Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809
I'm thinking of buying it as it is for sale at such a good deal right now. I've heard the company is no longer selling the produce and no longer supporting it. But that being said it may still be a decent product. I have heard of a few problems with it, loading etc. I would like to know if anyone here has it and is it working well.
I am using T-racks on a free 10 day trial basis and I must admit the video tutorials were great and the product is amazing and easy to use for the beginner. It is however pretty expensive.

Last edited by edbulmer; 12/25/10 09:43 AM.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,475
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,475


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,734
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,734
tracktion on kvr

Cheek out this link to insure you are getting the most from your pgmusic product http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/showflat.p...;gonew=1#UNREAD

Last edited by pghboemike; 12/24/10 05:41 PM.
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
My take on purchases like this one is simple enough, base on the old adage that if a deal is too good to be true then it isn't true, etc.


So I would tend to think that a product that formerly cost in the neighborhood of hundreds of dollars suddenly being "on sale" for a fraction of that amount is a "closeout" and this should be understood by anyone taking the plunge.

*No updates for any problems are likely to be issued.

*Support for future Operating Systems and other changes will be nonexistant.

*Learning Curve for a new recording software must be considered as well, time is, well, money - and that investment of time may end up all for naught in the near future. Be careful, don't "paint yourself into a corner."


I understand that most are taking advantage of the sale for the plugins and accessories, rather than the DAW software itself, YMMV.


Merry Christmas,


--Mac

Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
The product is supported marginally. If you are buying it simply to use Final Mix as an alternative to T-Racks, then it is a bargain.

Mackie does not claim it is abandonware - they still include it with all of their audio interface products - not the Ultimate Bundle, but rather the core program without all of the add-on software.

There are some included plugins that should be usable in any VST host which really put the deal over the top. There's a cut-down version of Garritan Personal Orchestra (I believe 800 MB of samples) that is worth $20. Drumcore - worth $20. etc.

There are known issues with the program on some installations of 64 bit OS - ck. the KVR thread listed above.

There is an official Tracktion forum at the Mackie site as well: http://forums.mackie.com/scripts/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=17

I've used Tracktion 1 and 2 since 2004 time frame with joy. I've used Tracktion 3 marginally on a friend's Toshiba laptop to get him started doing radio sermons for some radio stations in Flint, MI. His came with a USB mixer from Mackie. Had zero issues with it. I made him a template in Tracktion 2 that had bumper music on both ends of the show and an announcer on another track, then he would fill in his sermon in the middle. He was a guy with absolutely zero experience using DAW software.

I bought the T3 Ultimate bundle - haven't installed it yet as I'm working on reviving my desktop machine.

Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Quote:

So I would tend to think that a product that formerly cost in the neighborhood of hundreds of dollars suddenly being "on sale" for a fraction of that amount is a "closeout" and this should be understood by anyone taking the plunge.

--Mac




It's still being sold for $249 at Guitar Center.

This package is at a reduced price because it was boxed as an upgrade. A sticker has been added to note that it is the full version, with no previous license required. Mailing stickers to their distributors was cheaper than demanding that it be returned, printing and repackaging it in new boxes, and shipping it back out.

I'll give a report once I have it loaded.

R.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
So far so good. I'm having fun with it and no problems at all. Using RB plug in mode the real tracks drag and drop right in. And the amount of plugs that come with it is amazing. Best $20 I've spent this year. Thanks Scott for the heads up.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
The price is back up to $249. No more $19. So congrats to those who got in on a deal. I think the recent spate of purchases has probably driven the price back up.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
It's all your fault Scott, they should thank you
I almost wonder if that sale price wasn't some kind of mistake. Going from $249 to $19.95 is a real whopper of a discount. Mucho thanks for the tip.

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1
Hi There!

Newbie at BIAB 2011 and I also bought the $20 Tracktion bundle as well as the stealth plug too for my guitar. I guess it was around the same time folks here discovered the same low low prices so I am newbie at that too.

Can anyone explain how to marry the two so I can:

a. use the loops, sounds, etc from tracktion bundle in BIAB and,

b. how I can use BIAB files in Tracktion?


I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW:

Will BIAB accept input from my guitar via stealth plug with all of the various IK multimedia effects and amps?

I am very familiar with PCs but not from a musical perspective.

BIG BIG THANKS in advance for your time and willingness to share

Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
So far, the Tracktion Bundle has been a waste of 20$.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
The loops that come with the Ultimate bundle are 'acidized' .wav and .aiff files. If BIAB can use those, then you should have no issues.

There are plugins in Tracktion 3 that simply make it an incredible value, if you know what to look for.

For example, there is a channel strip plugin with some presets for male and female vox for condenser and dynamic mics, that quite honestly, work most excellently.

I don't have time this month to demonstrate specifically because I'm in the middle of the FAWM 2011 challenge to write 14 songs in the month of february.

