On one of my studio's Windows 7 64 bit computers, our IT department just copied over 160 GB of exe installer files of BiaB 2023 Ultra+ Pack, and then told me it's not their job to do the install, it's mine.
I agree with Matt Finley, never delete the exe installer files. Which means I will need an additional 1.3 times of disk space to install these exe files. That is well over 200 GB.
So, over 360 GB of disk space in order to store BiaB program and exe installers.
I'm not here to complain, but BiaB is the number one largest music software I've ever used in my life. To be clear, I'm not really a fan of Kontakt Komplete or Ueberschall Complete Bundle, even though they're pretty large too.
Here is what I plan to do: Double click and install the exe one by one. I don't want to use the master_realtracks_installer file, because it's possible to miss out a few installers in the process, and I have to later go through the log file to check which ones were not installed, would be very time consuming.
I wonder, if I start to install and extract all these exe files to the default C:\bb folder, is it going to make a mess? I already have BiaB 2022 with a few add-ons and paks in that bb folder, is it going to generate duplicates?
To me, Band-in-a-Box is the largest music software on Earth. No doubt.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
You can just copy the bb folder to a hard drive and run it from there or copy the bb folder to the new PC, along with the C:\Program Files\PG Music Inc There are only a few things you need to install like bbfonts.exe, pgdx_plug_2_0_0.exe, biab_daw_plugin.exe (should be in C:\bb\Data\Installers), Sforzando and I think just one Library should register it ? Run it and enter serial. It should just update the Sforzando PG library, if you don't have all the Playable RealTracks in Sforzando copy the original Band-in-a-Box Sounds.bank.xml in the PG Music Inc folder. The Audiophile version is over 1.5TB
I agree that PG Music content is expansive and takes up a great deal of storage. At the same time there is an issue where some computers have limited storage space; particularly on the primary storage drive.
The solution for first time customers wanting the Ultra or Audiophile packages is to purchase the optional, hard drive. The external hard drive contains the programs and content and can be used on any computer with a free USB port.
Once a customer has Band-in-a-Box on an external hard drive future updates and purchases can be installed to the drive.
A user with an Ultra or Audiophile package can ensure their existing package meets current standards by applying the free updates offered throughout the year. When there is a new release, purchase the update package and bonus packages offered during the new release sale. The update package includes only the new programs and content and is available by download or on a thumb drive.
PG Music programs are a little unique because the installation does not write to the registry of the Windows operating system. That means having the program on an external hard enables the program to be portable and easy to move between multiple computers.
I don't agree with your thread title. Neither Band-in-a-Box or RealBand are VSTs. Both are programs. Plugins can be VSTs but they are also available in other formats such as AAX or AU.
Once a customer has Band-in-a-Box on an external hard drive future updates and purchases can be installed to the drive.
But, you have to be aware that each year you need/should load the new version over the previous in order to keep all the files. I have 20 years of files. As a result that external HD quickly overflows
Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle
I don't agree with your thread title. Neither Band-in-a-Box or RealBand are VSTs. Both are programs. Plugins can be VSTs but they are also available in other formats such as AAX or AU.
The BIAB-VST requires the entire BIAB program loaded in order to run. I suspect that makes it the largest VST on Earth.
By the way, this is how I manage the needed space for BIAB. C and F are High speed SSDs (I put F in a couple days ago).
Band-in-a-Box is the largest music software on earth. Anyone disagree?
Since this is my studio's computer I have no control over purchase. If our IT department didn't purchase the external hard drive, I have to live with it, and do the install on massive exe files.
Anyone ever experienced with the "master_realtracks_installer" file? Is it reliable? Or is it going to leave out RealTrack installers?
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
But, you have to be aware that each year you need/should load the new version over the previous in order to keep all the files. I have 20 years of files.
I wonder, if you install and extract all the new exe files to the same bb folder each year, is it going to make a mess on the old files? I already have BiaB 2022 Mega with a few add-ons and paks in the bb folder, is installing 2023 going to generate duplicate files in the bb folder?
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
The BIAB-VST requires the entire BIAB program loaded in order to run. I suspect that makes it the largest VST on Earth.
The Kontakt 5 VST plugin and the Band-in-a-Box package of program and VST are close in size but the Big Fish Audio VST plugin is way bigger. At the same time, while looking at files I found some VST files that are way smaller than anything listed here.
bbw64.exe = 56,884 KB (64 bit Program) + BiaB64VST = 07,658 KB _____________________ Total Size= 64,542 KB
Kontakt5 = 64,111 KB (Popular Native Instruments VST Plugin) Momentum = 80,039 KB (Big Fish Audio VST competitor to Kontakt)
Each year, BiaB releases year specific content, called 0pak.exe and 49pak.exe, and I assume it contains RealTracks, MIDI Tracks, Styles, Songs, etc. If you miss that year's 0pak and 49pak, you won't get it with the next year's release.
Does it mean, for a new user, even installs a 2023 Ultra+ BiaB, will still have RealTracks missing from 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019...?
Missing Styles? Not an issue, don't care much. But missing RealTracks? That would be a huge problem.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
Each year, BiaB releases year specific content, called 0pak.exe and 49pak.exe, and I assume it contains RealTracks, MIDI Tracks, Styles, Songs, etc. If you miss that year's 0pak and 49pak, you won't get it with the next year's release.
