I have been with BIAB and I so agree it’s a mess. All they have done is rejigged the same stuff. My personal pet hate is the way that the loop function is so flakey and even when you have a couple of bars highlighted there is often no guarantee that the cursor follows on. Just one little click almost anywhere else and it’s lost its setting. This gets on my nerves every day and all I do is bung in a few chords for piano practice. It still can’t do this well, since 2007. Recently I went below deck in order to cover repeats, regretted it, so obscure and flakey. Will not be doing that again. Repeat functions like simple repeats, type one and two endings, del segno and so forth, should be the most easy thing to do. It should be a simple function of the interface. It’s not, it’s very tricky. I just won’t go there any more. Many just write the whole piece avoiding then.
The chord entry needs a total redesign. It’s not going to get one IMO, nor are all the back room windows. It still reeks of Win 95. No young person is going to have an interest, I run a Musicians Meet Musicians Group locally. If I mention Band in a Box they all go ‘whaaaot?..’ if I show them in my studio, you can see faces dropping as they look at the obviously ancient interface with the weird design, fonts etc. if PG were even to tart up the visuals this would help. Another lost opportunity in PG, is the fact that it’s crowning glory is real tracks. On the website all you see silhouettes , manikins. The WHOLE point of Biab is real tracks, without these they would be dead. I own a Nord Keyboard, if I go to their website I can find interviews with real artists and demos of them playing the keyboard. It sells the product. There is none of this to be found on the PG website, not even a picture of their session men and a bio. It. Criminally undersells the product. Frankly the site is almost unnavigable, full of unnecessary tosh that only the understand, megaplusextaproxtraplusaudioplhilicbonuspak jargon that must send customers away in their droves. They just do NOT get it and will not face facts. There could be a truly great product, but there is a mess.
I think you have to ask yourself Zero whether or not you are happy or unhappy with Band in a Box in your Music Making Toolkit.
Reading your posts I get the distinct impression that this software is not for you, such seems to be your grievances against Band in a Box and even PGMusic in general.
We can all think of improvements that can be made, but your posts seem to go beyond that. I for one, down through the years (as many others have done) have used Band in a Box for backing tracks for little songs that I have done, that has saved me a fortune in Studio Time, and got me in a few cases over 100k views on Youtube.
Overall Band in a Box is my favourite bit of software, It really has something for everyone, Often I just open it up and go the Artists Performance sets, or other option let it play its stuff and be thoroughly entertained by it.
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
Zerozero, you must had soured cream put in your coffee this morning... Most of us (users) have some kind of annoyances with BIAB. It is normal, like with a family member Lots(!) of room for improvement, but not to see the progress team made in the past few years, that's simply being unfair and blind.
Fair enough. I realise my opinions are contentious but I still hold them. Missed opportunities and flakey programming everywhere. Most of PG customers are OAPs like me. We can all praise the small improvements and BIAb does some things well, irreplaceably well. It is also totally old skool
I've kinda been holding back from commenting too much until I've had a chance to actually use BIAB 2026 on some real projects. So far I can easily acknowledge that this represents substantial improvement to BIAB! But, I would also agree with ZeroZero on certain points.
Anyone can see that the main screen UI is dramatically improved. Once I switched to dark mode and changed the font from the "classic" BIAB font I felt the main screen UI looks as good or better than anything else out there!
I mean, c'mon, that is light years from where it came from, right?
---------- My suggestion to PGM for immediate implementation: In the next build for 2026, and in all of your marketing materials/presentations, set the default color scheme to dark and change the font to a common, modern Windows/Mac font.
What made me stop and go "WOW!" was DrDan's screenshot of the main screen UI AFTER he had modified it (DrDan's post )!
Out of the box, for me, it was still too reminiscent of older versions of BIAB. For something this cool, I think you should dress it up to look new and exciting without remnants from the past like the old font and background color. ---------- One of the main places where I agree with ZeroZero is, once you get past the beautiful new main screen UI you quickly remember you're back in Windows 95 territory!
There are so many of these "classic" Windows screens and dialogs, all loaded up with hundreds of obscure options and settings, that it makes my eyes roll whenever I have to go there. Thank goodness for folks here who know the program so well that I can usually just ask how to do something and I get a kind response with a roadmap to the option or setting I'm seeking. I fear new users or prospective younger users might be quite put off by this aspect. ---------- My suggestion to PGM for future implementation: You need to tame this beast! And we know it won't be easy because there are so many settings and options spread all over the place in this program. Maybe start by moving all non-essential stuff to a less visible area. And make the most commonly used settings and options easier to find. This is a tough one but if you can pull it off that will make the program a lot easier to use. ---------- My suggestion to PGM for near-term implementation: Change the screens and dialogs throughout the program to match the dark mode main screen UI. They will still be complex but they will look more modern. ---------- In summary, I am really looking forward to exploring the new main screen UI as it looks really beautiful and seems to offer significant workflow improvements! I think the PGM team deserves a big round of applause for this version. And I hope more UI improvements throughout are planned!
The dark mode has nothing to do with if a GUI is modern or not. It is the functionality of the GUI, i.e. how the user can work in the GUI that makes the difference.and makes it modern. And if it is configurable.
It is only a user preference. Some people like it (find it easier to work) in dark and some in light mode.
Some people have very hard to read and use a GUI in the dark mode. The problem with the industri and some developers is that they think that they know what is optimal for the user experience, but they don't! They think a modern GUI must be a dark GUI and some don't even provide an option to switch between modes. (It seems to be a trend thing rather than based on user experience)
I never buy a software with a GUI that only has dark mode and can't be switched to a light mode (i.e. to dark mode with no options to confugure the intensity, colors of the text). Why? it is useless to me, many times I can't read the text (dark grey or dark colored text on dark background) and I know that many users have the same issues with dark mode. It is very different between users what is optimal för visability and it might be hard for many with no issues with the dark mode to understand that many people have big problems with this.
Otherwise I agree in full with JJJ comments above.
The good think about the new BIAB GUI is that the user can switch between light and dark mode as they prefere. So it is not an issue.Very good.
It is very important for software with a dark mode to have the option for the user to configure and select, fonts, intensity and color of the text so it will be readable against the dark background.
For the same reason as above I would like to be able to configure the colors for some of the text in the BIAB mixer and the track view (eg green on black background not very easy to read, especially not in the multipicker mixer view). I have not found any options for that, but maybe I have missed it.
BIAB 2025, Studio One 7 Pro, Song Master Pro, Win11 Home. i7-9700K CPU, 32GB, ESI MAYA44eX, ZOOM UAC-2, Guitar Pro 8, Transcribe, (EZKeys2, EZD3, SD3, EZBass, EZMix3) Amateur: fiddle, guitar, vocal, beginner on bass.
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!
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 Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac 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.
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.
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 Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. 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 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!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
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.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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