I don't want to dwell on all the controversy regarding this historical product. Bottom line is it is on sale now for 20 USD only for four days. The quality of the sounds have never really been the subject of the controversy. I personnally love KH sounds and have a number of his libraies. At this time I really I don't have much need for this, but 20 bucks is essentially giving away the bank.
You'll need the full version of Kontakt to run it.
If you decide that you only want a couple of the sounds (like the strings and solo violins) you can always choose to delete the folders that you don't want (assuming you have a backup somewhere) and save a bunch of disk space.
$499->$20 sounds distinctly in the "too good to be true" bracket and the website has recently changed hands. Anyone know if this is really legitimate?
Last edited by Gordon Scott; 10/22/2502:51 AM.
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 .
Fair question. I had mentioned I did not want to get into the controversy regarding this product. However, your question is not the controversy I was referring to. I have a good reference where folks are purchasing it now.
$499->$20 sounds distinctly in the "too good to be true" bracket and the website has recently changed hands. Anyone know if this is really legitimate?
I can not tell if this is legit or not but I can comment on the price. $499 was the initial price many years ago. Yes this is an old and dated program that I bought in 2011 for $137. I would rate the sounds better than a GM orchestra but way behind the newer VSTis. YMMV
Last edited by MarioD; 10/22/2506:49 AM.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
OK, all is well. The download and installation with Pulse went smooth and easy. I had a bit of an issue with Kontakt, but for 20 USD I am not going to make any negative comments. I was able to play the sounds and am happy.
Yes, the $20 is legitimate, as Dan already demonstrated.
There's controversy because Kirk made a number of promises about his libraries going on sale for the last time, as well as about the guy who bought Kirk's libraries and owns VSTBuzz as well as the Pulse downloader.
But it's 100% legit.
This is an orchestral library, so how useful it is in a songwriter context is debatable. The instruments aren't close miked, so you won't get an intimate, detailed sound out of these instruments. That means they don't really fit into most pop mixes.
The sampling doesn't seem to be very deep. I found the woodwinds to be unimpressive. The brass, horns and strings are good if you're looking for a big sound. There are a couple nice solo violins (you can hear one in the video), which isn't surprising considering that Kirk is a violinist.
While it doesn't feel deep, it is broad. There are a lot of articulations. It really does sound like the demos.
So if you want that sound - it's got it in spades.
Working on my first project using KH DSO. I can honestly say I am very pleased with the sounds and articulations avialable. I put a small orchestral arrangement of violins and cellos in the back ground of my "R&B 80's rock" project and it fit really well. I am confident I will find a keeper with some minor listening. I want to give this product my highest recommendation, but I have understanding of some limitations I wanted to share first.
- you need the full Kontakt. I have V7. But I don't consider this a real issue since if you want to play with the big boys you need big boy tools. If you don't already own this then just leave now. - you will need a lot of fast disk drive space. The specs are easy to find. - here is some good news, the installation and download of this huge package is really optimized. 1 click only to get it downloaded and installed. I already owned the free Pulse which is the download file manager and installer. - the organization of the file contents borders on being a nightmare and Kontakt don't help all that much. I was prepared for this since I have worked with KH libraries in the past. You just have to do a lot of browsing and picking and being patient. - you don't need a separate midi controller keyboard. You can take any midi set (even from biab) and jsut route the chords to the VST. But you really should get one (even a cheap one) so you can literally play these luscious instruments.
With that said, you have my highest recommendation to go ahead and drop 20$. If you get stuck in setup and operations just let me know and I will try to help.
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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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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!
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!
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
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Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
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Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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