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RealBand
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Joined: Nov 2016
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 429 |
PG Music are charging quite a hefty upgrade to just go from 2020 to 2021 with seemingly little to show that it is worth it. But RB going 64 bit just might.
Any opinions please?
Thanks
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,798
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Actually it is the same upgrade as any year. As far as the value. I think so, based on several things I would pay $179 for a package of 202 new RTs (not including the RTs in 49 pak and Xtra Pak) and the new styles. The other things are 64 bit RB, and the new Chord drag feature. These are cool.
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,122
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,122 |
There are several updates I think make upgrading worthwhile. Here are some that come to mind:
01) The audio editor can now be used on any track. 02) Hi-Q or high quality pitch and time stretching algorithm is available for RealTracks and RealDrums rendering. 03) 16, 24 and 32 bit audio is supported. The rendering default is now 24 bit. 04) Audio rendering is faster and more efficient. 05) Mute and solo mixer settings are song preferences instead of global preferences. 06) When rendering separate track audio files flat and center settings can be used for each track instead of the mixer settings. 07) A track setting enables BiaB to automatically fix "bad" notes in a RealTracks chord so the chord matches the chord sheet. A user can also use the audio editor to manually fix a chord in a audio file. 08) Either the default midi synth or a plugin midi synth can be selected on a per midi track basis. 09) Multiple plugin windows can be open at the same time. 10) You can now copy and move audio from track to track the same as you midi.
Especially when it comes to audio, there is much less reason to move to a DAW other than personal preference. Many things users previously used DAWs for can now be done in BiaB. Not only is there more audio functionality but rendered audio and audio playback will sound better.
My personal opinion is this release is one of the best and most important releases. Improving the audio engine opens to door to a lot of feature improvements and changes that were not previously possible.
Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
Half off seems like a good deal to me.
But I'm not sure about paying the same amount... $200 to get all the style paks ever made?
That's as much as I'm paying for the upgrade to Ultra-Pak plus.
How important are the style paks?
I am planning on using BIAB to record tracks to use as backing tracks for jazz saxophone for professional release.
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,122
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Half off seems like a good deal to me.
But I'm not sure about paying the same amount... $200 to get all the style paks ever made?
That's as much as I'm paying for the upgrade to Ultra-Pak plus.
How important are the style paks?
I am planning on using BIAB to record tracks to use as backing tracks for jazz saxophone for professional release.
That's a personal choice question. If you normally find a style that matches a song then no, you likely don't need the style paks. After all, they are additional styles that use existing material. If you can find a style that feels right for a song after you switch out some RealTracks I'd still say no you don't need the style paks. However, if you find styles that, as soon as you hear them they inspire you, or lead you in a direction you hadn't planned then I'd say yes. The styles in the style paks are inspiring. They have a different sound and feel from the standard styles. This is not a put down of the standard styles but the reason style paks exist is to inspire and offer additional choices. Standard styles exist as a basic building block.
Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
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Posts: 8,074 |
If you already have BIAB 2020, just get the PlusPak for $99
It comes with the new version of BIAB and RB, plus ONLY the new real tracks and styles. Plus some bonus styles.
Some of the more expensive packages include ALL of the previous styles and realtracks... but if you already have them, why pay more to buy them again?
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RealBand
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,987
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,987 |
i bet the RT to midi is a program change not on the actual RealTrack itself. or the installer updates old RTs.
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,367
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Pat, that's a very interesting question! In order to get the midi tracks for previous RT's, does one have to buy the full 2021 version paks or does the PlusPak (with the 2021 BIAB) have the engine to add midi tracks to all previous RT that I might have?
Hopefully one of our beta testers or PG direct can clarify this.
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2024, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
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i bet the RT to midi is a program change not on the actual RealTrack itself. or the installer updates old RTs. You might be right Bob. My comprehension takes a few passes through the same information before I "get it" ;-)
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
If you already have BIAB 2020, just get the PlusPak for $99
It comes with the new version of BIAB and RB, plus ONLY the new real tracks and styles. Plus some bonus styles.
