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 Sonoma 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!
The fitness trainer asked me, "What kind of a squat are you accustomed to doing?" I said, "Diddly."
64 bit Win 11 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 Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.
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