|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1 |
I'm new to this forum, and only a few months into BiaB, but this seems like a mostly friendly group, so I'll throw this out. I am benefiting immensely from BiaB's ability to comp my practices and to add color to songs where I can't do it myself. The internal algorithms are advanced and creative, and the program's engine is to be commended. HOWEVER.....BiaB appears to be Ford Focus frame on a Ferrari engine. (Sorry for being blunt, but that's exactly the metaphor that comes to mind when I load the program. I'm not trying to offend.)
Leaving aside the time warp to the early 90s that the UX offers, there are just too many usability quirks and inconsistencies with mainstream user interface standards. Example: everytime I want to save a file, I have to scan the (24!) options under the File menu to find Save. (Comes after Karaoke options - really?) Cutting and pasting usually leads to unanticipated results. The list could go on and on. And yes, I know there are shortcuts and key equivalents for all of these to be learned, but as a 21st century software user, I have an expectation that the program should be 85% usable out of the box w/o instructions. BiaB gets about a 40% score based on my exerience.
While I'm satisfied with what the program accomplishes, I'm dissastified with the amount of work I have to do. I can't in all good conscience recccomend BiaB to a prospective buyer either. It's simply too hard to use. Frankly, I use the program b/c it's effective, but I heave a sigh of resignation when I click the icon (and hold my breath that it doesn't crash while generating Realtracks.)
At some point, PG will have to bite the bullet and do a complete remake of the look and feel, and I vote sooner rather than later. Otherwise, fans will leave and new customers will be hard to acquire. Believe me, I know how hard this is - I've been in the technology industry for some time. Long-term loyal users will rightly howl that they need to change habits, customer support costs will skyrocket for a while, developers will be diverted from new features to usabilty designing, etc. Been there. But I also know it has to be done.
FWIW, here at a minimum is what I would change, and I invite others to chime in:
-Contextual icons: over 1/3 of my screen space is occupied by buttons, most of which I rarely use. I just counted 76 button icons, not including the instrument and playback options. BiaB should know what I'm doing and present me with only options that are relevant to the task at hand. (Yes, the icons can be hidden, but that's not the point; it's about enhancing workflow at each step of the process). One possibility is the use of tabs - this has become common in many programs, and almost all browsers, so there will be a less steep learning curve.
-The instrument selection radio icons continue to baffle: I can click Strings and yet add a MIDI generated percussion instrument, or a Banjo realtrack, and the option still says "Strings." This is an area where a more traditional DAW approach may be in order, with tracks lanes, and more easily customizable track names.
-Use wizards instead of menu dialogs. The buttons on most dialog boxes are dense, and often lack logical flow. Example, the notation dialog box. Formatting options are presented alongside transposing options, sandwiched in between guitar chord options. Takes a lot of reorienting myself with every dialog box that is open. This is one area where consitency is paramount. Give me tabs with my options, and let me find only what I need, and make the tabs the same across every dialog box.
-There must be a reason why BiaB doesn't write to the Windows registry, but I don't know what it is. This makes BiaB not play well with my system and I suspect is the reason for a lot of instability and frequent crashes. I'd suggest reevaluting this policy.
-General lack of graphic enhancement. In this era, people expect the graphics to be engaging, intuitive, exciting and useful. I can't say this about BiaB's UX presentation layer.
Don't get me wrong, I admire the program and would like to see it stay around. However, I fear that over time it will fade into the night along with its loyal long term users. A newer generation of users will be put off by an archaic interface, and find something else. I think that would be a shame. That is the intent of this posting and I hope it is taken in that light.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,656
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,656 |
There is truth in what you are saying. The overall look is rather old fashioned. And the multitude of buttons are confusing, for a while. Some of this is due to the fact that the program is unique. There is no other program, the only close competition pales in comparison.
The idea you had on track lanes is a decent one, IF this was a DAW, but it is not, it is based on the concept of a chords screen, and the fact that it has a list at the top for the tracks is that it is giving you some adjustment for the backing tracks generated. It may still say strings, but right above it it tells you what real track it generated. If you want track lanes use RealBand, it IS a DAW. And you can rename any track you want.
What i worry about is stability, and adding new fancy graphics, and users tools, plus more coding for these could potentially make it more buggy. I have almost zero crashes with my system. RT generation is solid now. It could get a basic facelift alright, but i for one would hate to see it's overall functionality change much.
Yes it could look a bit better, but as far as suggesting this program to others, i do often, and some have said it looks old, but once they see what it does, they all get a different view of it. This program flat out works, and once you bump around it for a while it is not so confusing. It is actually very simple to use.
People have been predicting failure for the program due to it's graphics for a long time, but it keeps on selling, and selling and growing. I agree some modernization is needed, but I want slow changes. I have seen what happens when program keep piling on the features and fancies. (Sonar) The forum there is filled with complaints over waht is still not working, and it has a nice crisp new look. And still folks come there constantly griping about the graphics. Can't please everyone no matter what it looks like.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716 |
I'd say a more appropriate metaphor is that of a 1980's Ford Escort Engine in a Model T body. The latter I can live with for some unknown reason, but it's the engine that worries me the most. And yes the amount of knock on effects from changes prompts one to say 'leave it alone' as from recent experience there's no telling what can go wrong with BIAB when new things are added. if there's to be any fundamental rethink I suspect it's going to have to involve recoding the entire program from the ground up.
