Just bought the basic BIAB Pro 2017 package and I am really enjoying it so far. Using immediately to create backing/practice tracks, and expect to use it in future for composition work.
I know I will have lots of questions for the forum in the future (e.g., I'm struggling with getting the software to make style changes when I want it to), but for right now I have a simpler question. I just received an offer from PG Music to upgrade to the UltraPlusPAK at a reduced price. So I'd like to hear from others who have used BIAB for a while. Do you get along with the basic package, or have you found that getting the full menu of Styles and Realtracks is worth the $199 PG Music is asking for the upgrade?
I've just had a look at PG Music's prices and I see that the ProPak deal is US$129 and the UltraPlusPak is US$469. The difference between these is US$340 (if my math is correct).
Given the above, the deal to change over is GREAT value!!! Definitely take it.
The UltraPlusPak is by far the most popularly used package on these users' forums. It is also the deal that most us recommend time and time again to new users.
As you are finding out, BIAB is incredible software. The UltraPlusPak is the first package that contains everything PG Music produce with styles, Realtracks, Realdrums, etc.
The summary numbers (for each package) on the below image speak for themselves. The number of Realtracks (200 for Pro and 2,200 for UltraPlusPak) would be enough to sell me on the upgrade!
If you want to listen to some songs created with the UltraPlusPak, go to the Soundcloud link in my signature. Also, jump over to the Users Showcase and have a listen to many writers there.
If they're offer is good for a month or so you could continue with what you have for a while then decide later. But, I agree. Go with the Ultra-Plus pack. After all it is "Ultra" and "Plus". I mean, how can anything be better than that unless it was Super Ultra and Super Plus. I think you will enjoy the additional styles in the UltraPlus Pack. The more styles the better.
As others stated, the UltraPlus Pak is the lowest price package that offers all the styles, RealTracks and other musical add-on products PG Music sells. Many users become frustrated when, not if, they want to implement a song idea and do not have an add-on needed to produce the idea. Having all those tools on hand so you don't have to worry about encountering needing an add-on is a great feeling and can minimize that frustration. Conversely some users become frustrated with having too many add-on products to choose from until they gain some familiarity with them. The forum frequently sees the question what style or RealTrack works best with such and such song.
The Band-in-a-Box and RealBand (Windows only) programs have a lot of useful features worth taking the time to explore. It's easy to get caught up trying out add-on styles and RealTracks and never getting around to really investigating features you may find extremely useful.
A good way to learn much of what Band-in-a-Box can do is to get Goove3.com's +++ Band-in-a-Box for Windows +++ or +++ Band-in-a-Box for Mac +++ video tutorials. They provide a solid foundation to learning the program capabilities and are great refresher or reference tools.
PG Music tends to add a bunch of new program features, refinements and add-on products each year. Learn the programs as best you can now and you might have an easier time learning and using new features and refinements later because you'll have a solid foundation to start from.
While having the UltraPlus Pak or higher package is likely the goal many users hope to achieve, you can't go wrong if you become intimately familiar with what you have. Over the long term knowledge reigns supreme.
Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
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