This is my debut on the forum so please excuse if I mess up!
This isn’t a new installation all I’m trying to achieve is to move BIAB (plus it’s library) from one SSD to larger SSD within my Mac system.
It’s taken BIAB Install manager 48 hours to download the following Band-in-a-Box 2021 Full (Mac) This is the main Band-in-a-Box application installer. 1.90 GB Hi-Q Instruments for Sforzando (Mac) 736 MB 2021 Bonus 0-PAK (Mac) 188 MB Artist Performances Full (Mac) 1.82 GB MIDI SuperTracks Sets 10-17 (Mac) 303 MB RealTracks Shots Holds Loops and Reamped (Mac) 6.73 GB RealDrums Sets 1-29 (Mac) 2.99 GB
Earlier today I downloaded an East West library “Voices Of Opera” 40.36 GB without any issues in around 30 minutes. I've tested the speed of my internet which is 117.4 Mbps download - 75.4 Mbps upload, there are no restrictions from my internet provider on downloads. I have a state of the art iMac running the latest version of OS, with 128 GB of Ram, a shed load of available storage plus a fast internet connection directly hard wired to ethernet. Could someone please advise me on why it’s so slow? If I was to continue downloading the additional Real Track Sets the ETA would be a week! Is there anyway I could speed this process up?
Help would be immensely appreciated before I go bonkers.
Mac platform. 3.3 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5 - 128 GB Ram - OS 14.5 Samsung T9 4TB SSD, SanDIsk 2TB SSD Cubase 13 SIbelius Ultimate Band-in-a-Box® for Macintosh - Version Version 2024 (803) - 64 bit application
Are you aware that you can purchase BiaB on a USB drive? That might be a good option for you.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
Hey Bass Thumper - Thanks for the welcome and the heads up on the USB drive.
It's a bit frustrating because I'm only attempting to move BIAB etc. from one SSD to another SSD, I'm informed by Tech. Support that the only way I can achieve this is by downloading and properly installing the program from zero upwards to the other SSD.
Thanks again.
Mac platform. 3.3 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5 - 128 GB Ram - OS 14.5 Samsung T9 4TB SSD, SanDIsk 2TB SSD Cubase 13 SIbelius Ultimate Band-in-a-Box® for Macintosh - Version Version 2024 (803) - 64 bit application
I'm not sure about that advice. While correct, it may not be the only way. I typically do a minimal install of the program to a new drive. Then I use my copying utility (I use a Windows machine with Total Commander, a clone of the old Norton Commander) to copy all the folders in and under /BB from one installation to another (overwriting only older files). No download needed. When I'm done, I deauthorize the old drive and authorize the new one. My installation is over 2 TB since it is the audiophile version, and I run it overnight, but even that takes less time than you describe. And some folks here use drive cloning software; I don't but it should work as well and maybe be even quicker.
Interesting you mention East West. Well over a decade ago, I bought their orchestra library and it took many DVDs. I had never imagined a program that large. Now that would be considered small.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Something else to consider is packet loss. When this happens, a message is sent back to the sending server for it to be re-sent. If this happens frequently during a large file transfer, slower completion times will result. I don't think speed tests can necessarily identify this, as the overall file size sent is small resulting in few packets sent.
That said, I always admire good engineering and the architects of the internet did a fantastic job in designing for fault-tolerance and scalability. This video explains what many (including me) take for granted every day.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
This is my debut on the forum so please excuse if I mess up!
This isn’t a new installation all I’m trying to achieve is to move BIAB (plus it’s library) from one SSD to larger SSD within my Mac system.
It’s taken BIAB Install manager 48 hours to download the following Band-in-a-Box 2021 Full (Mac) This is the main Band-in-a-Box application installer. 1.90 GB Hi-Q Instruments for Sforzando (Mac) 736 MB 2021 Bonus 0-PAK (Mac) 188 MB Artist Performances Full (Mac) 1.82 GB MIDI SuperTracks Sets 10-17 (Mac) 303 MB RealTracks Shots Holds Loops and Reamped (Mac) 6.73 GB RealDrums Sets 1-29 (Mac) 2.99 GB
Earlier today I downloaded an East West library “Voices Of Opera” 40.36 GB without any issues in around 30 minutes. I've tested the speed of my internet which is 117.4 Mbps download - 75.4 Mbps upload, there are no restrictions from my internet provider on downloads. I have a state of the art iMac running the latest version of OS, with 128 GB of Ram, a shed load of available storage plus a fast internet connection directly hard wired to ethernet. Could someone please advise me on why it’s so slow? If I was to continue downloading the additional Real Track Sets the ETA would be a week! Is there anyway I could speed this process up?
Help would be immensely appreciated before I go bonkers.
First, you can simply copy the Band-in-a-Box folder from the /Applications folder of one drive to another. It needs to go in the Applications folder, so create this folder if there isn't one.
Second, if you DO want to use the Install Manager, you can and I would expect it to show close to 100mbps (top right of the GUI) assuming you aren't downloading anything else. It may have been a temporary problem at our end - not sure - but I would quit the current session and run it again, and see what happens...
Thank you all for your help, it’s been a great help.
