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Quote:
far as i know the new version will do midi only if'n ya want it to
You beat me too it. I just don't see what the fuss is. If you don't like RT don't use them.
I find that a mix of RT and midi lets me have the great sound of RTs and the control over melody from midi. When using RTs the midi definately sounds better than midi alone. If you use RTs for all but the melody that lets you use a non-gm-synth. Now I use sfz player with Jennsen guitar soundfonts to get near perfect covers of guitar based rock and pop. Can't beat it.
Personally I'd like to see PGMusic enable multi midi synths in BiaB. It would really extend the capabilities. But a midi only version is redundant IMO.
BiaB 2013 b366, RB 2013 b4, WinXP Pro SP3, Toshiba M70, 1.8GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD. Focusrite Saffire 6 USB, Ketron SD2. BiaB Wiki
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However perhaps the answer is simply a purchase option that doesn't include any RT's. Same BIAB, just no RT's included and have a somewhat more budget price for it. If you later want to include RT's it's then just a matter of purchasing them.
No special version of the software or anything, just a packaging alternative.
Hi Lawrie. If I'm not mistaken the Pro version is essentially this option. It only includes a few RDs and RTs as teasers. It's fairly inexpensive too.
BiaB 2013 b366, RB 2013 b4, WinXP Pro SP3, Toshiba M70, 1.8GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD. Focusrite Saffire 6 USB, Ketron SD2. BiaB Wiki
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I only use MIDI tracks. I do some songs with the signature licks and some songs completely my own arrangement, and others somewhere in between. However, I can ALWAYS produce a better MIDI product than those RTs. MIDI is not cheesy, MIDI has no sound at all, most post-MIDI pop music you hear on the radio is made with some (and in some cases possibly all) MIDI instruments, only the sound card in your computer and cheap synthesizers are cheesy. Some of those RT parts sound like a lame Holiday Inn band to me, others sound pretty good, but they are all pretty much non-editable. With MIDI I can - Put a real ending on them and if I want, a held chord with a sfz and swell before fading out
- Put a real introduction on the song
- Put song specific licks or put a non-song specific lick on the song that might be able to enhance the song
- Put rhythmic kicks that greatly enhance the exprssiveness of the music and keep it from sounding like boring blah
- For specific songs I can manipulate the volumes of individual drum sounds - for example, pump up the snare, tone down the cymbals, etc. etc.
- Change the drum sound, for example on a Latin Rock tune I might want to substitute cowbell for ride cymbal, for a hard rock song I might want to use a different snare, or even eliminate a drum instrument
- I might want to exaggerate the groove by putting the 2 and 4 beats (in 4/4 time) ahead of behind the beat
- Change the instument, change that acou piano into a Rhodes or guitar, thange the guitar into a clav, change the sax section to an organ, with MIDI the choices are endless
- Expressive devices impossible to do in BiaB correctly: crescendo
- Expressive devices impossible to do in BiaB correctly: diminuendo
- Expressive devices impossible to do in BiaB correctly: accelerando
- Expressive devices impossible to do in BiaB correctly: ridardando
- Expressive devices impossible to do in BiaB correctly: fermata
- Expressive devices impossible to do in BiaB correctly: sforzando
- I can re-arrange, add, or eliminate the drum rolls with a few mouse moves
You can't do these things with Audio LoopsAll in all I can get a MUCH more expressive arrangement out of MIDI than I can with the RTs (perhaps this is the reason why most professional musicians I know prefer MIDI to loops). Granted the tone of the RTs might be slightly better than a pro-quality sound module, but for the listening public, expression is MUCH more important than tone. That's why singers with poor voices can sell so many records (think Dr. John, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, John Lennon, Blossom Dearie and so on). And what's good tone anyway? Take guitars. Ask 100 different listeners and you might get 90 different answers, including Slash, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Gale, Jim Hall, Carlos Montoya, Duane Allman, Joe Pass, Kenny Burrell, Joe Walsh, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Eddie VanHalen, Johnny A, Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Howe, Dimebag, Esteban, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Don Felder, Carlos Santana, Chet Atkins, Adrian Belew, Chuck Berry, Wyclef Jean, Brad Paisley, Randy Bachman, Martin Barre, Larry Carlton, Dick Dale, Carl Wilson, Tom DeLonge, Peter Green, Rick Derringer, Emily Remler, Duane Eddy, Robert Fripp, Billy Gibbons, Jay Graydon, Kirk Hammett, Stanley Jordan, Tony Iommi, Elmore James, and I could go on and on, you get the idea. And don't get me started on saxophonists. Play John Coltrane and Stan Getz to a causal listener and most people will think they are playing different instruments. As long as the tone is in the ball-park for the kind of music you are playing, it's OK as long as the expression is there - if the tone is perfect and the expression isn't there, the music will reek.
