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Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
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So the BIAB 2021 forum is pretty lively with chatter about the new release. But things continue to be pretty quite in regards to the BIAB VST 3. Only three threads after ~week. That does not surprise me much since, despite the fact this has been on market for 2 years it has never gathered a really big crowd here in the forum.

But how about a hint on how it is being received? On a scale of 1 - 10 where 1 is "here we go again" and 10 is "OK, our work here is done". grin


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Dan my personal opinion is that it is very good and it is maturing nicely its does a ton of things as is. there are a few bugs that are being worked out mostly because the backend biab folder team has to coordinate these adjustments with Adar who develops the front end. When these things are worked out it will be a solid tool to use in the DAW of choice.

There a lot of conflicting opinions as to where it should go, and that will always be the case, as people have different views of the same thing.

To me it was and always has been a tool to quickly add audio?midi tracks to a DAW project. I think it does that efficiently fix it's bugs and maybe add a couple other options and see what happens in Version 4 next year. I know Pipeline has pushed for volume andPan sliders. I have started to see his view especially on the volume sliders as some RT are louder than others and midi track. volume sliders would make it easy to hear a set of track prior to drag. panning, eh don't see the need I don't need to mix fully before dragging. I have to mix there in the DAW.

The plugin is never going to please everyone, just as BiaB doesn't. Same with any software. I suggest using it for what it does, and if it doesn't do everything. Find a way to do that.

By trade I Ama Locksmith. I have a van stuffed full of tools. Some are very specific, and others versatile. I don't throw any out cause they don't do what another tool does. I have at least a dozen ways to unlock a locked door. 5 different types of key machines, etc. They all have their purse. I need them all. The plugin does a lot of what I like to do. When I hit a wall I use another method.

Last edited by Rob Helms; 12/05/20 02:51 PM.

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I think because it was released originally still in Lemon Mode it has frustrated and lost a lot of new DAW users that thought, as you would, that it would be something really great.
It has now come along way since then but are all those users now lost for good ?
Would it have been better to develop it professionally first in the beta forum ? YES
If it was this year that it was publicly released how it is now, would it of made a lot bigger impact ? YES
So was it more profitable to do it how it was done or should it have been developed it into a RealPlugin first ?
Has the name been dirtied too much to win back users or is it too late ?
Going off half-cocked ? YES

I think it hurt me more than anyone else.

I have posted some ideas on how to make it a lot better, so when I'm not around they will have all that info, but I don't know if it will be allowed to be done or put off for years down the track ? As it was one hell of a fight just to get solo/mute buttons.
I suggested that in the RapidComposer beta forum and it was added a few days later. True Story.


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As you can see things are too dead around here.
If I went over to DAW forums and posted this free BB Plugin there would be a lot more users.
Free Biab Plugin for Loops or as a Trial
Originally Posted By: Pipeline
Now to get more users from the DAW world a simple thing you can do is have a FREE version of the DAW Plugin that handles Loops only.
This seems to work fine with these minimal files,
BBPlugin\Files\vst's
Data\ library files
Preferences
RealTracks\Loops
bbw4_32.exe
bbw4_64.exe

If you just grey out the menus in the Plugin and just have Loops only available.
Where the Logo is you can have ads promoting RealTracks, RealDrums, Artists etc.. if you upgrade.

Also in the Loops picker where you have optional
"If you want a different sound for the ‘b’ substyle, enter that WAV file name in the "b substyle loop" setting."

You can have Endings with:
"If you want a one shot loop for the ending, enter that WAV file name in the "Ending loop" setting.
Or an A or B Ending loop option.

