Greetings. My goal is to make simple basic practice backing tracks to practice improvising over chord changes using only RealTracks for the most authentic sound. Perhaps a little jazz feel backing track, some basic blues, some smooth jazz, some acoustic strumming or light funk.
From what I can discern, the basic ProPak level seems to have a lot of choices for RealTrack playing styles and instruments and higher levels of the software just add on tons more.
Is the basic level quite enough for my purposes? Is there a downside to choosing the lowest level, at least with my goals in mind, that I am overlooking?
no - the downside is that you'll get frustrated by the limitations (or at least i did) but even the basic pack will make lots of wonderful music). however, if you buy the basic pack at the sale price, within a short time, PG will probably let you upgrade by paying the difference if you find you want more. or if you're quite happy with the basic pack learn the programs and upgrade next year when 2223 is on sale!
I started with a Pro version in 2013, didn't get on with it and stopped after about a year. I tried again in February 2020 as it seemed then to better suit my approach.
In December 2020 I decided that I now was happy enough with BiaB that I would expand my setup. After some thought, I upgraded to the discounted pre-Christmas 2021 UltraPAK.
I'm still generally happy with BiaB, though I've been very frustrated by the number of bugs and upgrades that came with 2021. The impression I have is that I was unlucky to have picked an unusually buggy year. I will likely update my 2021 version to 2022, but this time it's unlikely to be as an early adopter. I don't generally update anything early unless I have a specific need for some new feature.
If you're sure you'll be happy with BiaB, it's probably best to go for as much as you are prepared to afford ... there is a lot of great content and a lot to learn.
If you're not sure, get the Pro version and upgrade later. Longer term it'll cost more, but if you don't get on with BiaB, at least you'll have spent less whilst trying.
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 .
The two circled areas are the big differentiators for the two packages. RTs and MSTs are what you are getting for the extra $$ and together is is a no brainer from my experience.
The UltraPAK and Audiophile packages have the most content. Audiophile offers RealTracks in both compressed and uncompressed audio files. UltraPAK offers RealTracks in compressed audio files.
The MegaPAK offers about one third (1/3) the content as the UltraPAK and Audiophile packages.
The ProPAK offers about one tenth (1/10) the content as the UltraPAK and Audiophile packages.
Both the ProPAK and MegaPAK are good packages to start with if your goal is to learn what Band-in-a-Box (and RealBand if you have a Windows computer) have to offer and you want to concentrate on maximizing learning how to use the programs. There is more than enough content in both packages to learn how to use the programs. I started with the ProPAK and was very happy using it for two years.
Greetings. My goal is to make simple basic practice backing tracks to practice improvising over chord changes using only RealTracks for the most authentic sound. Perhaps a little jazz feel backing track, some basic blues, some smooth jazz, some acoustic strumming or light funk.
From what I can discern, the basic ProPak level seems to have a lot of choices for RealTrack playing styles and instruments and higher levels of the software just add on tons more.
Is the basic level quite enough for my purposes? Is there a downside to choosing the lowest level, at least with my goals in mind, that I am overlooking?
Thanks for your thoughts!
To avoid the sad condition known as RealTrack Envy, you need the UltraPak!
My advice has always been to go for the highest Pak that fits within your budget.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
It was fun to draw this because it reminded me of my childhood dreams - especially for something like the big layout that my rails and switches were never enough for.
Biab/RB latest build, German Language Pak, Win 10/64 Pro, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM. Notation SW Finale, StaffPad, SmartsScore – Playing Double Bass, Guitar, Piano
Ahhh, that Brille. Anyone would have thought he was also a railroad engineer
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
My dad collected steam trains. (Amusement park size.) As soon as I saw the version image I knew it was a train layout. Just needs some trees and a building to put the trains in.
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!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
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®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
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.
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.
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.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
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One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
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