Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
As mainly an acoustic folky i was a little curious about NEW ACOUSTIC RTs for folk, bluegrass, Celtic, ethnic, percussion etc, and the new 2023 Audiouphile releases.
IMO, and after a listen through the demos it seems that most stuff is again a lot of the same poppy-rocky material as so many other old RTs; distorted Electric guitar sounds and drums again.

No acoustic bass, and especially NO new Andy Leftwich material!, Latter made some great universal, unsurpassed and very useful mandolin and fiddle RTs. full of clever riffs of a quality i never experienced with most other acoustic RTs .. (IMO!).

I still miss a good set of Irish style backing bazookas with the lighter sound of a greek-style 3 string round belly instrument as played by the likes of Alec Finn and Donal Lunny. Let alone uilleann pipes.

So I think i'll let Audiophile be for this round, as not much there really interests me personally, but maybe some of you can make me change my mind?
A good friend and long time BIAB user i talked into buying Audiophile 2 years ago feels the same way ..... F

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
IMHO, the XtraPAKs and XPro4 have the better RTs - those are worth getting for sure. I am underwhelmed by the other new RTs with the 2023
UltraPAK, to be honest.


Cheers,
Mike

My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,312
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,312
Originally Posted By: MikeK
IMHO, the XtraPAKs and XPro4 have the better RTs - those are worth getting for sure. I am underwhelmed by the other new RTs with the 2023
UltraPAK, to be honest.

I'm confused by this statement...
I thought the "XtraPAKs and XPro4" were just new RealStyles that used existing RealTracks.


Bandcamp
Soundcloud
Win-11; BiaB-2024-latest Beta;
Cakewalk; Melodyne-5; Scaler 2; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20



Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Yep, i find the whole caboose quite confusing. And are those XtraPRO styles like 4 with audiophile RTs included?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Yeah, these X* styles are supposed to be " fresh new RealStyles ".

Maybe someone can clarify?

Last edited by MikeK; 12/07/22 03:53 AM.

Cheers,
Mike

My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 878
J
Expert
Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 878
After using and upgrading BIAB for many many years now I find that this years RT's offered are not as great as what I have seen in the past.

Probably because my music tastes are more in the Bluegrass, Acoustic Blues, Gypsy Jazz and Traditional Jazz genres.

I do however, prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's.

I guess I have the entire year to sample all 10,605 styles I now have. The new ones will probably grow on me as they usually do.

Now, what do we want to see in the 2024 offering? Too early to ask?





BIAB2024
Windows 10 Pro
WA6NCB
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Originally Posted By: fiddler2007
Yep, i find the whole caboose quite confusing. And are those XtraPRO styles like 4 with audiophile RTs included?


I don't thinks so. Here's what's in the audiphile version:

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
audiophile content.PNG (10.62 KB, 347 downloads)

Cheers,
Mike

My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Originally Posted By: jcland
After using and upgrading BIAB for many many years now I find that this years RT's offered are not as great as what I have seen in the past.

Probably because my music tastes are more in the Bluegrass, Acoustic Blues, Gypsy Jazz and Traditional Jazz genres.

I do however, prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's.


My sentiments exactly.


Cheers,
Mike

My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,312
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,312
Originally Posted By: jcland

I do however, prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's.

Again, I find this statement confusing.
Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?

Last edited by bloc-head; 12/07/22 05:14 AM.

Bandcamp
Soundcloud
Win-11; BiaB-2024-latest Beta;
Cakewalk; Melodyne-5; Scaler 2; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20



Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 878
J
Expert
Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 878
Originally Posted By: bloc-head
Originally Posted By: jcland

I do however, prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's.

Again, I find this statement confusing.
Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?


That is exactly what I was saying but then again it is 100% subjective depending on the musical taste of the listener. Other's will more then likely absolutely love the RT's over the XtraPak and XtraPro sounds. Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with any of them, it is just that my taste in music does not venture that much into other areas like synth, pop, new world, new age, disco, etc...

Nothing wrong with them, just not my forte.


BIAB2024
Windows 10 Pro
WA6NCB
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,312
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,312
Originally Posted By: jcland
Originally Posted By: bloc-head
Originally Posted By: jcland

I do however, prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's.

Again, I find this statement confusing.
Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?


Other's will more then likely absolutely love the RT's over the XtraPak and XtraPro sounds.


I'm sorry, but I still don't understand your comparison between "RT's", and "XtraPak and XtraPro sounds".




Last edited by bloc-head; 12/08/22 04:06 AM.

Bandcamp
Soundcloud
Win-11; BiaB-2024-latest Beta;
Cakewalk; Melodyne-5; Scaler 2; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20



Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Okay, someone probably will correct me if I'm wrong:

Look at X**** (whatever) styles the same way as you would look at User styles. Yes, X* styles are a based on existing styles. Those existing styles are used to come up with completely "new" styles (same as with User styles).

I think what we're saying is that more thought and originality has been applied to those X* styles. Better arrangements, instrumentation, etc. than those "regular/new" styles that cam with whatever version of BIAB 2023 one bought.