Originally Posted By: Pipeline
You could have it so you just buy the RealDrum feature and it will enable the RealDrum picker for those that just want drums.
Or, another option for the UserTrack feature.
And, users can do all this without having Biab or needing to learn it.
It all works with just those few files in a basic package.
At the moment it will even give you a 30day trial, you could leave it like that so it works with just loops and they can register for free to get the serial to enable loops to keep working after 30days. Or you could include 1or2 RealDrums and 1or2 RealTracks that will work for 30days then after that just the loops will work after free registration ???
The basic free loops version will give every DAW a Chord track and you can have the midi chord tack drag option, this alone is good reason for them to download it. Get the midi notes in that track and that will give them midi chords for virtual instruments to follow in their DAW.
With 48kHz/24bit RT/RDs also this will definitely get it out there.

It's like UJAM https://www.ujam.com/
they give you a 30day trial for their Drums, Guitars and Basses.
They are Real Playing on Real Instrument that will follow a chord track, like BB Chord Output midi track.

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Ha ha. I suggested nearly the same thing. Plugin+small package of Rts/Rds...$50 or under, to places like KVR , Pluginboutique, etc.

Plugin is almost looking good.
2 items I think a must. Nicer transport buttons and color themes.

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The plugin hasnt reached a "tipping point" yet - where all the necessary gripes are out of the way and key - vital improvements needed for smooth DAW use added.

but once this plugin matures to the point that many pro producers and composers find it no longer fights *against* them - the BIAB plugin will become something such a wider user base find essential that - finally - PG will see that its the PLUGIN not the standalone that really needs developer resource.

sure as a standalone tool for students and practicers - BIAB standalone is the best there is -

but one could argue that adding stuff is just bloating BIAB in the same many say Cubase is bloated ( hence leading to newer "streamlined" DAWs such as Studio One to find an enthusiastic user base ) - but the BIAB plugin is yet to really get high visibility in the producer/composer space.

But once all niggles are out of the way- numero one niggle being the slow generate speeds when compared to BIAB standalone - then I really think muso-awareness of the plugin will begin to accelerate exponentially.

I also think when that happens its worth PG supporting and nurturing 3rd party realtrack/MIDI style suppliers in a similar fashion to how Native Instruments supports, licenses and nurtures 3rd party sample library "houses" - particularly in the orchestral and media composer markets - such as Spitfire and Orchestral Tools - Berlin Orch etc - where - given the right tool - pro-composers will pay premium prices to buy libraries and styles that amateurs, "bedroom producers" and hobbyists cannot afford.

Last edited by nonchai; 12/17/20 09:29 AM.

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To expand on what I wrote just now -

take for example NI's ACTION and EMOTIVE STRINGS libraries for Kontakt.

These use many recorded string motifs. Melodic and choral *patterns* - rather than single note samples.

And in many ways this is just a half way house towards the kind of thing BIAB could do.

Sure - ACTION and EMOTIVE strings are designed to be "played" - chiefly by the NI KOMPLETE range of controllers, LEDs etc etc.. or change chord/key types by means of special MIDI note combination - but really - when analysed - these are just loops. And BIAB generated Realtracks are just a more sophisticated "AI" style generation of audio files derived from very long audio source recordings, cut into form that conforms to the chord progression specified up-front by the user.

I think provided PG and BIAB offer a way to go in and edit the generated track once generated to more accurately match what the composer wishes ( the generated realtracks in BIAB often don't work for pros - chief niggle for me for example being jazz double bass parts - which aren't put together like a real jazz bassist would do it )

then the BIAB plugin will become a really powerful workflow productivity tool for the stressed and over-pressurised working composer.
And when not used in finished produce - can for sure be a source of inspiration in the way so many current libraries serve as just that- a spark to inspire - if not be in the final version passed on to some director or post-production house.

Last edited by nonchai; 12/17/20 09:43 AM.

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by the way... re "WHAT SAY YOU ALL?"

LOVE the Battlestar Galactica reference

smile


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DrDan Offline OP
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Quote:
But once all niggles are out of the way- numero one niggle being the slow generate speeds when compared to BIAB standalone.