Some of the more expensive packages include ALL of the previous styles and realtracks... but if you already have them, why pay more to buy them again?
I have 2016 Pro, so I was initially just going to go to 2021 BIAB Ultra Pak Plus....thinking that was enough. But then I saw the offer to get all the extra style paks.
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
Very useful response Jim. I will probably eventually get them all...but I think maybe later is better than sooner. I really havn't used the program much at all yet. Probably better to see what's there first. I am hoping that the move from Pro to Ultra Pak Plus will give me greater freedom and flexibility.
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,122
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,122 |
saxgentleman67,
Updating from 2016 to 2021 is a B-I-G jump. I can't even think of all the program changes that have been made in five years.
The most basic purchase is the 2021 Program update. This only includes the programs, no add-ons. But there have been substantial changes to the program from 2016 to now.
One big update is the program has a new audio sound engine. Not only can you use 24 bit audio but you can also use different audio sample rates. Audio renders are much faster.
Another big update is the algorithm used to change audio pitch and tempo is new. RealTracks can be time or pitch shifted more than before with less artifacts.
Both Band-in-a-Box and RealBand are available as 64 bit programs. That makes them compatible with modern plugins.
PG Music offers a no payment now, four monthly payments plan that's worth looking at.
Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,629
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 1,629 |
I personally think 2021 is very much worth the money, as there are a ton of great new features (especially the Utility Tracks and higher quality time stretching)! Of course, I might be biased. Please see my signature... If you already have BIAB 2020, just get the PlusPak for $99
It comes with the new version of BIAB and RB, plus ONLY the new real tracks and styles. Plus some bonus styles.
Some of the more expensive packages include ALL of the previous styles and realtracks... but if you already have them, why pay more to buy them again?
I'd be careful recommending this, as the PlusPAK really only works when upgrading from the previous year's UltraPAK - it can get messy when a customer upgrades to the PlusPAK from Pro or MegaPAK, as all the previous Realtracks aren't there for the new styles to work with...
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 12/18/20 07:20 PM.
I work here
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 733
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 733 |
My favorite is the utility tracks!
...Deb
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,798
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,798 |
I thought this was a RB question now i'm confused
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,631
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,631 |
Rob, From RB patch release
New - program will now let you save audio tracks as Utility Tracks when saving to an MGU or SGU
Make your sound your own! .. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,798
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,798 |
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
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RealBand
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,987
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,987 |
maybe someone can explain why after taking a BIAB song into RB with all the extra flexibility, extra tracks, all the regeneration possibilities - midi, midi supertracks and RTs, and easier editing without complicated workarounds RB offers , you might want to take it back into BIAB?
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,095
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Posts: 8,095 |
maybe someone can explain why after taking a BIAB song into RB with all the extra flexibility, extra tracks, all the regeneration possibilities - midi, midi supertracks and RTs, and easier editing without complicated workarounds RB offers , you might want to take it back into BIAB? One opens a BIAB project in RB that was carefully constructed using Multi Styles extensively only to learn RB doesn't recognize Multi Styles... One opens a BIAB project in RB that was carefully constructed with frozen tracks perfect for the project only to learn RB doesn't recognize and preserve frozen tracks. Back to BIAB to export.... BIAB's more fully featured than RB. It is much better to construct tracks and styles in BIAB than RB if you're into a project and find tracks lacking as the project progresses. BIAB's StylePicker is better and more efficient than the StylePicker in RB. BIAB's ACW is better and more efficient than RB's. Projects evolve and BIAB does many things better at track construction than RB or any other DAW. I don't think it's at all unusual to get tracks into RB only to find they are not completely satisfactory for the project and BIAB is the right tool for that job.
BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,798
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
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Charlie, I have a question regarding frozen tracks, are not all tracks in RB actually “Frozen” since they don’t regenerate unless you specifically want to?
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
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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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Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
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.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
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!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
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!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
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.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
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