The GPO lite edition that comes with Tracktion 3 is worth $20.

The Final Mix plugin that comes with Tracktion is worth $20.

There's all kinds of parts to it that are worth $20 in and of themselves. Use them just once and you're ahead. Don't know where to go looking for them or how to use them and then it's a waste.

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,483
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,483
Quote:

The Final Mix plugin that comes with Tracktion is worth $20.




That plugin (and many others in the bundle) work only in Traktion, so there is a learning curve involved.

I haven't gotten into GPO yet, as there have been too many things going on here lately, but I should have some time for that soon.


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Quote:

Quote:

The Final Mix plugin that comes with Tracktion is worth $20.




That plugin (and many others in the bundle) work only in Traktion, so there is a learning curve involved.

I haven't gotten into GPO yet, as there have been too many things going on here lately, but I should have some time for that soon.




That is true - you need to learn how to import audio into Tracktion. Quite a simple process actually.

The piano in GPO is pretty nice.

Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Scott,

Quote:

There's all kinds of parts to it that are worth $20 in and of themselves. Use them just once and you're ahead. Don't know where to go looking for them or how to use them and then it's a waste.




No doubt that's true. I got frustrated when the authorization codes for AmpliTube LE, Sampletank 2 SE, Cronix 3, RM IV and Alpha 3 wouldn't work. Especially after the excessively long install time.

I also didn't care for the way the way the program opens up and the layout. Of course by the time I opened it, I was already frustrated because the codes wouldn't work.

I'm used to Sonar and Home Studio XL, which look and act like a DAW from the opening screen.

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
I didn't have issues with IKMultimedia reg of my products but they have fixed some things. I to got Traktion as part of a bundle. Didn't care for it and didn't find it intuitive.It reminds me of acid and I didn't like that either.


John
ESI Gigaport HD+
Lenovo Turion II /4 Gig Ram/ Win7x64 be
15.6" Monitor
"The only Band is a Real Band"
www.wintertexaninfo.com/BANDS/JohnnyD.php
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Bob, there must be something fundamentally upside down with how you are trying to get the authorizations done.

First, there is no authorization code for RMIV. Second, Alpha and Cronox codes worked just find for me. Amplitube works fine, as does Sampletank. I don't like the IK registration process period - it's not unique to Tracktion.

To others that bought this program for $19

As for the workflow, to me it's hand-in-glove. I've never accepted that a computer based music software has to follow a hardware layout for signal flow. It doesn't work that way in my brain - even though in 'real life' I do a whole lot of mixing for live sound and deal with the bus limitations that present themselves in hardware mixers.

There are many people that simply do not like Tracktion's workflow. To those that do, it's a boon. Since it's mainly a modular host - one has to think of music production with a signal flow mindset.

However, if all you do is use it to put some shine on a stereo mix - I still challenge any still reading this post to put one of your 'finished' stereo mixdowns into Tracktion, and then apply the Final Mix plugin and audition a bunch of the presets. You are almost sure to find one of the following presets to put the icing on the cake:

Final Mix
CD
(these are the top two presets in the list)

Country with EQ
Rock
Smoothed Out

and a few others I can't think of off the top of my head.

Before anyone chimes in and says something along the lines that this is kind of cheating, that you can do all of this with a series of plugs, here's what you need to be able to combine:

6 band parametric EQ
3 band dynamics processor with settings for crossover points, thresholds, all the other typical ratio, etc.
6 band parametric EQ
Limiter with soft-knee possibilities, etc.

There's nearly an infinite way to combine those 4 different items of signal processing. Use the presets as a guide. I'm almost always adjusting the first 6 band, but I have absolutely no qualms about using the preset as a starting point.

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
I love it Scott. It's a really nice compliment to RB and they play nice together here without a hitch. The tutorial is good. It has a great sound and the plugins are fantastic. It doesn't bother me you can only use them in tracktion because it will import or I can drag in any file I want. The layout is different but it's actually pretty intuitive. I'm excited about learning to do more with it.

Every music software/hardware I've ever purchased that included extras had time and/or hassle involved with getting it all going. I've come to expect that frustration. But I had it up and running in an afternoon and only one auth code that came the next day - don't remember which it was now. I did think the loops sucked but I don't use those anyway - not my cup of tea.

After playing with it for a couple of months, and I haven't even tried many of the extras yet, it's still the best twenty bucks I've spent. I'd have paid more than that for just the suite of plugins. It also finds and uses my other plugins I like without any issues. I love a bargain and this was a steal.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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!

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)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,821
Posts796,633
Members39,967
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
hendsatri, Gennaro Pirozzi, annegrpan31, Kleven71, Scott Bradford
39,966 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 183
Noel96 139
DC Ron 114
rsdean 106
DrDan 92
dcuny 91
Today's Birthdays
Erik Gran, jordemar
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5