Regards
Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608 |
I agree with Robh. Why a fundamental rethink for BIAB when Real Band will function like you want? Thousands of us love BIAB for it's main function - automatic regenerating accompaniment. Everything else is gravy. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I bought a Mini Cooper. They put the retro speedometer circle in the middle for old times sakes. Sometimes old is new.
I was in a bar and between sets someone requested a song. It's a country song. The guy is using what he admits is a dated older version of band in a box, 2 speakers on poles, one monitor a power mixer and an acoustic guitar with output. One mic. He walks over to the laptop, enters 20 chords, 3 repeats, and 30 seconds later runs it through one verse on headphones, comes back finishes a beer, and does the song which sounded really good.
Guy never bought band in a box in his life and says to me,...what do I need newer stuff for it works great. I never even needed a manual.
Wowser.
John Conley Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
I alos am a new user, but have been around for many years. I have been using sequencers fopr decades and have a heavyweight Cubase studio. I must agree that BIAB is like a Ferrari in a Ford Escort chassis - its a truly fantastic breakthrough program with Real Styles and very useful in other ways too.
But.... the GUI is confusing and odd. I can see why its 'endearing' to some but a ground up rethink is in order now. Why two programs? WHy Real Band AND BIAB.
I must admit I dont really know the program well, but to me, and I guess to others, its confusing, even though I have been around a while with DAWS. Its like an application with bits added on, and bits added on to the bits, and bits added on to the bits of the bits...
I LOVE it though...more real styles please...
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 40
Enthusiast
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 40 |
+1 for the initial post of masondr, except for the registry thing. I love the ability to run BIAB from a portable hdd. The use of ini files is crucial for this.
Cheers, Andi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608 |
I've used BIAB for many years and I'm very used to it. I would hope that if there is a change in the GUI, the option to retain the old GUI is there. I don't know of any decent music program that doesn't have a learning curve. Later, Ray
Last edited by raymb1; 07/09/10 03:49 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 224
Apprentice
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 224 |
Well for a start 3/4 of the screen is the chord sheet, no way around that and I like it that way.
If you feel that the look is outdated there are options to use different colours, might help if there were a few different themes made or users knew how to make their own.
Although I ask questions often on the forum, I don't feel that biab has a steep learning curve unles you want to use things like the stylemaker, to be honest I have never read the manual, in fact I think for a newbie starting to read the manual will make things seem more difficult than they really are.
Joe
Last edited by joemardo1; 07/09/10 08:32 AM.
joe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,656
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,656 |
Why two programs? WHy Real Band AND BIAB.
Because they are for different purposes. RB is a Sequencing program for recording, it does allow some generation features of BiaB, but it is a Sequencer, or recording studio if you will.
BiaB is for auto accompaniment generation and live playback, quick design, not really a full on recording studio at all!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 101
Apprentice
|
Apprentice
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 101 |
I'm a long time user and also like the look and functionality the way it is. Sometimes I'll use different views, like scrolling melody or fake sheet, but mostly I use the main page with the chords on 2/3 of the screen, the big lyrics (or lyrics document) wind on 1/3, and the visable keyboard turned off. So for my purposes there are plenty of options to fit my needs. Also I don't want to go through a learning curve and the many tweek updates to follow. If it is in the planning stages, I would support the person's suggestion that this original gui is an option.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
RbH, With respect to you..
Real Band is a sequencer, but so is BIAB. You could say Real band is accompaniment software, but its still a sequencer of sorts. You can record in both.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258 |
I've used biab for 3 years now and I love it to bits. I wouldn't change it too much as many users who've been loyal since the start could just as easily hate any major changes. Over the 3 years, my site reading has improved enormously. I'm playing stuff I wouldn't have dreamt of not that long ago. If it ain't broke...Don't fix it !
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,656
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,656 |
I understand what you are saying ZZ, but also with all respect, you are missing the point. BiaB was never built as a recording studio type sequencer. It was designed to arrange accompaniment tracks automatically by style sets, and a recordable track was added to accomodate folks who wanted to add one audio track to the arrangement. The solo and melody tracks can also hold some stuff but were developed to add generated solos and melodies. One of the key features that BiaB has that is very different from recording studio software is the ability to rearrange the file everytime you hit play. That is fundamental to what it is, and also very unfundamental to recording in general.
