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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Apr 2018
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I'd like to try band in a box. I would love to make great-sounding backing tracks for rock, pop, jazz to play along with. I use macs. I don't see myself performing with these, just using them in my private teaching business. I have a studio above me garage , and another mac in the main house. Be great to be able to use 2 computers but I don't think that is allowed. I could carry the hard drive back and forth i guess. So i have 2 questions : one, which version? I don't need state of the art performance sounds and options, just great backing track sounds that are easy to create. And hard drive or download? Thank you very much for any input

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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kinswood,

Welcome to the forums.

Firstly, you will definitely be able to run BIAB on two different computers provided it's only running on a single machine at a time. PG Music allow three computers to be registered with the program.

In relation to which version...

Most people on these forums recommend going as far as the purse will allow. The program engine, Realtracks, MIDI tracks and Realdrums are the same whichever version you buy.

The difference in price is a consequence of 'how many' Realtracks, MIDI tracks, Styles, Realdrums, etc., come with the purchase. The ProPak is the entry level software and comes with the a workable set of instruments across most genres. The UltraPak is the most popular on the forum and has the full complement of currently available instruments, drums, styles, etc. Given the variety of genres you mention, I suspect that the UltraPak would best suit your needs.

Also, the latest Mac version of the software is usually released mid-year (somewhere between June and August, it varies) and prices are usually more attractive at this time.

Another thing to consider is that PG Music offer a '30-day Money-back Guarantee' so if you purchased (say) the ProPak, try it out, and then want to upgrade to a more comprehensive version within 30 days, this money-back guarantee could be used so that you don't forfeit any funds (you should check this with PG Music sales staff; I'm just a user of the program).

Lastly, it's the first purchase that is the most expensive. After that, updating from year to year is economically much friendlier. For example, for the last few years, users have been able to 'top up' the UltraPak for around US$100 per year.

Hope this helps,
Noel




MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2024
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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The Audiophile is the only version that requires you have it shipped the hard drive (it does not require the hard drive after installation, however). All other versions can be downloaded.

You can install the Audiophile version onto your system if you have the drive space—no problem there—but the 44.1k Audiophile RealTracks and Audiophile RealDrums audio files cannot be downloaded. They ship on the hard drive only.

It can be argued that, if you're not going to perform with it, the Audiophile version isn't necessary. I like having the Audiophile RealTracks, even though I don't perform with them.

In my case, I don't use the USB drive after installation. I have everything loaded onto my system drive except for the RealTracks libraries. Those are on a separate SSD (the same one I use for Kontakt, SampleTank etc.). Moving them over and linking back to BAIB wasn't hard to figure out.

The USB drive sits on the same shelf as similar ones from NI (Komplete) and others.

Last edited by Mike Halloran; 04/22/18 04:02 PM.

BIAB 2023 Audiophile, 24/60 Core M2 Mac Studio Ultra/8TB/192GB Sonoma, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer 11, LogicPro
Finale27.4, Dorico5, Encore5, SmartScorePro64, Notion6, Overture5
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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!

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