With regard to Andrew’s response - My first attempt of moving the files was to copy the Band-in-a-Box folder from the /Applications folder off one drive to another, unfortunately when I proceeded with this manoeuvre I was rewarded with message that an item is in use, I’d literally got no other app.- software etc. powered up. If you check out the 2 screenshots attached the item bs code is different on each one. Having tried this action 2/3 times to no avail I contacted BIAB support who responded with - “You wouldn't be able to copy/move the program to another drive as it can cause issues, so we'd recommend properly installing the program to the other SSD.”
On resolving the problem I’ve now been advised by support - “when Mac 2024 launches it will be heavily discounted during the initial sale launch, up to 50% off typically, so you can get an UltraPAK upgrade for pretty cheap and much less of the current cost the upgrades are. I think this would be the best option”.
I’m somewhat reluctant to pay yet more of my hard earned spondulicks on an upgrade to my current software that does all I need of it, but unfortunately it currently refuses to operate and has issues I’m unable to control.
Thanks everyone again, I feel it pretty reassuring cool having reached out to you guys and received a positive response, thank you all.
Mac platform. 3.3 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5 - 128 GB Ram - OS 14.5 Samsung T9 4TB SSD, SanDIsk 2TB SSD Cubase 13 SIbelius Ultimate Band-in-a-Box® for Macintosh - Version Version 2024 (803) - 64 bit application
My first attempt of moving the files was to copy the Band-in-a-Box folder from the /Applications folder off one drive to another, unfortunately when I proceeded with this manoeuvre I was rewarded with message that an item is in use
That doesn't make sense to me, even if files were in use you should still be able to copy them from one location to another. Additionally, it seems very strange that it is complaining about some random RealTracks audio files. Reboot your system and try again, see if it gives you similar messages. If the folder is already partially copied, then merge it when prompted.
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 06/13/2407:41 AM.
Hey Andrew - I concur it didn't make sense to me either! All my other software libraries Spitfire, East West, Native Instrument, Toontrack, Steinberg. Sibelius Sounds etc. have all transferred pretty seamlessly. I'm only taking advice from your guys at support, there standard stock reply is "when Mac 2024 launches it will be heavily discounted during the initial sale launch, up to 50% off typically, so you can get an UltraPAK upgrade for pretty cheap and much less of the current cost the upgrades are. I think this would be the best option"
Thanks again I'll take your advice and move on that, nice one!
Mac platform. 3.3 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5 - 128 GB Ram - OS 14.5 Samsung T9 4TB SSD, SanDIsk 2TB SSD Cubase 13 SIbelius Ultimate Band-in-a-Box® for Macintosh - Version Version 2024 (803) - 64 bit application
My first attempt of moving the files was to copy the Band-in-a-Box folder from the /Applications folder off one drive to another, unfortunately when I proceeded with this manoeuvre I was rewarded with message that an item is in use
That doesn't make sense to me, even if files were in use you should still be able to copy them from one location to another. ...
Try holding down the shift key when you shut down Windows.
I learned that some versions of Windows (10,11?) leave marks in the filesystem about the running state of the OS when one shuts down. I learned it because my Linux OS kept mounting the Windows filesystem read-only because it thought there were errors on it. The shift tells Windows to close things down fully.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Hi Michael - I tried your suggestion of rebooting my system and trying again, to see if it gave me similar messages. As the folder had already been partially copied I selected merge when prompted.” Sadly and even with fingers crossed I was quickly served up the familiar “bs6457.m4a” is in use! error message, so I frustratingly I failed, ouch!!!!
Other than getting in touch with NASA I think the best solution is to wait as advised by BIAB support for the Mac 2024 update plus I’ll add the UltraPAK upgrade which would contain all the previous RealTracks as well as the new ones being released for 2024.
Thanks everyone for your help.
Keep grovin’.
Mac platform. 3.3 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5 - 128 GB Ram - OS 14.5 Samsung T9 4TB SSD, SanDIsk 2TB SSD Cubase 13 SIbelius Ultimate Band-in-a-Box® for Macintosh - Version Version 2024 (803) - 64 bit application
Another vote for adding a signature to each profile.
Does anyone else think that it would be a mandate to have a signature to use these forums. It could save a lot of time answering questions if we knew the OP's system specs and BiaB version.
My boss calls me "the computer". Nothing to do with intelligence. I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
It’s awfully hard for an inquisitive engineer to ignore a juicy problem, and constructing a probabilistic simulation of downloading a large file over a network is juicy indeed. Working on something like this is definitely a dementia buster; and fun to boot
This model allows for 5 different paths for packets to take thus allowing for network traffic to be simulated. I’ve run a couple of test cases of my model, and so far it seems to be delivering reasonable results. I used CC Music’s reported download speed rate as a baseline, but any rate can be input.
If anyone else has an inquiring mind and would like to help construct specific use cases and add additional detail to the program, let me know.
I’ll post my results shortly.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
Does anyone else think that it would be a mandate to have a signature to use these forums. It could save a lot of time answering questions if we knew the OP's system specs and BiaB version.
Yes. Me.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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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There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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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.
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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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)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
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FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
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