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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 655 |
Didn't Real Band replace PT? What's the purpose of PT over RB?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1217)
64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Boots faster, runs faster, more stable, way cheaper. If you don't need to generate realtracks, then Powertracks is the way to go.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 655
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 655 |
So, no Real Tracks in PT?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1217)
64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jan 2020
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Funk...
i started on powertracks years and years back.
imho its still a great app for peanuts cost.
i did a ton of my and third parties songs with it and it saved me thousands in
commercial studio time.
but as one can get bb and rb starting under a 100 bucks...for people who want to do lots of genning of tracks its prolly more worth considering as a better option.
just compare ptw and rb manuals to get a feel for differences in features.
in summary imho both pt and rb are great apps if a user is willing to delve into the huge number of audio and midi features in each.
talking of rb here rb 2025 boots up fast for me on a middle of the road pc.
fyi for years i used ptw then upgraded to basic bb/rb combo and did tons of songs with a reaps/bb/rb combo.
frankly i use reaps less these days due to recent rb improvements.
i also far prefer rb to the bb vst plugin as rb has lots of features and i'm spoilt in rb by a ton of tracks.
but thats me.
have a good one.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/15/25 01:52 PM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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I didn't mean to imply that RB was slow to boot - it boots fast enough, maybe five or ten seconds, but at random times it decides to take another few seconds to "initialise accompaniment functions" which interrupts my workflow. Powertracks, on the other hand boots almost instantly and is ready for work. I've used PT since it was MIDI only and I still think it is THE best DAW for tracking and editing that I've ever found and that includes the expensive big names. In the final analysis, I use RB and PT depending on the task in hand.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: May 2000
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So, no Real Tracks in PT? No Realtracks, just Realdrums ( and those are limited).
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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ROG. no arguments from me re ptw. rb is basically ptw with added generation functions/pg content/rt's etc.. from what i see. other than that the deep audio/midi track features are the same. so as not to confuse new users i think there should be a comparison chart comparing features tween... ..bb ..bb vst plugin ..rb ..ptw. it might address some confusion out there as a result. fyi in pg tips forum are various sets of lovely plugins ive tested in rb. my focus was low pc resource useage. try them sometime in ptw....not to be underestimated. several blew my mind frankly. check out particularly these free (VERY LOW PC RESOURCE USEAGE) plugins in ptw that are highly regarded by many studios in the know. (just tons of plugins..)... the clever dsp engr focuses on simple easy to use guis rather than lots of flash. https://www.airwindows.com/airwindows-plugins-starter-kit/see also you tube for more details....and gearspace for user references//posts etc. eg... https://gearspace.com/board/music-computers/1199890-airwindows-plug-ins-so-good.htmlyou can get tons of aw plugins in one consolidated package and decide which ones you like. have a good one. om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/15/25 04:59 PM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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So, no Real Tracks in PT? Correct, that is the only difference. Boots faster, runs faster, more stable, way cheaper. If you don't need to generate realtracks, then Powertracks is the way to go. There should be no difference between PT and RB in speed or stability, given that they are 99% the same code. PowerTracks is developed from RealBand.
I work here
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Boots faster, runs faster, more stable, way cheaper. If you don't need to generate realtracks, then Powertracks is the way to go. There should be no difference between PT and RB in speed or stability, given that they are 99% the same code. PowerTracks is developed from RealBand. Hi Simon. Surely Realband was developed from Powertracks? I can only speak from my experience and Realband is a few seconds behind Powertracks, mainly as I said earlier, because of its need to "initialise accompaniment functions" which it usually does on boot, (but sometimes at a later random time). As for stability, I can't remember the last time PT crashed, but I do have RB hang on occasions. At the end of the day, I love both programs, so no criticism was intended.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Boots faster, runs faster, more stable, way cheaper. If you don't need to generate realtracks, then Powertracks is the way to go. There should be no difference between PT and RB in speed or stability, given that they are 99% the same code. PowerTracks is developed from RealBand. Hi Simon. Surely Realband was developed from Powertracks? I can only speak from my experience and Realband is a few seconds behind Powertracks, mainly as I said earlier, because of its need to "initialise accompaniment functions" which it usually does on boot, (but sometimes at a later random time). As for stability, I can't remember the last time PT crashed, but I do have RB hang on occasions. At the end of the day, I love both programs, so no criticism was intended. No criticism taken! PowerTracks was originally the basis for RealBand, but at some point development switched to focus on RealBand first. It's likely the "initialise accompaniment functions" is responsible for your slowdowns, as you mentioned.