CONCLUSION:
Since the ability to edit MIDI tracks can produce a MUCH more expressive song than audio loops, as long as you have a decent synthesizer, MIDI is better. Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Hi gibson,
I have all the MIDI styles and the latest in my collection is Disk #77 (UK Pop). On BIAB version 2011, this information is accessed via Stylepicker >> Filter >> Show all style disks. As far as I know, there haven't been any additional styles for a little while now. Since the Realtracks are musical phrases, how they play is not determined by a particular style.
Regards,
Noel
Check out http://www.nortonmusic.com -- it's your Band-in-a-Box MIDI upgrade!!!!!!!!!
Self-serving but yet still a public service plug by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Ahh the MIDI vs RealTracks argument. Use what works for you. When you write original stuff, there are no 'signature licks' to worry about yet. Some fine work can be accomplished with Realtracks on original songs. Some fine work can be done by MIDI too. Let the method fill the need.
Of course, if you want to be a purist, nothing beats a group of good live players! But those are rare, which is why a lot of us are here to begin with.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Joined: Nov 2003
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I actually use only the midi features of biab 2010. I like midi and I like the biab paradigm where I can think along the lines of chords and melody instead of just grooves and clips. (like the sonar paradigm, although both are good and have their merits).....I really like creating my own styles and then when songwriting I can write just chords and melody and then have a completely original tune real fast:)...real tracks are cool yet for original music they can make it less original.
...........Jeff......
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I think things are pretty cool as they stand. I've got a "music store" of midi keyboards and rack samplers, soundmodules, and specialized cards for the computer like Korg's thousand-dollar (ended up you could grab one for a mere $200) Oasys/midi PC cards...
pretty midi-prepared studio for an old geezer.
I also love to jam with real instruments,
and Real Tracks/Band allow me to do this, as it's library of "real" doo-dahs grows exponentially to meet just about any musical taste.
Cost me way under $200 for the new swinging data base from PG. Most of the larger "box-type" churches I attend seem to have enough budget to carry symphony-sized orchestras, and various other small to large choral, hip-hop, jazz, etc..... REALLY LIVE
musical combinations!
...but they could still successfully integrate BIAB, with the comparitively tiny investment needed.
Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.
Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
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Joined: Dec 2010
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Hello ,
I joined this forum today to post my feelings about the direction BIAB has taken with " Real Tracks ", and seeming to have abandoned Midi improvements , no new styles ect .
First I should give some history of myself: I'm a guitarist of 47 years . I started using BIAB with version 6 as it came bundled together with my first sound card along with MidiSoft sequencer . I'm a schooled musician , so I read standard music notation . Working with Midi was and still is the core of how I create music . Working with a music score is paramount to how I develop musical ideas into original compositions . Standard music notation is still the best way to preserve ones music for other musicians through the years . Sorry if I tread on anyone’s feet here , but any serious music student needs to learn to read standard music notation . I have a home recording studio and over the years have built up quite an arsenal of gear . I won't list everything here , but I will note the Midi equipment I use .
My first real synthesizer was a Roland JV-1010 , and I still use it for the Session onboard expansion card . I have a Roland XV-5080 with several expansion cards , and being a guitarist , I have a Roland GR-33 and also have the Terratec Producer Axon AX-100 guitar Midi controller along with 4 guitars equipped with Midi , 2 using the Graphtech Ghost system . Other synths used are the Korg Triton Rack , and a Kurzweil K2000R V.A.S.T. player which are daisy chained to and share a SCSI CD Rom reader and SCSI Hard Disk Drive , which holds a very large library of custom Midi patches . I also have a Yamaha Motif-Rack ES . I use a Starrlabs Ztar midi controller and a Zendrum that I use a Roland TD-6V Drum Module with , I also have an extensive library of BFD2 Midi triggered Drum/Percussion samples . So YES I'M A Midi-Idiot . I can say without a doubt , my Midi tracks sound quality is WAAAAAY better than any real tracks . Not my fault others are using a rinky dinky Sound Blaster or freebie VST synth .
In conclusion I say please don't abandon the future development of new Midi Styles , and improvements such as the ability to view a full music score , yes in standard music notation ... All those in favor please post your feelings here so Peter Gannon will know how we feel .
