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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,974
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,974 |
... I even went on there live chat and asked them what package should i buy as a beginner and they recommended the top package ......???? I can only guess the reason why the top package was recommended is because the top package is the package most Band-in-a-Box users end up getting. Over the years the most common recommendation I've seen from forum members is, "get what you can afford". All the Microsoft Windows operating system packages include the same Band-in-a-Box and RealBand programs and the DAW Plugin. There is no stunted or light version of these applications. The packages differ in the amount of additional content that is in each package. I'm defining content as RealTracks, MIDISuperTracks and styles. There are other types of content but RealTracks, MIDISuperTracks and styles are the stars. The top packages are the Ultra PAK, Ultra+ PAK and Audiophile. These three packages contain more than 4,300 hours of RealTrack audio content recorded by studio musicians! The Ultra+ adds some musical lessons while the Audiophile includes the lessons and RealTrack audio content in lossless and lossy file formats. Lossless files have compact disc (CD) quality files while lossy files are a little less than CD quality but smaller files. +++ HERE +++ is a Matt Finley post that goes in more detail about the difference in sound quality between the Audiophile and other packages. The Mega PAK offers about 1/4th of the RealTrack audio content, or a little more than 1,000 hours, of that contained in the packages above. Individual RealTracks are broken out from RealTrack Sets and combined into bands or combos. The Pro PAK offers around 1/10th of the RealTrack audio content, or a little more than 450 hours, compared to the packages above. Again individual RealTracks are broken out from RealTrack Sets and combined into bands. The Band-in-a-Box program has a chart called the MultiPicker that lists all the RealTracks, MIDISuperTracks and styles including the ones you don't have. The ones you don't have have [N/A] beside their name. That means when you have the Pro PAK you will see [N/A] beside around 90% of the listings while when you have the Mega PAK you will see [N/A] beside about 75% of the listings. Many users find the [N/A] listings extremely frustrating. On the other hand many users that start with the top packages become so fascinated with the content they never get around to exploring all the features the programs offer. Both Band-in-a-Box and RealBand are easy to get started with but have a deep depth of features to discover. Maybe the chart below, copied from +++ HERE +++ , will make more sense now. ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=29640&filename=Clipboard01.jpg)
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,462
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,462 |
TBH, PGMusic does offer deep discounts once a year and it is worth getting it while on sale.
However, get the version you are comfortable with price wise.
I'd suggest not missing out on the lower prices this time of year.
It will go up, exactly when is unknown, but the time to take the plunge is while it is on sale during the new release (like now)..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624 |
The new-release prices are good and they'll likely not be back unbtil next December. If you're convinced, take advantage of the offer price.
I'd get the Pro pack to start and upgrade later if/when you have the budget. Curiously, it's also usually a little cheaper to go that route.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,142
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,142 |
I have the UMC204HD and it works flawlessy in RB. Simple to use and the ASIO driver is excellent. I don't record in BIAB but imagine it will be equally simple to use.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 9
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 9 |
The new-release prices are good and they'll likely not be back unbtil next December. If you're convinced, take advantage of the offer price.
I'd get the Pro pack to start and upgrade later if/when you have the budget. Curiously, it's also usually a little cheaper to go that route. Ok. took the advise and made the purchase, hopefully saved a few pennies
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,292
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,292 |
The new-release prices are good and they'll likely not be back unbtil next December. If you're convinced, take advantage of the offer price.
I'd get the Pro pack to start and upgrade later if/when you have the budget. Curiously, it's also usually a little cheaper to go that route. Ok. took the advise and made the purchase, hopefully saved a few pennies I think that is the best path also. Remember that the engine is identical in all versions of BiaB so what you learn with the Pro pack is applicable to all packs. Have fun and post both your successes and songs.
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
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 9
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 9 |
[quote=Bob Calver]I have the UMC204HD and it works flawlessy in RB. Simple to use and the ASIO driver is excellent. I don't record in BIAB but imagine it will be equally simple to use.
Yip I have looked at a few and when you say " it works flawlessly " its the one to buy
cheers
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,727
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,727 |
One thing is for sure after the terrific response and advise I have got from you guys I am going to purchase the package
I will just wait a few days, as everytime I go to the site they keep pushing me to buy before the 31st special offer you see
I switch off then as I hate that.
I even went on there live chat and asked them what package should i buy as a beginner and they recommended the top package ......????
So its not the company that convinced me to buy it but you guys who responded so quick to my querys. Buy the top package..... I do recommend that as I stated earlier. You don't need the audiophile version unless you are using it professionally. And you don't necessarily need the top package. Look at the styles and tracks , decide what you actually want and buy that. Remember that you can always upgrade and you can buy the add on packs individually. Essentially the program is the same in each package. The difference is the number of styles and tracks that are in the package. I started with a basic version but quickly moved up and now I'm exclusively using the super duper new and improved version every year. I've been using it for close to 20 years now.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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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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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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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