at not being able to use styles, RealTracks or RealDrums that are not available to them. You can avoid much of that frustration by enjoying what you have and learning the program.
The MegaPAK has about three times the content as the ProPAK so you will get frustrated less often if you have the MegaPAK. However if you want to learn to become proficient and efficient using the program and it's features the ProPAK works just as good as the MegaPAK.
I started with the ProPAK. While learning the program and features I saved my money with the understanding I could upgrade to the UltraPAK during a new release sale.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 26 |
Thanks! You've helped me lean more toward the MegaPak. Though I also was wondering about the difference in sound quality of the 2020 version to the 2019 version(of which I would be getting the MegaPak for). Is there much difference or is it mainly the new features that the 2020 version gives?
I'm imagining that the 2019 version has pretty decent sound already. And I can always upgrade from there, right?
Thanks again!
BIAB 2020 MegaPAK Build 426
on a 2009 24-Inch iMac OSX El Capitan Version 10.11.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,096
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,096 |
Band-in-a-Box for Mac 2020 includes updated software that improves how audio is time and pitch shifted. This improvement can make audio sound better when the program makes extreme adjustment to audio so the audio will match the chord sheet. For that reason alone 2020 audio may sound better than the same audio created by 2019.
If you're purchasing either package with the intent of finding a lot of content that matches " Alternative(not grungy) with electronic type undertones" you might be disappointed. Both packages offer content in a variety of genres. Check out the demos to determine if the examples matches your music vision.
Again remember the ProPAK and MegaPAK contain the same program. So the ProPAK will not sound different than the MegaPAK. My advise was to get one or the other if your main intent at this time is to learn how to use the program.
You will have a better chance of finding content that matches that song vision with the 550 hours of MegaPAK audio content than the 340 hours of ProPAK audio content. At the same time, the audio content in either package is minuscule when compared to the 3,100 hours of audio content in the UltraPAK or Audiophile.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 26 |
Thank you again for your replies! They have been very helpful.
Yes, I have looked at some of the demos and with my Korg Workstation I believe I can make it work to my style of music, as if I read it correctly BIAB can be used with other DAWs like Garageband to mix things together. I am not expecting BIAB to be able to give me a whole song by itself, but we'll see on some of them. I have found some interesting and possibly useful sounds on demos of some of the music tracks.
Basically I am looking to give my songs a fuller sound that I haven't been able to do with just my Korg despite all of its features.
BIAB 2020 MegaPAK Build 426
on a 2009 24-Inch iMac OSX El Capitan Version 10.11.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,096
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,096 |
SterlingHolobyte,
Please update this thread with your final choice and what criteria led to your selection.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,630
Posts807,704
Members40,178
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean