Did you see the latest build update announcement for Band-in-a-Box® 2020 for Windows?
It’s PACKED with powerful updates, including additional RealCharts, improved RealStyles demos, language support, and significant additions and improvements to the DAW Plugin!
The updated DAW Plugin 2.9.41 adds additional and redesigned action buttons, refined DAW syncing, Chord Sheet enhancements, improvements to MultiRiffs, RealTracks, RealDrums, and MIDI features, and so much more! In fact, we’ve made a video that highlights all the changes to the DAW Plugin with build 2.9.41:
Learn more about the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2020 b724 for Windows and download it here.
Suggest the new marketing model for the PG music: Create a barebone BIAB software that allow registered BIAB users to update their program up to rev. xxx that PG announcing.
The Bare bone BIAB only contents the basic functions, no real band, no real tracks, no extra styles etc…
Users who want features add-ons then they must purchase.
This new marketing model will support users who has bought the previous BIAB versions that may have the bugs to update to the latest software, and allow them to buy the new real tracks, new styles…
A No vote here. I started with BIAB 2018 Pro. That was an excellent starting point for me.
Ed Z
Soundcloud profile https://soundcloud.com/user-415064494 BIAB user since 2019 iPad Mini, Garageband for iOS, BIAB for Windows 2020 UltraPAK, Xtra Styles packs 6-9, Windows 10 Lenovo PC, Kontakt Player, SpitFire LABS, SampleTank 4 CS, some Soundfonts
Depends what is the goal. If you want more of fresh blood, kids 25-35 you have to be creative. I started with Pro, but even that for "starter" was a bit disturbing. A lot of files, uncommon interfaces MANY buttons, etc. Price point was OK, but the first thought was...What did I get myself into?
Only after playing with software for several hours I started to see potential and strength of it. I believe most of younger adults will not babysit it for so long. I am not suggesting that ADD plays part in it, perhaps most (pro-sumer) audio software these days is far easier to dive into and that is what younger generation users would expect?
Having said that. VST was/is an excellent idea to capture wider audience. I do feel it is getting to where it needs to be, but still needs a big kiss and a hug. Perhaps bundling just the Plugin with 1/2 the content from the PRO and selling it 1/2 price of the Pro will get traction from the folks on budget or just hesitant to spend more on something that they are completely unfamiliar with?
For example, if you are shopping for reverb VST, you know that you will get a reverb. It might suck or be the best one ever. Still it will be a reverb, something you can "imagine" and most likely compare to. BIAB is a different beast that stands all by itself and maybe should be a bit more flexible and creative to capture future followers.
This is probably the most skinny and acceptable "barebone" I can think of. Otherwise, Pro is very reasonable.
Suggest the new marketing model for the PG music: Create a barebone BIAB software that allow registered BIAB users to update their program up to rev. xxx that PG announcing.
The Bare bone BIAB only contents the basic functions, no real band, no real tracks, no extra styles etc…
Users who want features add-ons then they must purchase.
This new marketing model will support users who has bought the previous BIAB versions that may have the bugs to update to the latest software, and allow them to buy the new real tracks, new styles…
Your new marketing model already exists! Every year when the new edition is released there is an upgrade option to purchase just the programs. This upgrade option generally costs about $50 US and expires at the end of the new release sale. The major difference from your suggestion is the Windows release includes both the Band-in-a-Box and RealBand programs.
I don’t like the idea of the plugin with a small amount of content. What good is it. It is the RT content that is its heart and soul. Make it, modular (stealing from Rusty spoons idea) So they purchase the plugin and the user chooses paks, this might work. The Plugin plus any pak, or paks someone chooses. Rock, country, bluegrass, jazz, pop, world, etc.
Just some ideas,
Standard pricing Plugin $129 Content paks $49 each
Release discount Pricing Plugin. $99 Content paks. $29 each
Each year plugin only purchasers upgrade for $79 plus $19 each for their pak upgrades.
So a new buyer purchases the plugin and the Rock, Country, and Pop paks, and pays $186 at release or $276 the rest of the year.
Those who buy full on BiaB can still get the plugin included in the deal.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
RB, Why would I (or anybody for that matter) object to a choice of available slim "starter" version that most likely would bring more folks into the pool? I do not see a single reason how that may effect me or anyone else in negative way, if everything else stays the same as far as packages / upgrades.
If I remember correctly, there is no "demo version" only a 30 day money back guarantee, which would still require a payment. So if the Pro package is reduced to 1/2 size and price, logically more folks would be inclined to try it. Even at a half of content, it should be plenty to experience the power of RT's and make future decision(s). And PG always has cross-grade options
Each time there is a new release it feels like variations of the same complaint continually rises to the top of the complaint list, "Why are the RealTracks or Styles marked N/A?".
I believe if most new customers received even less content, they would feel ripped off even more than some do now. That might make them bitter toward both the program and PG Music.
Customers are trained that more is better and they don't like being reminded that they skimped. For example a loop library with 2 GB of content must be better than a similar library with 500MB of content. Kontakt is a great example. Biggie bucks and it's only as good as the library. UVI Workstation is another example, they GIVE the program away so you'll by the libraries.
The other model is increasing price to gain features. That's the model Celemony uses with Melodyne. PreSonus Free doesn't allow VSTs UNLESS you pay $99 for an add-on.
PG Music should split their marketing effort into two camps, learning and content. The ProPAK and MegaPAK can be presented as full featured learning tools while the UltraPAK and Audiophile offer content.
Both the ProPAK and MegaPAK are great IF ... you want to learn how to use the programs and features. However, if you are interested in content you likely WILL quickly be disappointed and frustrated with the ProPAK and MegaPAK and are thinking of all the content that is available in the UltraPAK and Audiophile packages.
Jim nailed it. When I first started I wonder why I had so many N/A styles. Just about everything was N/A. I bought whatever the basic model was at that time.
There are enough versions now for just about everyone.
And if money is an issue, there is a payment plan and the December sale.
Deb, Jim knows about the sales, you and I know about them. A random person who wants something new to try, most likely will not. I will put the figure of 70%+ that a new time buyer will not be aware of sales or payment plans and most likely purchase software from a third party.
N/A did not bother me at all when I first tried it, other things related to RB and heavy download did.
This is just my opinion, but I do believe that Plugin bundled 150 Real Tracks, 400 Midi styles and perhaps a handful of loops for a tag of $50 is a very fair and attractive starting point.
If N/A really bothers first time buyers, perhaps hide N/A and show what is available by default installation will eliminate these frustrations.
The question, I think you (or other skeptics) should ask is not whether it is a "good model", as only PG and crew can decide this, but will it impact you personally in a negative manner? I believe, if it is done, it bears completely neutral effect to existing or future owners.
I am only trying to express an opinion, that in my view could bring more followers and that in exchange will lead to creating more Real Tracks and making software better... the things most of us value and enjoy.
This is just my opinion, but I do believe that Plugin bundled 150 Real Tracks, 400 Midi styles and perhaps a handful of loops for a tag of $50 is a very fair and attractive starting point.
.......................................
That is an excellent idea!
When you are at the checkout line and they ask if you found everything say "Why, are you hiding stuff?"
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I think essentially RS we are saying the same thing differently. I Just packaged it differently. The more I think about it I like the idea of the plugin as a VSTi for A separate Price with the content as a choice by genre. The pricing I mentioned as example only. Your idea of $XX with a sample selection is great. Enough to use but tons of real pals as addons . Very similar to EZDrummer or Jamstix. Buy the plugin and add on as needed.
I remember floating this idea last year in a discussion. I always thought the plugin should be a breakout program for DAW users who don’t want to learn Biab. I could still be offered with the main program as well.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music
Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:
Band-in-a-Box 2025 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!
Die deutsche Version Band-in-a-Box® 2025 für Windows ist ab sofort verfügbar!
Alle die bereits die englische Version von Band-in-a-Box und RealBand 2024 installiert haben, finden hier die Installationsdateien für das Sprachenupdate:
Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!
Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
Already using RealBand® 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 5 now from our Support Page to ensure you have the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 is here! This new version introduces many features, including VST3 support, the ability to load or import a .FLAC file, a reset option for track height in the Tracks window, a taller Timeline on the Notation window toolbar, new freeze buttons in the Tracks window, three toolbar modes (two rows, single row, and none), the improved Select Patch dialog with text-based search and numeric patch display, a new button in the DirectX/VST window to copy an effects group, and more!
First-time packages start at only $49. Already a PowerTracks Pro Audio user? Upgrade for as little as $29!
Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.
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