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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 623
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 623 |
I know this has been asked before, but everyone has different needs. My current card is a Sound Blast X-Fi (OEM) so I have always relied on some hacked drivers and apps, since I bought the card on eBay awhile back, and never though how Creative Labs treated people, who didn't buy their retail versions.
Anyway, I've been getting by, but every so often my MID gets out of sync with my audio (I have a Ketron SD4 which sounds great, but because I run it into the input of my SB (which might be a mike or a line-in, I can never really be sure) every time I reboot I get some nasty surprise like MIDI sounds playing double, or finding myself back in the Control Panel twiddling with the new Windows 7 bits (I really miss the old MIDI controls in previous versions of Windows.) It seems every time Microsoft SIMPLIFIES things I lose more control over what I used to have (like Default MIDI Device.)
Anyway, I would like a nice card (could be PCI or PCIe .. I have a slot of each left) that has a simple line-in (I have a USB mike) and a digital out (I would like to either buy digital speakers, or preferably send the out to the SPDIF in of my Stereo Amp.)
Any recommendations would be appreciated (I'd like to stay under $200 if possible.) I'd like to avoid Creative Labs, but if they are the only reasonable choice they'll get my money again...
Thanks!
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD90
Aerophone AE-30, Yamaha WX-7
Yamaha RX-v381amp
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35 |
The M-Audio Fast Track Pro if you want to go USB, I've been using it, sounds great, the bass guitar is faithfully reproduced fret noise and string growl is all there, voice and guitar sounds awesome and it comes with a killer VST guitar plugin that works with Reaper DAW and others.
I know it's creative but the E-MU 0404 pci is supposed to be great, I have not heard it but the guys on the Reaper forum seem to like it and you can find it for about $99.00 on Amazon
I have a question to, I would like to get more in's and out's and monitoring, has anyone used the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra? P.S. Jan I'm not sure about this one yet, still researching it, but it looks to have more pro home studio functions built in to it.
Warren
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629 |
That'll probably be my next soundcard purchase (Fast Track Ultra). Others here have used it. Done a search? This thread was recent - http://www.pgmusic.com/ubbthreads/showfl...amp;Search=trueI have been impressed with this company's bang-per-buck for a while. They recently released drivers for Win 7 for my 'long in the tooth' Delta 1010. That's pretty good support in my eyes. Drivers for W98 thru Win 7 for that card still supported. Happy camper. The Ultra is giving me G.A.S. like I haven't had in quite a while.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 623
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 623 |
I was looking at the M-Audio 2496 as a "pull-and-replace" PCI card. For $99 (free shipping) it seems very quiet, has a SPDIF out (actually 2) and rave reviews as a "Vanilla" audiophile card. I am pretty much done with SoundFonts (they were fun for a decade) and don't next EAX "Crystallizers" and other toys.
I have too many boxes hanging off the machine already to hang yet another USB device on it. The 2496 has been around since like 2006, and I hear few complaints (aside from newbies who don't know how to download a driver ..)
Anyone want to talk me out of it quick ?? I got an itchy PayPal finger .. especially < $100..
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD90
Aerophone AE-30, Yamaha WX-7
Yamaha RX-v381amp
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I have had no problems with an M-Audio AP2406 card here, works fine with pgmusic products. I've had this card for a long time now. Good card.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629 |
Except it's PCI
That's the only drawback. Look how many new systems support PCI (few)
It's a good soundcard, but future doesn't look good for support on newer systems.
That said, I still currently use a similar PCI card for main DAW. For the price it's a deal if you have a system that uses PCI and plan on staying with it for a bit. Just know PCI is on it's way out.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
E-MU jhas already released a PCIe version for some of their pro-sumer soundcards.
That's a good sign and I am hoping that Delta/M-Audio follows suit there.
PCIe just may solve a few bandwidth and other common problems for us, if implemented properly with good drivers.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,980
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,980 |
Quote:
Except it's PCI
That's the only drawback. Look how many new systems support PCI (few)
It's a good soundcard, but future doesn't look good for support on newer systems.
That said, I still currently use a similar PCI card for main DAW. For the price it's a deal if you have a system that uses PCI and plan on staying with it for a bit. Just know PCI is on it's way out.
My new Dell did have one PCI slot available for the older PCI cards. I picked up the Audiophle 192 and it works like on champ on Win 7 and the new Dell.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629 |
Good to hear Jazzmandan.
I just grabbed the new win7 drivers for the 1010 also, but finding a system with the slot is the hard part. Glad they are still out there.
That said I may be looking at the Ultra just for future-proof. I think USB will be here a while.
Although I probably just jinxed it by saying that.
PCIe does have nice specs. And I do like having the card in a slot inside the system for some reason.
Another option.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199 |
I have the 2496 in my computer. I have a couple of PCI slots, 4 PCI-e 16 and a couple of PCI-e x4s.
I have the Asus Xonar D2X, which I use as my main sound card, it also has S/PDIF In and Out, in a combo jack, allowing you to use either optical or coaxial, which I send to my receiver. However, the 2496 S/PDIF goes to my external A/D and D/A converters, and I have been very happy with the sound I get.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 623
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 623 |
I went with the 2496 (my old X-Fi was PCI so it was direct swap.) I build my own machines, so I usually find a mobo with ONE PCI slot available. If they go away in the next couple years, I'm out 85 bucks .... That's the computer biz ...
I am VERY pleased with the sound. The software is not pretty, but I finally got it to play directly into proggies like Audacity and SoundForge directly from BIAB and RealBand (to keep from having to render all the time.)
I went with a Coaxial cable (just got it today) to the back of my harman/kardon AVR-45. It's a bit of an old unit, but does the job. I am not used to hearing NO hum !! I never knew what quiet was !!
Thanks for all the recommendations !
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD90
Aerophone AE-30, Yamaha WX-7
Yamaha RX-v381amp
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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
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®!
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!
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