Realband however is a new product based very closely on Powertracks, and for all intents and purposes it is Powertracks, a true recording studio software package. It was build from the ground up as a recording studio with 48 tracks. It has some of the BiaB arrangement features added so one could open BiaB files, and generate RTs and RDs in the tracks. But it has all the same features as PTPA, including the tracks view and the Mixer view. It has all the effects and slots for mixing and processing that a true studio needs. It is a full on recording studio audio/midi sequencer, and BiaB is not. I truly doubt PG plans on morphing BiaB into one program with PTPA, cause they already have, and it is called RealBand. I suspect that the development for RB and BiaB will continue for years to come. BiaB will continue to develop as it has in the same direction. BiaB is used both by those who use it to auto arrange by style and those who use it to generate live backing tracks. Rb will slowly develop as a full fledged recording studio, with some nice basic arrangement features. Really bringing both worlds together, and PTPA will most likely stay a simple easy lightweight DAW.
So BiaB is a arrangement program with limited recording capability, and Rb is a recording studio with limited arrangement capability. I beleive the drop and drag features bear out that the two shall remain the same for at least a long time. They have built a bridge for the two to meet at.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 8
Newbie
|
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 8 |
Hi,
I registered to the forum just to reply to this post. I've used BIAB way in the past, and I've come back to it just this year. Seeing the user interface nearly drove me to tears.
What is keeping you from updating it? It looks and feels as if development was never done against any sort of planning. Hard decisions seem to have been put off, investments have not been made.
Can you tell me, how much time do you spend keeping the old stuff alive in changing environments? How often did you think "if only I had chosen the newer path 5 years ago, I could now easily do this and that, and make the program look shiny and fresh..." And that growing group of Mac users that complain of the differences between the Mac and Windows versions.. porting could be so easy! The new platforms that mobile devices offer... ah, but that is not even about the UI..
You could make use of a GENERATION (it's 2011!) of new insights in how to build a user interface, how to organize code, install, distribute, etc..
Are you just not aware? Is it that you are afraid of something? Are you just unable to set aside the time and money? I can't believe you wouldn't give a ***. How long do you think you can rely on the comments of your long time customers like the ones above, who have aged along with your program? Do you read other threads, where people complain about not getting their money's worth with an upgrade? Is the interface part of their complains? Or do you rely on those loyal clients who fork out the cash and spend time to defend that it was worth it once again. You survived Microsofts funny Songsmith-experiment, my guess is the next time they or another big software company seriously try, it's all over for BIAB.
PLEASE! Update the user interface. Do it for this new generation of users, that may open up to the music styles that you provide, that they never hear on the radio. Do it to help keep the practice of playing musical instruments alive, rather than seeing more and more people "do it all" from the computer. Do it because you know that even though they like it, you are still fooling those clients who just don't realize what a fresh interface would do for them.
Above all, do it because you owe it to yourself. Recognize that this program is too good to grow old and die of some compatibility issue that you just can't solve anymore. If you don't know how, get help!
Eddy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,194
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,194 |
I really like the interface. I find it very efficient to use and I like having having so many options readily on hand. For my needs, it's designed perfectly. I see the layout as neither old nor modern. To me, it's simply highly functional.
Noel
Last edited by Noel96; 01/14/11 01:34 PM.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 79
Enthusiast
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 79 |
At the risk of going wayyy out on a limb, here, I have a prediction:
2011.5 will be, 'as per usual.'
2012 will be ONE program, perhaps called "RealBand in a Box," which will have a whole new slick configurable 21st-century interface, and will combine both programs, seamlessly.
Or am I just dreaming again.
Daisy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,381
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,381 |
I wouldn't mind, but I'm not the majority. I find RB SOOOO much more intuitive. I find myself clicking all over the place in BiaB to find what I want to do. This is why I spend as little time in BiaB as possible before moving the project to RB. I know many here have grown accustomed to the menus, but I don't think it is intuitive for newer users. Just my humble view.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,656
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,656 |
I think that this post is morphing a bit, but here goes. As far as my post before, well i was not addressing the user interface as much as the wish that PG scrap both BiaB and Rb development and build something brand new and pour both programs in a blender and pour out a new one. It just seems rather selfish to ask a company to abandon their whole program in favor of a half dozen people who want it their way.
As far as my growing old with BiaB, i have only used it for 3 years now. I will admit that the user interface and GUi is rather old fashioned. But that thing flat out works, and is pretty darned solid. Sonar is struggling with their new look and i do not want to see PG go that route. If they want to clean it up a tad great. Give it a modern new look but not a full rewrite. I do not want to go through years of pain to do a job.
So what it does not look great, does it work? Personally i like function over flash. I do not think PTPA, or Rb are fancy or great looking, but they work. Make it strong, make it solid, make it functional, make it stable. Fix the VSTi issues, and all that. Yes maybe slowly overhaul the interface and make it a bit more user friendly, but for God's sake do not completely redo it at the loss of stability.
If a new user wants a fancy 21st century look over full function, then he might be wanting the wrong things. I listen to people on DAW forums all the time prattle on about wanting this and that, but seldom see them actually record anything. How could they they spend all there time fussing. Use the tool if it works. If you do not like the product use something else.
On a personal level, there are things i would like to see done with the program, that would enhance my work flow, but hey it is not all about me, there are users around the globe, that all do things differently. It is my choice what i use.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608 |
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
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!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,253
Posts790,055
Members39,846
| |
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|