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I really don't get why some people think using a computer is a hassle or why it is difficult. I suppose they've either never used tape or don't remember much.... It's easy. A complete budget home recording studio Like the Audient EVO Recording Bundle, has multiple components that require multiple accessories, cable connections and several layers of configuration. It's completely dependent on a PC connection. (Note in my comment above, if OM went on a cruise and carried nothing but his new Audient interface, he would have much musical recording success on his cruise.) Strawman. Know what else your "standalone" recorder needs? Multiple accessories (like microphones, instruments and storage media) and cable connections. "Several layers of configuration" is largely once and done.
Configuring systems, optimizing systems, connecting systems and maintaining configurations, optimization, connections
Strawman. Once and done.
and avoiding former high end systems becoming obsolete with nothing more than a new OS release.
You must be a Mac guy.
An audio software like Pro-Tools can be very picky, cumbersome, and extremely difficult to master.
Strawman. 1) If you can learn to use BiaB, you can learn to use a DAW. 2) One does not have to "master" a DAW to make good use of it. Untrue.
and very irritating having to deal with subscriptions and dongles.
Ad hoc. Both can be avoided.
The aggravation of updates that reset user personal settings over and over.
Ad hoc. That behavior can be suppressed.
I'd guess you know these things but find the hassle to be worth it. The pros outweigh the cons for most people. Even though there's a high level of complexity, great results can be achieved. That's ok but this forum thread is directed toward those that want to focus on music and not tech stuff as OM pointed out.
Once again, you're forgetting that the audience you are addressing is already focusing on a certain amount of "tech stuff," as you so eloquently put it, in order to produce music.
Last edited by Byron Dickens; 05/03/22 02:07 PM.
Byron Dickens BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency. https://soundcloud.com/athanorsoundlabs
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Here's an imaginary lifelike, remote scenario comparison:
Audient:
You're on a holiday cruise with your wife.
You have a new, unboxed Audient EVO Bundle. (interface, cables, mic and headphones)
You have access to rent wifi, internet and a laptop
The rental cost is exorbitant, spotty and unreliable.
You're barred from loading drivers and DAW software onto rental equipment.
If it's a Mac and is compatible without adding software, you still don't have a mic stand, or pop filter.
DP-03:
You're on a holiday cruise with your wife.
You have a new, unboxed Tascam DP-03.
You have access to rent wifi, internet and a laptop - Unnecessary
The is cost is exorbitant, spotty and unreliable. - Unnecessary
You're barred from loading drivers and DAW software - Unnecessary
You don't have a mic stand, or pop filter - Unnecessary
You can record live stereo.
Usage:
The DP-03 works ideally with BIAB Tracks, stems and mixes and you've loaded 40 tracks of live instruments, BIAB RealTracks and VSTi synth renders to work on during downtime on your cruise by adding Vocals, BGV's and guitar if brought it along.
Both PC connected or stand alone hardware devices can handle this project.
But here's the difference: The DP-03 doesn't need anything but a power outlet and headphones. Take it out of the box, power it up, arm tracks and it's instantly ready to record because it's two included condenser mics are assigned by default. Only beginners with absolutely no knowledge of recording with any type recording device will need a quick start guide. Using your previous multi track recording experience, you'd intuitively know how to operate it.
Add to that, imagine the cruise ship has a killer sax player in the band willing to provide solo and riffs to your song for a beer. Meet up with the player and record direct into a built in condenser mic. If the player happens to be a guitarist, the DP-03 has a Hi-Z direct input or mic the player's amp.
Your whole argument here is totally ad hoc. One would think that if one were bringing a "new, unboxed Audient EVO Bundle" on a cruise with the intent of doing some recording that one would also bring the laptop to go with it - any necessary software already installed. Not to mention anything else necessary.
Byron Dickens BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency. https://soundcloud.com/athanorsoundlabs
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< "Your whole argument here is totally ad hoc." >
Yes. my post was intentionally farcical.
Here's why:
Byron Dickens quote:
<"One would think that if one were bringing a "new, unboxed Audient EVO Bundle" on a cruise with the intent of doing some recording that one would also bring the laptop to go with it - any necessary software already installed. Not to mention anything else necessary.">
Of course I know an audio interface requires other equipment. I also know OM is aware of that. He says,"... ive used standalone mtr’s in the past i would prolly use one on a holiday with my wife...." just after saying, "By comparison , and i know its different …but for a low learning curve my audient audio interface came with a simple card…with simple instructions…
I was up and running in a few secs flat….simplicity itself."