Now, this is just my interpretation as to what X* styles are and why they are more appealing to some of us. Someone else may weigh in to either correct me or elaborate even more.


Cheers,
Mike

My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,312
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,312
Originally Posted By: MikeK

I think what we're saying is that more thought and originality has been applied to those X* styles. Better arrangements, instrumentation, etc. than those "regular/new" styles that cam with whatever version of BIAB 2023 one bought.


Yes, this makes sense to me, and is what I suspected you meant when I asked the above question;
Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?

BTW, I tend to agree, to some extent... but to me, some are gems, and some are just more gravel.


Bandcamp
Soundcloud
Win-11; BiaB-2024-latest Beta;
Cakewalk; Melodyne-5; Scaler 2; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20



Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Originally Posted By: bloc-head
Originally Posted By: MikeK

I think what we're saying is that more thought and originality has been applied to those X* styles. Better arrangements, instrumentation, etc. than those "regular/new" styles that cam with whatever version of BIAB 2023 one bought.


Yes, this makes sense to me, and is what I suspected when I asked the above question;
Did you mean, you prefer the XtraPAKS and XtraPRO offering's better then the new RT's demos, or associated style sets?

BTW, I tend to agree, to some extent... but to me, some are gems, and some are just more gravel.


Glad, we're on the same page! smile


Cheers,
Mike

My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 881
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 881
Originally Posted By: bloc-head

I'm sorry, but I still don't understand your comparison between "RT's", and "XtraPak and XtraPro sounds".


IF I have been reading this right, the created Xtra & Xpro Paks sound BETTER that the RealTracks that come with the new release is what is being said....the Created Mixes using previous styles DO sound more "Alive" than the new RT's IMHO....

The only Xtra or Xpro Paks that I can find that DO come with NEW RealTracks are Xpro 3 & 4....so i will assume that is what is meant (and we all know what happens when one Assumes! LOL! )


i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,866
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,866
Let me take a crack at this.

In BIAB, there are RealTracks (and RealDrums), and there are styles. Styles you buy, or styles you can make yourself, are just collections of specific RealTracks and RealDrums that are given a convenient name. If you only use RealTracks and RealDrums, you don't really need styles at all; they are just easier to have and search for.

For MIDI, the style does do a lot more by way of instructions. However, if I use a collection of only RealTracks, no MIDI, then a polka style, Chopin, a blues, or a modern jazz style will sound the same in that song IF you select the same RealTrack(s) by number and use the same tempo and key signature.

The 'regular' BIAB packages come with lots of RealTracks and styles. The more you pay for a package (Pro, UltraPak), the more you get of each, since the base program is the same.

Then there are EDITED 'Bonus 0 or 49-packages' each year offered for extra money, and these also give you BOTH additional styles and additional RealTracks.

The quality of the RealTracks (the question about 'better') from any source is the same as the others they produce. If someone likes or doesn't like how something sounds, it's their opinion. The style likewise is just a curated collection of RealTracks, so it has no 'quality' and you are free to like their choice of how these tracks sound together, or not. If you only like some of the style, swap out the tracks you don't like to create and save your own style.

The audiophile version differs because the RealTracks and RealDrums are uncompressed, but in all other respects, things work the same. If the subject of the Audiophile version interests you, read my article on this in Tips and Tricks: https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=378939#Post378939



Last edited by Matt Finley; 12/08/22 09:52 AM. Reason: clarity

BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,312
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,312
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley

Then there are 'Xtra' packages each year offered for extra money, and these also give you BOTH additional styles and additional RealTracks.


"additional RealTracks"
Matt, are you sure about that?

I know that some "additional RealTracks" are offered with the "Bonus 49 Pac", but I'm not aware of any "additional RealTracks" included in the Xtra Styles or XPro Packs.
am I wrong?


Last edited by bloc-head; 12/08/22 09:17 AM.

Bandcamp
Soundcloud
Win-11; BiaB-2024-latest Beta;
Cakewalk; Melodyne-5; Scaler 2; NI Komplete:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20



Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,866
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,866
I'm not certain, but I think you are correct. I was referring to the 0 and 49-paks and will go back and edit that for clarity. Thanks.


BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,126
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,126
The XtraStyles do not include any additional RealTracks because as long as you have the 2022 UltraPAK from last year you'll have all the RealTracks you need.

The 2023 XProPAK 4 does include some RealTracks and RealDrums that are not included in the 2023 or earlier XProPAK. This is from the XProPAK4 installer file:
Quote:
100 Rock/Pop, Jazz, Country, and Miscellaneous styles (STY), including RealTracks and RealDrum files.


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
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,866
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,866
I thought I had seen that but wasn't sure. Good work, Jim.


BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

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
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

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!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,611
Posts735,067
Members38,515
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
TonyInManchester, jslynbrrs01, amdwilsns01, Juan Jose, BroDon
38,515 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 185
DC Ron 101
DrDan 74
dcuny 71
Today's Birthdays
brijb20, Erik S. te M.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5