Ztarman
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Here we go again, MIDI vs Real Tracks. I play jazz piano and use only Real Bass and Real Drums for accompaniment. If you're a cover band then MIDI is probably better for you. For my purposes MIDI dosen't come close to the sound and feel of the Real Tracks. I used the MIDI tracks for many years and it was like a miracle when Real Tracks came out. For me, no comparison. Real Tracks, hands down.........
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
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I know I can turn of the RT's because that is what I do know and all is good with BIAB.
I do not want PG Music to transfer their development from RT's back to MIDI.
I would just like to be able to NOT download all the RT's in the 1st place but STILL get the MIDI files/Style that appear in the style maker for the new RT styles when the RT's are turned off.
that's all.
Is that even possible, no one has jumped to say if it is possible or not?
As lawrie says "No special version of the software or anything, just a packaging alternative"
Alyn
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Quote:
I would just like to be able to NOT download all the RT's in the 1st place but STILL get the MIDI files/Style that appear in the style maker for the new RT styles when the RT's are turned off.
that's all.
Is that even possible, no one has jumped to say if it is possible or not?
Alyn
That is a very good question that I would like answered also.
Also what is the latest count on style discs? I have 77 style discs, is that all of them to date? If so then no work has been done on new style discs in some time now.
Another possible option would be to sell style discs seperately, much as RTs are sold seperately. I believe style discs could be a download only purchase.
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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there are more style disks than you can shake a stick at on Notes web site. Add those as needed.
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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Quote:
there are more style disks than you can shake a stick at on Notes web site. Add those as needed.
Yes I know, but thanx for bringing that up. This is at least one source of new styles. I was trying to find out if BiaB has produced any new styles.
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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Would anyone advocate a BIAB version without MIDI tracks?
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
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The trouble with my wish is very few people that have responded have actually read my wish and an example of the quality of response is raymb1 Quote:
Would anyone advocate a BIAB version without MIDI tracks?
I will not dignify THAT remark by responding.
I also know of Notes Norton's styles BUT I was enquiring about Band in a Box 2011.
I think I can safely say that the answer to my wish is a categoric NO, it is not possible to download BIAB 2011 WITHOUT downloading the RTs, which was all I wanted to know.
Thanks to Mario D and jeffgee for joining in
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Gibson, I just checked if you have BiaB 2010 you can get the upgrade for $49 that has a few RTs. There is no option for an upgrade without RTs.
I also noticed the answer to my question in that there are only 77 style discs. So no work on style discs have been done in sometime now. I also couldn’t find any information on the improvement of the midi application in BiaB, such as increased resolution. So this and the fact that the RTs I have right now suit my needs it looks like I will not be upgrading for the first time in a long time.
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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Yeh I checked that too, Thanks MarioD. I too have many Real stuff and like the music that plays when I choose a Real style with Rt's turned off. I say music because it seems that no midi should be present if the style is an all RT style, yet I can save it as a midi file and do stuff with it. And anyway who cares as an old girl friend from 35 years ago contacted me before Christmas, luckily I did remember her!! and we are slowly getting back together as we are both available again.   She hasn't changed much and says I haven't also.YAY!
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"I would like a MIDI only BIAB as before the Real Invasion"
Just para-phrasing your very first statement. Sorry if you got offended. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
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I think I am the one who should be apologising to you, Raymb <holds out hand of friendship> :>)
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Excuse some early-morning ramblings. It's been a long night.
Reading through this discussion I have noted an underlying assumption on the part of those who argue against a MIDI-only version of BIAB, namely, that everyone who uses BIAB plans to produce more-or-less standard music styles--jazz, pop, country, and the like.
Erm, not. Apart from a few novelty pieces in old jazz styles, everything I do is electronic. (Check the link below for examples.) Even in the MIDI Styles the pickings are pretty slim for me.
Okay, I'm in an overwhelming minority. Which merely means that I need to act on something I have long believed, which is that the true sorcery of MIDI-based BIAB lies in the Stylemaker. Time ta start rollin' my own.
But here's a thought that should boggle everybody: WHAT IF, up yonder in Vancouver, they were working toward implementation of Real Track-quality audio driven by the Stylemaker as is presently done with MIDI noises?
Bet you'd see some interest in expanded MIDI capability then. Or would you still be content with Real Styles as they are doled out to you? Hee hee.
Don't see why it's not doable. Just triggering samples note-by-note instead of bar-by-bar.
Richard
P.S.: I was astonished to see ANY discussion of the quality of MIDI sounds come up in this thread. Just goes to show that, just I know maybe 5% of this incredible program, those who prematurely predict the death of MIDI may be equally limited in their view of (some of) BIAB's potential.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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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 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!
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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):
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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.
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These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
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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)
- 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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac 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 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
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 Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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