I work here
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,955
PG Music Developer
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PG Music Developer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,955 |
Also, wanted to mention that RB 2025 has Stem Splitting and an AI Lyrics Widow which won’t be present in PT 2025.
Last edited by Jeff Yankauer; 02/08/25 03:38 PM.
Jeff Yankauer
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Thanks Jeff. I had been hoping for the stem splitter to be included, to give access to the new tech at a lower price, but the fact that it's in RB is good.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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ps...im haveing great fun in rb with the stem splitter with really old masters done in studios from my crazee rock times.
for example recently i brought a lead voc more to the front that had been buried a bit in the old master.
so far got no criticism. all i would ask is if it could be a six way split instead of 4....like some paid splitters.
Im wondering if i took a split track that had gtr and piano on it if i
then just split that would this seperate gtr and piano.
gonna do some tests....lots fun.
ps Simon still lovin my multi client audient interface.
not one prob with bb or rb. plus seperate 48v switches on both inputs that budget interfaces dont have often.
btw a new interface entrant is harrison icon 32 c interface.
mic pres apparently based on the pres used on lots of huge records eg thriller i understand and many others...and uses transformers.
not a lot of info at this time. see the net for more info.
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Take a guess what kind of mic was used on Thriller ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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I know that, along with Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson had a liking for the SM57, so I'd guess at that?
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Take a guess what kind of mic was used on Thriller .. I'd say the SM7 (iirc) was more influential to the sound than the mic preamp was
I work here
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Exactly.
The venerable & reliable SM57
Been used with just about every mic preamp made, and just keeps proving itself
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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from what ive seen in the past on these forums for potential new or recent new users ...various confusions re features of different
pg apps.
i suggest comparison lists or tables tween the various apps.
ie...
..bb
..rb
..ptw
..bb plugin
..bb ios plugin
and also might i suggest the table include mac and win diffs ??
as to 57 used it zillions of tmes.
but whats interesting me these days are mics with built in gain boosters. eg SE dynacaster.
i suggest people might look at such mics who have cheap audio interfaces with a low gain range....to save cranking the mic pre.
talking about mics...in my sig one of the songs used a very high end mic on the vocs. which song ? can you tell the diff from the other songs ?...lol. then ill do a reveal.
just fun.
back to ptw...given for under 100 buks one can get bb AND rb it might be of interest for some potential new users to look at that option ??
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 02/12/25 05:37 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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I love both my SM57's and my SM7B's - they're different, even if they're very similar. I have a zillion mics, but most often I end up using one of these two.
Mics with built in gain boosters - that sounds like a bandage fix, where a better preamp or interface would be a better option. If the gain booster is built into the mic (which likely costs a bit extra), then you'll probably need one for a different mic (which costs extra again). I've got a fair number of audio interfaces here, some old some new, so I've got a few mic boosters for when I need them - but the newer interfaces and my dedicated preamps tend not to need them. With my 3rd gen Scarlett's I think I only ever use one with the SM7B, but that mic is known for its low output (and is likely the reason why mic boosters exist).
I work here
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PowerTracks Pro Audio
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Simon.
re better usb audio interface....agreed.
frankly i cant believe some people use on board pc sound chips.
or sound devices not specifically built for song production.
so probs can ensue.
btw re sm7 there is a version now with built in booster.
i.m sure it will sell well.
happiness
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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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 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!
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-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)
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- 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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
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Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
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