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Joined: Dec 2000
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The offerings from PGMusic sometimes cause a little confusion. First of all, the basic BIAB program is exactly the same in every PAK you buy; it's not like some programs where they remove programmatic features based on the level you buy. The difference is in the number of MIDI styles, RealStyle, RealTracks, RealDrums, and SuperMIDI Tracks you get. The entry level version of BIAB is the ProPAK. A number of folks on the forum have been after PGMusic to rename this, as Pro tends to imply "top of the line". The ProPAK is actually the entry level version of BIAB. It gives you just enough content to create some songs, understand how the program works, and get comfortable with it. For people that like BIAB, most will upgrade it to one of the other PAKs after working with the ProPAK for a short period of time. The ProPAK gives you about 300 RealTracks (grouped as RealStyles, or Bands), a handful of SuperMIDI tracks, and some of the MIDI Styles. This is the lowest cost package. Next is the MegaPAK. This gives you more content. You get about 500 RealTracks, also grouped as RealStyles (Bands), a few more SuperMIDI Tracks, but you do get ALL the MIDI styles. The UltraPAK is next. This basically gives you most everything (but not everything). You get all the RealTracks and RealDrums (except a few that are offered with special PAKs), all the SuperMIDI Tracks, and all the MIDI Styles. The Audiophile edition is basically the same as the UltraPAK, except that the RealTracks are uncompressed WAV files instead of compressed WMA files. The PlusPAK is a special case. It really only applies when you already have the previous UltraPAK. What it does is takes the previous UltraPAK and gives you everything new to bring you up to date as if you had the new UltraPAK, without buying the UltraPAK upgrade. It assumes you have all the previous content. The web site is pretty clear that the PlusPAK requires the previous installation of the UltraPAK (or previously also the EverythingPAK). If you currently have only the ProPAK, and you can afford it, I would upgrade to the UltraPAK, and then when the new version comes out, upgrade using the PlusPAK. However, the downside of doing PlusPAK upgrades over the years is that if you ever have to re-install, you have to first install the first base UltraPAK version you own, and then apply each PlusPAK in turn until you are up-to-date. If you do an UltraPAK to UltraPAK upgrade (which costs more, but is fully self-contained), you pretty much have everything already in that new UltraPAK Hope this made sense: +++ HERE +++ is the link to the various Windows packages offered. +++ HERE +++ is the link to the various Mac packages offered.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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John, this is great. Once again we can point confused forum users to a central helpful thread.
I have two comments, and then I’ll delete this post so it doesn’t muck up the good intent.
1) perhaps define the Everything Pak, since it was referred to; it was (I think) a discontinued package with almost everything, similar to what is now called UltraPak.
2) I’m wondering if the latest PlusPak would be sufficient (cumulative) to update an UltraPak that is more than one year old. Do we know for sure each year’s PlusPak must be applied?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Matt -
#1 - I think you just did (yes, it was discontinued so as to avoid the fact that it in fact wasn't "everything").
#2 - As I understand it, if for example, you upgraded BIAB UltraPak 2016 to 2017 with the PlusPak, that PlusPak only contains the new content (the difference between UltraPak 2016 and UltraPak 2017). Then if you upgrade to 2018 using the new PlusPak, you will only get the difference between UltraPak 2017 and UltraPak 2018, which effectively brings you up to date with UltraPak 2018.
However, if you have to reinstall (new computer, computer crash, whatever), you need to start by installing UltraPak 2016 (and any 25-Pak or 49-Pak or whatever), then install PlusPak 2017 (and any 25-Pak or 49-Pak you received at the same time), and then install PlusPak 2018 (and any 25-Pak or 49-Pak you received) to fully bring you back up to date.
If you, however, upgraded UltraPak to UltraPak, you just need to install the most recent UltraPak (and any additional content you may have received).
Of course, if you start with 2016, you will have to make sure you run the file structure cleanup routine after installing the 2018 content, or things just won't work correctly in 2018.
I would keep your post in the thread, as it does help clarify.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Joined: Jul 2000
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Thanks, John. Of course it won’t hurt to do each install in correct succession. What you say makes perfect sense; I was just wondering about a shortcut. For example, what would happen to an installation where someone skipped a year of PlusPak upgrade? It seems to me things could get confusing with messages about things missing.
And yes, many of us spent time on these Forums explaining tactfully how the Everything package didn’t quite contain ‘everything’. Abandoning that name was a positive step.
Thanks again for a clear description of the offerings.
— should be a sticky —
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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John,
This is a great article. Thanks for taking time to write it. The conversation between you and Matt also provides very valuable information. I have no doubt at all that I'll be referring people to this thread regularly.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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I haven't seen it mentioned, but can I just buy the updated BIAB program? I really don't need any new tracks or styles, but I might find the new program useful.
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643)
Windows 10 (1909)
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PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Sep 2006
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In that case, you can just purchase a Pro Upgrade.
Callie
Marketing Representative
PG Music Inc.
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Dave,
As Callie noted, now the minimum choice is the ProPAK.
However, in the past PG Music has offered the program by itself. But the program alone choice has been available only during the release sale.
Will they do that for 2022? Who knows.
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I have to say that I still find it very confusing working out which Add-Ons are, or are not, included with the various somethingPAK bundles.
There's usually a red text somewhere saying if one needs already to have more than a ProPAK, but it isn't always easy to be sure.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Expert
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updated
Last edited by mrgeeze; 06/03/21 01:28 AM.
biab2025(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro 11.2.2
Irwin Vice Grip Fencing Pliers
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
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Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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-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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
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- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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