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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,870
Expert
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OP
Expert
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,870 |
Hey folks,
Just thinking of getting an inexpensive little 13" Mac laptop for the main purpose of being able to play with BIAB away from my usual desktop computer in the studio.
Just wondering if anyone can confirm that the .SGU and .MGU song files saved while running BIAB on Catalina on the laptop would open up again back in Sierra on my desktop (3 operating systems earlier).
I suspect that they would be identical files and that BIAB saves the files so that they are compatible regardless of the operating system... but a quick confirmation of this would be appreciated.
Also, on a 13" screen, will I still be able to use my favorite full screen traditional view of BIAB, but just a miniaturized version of it? The computer will have screen resolution options to make that possible, right?
It would definitely be nice to be able to take the laptop and my BIAB hard drive to different rooms and locations when sitting in the studio is less desirable.
Thanks in advance,
Zedd
BIAB 2024 Audiophile, MacPro (Mid-2010) OSX 10.12.6 DAW: Digital Performer 8
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 836
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 836 |
You can open any SGU/MGU file in different versions of Band-in-a-Box and on different computers. The OS only affects what version of Band-in-a-Box can be installed and not how the song project files are saved. The only thing to watch out for is that both versions have the same RealTracks installed that the particular song is using. For example if you make a song using an UltraPAK, then that song might be using RealTracks that a Pro PAK does not have.
The keyboard shortcut "Control + T" toggles between the classic layout and the modern layout of Band-in-a-Box. This can be done whether you are using a 13" inch screen or something else. You can also click/drag the edges of the window to re-size it, or switch to the DAW Plugin Mode to make the Band-in-a-Box window smaller.
Best, Chantelle
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,870
Expert
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OP
Expert
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,870 |
The only thing to watch out for is that both versions have the same RealTracks installed that the particular song is using. For example if you make a song using an UltraPAK, then that song might be using RealTracks that a Pro PAK does not have. I will be using the same BIAB hard drive on both computers, so the content will be the same and the song project files will be shared. Glad to know that won't be a problem. I didn't really think it would be. The keyboard shortcut "Control + T" toggles between the classic layout and the modern layout of Band-in-a-Box. This can be done whether you are using a 13" inch screen or something else. I do much prefer the classic layout, so hopefully it will still be workable at that size. Not exactly sure how the GUI will adapt itself or if the laptop screen resolution will just make everything smaller. I did pull the trigger on the 13" laptop and it does have a retinal display so even at a smaller size, the classic layout should be workable, even if everything is 35% smaller. If not, maybe I'll try getting used to the modern layout... but I hope the classic layout will be okay. I'll know in a few days! Thanks!
BIAB 2024 Audiophile, MacPro (Mid-2010) OSX 10.12.6 DAW: Digital Performer 8
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,973
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,973 |
You don't say what laptop you are buying.
If Apple Silicon (M1, M2 etc.) BIAB 2022 must be run over Rosetta 2.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,870
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,870 |
You don't say what laptop you are buying.
If Apple Silicon (M1, M2 etc.) BIAB 2022 must be run over Rosetta 2. I got a great deal from OWC on a second-hand 2013 laptop with a retinal display. It is only 13" and will have limited use, but it gives me the option to do certain tasks quite effectively in other rooms, or away from home. In answer to my own questions, BIAB does miniaturize a little but it is not too bad with the higher retinal resolution and is a comfortable size for the 13" monitor and the GUI also resizes itself and fewer of the icons appear in the classic GUI view... but the ultimate result is that the GUI remains at a good working size and is functional. The saved song files are completely interchangeable with my main computer, as expected. I'm a happy fellar who now has a lot more options when I need to escape my studio.
BIAB 2024 Audiophile, MacPro (Mid-2010) OSX 10.12.6 DAW: Digital Performer 8
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
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Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
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There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
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You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
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- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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