"i know its different" - He understands the obvious difference between the self contained DP-03 and his multi-component PC. He made an ad hoc statement for comparison between the two systems. Needless to say, he knew an audio interface isn't comparable to a stand alone digital multi track recorder for remote use. You didn't catch it.
I'll rephrase your sentence to reflect his ad hoc point.
One would think that if one were bringing a "new, unboxed Tascam DP-03" on a cruise with the intent of doing some recording that one would know it's unnecessary to also bring a laptop to go with it - ALL necessary software is already installed, configured and assigned.
His subsequent post #715505 acknowledges he would choose to carry a DP-03 over a complete PC system on holiday.
Byron Dickens quote: "Know what else your "standalone" recorder needs? Multiple accessories (like microphones, instruments and storage media) and cable connections."
1. microphones -
Nope. The DP-03 has 2 built in mics.
2. Instruments -
Nope. On holiday, he may plan to only do vocals. (See item 1)
3. Storage media -
Nope. The DP-03 includes a formatted SD card.
Everything needed except headphones/earbuds is enclosed inside that "new, unboxed Tascam DP-03".
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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I remember my first Tascam Porta-1. That was game changing. I had previously had a Teac 4 track reel to reel and sold it. It was a PITA to work with. Funny story... the guy who bought it was running a bootlegging operation back in the days of 8-track tapes. He ended up in federal prison when they caught him and his compadres. He had a whole room full of tape machines like mine for his duplication process.
The P-1 worked well but was track limited to 4 unless you wanted to bounce.... which ended up sounding like one muddy mess. Then, my first computer based DAW running on Windows 95. Cakewalk Pro 8 deluxe and a midi-man card. I was in hog heaven until I had to upgrade the OS, whereupon the midi-man was totally incompatible.
So after a time, I decided to get a portable digital recorder. It was a 16 channel Korg something or other. No computer needed. What a freaking nightmare trying to record music. It didn't do midi and trying to play a decent piano part was an exercise in frustration not to mention how difficult it was to do the drums. I think I battled with that portable desk for a few months before it went on eBay to the highest bidder.
At this point, I figured to get into music recording and do it halfway right, I was simply going to have to buy the proper gear. A new laptop, Cakewalk's Music Creator 4, and a Focusrite Saffire interface later, I was back in the game. Drums were still an issue but I was learning how to write drum tracks from scratch using midi.
One day, a friend told me that he used BB for drums and bass and when I took a look.....well.... that was a pivotal point in music creation for me. I built my own custom desktop DAW some time later and loaded it with everything, and that's where I'm at to this day.
I have blown past that wishful $400 ten times over as I was building the studio setup that I currently have between the hardware and the software..... oh yeah.
Can you record for under $400? Absolutely. Is it ideal? Nope.
I'm a firm believer in two sayings.
1. Use the right tool for the job.
2. You generally get what you pay for.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 05/04/22 04:09 AM.
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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I have Band-in-a-Box, Cakewalk by Bandlab and Audacity on my computers. But, as my signature suggests I also have a Zoom digital 8 track recorder with a built-in microphone as well as drum and bass machines. Each serves a purpose and I'd hate to be without any of these tools.
I enjoy playing with the digital recorder drum machine while I'm sitting on the steps. It inspires me. When an idea strikes I can use the bass machine to get on key and sing or hum into the built-in microphone to capture the moment.
Any audio I create is recorded on my digital recorder. That eliminates the need for an audio interface, ASIO drivers and latency issues.
Cakewalk by Bandlab is my audio production classroom and playground. I learn about loops, VSTs, virtual instruments, effects, editing and mixing.
Audacity records internet audio, performs file conversion and trims audio files.
Band-in-a-Box provides session musicians.
Since I import my audio into the computer I can have Band-in-a-Box, Cakewalk, Audacity and internet audio all going at the same time without driver or latency issues.
The recorder gives me the freedom to be creative away from the computer and eliminate computer driver and latency issues. Love my computers but love my digital recorder too.
In some ways this discussion appears to advocate the choice is limited to either computer or digital recorder. There is room for both.
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I agree. You can't have too many toys if you are a musician and songwriter. I had a nice Roland 8 track once that was stolen and I wish I still had it. Anyway, I use a lot of the tools you mention, and each project is different. I also have a lot of instruments. At any given moment I might mic a djembe--or anything else. You just never know. It also drives me a little nuts when people go on and on about what you have to use, or have to do and so forth. (Especially if you can find no Internet evidence that they have ever produced a song.) I think as an artist you can whatever in the heck you want to. 
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I’ve been delving into the world of vi’s for a time now.
Theres a lot out there.
