As mainly an acoustic folky i was a little curious about NEW ACOUSTIC RTs for folk, bluegrass, Celtic, ethnic, percussion etc, and the new 2023 Audiouphile releases. IMO, and after a listen through the demos it seems that most stuff is again a lot of the same poppy-rocky material as so many other old RTs; distorted Electric guitar sounds and drums again.
No acoustic bass, and especially NO new Andy Leftwich material!, Latter made some great universal, unsurpassed and very useful mandolin and fiddle RTs. full of clever riffs of a quality i never experienced with most other acoustic RTs .. (IMO!).
I still miss a good set of Irish style backing bazookas with the lighter sound of a greek-style 3 string round belly instrument as played by the likes of Alec Finn and Donal Lunny. Let alone uilleann pipes.
So I think i'll let Audiophile be for this round, as not much there really interests me personally, but maybe some of you can make me change my mind? A good friend and long time BIAB user i talked into buying Audiophile 2 years ago feels the same way ..... F
IMHO, the XtraPAKs and XPro4 have the better RTs - those are worth getting for sure. I am underwhelmed by the other new RTs with the 2023 UltraPAK, to be honest.
Cheers, Mike
My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
IMHO, the XtraPAKs and XPro4 have the better RTs - those are worth getting for sure. I am underwhelmed by the other new RTs with the 2023 UltraPAK, to be honest.
I'm confused by this statement... I thought the "XtraPAKs and XPro4" were just new RealStyles that used existing RealTracks.
I do however, prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's.
Again, I find this statement confusing. Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?
I do however, prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's.
Again, I find this statement confusing. Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?
That is exactly what I was saying but then again it is 100% subjective depending on the musical taste of the listener. Other's will more then likely absolutely love the RT's over the XtraPak and XtraPro sounds. Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with any of them, it is just that my taste in music does not venture that much into other areas like synth, pop, new world, new age, disco, etc...
Nothing wrong with them, just not my forte.
BIAB2025 Windows 10 Pro WA6NCB No Longer on a Crappy Laptop!
I do however, prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's.
Again, I find this statement confusing. Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?
Other's will more then likely absolutely love the RT's over the XtraPak and XtraPro sounds.
I'm sorry, but I still don't understand your comparison between "RT's", and "XtraPak and XtraPro sounds".
Okay, someone probably will correct me if I'm wrong:
Look at X**** (whatever) styles the same way as you would look at User styles. Yes, X* styles are a based on existing styles. Those existing styles are used to come up with completely "new" styles (same as with User styles).
I think what we're saying is that more thought and originality has been applied to those X* styles. Better arrangements, instrumentation, etc. than those "regular/new" styles that cam with whatever version of BIAB 2023 one bought.
Now, this is just my interpretation as to what X* styles are and why they are more appealing to some of us. Someone else may weigh in to either correct me or elaborate even more.
Cheers, Mike
My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
I think what we're saying is that more thought and originality has been applied to those X* styles. Better arrangements, instrumentation, etc. than those "regular/new" styles that cam with whatever version of BIAB 2023 one bought.
Yes, this makes sense to me, and is what I suspected you meant when I asked the above question; Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?
BTW, I tend to agree, to some extent... but to me, some are gems, and some are just more gravel.
I think what we're saying is that more thought and originality has been applied to those X* styles. Better arrangements, instrumentation, etc. than those "regular/new" styles that cam with whatever version of BIAB 2023 one bought.
Yes, this makes sense to me, and is what I suspected when I asked the above question; Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?
BTW, I tend to agree, to some extent... but to me, some are gems, and some are just more gravel.
Glad, we're on the same page!
Cheers, Mike
My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
I'm sorry, but I still don't understand your comparison between "RT's", and "XtraPak and XtraPro sounds".
IF I have been reading this right, the created Xtra & Xpro Paks sound BETTER that the RealTracks that come with the new release is what is being said....the Created Mixes using previous styles DO sound more "Alive" than the new RT's IMHO....
The only Xtra or Xpro Paks that I can find that DO come with NEW RealTracks are Xpro 3 & 4....so i will assume that is what is meant (and we all know what happens when one Assumes! LOL! )
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
In BIAB, there are RealTracks (and RealDrums), and there are styles. Styles you buy, or styles you can make yourself, are just collections of specific RealTracks and RealDrums that are given a convenient name. If you only use RealTracks and RealDrums, you don't really need styles at all; they are just easier to have and search for.
For MIDI, the style does do a lot more by way of instructions. However, if I use a collection of only RealTracks, no MIDI, then a polka style, Chopin, a blues, or a modern jazz style will sound the same in that song IF you select the same RealTrack(s) by number and use the same tempo and key signature.
The 'regular' BIAB packages come with lots of RealTracks and styles. The more you pay for a package (Pro, UltraPak), the more you get of each, since the base program is the same.
Then there are EDITED 'Bonus 0 or 49-packages' each year offered for extra money, and these also give you BOTH additional styles and additional RealTracks.
The quality of the RealTracks (the question about 'better') from any source is the same as the others they produce. If someone likes or doesn't like how something sounds, it's their opinion. The style likewise is just a curated collection of RealTracks, so it has no 'quality' and you are free to like their choice of how these tracks sound together, or not. If you only like some of the style, swap out the tracks you don't like to create and save your own style.
Then there are 'Xtra' packages each year offered for extra money, and these also give you BOTH additional styles and additional RealTracks.
"additional RealTracks" Matt, are you sure about that?
I know that some "additional RealTracks" are offered with the "Bonus 49 Pac", but I'm not aware of any "additional RealTracks" included in the Xtra Styles or XPro Packs. am I wrong?
The XtraStyles do not include any additional RealTracks because as long as you have the 2022 UltraPAK from last year you'll have all the RealTracks you need.
The 2023 XProPAK 4 does include some RealTracks and RealDrums that are not included in the 2023 or earlier XProPAK. This is from the XProPAK4 installer file:
Quote:
100 Rock/Pop, Jazz, Country, and Miscellaneous styles (STY), including RealTracks and RealDrum files.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.
If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!
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