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New Ways of Doing Things, Quantum Leaps in Thinking. It's all too slow like watching paint dry, year in year out  Get the software sorted out so functions and features can be easily implemented and released regularly at the same crossplatform time, not at just xmas time for Win and midi year for Mac.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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+1
Though I have quite a lot of sympathy for where I think PGM presently are with the software.
About 15 years ago now I built an application primarily for me as a test harness for a design for a client. I used one of my preferred RAD (rapid applications development) tools to do that. When we went to approvals testing, I expanded the test tool to include automated test runs to speed up the testing process. Later the client needed to do some admin, so I enhanced the tool some more. Then we did some post-release tests to help find a temerature-related issue, and some linearity checking, and some version management, and a different flavour for a German client of my client, and so on. The RAD tool dropped out of popularity, though has since been resumed, but it's morphed quite a bit in the mean time, and sometimes does unexpected things. 15 years down the line I rather wish I'd used C/C++ and a graphics library, but in truth in the same circumstance I'd almost certainly have made the same decision. Despite the fact thatr many earlier features are obsolescent, I don't want to waste time and effort removing them. Neither the client, nor I, have a sane business model for a ground-up rewrite (it has only around half a dozen users), so I have an imperfect and over-cluttered application on which I really cannoty justify doing that work.
In some ways PGM and I are in similar positions. I cannot have a business plan to do the work, because there's no business. PGM very likely have difficulty formulating an alternative business model whilst working under the surface maintain their present business model.
I think you're right that then need a quantum leap or paradigm shift or fresh perspective or whatever other term one wants to use. I do though also see that that may be quite hard for them to do. It's a competitive world out there, they have a business to run, customners to support and staff to pay. It's a family business and very often those better support their customers and staff than do other types business.
It's notable that a number of other companies have changed, or tried to change, business model and the changes are sometimes met with anger from the customers ... I'm thinking particularly of the subscription model that some are trying. Selling the content rather than the tool has attractions, but I have to say that personally I can find myself irritated by the edless "now you need this sound" posts from companies that work that way.
My own experience of starting-over on something that has now become "not the best way I could have done this" has generally been good. For the new version I know better what's needed, know better how to do things, know better what works well and what would be better done differently. But BIAB is quite a large and complex application and ground-up revist would be pretty scary. I'll also add that I have only done ground-up revisits a few times and maybe I've been fortunate ... others may have found it very painful. I have only my own experiences from which to judge.
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
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Yes it's all a dilemma. As I said before this future is most likely in the BBPlugin as it uses JUCE so you have the Win Mac version at the same time, it can be made to have all the current function contained within the crossplatform code rather than using the old Biab app in the background with all it's limitations. Having crossplatform RT RD etc.. installers using a crossplatform compressed and uncompressed audio format. This can be built on over time as you have a Plugin but also a Plugin Standalone so functions can be gradually transferred over to the JUCE crossplatform Plugin\Standalone. The old Biab app should not be holding back the potential of the crossplatform Plugin\Standalone, that's craziness. With JUCE you could have a Linux version also. This is from the Sync VST for Biab thread buy is relevant to this thread. There has been so much valuable info posted here over 3 years. It should be a simple thing to implement for users that want to sync all the features of Biab with any DAW. To get all the Biab features in an actual Plugin you would need a crossplatform programming language like JUCE to allow the code to be used in a standalone Win Mac version and a Plugin Win Mac version. This was suggested back in 2015 for that very reason. Here we are 8 years later with BB & The Workarounds still. It was bad enough going all those years trying workarounds for the missing VstTimeInfo that syncs vst's like Ezdrummer to the host.
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With JUCE you could have a Linux version also. That would be nice, but I'll not be holding my breath. Funnily enough after my post I've just this moment started up that old application of mine again for some hardware-change testing.
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
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If it's a Windows app chances are it will be ok but if it's a Mac app you have no hope as you would need to update the app every update and OS change for the rest of your life.
So many Mac programmers are being pulled out of retirement villages to reprogram their old popular apps so they work on this weeks apple.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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If it's a Windows app chances are it will be ok but if it's a Mac app you have no hope as you would need to update the app every update and OS change for the rest of your life.
So many Mac programmers are being pulled out of retirement villages to reprogram their old popular apps so they work on this weeks apple. I generally design the application on Linux, then polish for Windows as that's where most clients use things. I've written stuff that way that's been run on a Mac, but I've never actually used a Mac myself. I almost always start platform-agnostic if I can. There are lots of cross-platform compilable scripting languages. Selecting the right one is sometimes the trickiest bit.  This particular one's in Tcl/Tk, built with vTcl and compiled using ActiveState's older tools. I have a retired friend who writes Cobol (why use nasty concise C when you could write a whole novel  ) and he's forever being asked to work on things ... usually banks, so usually excellent money.
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
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This is a quantum leap in action: Zoom++  Reaper is loading BBoutput.txt with the exact same tracks and sections from the track data instantly. Giving total editing control to the user that Biab, RealBand and BBPlugin lacks. Having a BBoutput.txt in C:\bb\Data with all the track data for all tracks will give a quantum leap for those that want to work this way rather than forcibly holding users back in the past to work in a really old frustrating, creativity killing way ?
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The problem must be the lack of universality in this addition.
Why do it ONLY in Reaper?
It's obvious that it's a huge leap forward but if PG does not validate it there must be reasons?
Biab Audiophile 2026
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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The problem must be the lack of universality in this addition.
Why do it ONLY in Reaper?
It's obvious that it's a huge leap forward but if PG does not validate it there must be reasons? Nothing else works with wma. You could maybe do it with Studio One but you need wav. How many users have Reaper compared to Biab or any other DAW ? The only thing it would do is sell more Biab if it was made to integrate with Reaper. I have seen PG fight change so many times over the years but eventually down the track they realize and implement things. I remember users asking for a PDF manual to see all the things Biab can do before buying (this was when every single DAW had a PDF manual download), so I just uploaded one but PG deleted it, can you download PDF's now ? It's the same deal with so many things over the years, once they wake up and see, then users get these things. It's just a very slow long drawn out process....... They don't venture out of their little world in the corner of the internet to know what's going on in the outside world. How many employees at PG are working day in day out in a studio environment adding extra instrument tracks to other session ? how many are working in a creative environment where a smooth easy non frustrating workflow is needed ? 0 If they were you would see it go way ahead because of experiential knowledge. I think it's always been a "FUN" thing for them, that's why it had cartoon EGA graphics for so long.
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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.
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Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
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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!
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Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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®!
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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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
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