At the same time heres whats going thru my mind…
..ok so i got 100 kik drums…or a 100 whatevers <<name your instrumen//sample.
What one sounds the best for the song even after ive knocked the 100 down to 10...? how to choose.
..the above i’m going thru right now..after going thru a slew of bb rt’s ive got 40 final candidates
For ‘the backing band’ BUT i only need 10…eek ! but i like all 40…lol.
What i’m trying to say having recorded with everything from nig studio gear like 2 inch 24 trak mtrs//big consoles down to junk stuff…how much gear does one need…?
For me personally i find i do better when i have fewer choices.
The coming of daws//pc’s//bb//rb//reaps freed me frankly from big gear i once used.
What i’m trying to say in conclusion is we all want the best for any song we are working on…but how much gear do we need ? how does one pick the best kick drum or whatever instrument //..sample …out of the 40 one likes ?
Thus i’m gonna be prudent with vi’s…sometimes less is more...
my granpappy used to say 'everything in moderation includeing moderation'.
lets not forget the time it takes to go thru a zillion of some instrument//sample....and the menus etc.
Best
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 05/06/22 04:04 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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< "Your whole argument here is totally ad hoc." >
Yes. my post was intentionally farcical.
Here's why:
Byron Dickens quote:
<"One would think that if one were bringing a "new, unboxed Audient EVO Bundle" on a cruise with the intent of doing some recording that one would also bring the laptop to go with it - any necessary software already installed. Not to mention anything else necessary.">
Of course I know an audio interface requires other equipment. I also know OM is aware of that. He says,"... ive used standalone mtr’s in the past i would prolly use one on a holiday with my wife...." just after saying, "By comparison , and i know its different …but for a low learning curve my audient audio interface came with a simple card…with simple instructions…
I was up and running in a few secs flat….simplicity itself."
"i know its different" - He understands the obvious difference between the self contained DP-03 and his multi-component PC. He made an ad hoc statement for comparison between the two systems. Needless to say, he knew an audio interface isn't comparable to a stand alone digital multi track recorder for remote use. You didn't catch it.
I'll rephrase your sentence to reflect his ad hoc point.
One would think that if one were bringing a "new, unboxed Tascam DP-03" on a cruise with the intent of doing some recording that one would know it's unnecessary to also bring a laptop to go with it - ALL necessary software is already installed, configured and assigned.
His subsequent post #715505 acknowledges he would choose to carry a DP-03 over a complete PC system on holiday.
Byron Dickens quote: "Know what else your "standalone" recorder needs? Multiple accessories (like microphones, instruments and storage media) and cable connections."
1. microphones -
Nope. The DP-03 has 2 built in mics.
2. Instruments -
Nope. On holiday, he may plan to only do vocals. (See item 1)
3. Storage media -
Nope. The DP-03 includes a formatted SD card.
Everything needed except headphones/earbuds is enclosed inside that "new, unboxed Tascam DP-03".
Your whole argument is still ad hoc. You keep coming up with ever increasing conditions on your fictitious scenario which are dubious at best. Now you are taking one person's extremely limited use case and trying to extrapolate a broad generalization from it. This is in addition to your strawman arguments about mountains of cables "complex, ever-changing configurations" and needing to completely "master" a deep, robust and complex application in order to produce anything useful. (I'm paraphrasing) Not that the standalone recorder might not suit someone's needs perfectly. But the idea that a computer based DAW is too difficult or cumbersome is bogus. Even my technophobe wife, with the help of a few tutorials, figured out enough of Cakewalk to record a guitar track and a couple of overdubs in the space of a couple hours. I quote: "that was so easy! I don't know what I was afraid of." As far as cumbersome tangles of gear, the Athanor Sound Labs mobile consists of a laptop, two channel interface and at most three cables.
Byron Dickens BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency. https://soundcloud.com/athanorsoundlabs
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I can't say enough about the Tascam line. Not long ago, I replaced mine with a Zoom R-16. Now, you'll have to double check me on this, but, the last I looked, SD storage medium and the CPU had become outdated -- the CPU able to handle limited data. I don't recall the specs. With thousands of those units in use around the world, Tascam was not about to do a major redesign on the DP-03. Looking around Musician's Friend, I see they have now the TASCAM DP-03SD 8-Channel Portastudio. It claims a capacity of 32GB. It's marked down from 350$ to 300$. Note the change of name to 035-SD. In addition, Tascam was slow to adapt to the digital transfer. With the Zoom, the BAIB tracks can be rendered and transferred via thumb drive to separate tracks on the recorder. Don't even think of the hassle that is to transfer to the original DP-03.
