It looks good but what I didn't see was an upgrade price or if it was compatible with old MIDI styles. Without those I will be staying with what I have now.
79 €/$ to upgrade before 16 May. 99 after. Full price 199. Upgrade price includes VAT in Europe. The EZ?Keys 2 page says that v1 pianos and MIDI are compatible with v2.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra Studio Pro 8; Tonalic Studio 1; Reaper v7; Bitwig Studio 6; Melodyne Studio 5 Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
a prerequisite is that the host supports VST3, AU or AAX instruments
That quote means it will not work in Band-in-a-Box for Windows or RealBand since neither program accepts VST3.
An AU version of EZKeys2 is available so perhaps the plugin will work with Band-in-a-Box for Mac.
Quote:
the full MIDI content from the legacy version is also included.
Quote:
In May, all previously released EZkeys titles get converted to EKX expansions. Already own one or a few? Don’t worry, all EZkeys sounds will work in EZkeys 2.
funnies aside, since you are an active forum member there, can you please ask if new release will be able to play directly from MIDI chord file, or it still would have to be "dragged in"? Thank you.
Looks like this is covered in...
Play away. Apply playing styles from any EZkeys MIDI on your own chord sequences – in real-time!
79 €/$ to upgrade before 16 May. 99 after. Full price 199. Upgrade price includes VAT in Europe. The EZ?Keys 2 page says that v1 pianos and MIDI are compatible with v2.
They did something like that after I bought EZDrummer 2. A very short while later they announced EZDrummer 3, I wasn't offered a free-upgrade and baulked at paying yet more to upgrade what I'd only just bought. I've not been willing to buy anything else from them since.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
They did something like that after I bought EZDrummer 2. A very short while later they announced EZDrummer 3, I wasn't offered a free-upgrade and baulked at paying yet more to upgrade what I'd only just bought. I've not been willing to buy anything else from them since.
Ya, we all remember that. Although, I don't remember any issues with the cost of the EZD3 upgrade. You may want to rethink this, EZD3 is fantastic.
Spent the moning getting "everything we know as of now" from Shootie
I have been with EZKeys for over a decade. In fact, I (jazzmandan) am the OP in the EZKeys forum who 7 years ago first requested EZKeys2. That thread has been active all these years, and now we finally have EZKeys 2.0! That thread is having a celebration today.
The new features look incredible. And I am stoked to pre-order. But I had an unexpected strong feeling of sadness as I spent the morning with Shootie going through the marketing. EZkeys 1 was so simple and so beautiful. EZKeys 02 is so much more than simple piano midi generation. But time marches on and we either adapt or resign. I figure I got a few more good years in me (remember none of us are getting out of this alive). So I guess I have to get syched for the changes to come. As shootie said, "Holy Toontrack Invation touching down now."
This is awesome news. I have a question for you, the resident EZexpert!
- The upgrade price is $79. OK, I could be happy with that (very happy!)
- But, out of curiosity, I went to the page for ordering an Electric Grand sound expansion priced at $89 for the upgrade
- However, on this page that lists both the upgrade price and the full price for EZ Keys with this sound expansion, it also says "EZ KEYS 2 UPGRADE INCLUDED*"
Is this perhaps a loophole where I could buy a sound expansion for $89 upgrade price and qualify for a free EZ Keys 2 upgrade? Just looking to maximize my value on this investment!!
Although, I don't remember any issues with the cost of the EZD3 upgrade.
You might have done if you'd only just bought it. :-( EZD3 does appear very good. I just have to stop smarting first. It was the EZD2->EZD3 change that persuaded me to not buy either EZBass or EZKeys. Or indeed any further add-ons.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
New business model: Software includes core sound library
This is a huge change...
Watch Shootie
Can you please explain? I thought I got a core sound library when I bought EZ Keys 1?
The old business model was a nightmare for users and a bonus for the company. TT sells EZKeys in 3 types Core, Expansions and Midi Paks.
Core is single new Piano with full EZKeys program (there is currently only the most minimal Core-midi-library. 1) Expansion Pack is a new Instrument only (which by the way comes with that little library but is much 2) cheaper and needs the "Core" for the innstrument to work. 3) Midi Pack is just the midi content.
If you buy EXKeys1 now you get upgrade free. If you buy just an expansion - no free upgrade If you buy a midi pak - no free upgrade
What a mess... This will change in the new business mode. This is all explained very well by Shootie
I'm still not clear on the old vs. new business model. Is my summary below correct?
OLD BUSINESS MODEL With the old model I'd buy EZ Keys by choosing an instrument and that would include that instrument along with a standard MIDI library.
Then, I could buy expansions to get new instruments but the expansions only included the same MIDI library.
Or, I could buy MIDI packs that did NOT include an instrument but DID include new MIDI library content.
NEW BUSINESS MODEL EZ Keys comes with a core library and a grand piano.
Expansions include an instrument AND new MIDI library content.
Scaler is taking some potential marketing hits also. EZK2.0 has laid down the gauntlet to the competition.
Yeah, I've been predicting this for some time. Once Toontrack gets everything bundled (as they are now starting to do with EZ Line branding) and maybe adds guitars, they become an extremely serious competitor to Band-in-a-Box. As delighted as I am with EZ Keys 2 I would not want to be marketing a competing product right now!
I thought it would look much the same as EZBass. You know you can turn the volume down in it and use the midi outpout to any other VSTi, you can even use a guitar VST and create some guitar midi phrases for the library. What are you guys going to do about the VST3 ? You might be forced into using VST3Shell or Element
Playing around with EZkeys1 via its VST2 was a bit fun and interesting but I would never use it as an official workflow. At least that was never my intention. EZKeys belongs in a DAW and Reaper/BIAB/EZWhatever, have always worked as a great combination.
BTW, I worked a little more with BIAB/EZKeys following our discovery of EZKeys synching in BIAB the other day. While the first trials went surprizingly well, further efforts resulted in some oddities which no one wants to battle with.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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.
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)
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