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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 225
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 225 |
Just thinking of purchasing some add ons.
Are the Xpro packs more suited to those who have that particular edition and am I better to continue buying the Xtra packs.
Appreciate your thoughts.
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Xtra packs 1,2,3,4,5,6,13
2019 and 2018 49pak
Asus Zen Book UX533F 1TB ssd
Windows10 pro, 16g i7 64bit
Allen and Heath Z10fx mixer
Alesis V25 controller
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The XPro Paks will work with all versions of BiaB including the Pro (entry level) version. They are really designed for users who only have the Pro version.
The Styles in the Xtra Paks will work with higher level versions (e.g. Ultra Pak) but not necessarily the Pro version, as they need specific Tracks that may not be available in the Pro version.
As you have the Ultra Pak, you can get a benefit of new Styles from both Paks. Each offers their own unique styles, and I don't believe that there is any duplication between the Paks.
I purchased both.
Hope this helps.
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.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Aug 2016
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Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 225 |
Thanks for that, much appreciated. Will work through the options.
Cheers
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Xtra packs 1,2,3,4,5,6,13
2019 and 2018 49pak
Asus Zen Book UX533F 1TB ssd
Windows10 pro, 16g i7 64bit
Allen and Heath Z10fx mixer
Alesis V25 controller
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Joined: Oct 2020
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PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 836 |
Any user with the current version of Band-in-a-Box is eligible to purchase the XPro Styles PAKs. They are not just for the Pro users. The Xtra Styles PAKs are only for users with the UltraPAK or higher.
Best,
Chantelle
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Jun 2012
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Any user with the current version of Band-in-a-Box is eligible to purchase the XPro Styles PAKs. They are not just for the Pro users. Yep, just like I mentioned: The XPro Paks will work with all versions of BiaB including the Pro (entry level) version.
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.
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Any user with the current version of Band-in-a-Box is eligible to purchase the XPro Styles PAKs. They are not just for the Pro users. Yep, just like I mentioned: The XPro Paks will work with all versions of BiaB including the Pro (entry level) version. Though I still find very confusing PGM's this PAK, that PAK, ProPAK, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, PlusPAK EverythingPAK(?), OmniPAK, Audiphile Edition(?), meaning of RealTracks vs RealBand, numerous Add-Ons that my or may not be included in various bundles. That confusion dissuaded me for quite a long time from upgrading. The fact that so many other music software/media/resource/etc. vendors are just as confusing is no excuse, IMHO. More than a few times I've just thought "Oh, I just can't be [redacted] with this!" I doubt it's just me.
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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Apprentice
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Apprentice
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Posts: 280 |
It is very confusing. I usually message PGM and ask them to see which add on(s) I do not have. Then of course I buy them all, I can't help it, it's like musical pawn.
Last edited by TRYUK; 07/06/22 12:20 AM.
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I, and I'm sure many others, find the naming terminology confusing. This is especially so for the 'Pro Pak', which actually has the minimum feature set. The base software is the same for all versions, and the Pak name describes the added features in terms of included RealTracks, RealDrums and available Styles. The term 'Pro-Pak' signifies that it is the 'Professional' edition, which it certainly isn't. In my view, it should be named 'Essentials', 'Lite', 'Beginner', 'Entry', 'Starter' or something similar. It is very confusing. I usually message PGM and ask them to see which add on(s) I do not have. Though I still find very confusing PGM's this PAK, that PAK, ProPAK, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, PlusPAK EverythingPAK(?), OmniPAK, Audiphile Edition(?), meaning of RealTracks vs RealBand, numerous Add-Ons that my or may not be included in various bundles. That confusion dissuaded me for quite a long time from upgrading. Based again on some of the content of this thread, a more realistic naming convention would save a huge amount of ongoing confusion, hesitation, and user frustration.
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.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,371
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Posts: 24,371 |
I, and I'm sure many others, find the naming terminology confusing.
This is especially so for the 'Pro Pak', which actually has the minimum feature set. The base software is the same for all versions, and the Pak name describes the added features in terms of included RealTracks, RealDrums and available Styles.
The term 'Pro-Pak' signifies that it is the 'Professional' edition, which it certainly isn't.
Based again on some of the content of this thread, a more realistic naming convention would save a huge amount of ongoing confusion, hesitation, and user frustration.
I also find PGMusic's nomenclature very confusing. Every year there are many questions about that each Pak is and what it includes. But it goes beyond just the Pak terminology. Micro chords? Micro means extremely small so are micro chords are very small chords. Same with virtual tracks. I could go on and on but you get the picture.
I haven't lost all of my marbles but there is a small hole in the bag someplace!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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I agree this could be improved and the term Pro is the cause of the most confusion.
But things could be worse: the most creativity in the marketing industry now is the naming of drugs. Where do they get those names!
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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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2003
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................
But things could be worse: the most creativity in the marketing industry now is the naming of drugs. Where do they get those names! I think they have a computer randomly select letters and those letters are placed one after another based on when they were selected  Ducking and running for cover!
I haven't lost all of my marbles but there is a small hole in the bag someplace!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 176
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 176 |
Thank you all for your input! We do list everything that is included with each Band-in-a-Box package on their respective product pages on our site. If ever there is any confusion, please feel free to reach out to use and we'll be happy to clarify.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Jerry
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,992
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
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Posts: 2,992 |
It is very confusing. I usually message PGM and ask them to see which add on(s) I do not have. Then of course I buy them all, I can't help it, it's like musical pawn. Under the Help menu in Band-in-a-Box, there is a "What Add-Ons Do I Have" window. For UltraPAK and higher users, this is a great tool for seeing what optional add-ons one doesn't have. There is a spot for things like the XPro and XtraStyles PAKs in there.
Cheers,
Ember
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Thank you all for your input! We do list everything that is included with each Band-in-a-Box package on their respective product pages on our site. If ever there is any confusion, please feel free to reach out to use and we'll be happy to clarify.
Hope this helps! I'm fairly sure you do, but navigating it and making sense of it is not so easy as there's duplication, repetition, different names and names that have changed over time. On that neat versions and upgrades table here ( https://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htm), is lists the numbers of each of the types of content against the version, but find out which of those numbers are in any particular pack is not so easy. I think it's all there, but it's a bit of a hunt and the focus tends to be more on demonstrating them than identifying them. I can understand why that is ... it's a sales pitch ... but it makes hard work. A similar more detailed table that listed the packages and against them listed RealTrack sets and so on by number range would be helpful. The UltaPAK list them near the bottom of the page ( https://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.ultrapak.htm#rtlist)... why not put that list at the top and link each group, including the 1-50 group, to the contents of those groups. Oddly to me, each of those blocks of 50 RealTracks also seem to be on the same page, though something clearly controls the content. Another example of why it gets confusing is on the Pro page: https://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.pro.htmwhere it says "over 550 RealTrack instruments", but does not list the RealTracks. In addition to that, how can one tell if the 550 refers to "tracks" or "instruments"? I guess 550 instruments is pretty unlikely so it has to be the former. The MegaPAK is very similar. The UltraPAK and the UltraPAK+ both list all the RealTracks in the same way ... index blocks right near the bottom after loads of demos. Same arguments. What I really need to know is "all the stuff from the UltraPAK plus the songs and lessons PAK" with a hyper link to that pack. OmniPAK ... why not in the list of packages. I know it contains stuff other that BiaB, but then so do they all ... RealBand. Oh, I could go on and on. Enough already.
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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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!
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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.
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!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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