Annoying is that the user finds this out on his own, since the Music Centers are not about to mention these features. Many times, I had the unit stop cold, a little "overload" message popped up. Of course, Tascam has great new up to date recorders for sale.
Again, I'm no expert, just a user. Still, I advise the musician look before leaping with respect to the DP-03.
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I really don't get why some people think using a computer is a hassle or why it is difficult. I suppose they've either never used tape or don't remember much.... My first recording was in 1965 in a studio a buddy and I leased to record the garage bands we were managing. Off and on over the past 57 years I went through most all of the emerging technology (at the consumer level). In 2011 I purchased a Mac and bought Logic Pro for $199 for life with zillions of free and frequent upgrades, sounds, fx, etc. I respect everybody’s work flow as great music is produced in a multitude of approaches … but I never look back. And a huge FWIW, Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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Charlie, have you ever run across a service that can extract tracks that were saved on a Fostex 16 via its proprietary format? I foolishly used that format instead of saving them as wav files, sold the unit and now 20 years later don’t have access to them. Several years ago I bought a used unit to load them and save as wave’s but the unit failed. Thanks
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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Charlie, have you ever run across a service that can extract tracks that were saved on a Fostex 16 via its proprietary format? I foolishly used that format instead of saving them as wav files, sold the unit and now 20 years later don’t have access to them. Several years ago I bought a used unit to load them and save as wave’s but the unit failed. Thanks
Bud Hey Bud, not for the Foxtex but I had the same circumstances with my tracks done on a Boss 1200cd more than a few years ago and there was a service that converted audio files for several different formats located in Charlotte NC. I had 4-5 backup CD's I had completed on my unit that was in the Boss proprietary format but I thought their pricing was too high and opted not to use them. I don't recall the company name but they also did video conversions and had good reviews. Fostex has a Mac software conversion program for some of their devices they may read your discs and allow conversion. It's called WAV Manager.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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You are a wealth of info. I will look into the wav manger. Thanks for the thoughtful response.
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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FOSTEX Wave Manager supports only one type of their proprietary files, that generated by the Fostex MR series Multitrackers. Those with the original MR-8 needed to update their firmware to 1.08. The app is 32 bit but the current version was updated to run on Intel as well as PPC — no system requirements are listed. FOSTEX WAV Manager If the manual is to be believed, you may have to import them from the formatted CF cards but there may be a way to trick that. I converted my MR-8 files on import years ago. CF card readers are easy to find on Amazon if needed. WAV Manager Manual Unfortunately, other FOSTEX digital compression formats such as that used by my FD8 are unsupported and there's no conversion app that I know. Fortunately, I had selected 44.1/16 .wav back in the day and never had to deal with that.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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Thanks. Unfortunately my VF160 predated the MR models - was using it in 200o. Looks like my only option is to find an operable unit. Guess I can start checking fleabay.
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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Thanks. Unfortunately my VF160 predated the MR models - was using it in 200o. Looks like my only option is to find an operable unit. Guess I can start checking fleabay.
Bud Reverb has a couple. Only one claims to be working, however. Fostex VF-160 on Reverb Good luck!
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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What is the proprietary format file extension?
just curious
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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What is the proprietary format file extension?
just curious Not really a valid question. FOSTEX used a few. All were compression algorithms designed to conserve drive space. Some recorders could also save files as 44.1/16 .wav including my FD8 in Mastering mode (required for using an ADAT converter to record 8 tracks), otherwise Normal mode used ADAC. SOS Review FD8 FDMS and FDMs3 were earlier compression schemes. These were stored on the drive and you accessed them as audio from the recorder. If you hooked the drives or diskettes up to your computer, there was nothing that could read them. The MR series stored files on removable CF cards (if you could keep the pins from getting bent). By using the aforementioned Wav Mgr app, you could import the files as 44.1/16 .wav from the CF card. It was the only way to import files recorded to the proprietary Extended mode but Songs recorded in Normal mode allowed Mac owners to just drag to the desktop (the USB port worked with PCs only). SOS Review MR8 I bought and sold many FD8s over the years and was able to trick them into accessing 6GB on a 2.5" ATA drive. FOSTEX only supported up to 2GB on an internal hard drive or SyQuest externals. A MOTU 2408 in standalone mode was my analog to ADAT converter. With a Mackie 1604 mixer, it took up a card table, didn't weigh that much and was, by far, the most portable 8 channel recording rig that I could buy—or even imagine—23 years ago. That, of course, changed a few years later. FOSTEX never got the firmware right on the original MR8. I bought mine 19 years ago but found it to be less than satisfactory. It's on perma-loan to a buddy and I never, ever want to see it again.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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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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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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
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®!
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