Lots of current effort going on to fix bugs and features with VST-2021, but this is something that no one has mentioned that I have seen. I can tell you that VST seems much faster then previous 2020. Like a full selection of RTs over 100 bars in ~7-10 sec. I hope they tell us they did something to improve the speed, cause I have really noticed it.

And speaking of noticing, thanks for noticing that...

Originally Posted By: nonchai
by the way... re "WHAT SAY YOU ALL?"

LOVE the Battlestar Galactica reference

smile


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Pipeline has mentioned numerous times that the plugin uses a Band-in-a-Box background program to generate RealTracks.

2021 Band-in-a-Box has a new audio engine PG Music advertises as up to four times faster than the legacy audio engine. The 2021 audio engine handles more audio sample rates and audio bit depths than the legacy audio engine. A new and more refined pitch and time shifting tool is in place.

These updates should result in audio renders happening faster and sounding better.


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As far as "real jazz player" the RT were played by "Real Jazz players, real rock players, real country players. As far as them not being perfect well that is unlikely to ever be perfect and completely editable as they are Audio not midi. Look at Melodyne one of the premiere audio manipulation programs in existence. As much as it is capable of it will never rival midi for customer editing capability. You realistically can't expect BiaB or especially the Plugin for that matter to have that level of sophistication. What it does it does very well.

Here is an example of what I mean. I had a close friend the other day send me a song file for a show project he needed. He said "can you duplicate this with band in a box". I said to a reasonable facsimile yes. exactly no. I can with a daw and a few days of hard work get pretty close. By downloading midi files, and editing them, run them thru expensive synths, playing certain parts personally and using a pile of Instruments like the aforementioned Kontact to komplete, etc. What I can do fast in BiaB if you need to song track quickly, is I can give you a song "in the style of" One that will have a very high end sound.

He said send one over and let me listen to it. I downloaded the chord sheet typed it into the chord sheet in the plugin, chose a style that was similar to the song, set the bar markers, changed bar setting so instruments came in and out as the original song had done. Next tried a couple RTs that matched the original fee a bit more. Dragged the tracks to my DAW, added EQ, Compression, Reverb to taste. Panned, and balanced the volume faders. Then mixed it down to a wave file and sent it over. 2 maybe 2 and a half hours of time. No it didn't sound like the original song in every fashion. Still the vibe was there and it was what you might call a take on the original. When he heard it he was knocked out by the clean crisp and very authentic take. When the singer for the show heard it she wanted a copy to practice to. She said it was in her opinion as good as the original.

To me that is a very useful tool. To test the results I build the same song file from scratch in the plugin and in the Main Biab program on two separate computers, one in Mac 2020, and the other in Win 2021. I used a slightly different piano in one, and a slightly different Acoustic guitar in another. My friend loved each and every one of them and wanted the stems to mix for the show.

Is the plugin perfect? No, does it do everything that everyone wants? No! Does it replace all other VSTis, or programs? No. bDoes it give the DAW user a solid tool to create music unlike any other tool available? Yes! I don't think the efforts of everyone involved from the talented team at PG to the users like myself, Mr. Pipeline, Mr. Pettit, Matt, the Fogle brothers, You yourself Mr. Dan, and the many others, has been wasted. I agree it should have been a bit more polished as it came out of the gate. You do have to admit though it has been at least useful through it all. Now it is pretty solid and does a ton of cool things.


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Might be time for me to try it again. When I install my 2021 upgrade I will try to give it a fresh look and see if I can find a place for it in my workflow.

As much as I appreciate you guys who have been banging on this for 2+ years I personally have zero interest in participating in all that. I just want it to work. Same with my car. I bought a new one a few years back and a friend who loves mechanical stuff asked to see the engine. When I didn't know how to open the hood he was aghast to find I had purchased a new car without looking at the engine. My response was "I just assumed it had one."

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DrDan Offline OP
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Originally Posted By: JohnJohnJohn

...I appreciate you guys who have been banging on this for 2+ years




JJJ, its a sickness we have. grin
And by the way, the VST has greatly matured now that it is past its terrible twos and enters year 3 ( and don't forget year 2 was a Covid year so that don't count) grin .


