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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,820
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,820 |
... 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)
Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179
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Posts: 22,179 |
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: 2,495
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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: 2,110
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Posts: 2,110 |
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: 23,277
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,277 |
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.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor.
It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
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: 10,379
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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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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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
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