I just purchased the 4 PAK Xtra tracks for Xmas hoping to play around with them, however like best laid plans they don't seem to work very well with my BIAB 2017 Pro version. The first new pattern for a new song was a World Celtic Harp that I liked and now it says Real Band does not have this instrument? I didn't see anything about having to upgrade Real Band for new instruments. A couple other new patterns I chose said the Real Band tracks weren't available. Anyone know what's up??
I just purchased the 4 PAK Xtra tracks for Xmas hoping to play around with them, however like best laid plans they don't seem to work very well with my BIAB 2017 Pro version. The first new pattern for a new song was a World Celtic Harp that I liked and now it says Real Band does not have this instrument? I didn't see anything about having to upgrade Real Band for new instruments. A couple other new patterns I chose said the Real Band tracks weren't available. Anyone know what's up??
If you are talking about anything with new RealTracks I am pretty sure they make the new RealTracks only work with the new version of BIAB.
But, if you are referring to the "Xtra Styles PAK 4" then it says "These Xtra Styles require Band-in-a-Box® version 2017 or higher and use RealTracks from the UltraPAK or Audiophile Edition." which should mean they will work with 2017. However, the problem will likely be that your 2017 Pro version did not include the RealTracks being used in the styles. Remember, the styles paks do not include any RealTracks and they only group together existing RealTracks.
You should contact PG Music asap to verify and return the PAK if it will not work with what you already own.
I have the 2017 BIAB Pro version which I purchased last May and then I added the upgrades and patches in September 2017. So for Xmas I decided to get the Xtra Styles 4 PAK and they said it worked with 2017 BIAB but did not specify that you had to have a certain BIAB or RB, otherwise I would have upgraded or at least knew that they wouldn't work with what I have. Disappointing to say the least.
Each Xtra PAK is a collection of styles. The Xtra styles may use ANY 2017 or earlier RealTrack so you need to have all RealTracks published as of 2017.
+++ This +++ page describes the Xtra PAKs. The screenshot below shows the boxed caution stating all RealTracks are required for the styles to work.
I would contact PG Music Sales after Christmas to determine your next course of action.
I did get more styles, but some of the instruments didn't translate over to Real Band and yes I am missing some instruments, like a harp that I wanted. Will have to get with PG after Xmas.
I believe I read in another post you (Belladonna) have the Pro PAK. The Pro PAK is a great introduction to Band-in-a-Box and RealBand. That is the package I first purchased to learn about the capabilities of the two programs.
Unfortunately, the Pro Pak has the least amount of accessories. In a way that's a good thing because the lack of accessories lets you concentrate on learning program capabilities. When I upgraded to the UltraPlus PAK I spent more time listening than learning the programs. Of course that's fun too!
Yeah! I went with the basic introductory one because I was not sure I could learn it or use it. Now that I can at least record a song, I am encouraged that I may be able to actually get better at it and may be ready for the next level.
Yeah! I went with the basic introductory one because I was not sure I could learn it or use it. Now that I can at least record a song, I am encouraged that I may be able to actually get better at it and may be ready for the next level.
The Band-in-a-Box and RealBand programs stay the same throughout all the various packages. What changes with each package is the amount of styles, Realtracks, MidiSuperTracks and RealDrums included.
It is unfortunate it is possible to come up with the N/A (not available) tag way too often.
And to be clear, a lot of folks on the forum use the term "style" when they mean "RealTrack", which can lead to confusion, as they are not the same thing. Buying "RealStyles" packages only give you style files that reference existing RealTracks that are already on your computer. If you don't have the underlying RealTracks, the RealStyles are not going to work.
MIDI styles are different, in that the riffs used to create the sounds are defined directly in the style (no external dependencies). Hybrid styles (those with a mix of MIDI and RealTracks) will have MIDI defined in the style, but only reference the RealTracks (and require that they be on your machine).
And some styles may reference SuperMIDI tracks, which are separate, like RealTracks, but in MIDI format (they are not defined in the style, because they are processed by a different "engine" than regular MIDI tracks).
For the XTRA style packs to work, because they pull from RealTracks across many years of RealTrack development, you need to have one of the packages that include "all" the available RealTracks. The BIAB Pro version only includes enough RealTracks to whet your whistle to what BIAB can do. You really need to upgrade to the UltraPak to be able to really experience what BIAB has to offer.
I know this can get confusing, but this is how it works. Again, if you don't want to upgrade to the UltraPak, then contact PGMusic for a refund for the XTRA pak you purchased as part of their 30-day money back guarantee.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
It's rather disappointing that PG went to the trouble to make the new RealTracks inoperable with the prior versions of BIAB and RB.
Originally Posted By: JohnJohnJohn
Originally Posted By: Belladonna
I just purchased the 4 PAK Xtra tracks for Xmas hoping to play around with them, however like best laid plans they don't seem to work very well with my BIAB 2017 Pro version. The first new pattern for a new song was a World Celtic Harp that I liked and now it says Real Band does not have this instrument? I didn't see anything about having to upgrade Real Band for new instruments. A couple other new patterns I chose said the Real Band tracks weren't available. Anyone know what's up??
If you are talking about anything with new RealTracks I am pretty sure they make the new RealTracks only work with the new version of BIAB.
But, if you are referring to the "Xtra Styles PAK 4" then it says "These Xtra Styles require Band-in-a-Box® version 2017 or higher and use RealTracks from the UltraPAK or Audiophile Edition." which should mean they will work with 2017. However, the problem will likely be that your 2017 Pro version did not include the RealTracks being used in the styles. Remember, the styles paks do not include any RealTracks and they only group together existing RealTracks.
You should contact PG Music asap to verify and return the PAK if it will not work with what you already own.
The XTRA styles pack also clearly indicate that you need either the UltraPak or higher to use them, as they require the underlying Realtracks to be be present to use them. The paks do not include any styles; they only reference existing styles on your disk. If you don't have them already, it won't work correctly.
If you have the ProPak or the MegaPak, you're going to find the XTRA styles paks aren't going to do you much good.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
It's rather disappointing that PG went to the trouble to make the new RealTracks inoperable with the prior versions of BIAB and RB.
A little unfair IMO, they work hard and improved a lot over the years. Kind of logic that they want to showcase and exploit the newest features only possible with the latest updates.
The only grief i find is that some of the even older mainly 'soloist' type Realtracks are quite useless especially if you work with bar-beat count changes during an arrangement as i found. They miss too many bars. Reported a few to sales, starting maybe 2 years ago, and they still weren't fixed with the latest Realtrack updates. To name a few, Andy leftwich's mandolin soloing, and some of Brent's e guitar solo work .... they are really worthwhile to get 'right'.
But, to be fair: at the price they charge for the whole caboose, even for the Audiophile version, i cannot really feel 'ripped' off LoL. -F
Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40 Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows!
We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 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® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Windows or for Mac are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Windows or for Mac are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40% on XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac!
We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 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® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 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 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 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 22 requires the 2026 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.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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