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Who's fault is it that we now have a Biab Plugin, JJJ !
It was his original idea, he said "how about a new car", but I was the one to work out a way to make the engine as I could not see PG putting all the code into the actual VST then, so I said they could use the same engine RealBand users in the background.
Now we have come this far thanks to Adar's great programming skills,
I think it is now time to start moving the basic generate code into the Plugin, this can be done bit by bit for each function.
1st step I think would be rather than getting BBW4 to generate the track sections into RAM then render to wav, would be to just use the very first step of BBW4, the section data it decides to use from the RealTracks,
:Bar 1 = RT wav source file, time, length, pitch, stretch
:Bar 2 = RT wav source file, time, length, pitch, stretch
....
....
So the Plugin will just use this info to play direct from disk.
This will be a lot quicker to generate than generating even into RAM, so it will be quicker than Biab !
A wav will be rendered only if you DRAG, if not it will send the track playing direct from disk via the Audio Sends to the track in your DAW that will have the FX chain.
This way you can render the DAW project without the BB Plugin ever rendering a single wav.
BAND-IN-A-BOX VST DAW PLUGIN 2021.5 FOR WINDOWS/MAC®
Look Ma, no WAV!


You can try this if you have the wav version of RealTracks/Drums.
If you don't have wav just convert the 2 files from wma, m4a, aiff to wav first.
Open the Reaper project and point it to
bb\RealTracks\Guitar, Acoustic, Strumming Hank Sw 120\AcG011.wav
and
\bb\Drums\NashvilleSwing8^\NashvilleSwing8^_110_Style.wav

* remove .mp4 and open in Reaper:

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This is very interesting. But I have a big question......I have not tried this yet. My workflow is the export .wav file from BB then add the tracks to Reaper then continue on from there. If I want to try some different instruments or drums, I go back to BB and test out different styles etc then export out a single track with the new item. example add a tamborine.

What am I missing out on?

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This is very interesting. But I have a big question......I have not tried this yet. My workflow is the export .wav file from BB then add the tracks to Reaper then continue on from there. If I want to try some different instruments or drums, I go back to BB and test out different styles etc then export out a single track with the new item. example add a tamborine.

What am I missing out on?

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I have greatly reduced my time in BIAB when using the VST. The VST Allows me to stay in my DAW where I am making the music. BIAB is only one tool in my music making toolbox. My DAW is the entire workshop. With the VST I still get everything I need from BIAB with a greatly simplified workflow.


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I've tried several times over the last 6 months to use the DAW plugin, but always run into either bugs or missing functionality that sends me back to the standalone. I use BiaB as a scratch pad for arranging, so frequently am adding/deleting/duplicating sections. I tried one song a couple of weeks ago using whatever the latest patch was at the time for 2021. I ran into problems with the insert measure functionality that I didn't realize was happening until my arrangement was beyond repair. Somehow the measures were being inserted at a different place than the cursor. It's something I do all the time in the standalone. So I'll probably give it another try in a month or so.


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Originally Posted By: cwiggins999
I've tried several times over the last 6 months to use the DAW plugin, but always run into either bugs or missing functionality that sends me back to the standalone. I use BiaB as a scratch pad for arranging, so frequently am adding/deleting/duplicating sections. I tried one song a couple of weeks ago using whatever the latest patch was at the time for 2021. I ran into problems with the insert measure functionality that I didn't realize was happening until my arrangement was beyond repair. Somehow the measures were being inserted at a different place than the cursor. It's something I do all the time in the standalone. So I'll probably give it another try in a month or so.

When you say "standalone" do you mean the standalone VST or the full standalone Band in a Box?

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Standalone BiaB. I think a VST always requires a host program - DAW or otherwise. So not sure what standalone VST would mean.


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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!

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