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Joined: Apr 2021
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OP
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I had Power Tracks Pro back in the 90's, and once I'd learned a few things, it became my go-to notebook and synth sequencer/recorder. This was my first digital music application, and I was pretty well thrilled with it at the time.
The versions I used were back 20 years ago or so, and I'm wondering what I'll have to do to get back in the groove with today's PTP. My latest computer doesn't seem to have audio inputs like my old desktops did, and I've been looking over the threads and seen that an interface may be required, for example.
Also, I thought the features were pretty cool; you could use a mode called piano roll to click, drop and drag notes, and modifying individual notes in duration and other dynamic parameters was easy. You could switch screens and both see and print your tracks in musical notation. It had a built in mixer, and I don't remember how many tracks were available. Some basic effects were available, and as I recall, there was a bundle of instruments and synth sounds included.
I bought a software product at the same time called Virtual Sound Canvas (at least that's what I think it was called), which offered better sounding instruments and more of them. Eventually I switched to a Korg X5DR synth but continued to use it with Power Tracks Pro.
Sorry, this is getting a bit long. Mainly I'm asking if the current product can do all the things my old versions could do, and do it simply as I'm not so hot as a computer guy. Any advice for starting up a hobby project would be deeply appreciated.
Tom
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BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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That is good advice if you want to stay with PTP. However things have really changed in 20 years so I suggest that you also look at Band-in-a-Box and RealBand. RealBand is a huge improvement in PTP IMHO. I am assuming that you are on a PC as Mac computers do not have RealBand.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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I upgraded to BIAB after 12 years with BIAB 2008. The learning curve is quite steep with BIAB, but you will get RealBand and you'll recognise the RealBand GUI as PT on steroids. The biggest change in both programs is RealTracks which are amazing. However, if you want to just upgrade to the latest version of PowerTracks things will be quite straightforward. The synth you mention - Roland VSC (virtual sound canvas) is well past its sell by date but you can get its successor the Edirol Hypercanvas in its 64 bit version totally free (by the name of TTS-1) if you download Cakewalk by Bandlab - see Peter Gannon's 'no brainer' post in the BIAB forum) If you knew PT of old, PT 2021 won't be too much of a leap and it does everything you remember and more. If you still have your old PT - or at least registered it when you bought it - you qualify for the upgrade pricing. PT is absurdly cheap even at the full price for what you get. as for interfaces you have a wide choice. i use a behringer which is quite cheap but does everything i need perfectly - long winded link below https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-U-PHO...;th=1&psc=1and if you have any problems the PT Forum is full of friendly people waiting to help. go for it!
Last edited by Bob Calver; 04/26/21 06:25 AM.
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Yep.... I never used PTP but I can assure you, you are in for a big, pleasant, surprise in what PG has been doing over the past 20 years.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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FWIW I have kept using PTP through the years as well as BiaB and RB. One location we record at, the guy there likes PT since about 2007 or so, and has just kept using it. The amazing part is his old version just kept working through all the new computers and OS he has bought over the years. From W98 thru W10. I am talking to him now about updating it so he can have the new 64 bit version. I think his last update was PT12 or so  It feels so weird when I go over there and sit down in front of his old version. Things have moved around for more efficient workflow since then, so it seems clunky to me now. Once he sees the new version and plays with it for half an hour he'll be right back at home with it. There is lots of new stuff, but the old stuff still works. As mentioned above, if you really want the easy route to making music quick, BiaB is the way to go. You can have a band play the song from start to finish using real recorded musicians and get all kinds of variations. If you go that route, they do throw in Realband, which is basically PTP with the ability to generate these tracks, which means you don't have to actually play everything in (or enter it by hand). It's a bit more $$ though, but from what I understand they don't have to honor the 30 day moneyback guarantee very often. It does what it says. Take a little time and look at the videos for all three products. Then you'll be a little better prepared to decide.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Just a bit of advice. Just about everyone that buys BIAB these days goes for the Ultrapak which includes all the RealTracks and styles (except for Extra Styles discs and other add on packs like the Loops with styles discs.
PG do easy terms to take the sting out of the initial investment. The pro pak is a the basic program but you'll rapidly get frustrated with all the stuff that's missing.
The creative avenues BIAB Ultrapak opens are literally endless and you'll find that RealTracks from genres you'd never think of using can be very useful.
But a simple update to PT2021 might be all you want.
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Thank you, your replies have been both enlightening and encouraging.
I was well satisfied with PTP versions I used, cartoonish as they must be by today's standards. I needed a sequencer, and the sounds were good enough, for the time. The price was right too; I recall I got my first Power Tracks from a bargain bin at a local computer show (remember them?) for around $10.00. Then I bought subsequent versions through PG Music. I think it was possible to mix in live instrument/voice recording, but never got around to trying it. Can it do that?
That's my story and I'm stuck with it. I felt that prior experience would give me a boost in learning the new version. For the price, I'll give it a try.
Thanks again.
Tom
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..
I was well satisfied with PTP versions I used, cartoonish as they must be by today's standards. I needed a sequencer, and the sounds were good enough, for the time. The price was right too; I recall I got my first Power Tracks from a bargain bin at a local computer show (remember them?) for around $10.00. Then I bought subsequent versions through PG Music. I think it was possible to mix in live instrument/voice recording, but never got around to trying it. Can it do that?
..
Thanks again.
Tom
Yes you can use PTP to mix in live instrument/voice recordings Just note, your 'MIDI' sounds will have changed. It's really not a big deal, the fixes are there, just depends on how you want to (or can) improve those. The old (free) Roland VSC synth is no longer available, but many other options exist. Well worth the cost to dive back in.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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TomR.... Cakewalk Sonar is now totally free.... the big version that used to cost hundreds is free.... Bandlab is giving it away and has been for a number of years now. That's a deal you can not beat.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
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!
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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.
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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!
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