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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 3
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 3 |
I've had friends ask me about Band in a Box and where they can get it. Of course they are looking for something free. As we all know Band In a Box is an expensive investment. It is worth every penny and I'm proud to own the software and love using it. I've been using BIAB since the 1990s and have spent countless hours creating music with the program since then. I remember when all you had was a Roland SCCI sound card to make the program work and it sounded great.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if new users had access to a Free MIDI version of BIAB. The program would be a stripped down version without all the bells and whistles (Real Tracks) but still had the ability to interface with Midi Sound Modules or sound cards to product songs. The stripped down version would come with a limited amount of styles and PG Music could offer Sets of Styles for purchase that would expand the basic program. This would introduce the program to whole new group of musicians and open the door for them to then buy the full-fledged version of the program once they get hooked and grasp the power and fun of creating music with BIAB.
Midi is just as popular today as it was years ago and the midi version should be programmed to work with today's modern DAWs.
I truly believe that PG Music could make this a huge success and help new aspiring musicians along the way.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT. Thanks Eric
Producer/Mixer
Nova Scotia, Canada
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,314
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,314 |
-1
With MIDI only it would sound pretty pale given included synths. If they have good synths, the ones that cost money, likely they can afford base PRO version of BIAB that actually includes a lot for the price - $99. Likely goes on sale too. AND PGM OFFERS 30 DAYS MONEY BACK (they used to).
Yes, likely for "FREE" , PGM would get extra "users", but those users that "Of course they are looking for something free" are usually not the greatest (paid) customers. They would overwhelm customer support and PGM would have to either work for "free", or segregate paid customers from non-paying users.
The best option would be to offer 10-15 day trial, no money down. You like it - you buy it. You don't-no hard feelings.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,779
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,779 |
.............................................
The best option would be to offer 10-15 day trial, no money down. You like it - you buy it. You don't-no hard feelings. Great idea! DL the Pro version for the trial with only the save functions disabled. I have tried a number of pieces of software that way.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808 |
There is no profit in free products especially if the amount of effort it take to develop them.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110 |
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 3
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 3 |
I agree Rusty. It's got to be affordable though. Maybe $49.00. Call it something like "Vintage BIAB" or "Retro BIAB". Just include the 127 General Midi patches so they have sound right out of the box. VST3 plugin to work with todays DAWs.
This software is sitting in the archives not being used. Update the software to today's standards and as I've said midi only and put it on the market.
Great opportunity to promote it to a whole new generation of musicians. Also sell addon style packages to expand the program but keep it midi only.
It would sell. Appreciate your input.
Eric
Producer/Mixer
Nova Scotia, Canada
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,314
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,314 |
Eric, I still think that demo is the way to go. A decent EQ plugin cost $100-$150. If somebody is serious about music making / creating arrangements, $99 is a relatively small price tag. Considering 30 days money back.... and if I am not mistaken payment option has a plan to pay over time. Update of the software itself was only $49 this year - a trip to chain diner. I think main problems that are keeping many of new costumers out are: outdated UI, unneeded complexity, and certain persistent bugs and limitations. It seems PGM is (finally) seriously considering to address some of these issues. I believe, if done right, that should definitely bring new players to the table and put a smile on existent user faces. P.S. I know it's a bit off topic, but you said you've been using BIAB since 90s. Are you aware of partial regeneration functions for RT's? No arranger that I know of (software or hardware) has this ability. In my view, that feature alone worth every penny to upgrade 
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 3
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 3 |
Are we talking about hot-swapping or live patching, where updates are applied to running applications without downtime?
Producer/Mixer
Nova Scotia, Canada
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,314
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,314 |
I am talking about partial regeneration of any segment of Real Tracks. It takes ~2-5 seconds for each variant to populate. If you have 2024 or 2025 version you can do this in Track View.
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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:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
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®!
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)
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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Forums57
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