Does it mean, for a new user, even installs a 2023 Ultra+ BiaB, will still have RealTracks missing from 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019...?
Missing Styles? Not an issue, don't care much. But missing RealTracks? That would be a huge problem.
Which is why I have all of my computer data including RTs, RDs, and styles backed up three times; two are here and one in my bank's deposit box.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I think the bonus paks have the unreleased RT's etc.. these I think are release in the next years version.
In my opinion, that has not been established, and I do not think it is true. Otherwise, there would be no incentive to purchase Bonus paks; just wait a year.
I've asked PG Music to clarify this, and I'll be very happy if I am wrong.
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.
I wonder, if you install and extract all the new exe files to the same bb folder each year, is it going to make a mess on the old files? I already have BiaB 2022 Mega with a few add-ons and paks in the bb folder, is installing 2023 going to generate duplicate files in the bb folder?
Part of the process of using a PG Music installer is designating where the files will be installed. In fact the installers default to the folder locations you used during your last installation. As long as you remain consistent with where your Band-in-a-Box files are stored you shouldn't end up with duplicate files.
My understanding is the installers load new files and will update existing files when the installer includes an updated file. However when the installer finds a file that already exists and the existing file has a date and bit size that is the same as the installer file then the installer does not install the file.
There was one release when PG Music changed the underlying folder structure and that caused some confusion with existing users. Once the change was explained, all was well.
For those newer to these forums, I think Jim is referring to the change in BIAB 2018 that completely reorganized the folder structure of BIAB. There was a Cleanup utility introduced that could catch anything not in the right place. Since 2018, there has been no problem to my knowledge. And yes, the update looks at the file date and only updates older files.
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.
Our 2023 49-PAK is loaded with 60 AMAZING bonus RealTracks – 20 more bonus RealTracks than we've offered in the past! There's a new instrument added to our RealTracks collection: the Erhu, a classical Chinese violin with two strings! Electric guitar sounds by Brent Mason (7), Mike Durham (14), Tom Britt (1), and Darin Favorite (13) are included, along with Brian Allen (12) on electric bass, Miles Black on electric piano (1), Quinn Bachand's acoustic guitar playing (1), and lap steel by Rob Ickles (2). Charles Treadway brings the rhythm organ (4), and there's 70s soul electric bass by Dave Roe (3) and 70s soul electric guitar played by Pat Bergeson! We've also included bongo drums (5), tambourine tracks (3), a cowbell, and more!
I think the incentive is to buy it now rather that wait another year. Otherwise the wonderful content above will be deleted never to be seen again or available to new users down the track.
I do see the issue, and it's a good question. I agree only that PG Music has not yet made the answer clear.
I have asked if there is anything that I can no longer get if I didn't buy that particular bonus pak along the way. Just because it says Unreleased here, does not imply it will be added to the regular release in the future. I really hope your interpretation is correct, but I don't think we know yet.
And by the way, yes, MusicVillian, no other program I've seen comes close by an order of magnitude to the size of BIAB. That is certainly the case from 2008 on, with the introduction of RealTracks (and maybe even a year before, with RealDrums). Before 2007, BIAB is still the clear winner for the number of files, if not the largest storage size of the files taken together.
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.
Regarding to the discussions between musocity and Matt Finley.
Year-Specific Bonus Content Does PG Music allow users to purchase previous years' bonus paks? Say, currently in 2023, can a user purchase the bonus paks of 2021, 2020, 2019, etc? So he won't miss those year-specific bonus content contains RealTracks?
PG Music spends lots of money each year, flying to Nashville and record those RealTracks. It totally makes no sense to sell a bonus pak contains RealTracks for only one year, then let the bonus paks disappear forever.
Types of Bonus Paks Can someone explain the differences between types of bonus paks? Currently, on my exe checklist, I have the following exe files.
From the size of these exe files, I assume they all contain RealTracks. But why are they named differently? What are the differences in the content?
EverythingPAK & Omni PAK People talked about them in the forum. What are these?
I know only 6 PAKs: Pro, Mega, Ultra, Ultra+, Audiophile, and Plus PAK.
Ultra vs Ultra+ The only difference between these two is the SongsLessonsPak. In other words, SongsLessonsPak is the "+" that cost $100.
Anyone ever used this SongsLessonsPak? Is it worth it?
As I checked on PG's website, this SongsLessonsPak is mainly for learning, studying, and teaching. If I do none of these, but use BiaB for music production purpose only, does it mean the SongsLessonsPak is useless in my case?
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
The Audiophile is worth a look at as it includes everything already installed on the drive so you don't need to run so many installers. You can manually copy the RT and RD folder to where you like without running all the RT installers. And, you get wav file quality. If you look at the info of a previous Bonus Pak, you will see the tracks are now released:
To the question, I have requested to buy a ‘make up’ pak to be sure I have everything including bonus Paks I might not have purchased at the time. So far, no answer. That might be a marketing choice. If musocity is right and all past offerings are included in the present, then I don’t need such a make-up pack. The issue is about ‘all’ and that’s hard for users to prove. You don’t know what it is that you don’t know. (Rumsfeld variant)
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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
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