Yes, this can all be done. I believe the Installer will walk you through the options. A minimal install puts the minimum needed on the C: drive. Then you can copy the Realdrums and Realtracks (etc) to the other drive and point BiaB to that drive in Options-Preferences if you want to do it manually. Same with RealBand
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Hi GML, Congratulations on your purchase of the UltraPAK +.
You may want to ask your question in the +++ Band-in-a-Box for Mac +++ forum section. I'm sure your question will get more views and better answers than your thread will receive here.
It will also be helpful to state what operating system version your Mini Mac is running.
Rharv is correct. The main program can go on your boot drive, what you called the 1TB HD. The RealTracks and RealDrums (which take up much more storage space) can go on the SSD internal drive. The installer can make this distinction; you do not need to move anything manually afterward. For specific instructions, Jim is correct that the Mac forum would be a better place to get that help. Most of us use the Windows version.
You didn't ask this, but you could decide to install all of BIAB on the 2 TB SSD drive. If your 1TB drive is a hard drive, BIAB will work best on the 2TB SSD.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
If you simply follow the installation prompts, it will do all the work for you, and since you have the hard drive version, just let it do the "minimal" installation.
That ensures that only the absolutely required software files are installed on your C drive. All the huge audio files and other things remain on the factory hard drive. It will know where to go look for them when they are required.
This is how I have been installing this program ever since I got my first hard drive version many many years ago. The tracks will load into memory and it literally only takes a few seconds to do so.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Herb, you and I disagree on some stuff and this is one .. putting the rest of the stuff on an internal drive has its benefits. I just update my internal E:drive and everything works faster, plus I have the external as a backup
/I don't disagree with him wanting the content on an available internal drive //it IS a little more work but has its benefits //it is both possible and beneficial on some systems
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Herb, you and I disagree on some stuff and this is one .. putting the rest of the stuff on an internal drive has its benefits. I just update my internal E:drive and everything works faster, plus I have the external as a backup
/I don't disagree with him wanting the content on an available internal drive //it IS a little more work but has its benefits //it is both possible and beneficial on some systems
Maybe I missed something but I answered based on the assumption the OP has two internal drives. The boot drive is a spinning drive and the other, larger drive, is s SSD. If true, BIAB should run best if it’s all on the internal SSD.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Yeah, except my response had nothing to do with SSD or not, I was simply stating having the RTs (and such) on an internal drive, as opposed to external USB drive, has its benefits .. and you still need to do a minimal install to C: regardless The external shipped drive then becomes your backup
Last edited by rharv; 08/03/2406:01 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I agree having the RealTracks and RealDrums on an internal drive will perform better. I’ve had that setup for ten years. I installed an internal drive just for that.
Your comment raises a question for me. I agree that some files such as the PG fonts do get installed on the boot drive regardless of any other decision. But I think a minimal install can be performed to a drive of your choice. Likewise I know the RealTracks and RealDrums can be on the same or different drive of your choice. Potentially this could involve three different drives.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I don't disagree that using an internal HD would be best as far as speed goes. I have a secondary drive that's essentially a storage drive. I could put the files there but I'm not in a big hurry and a couple of seconds is not an inconvenience to me.
But yeah..... with a 2TB secondary internal....there's plenty of room to install the complete program and let it rip.
To the OP: certainly, install the files on the 2TB and roll with it.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I agree that some files such as the PG fonts do get installed on the boot drive regardless of any other decision. But I think a minimal install can be performed to a drive of your choice.
Correct - fonts and the plugin are always installed to the system drive, regardless of where you want to install BB. These don't take up much space though, under 1gb.
Originally Posted by Matt Finley
Likewise I know the RealTracks and RealDrums can be on the same or different drive of your choice. Potentially this could involve three different drives.
Four in fact - it's possible to have your system drive contain only the fonts and plugin, a second drive for the BB app, a third for RealTracks, and a fourth for Drums. Not that I'd necessarily suggest doing that though.
Originally Posted by Guitarhacker
a couple of seconds is not an inconvenience to me
Precisely.
In my opinion, I find it easiest and best to have BB and the Realtracks all installed into one location - either install everything to internal, or everything to external. The speed boosts from having the app on internal storage vs USB typically are only noticeable in program launch time - once it's running there isn't much difference (except if you're using USB 2.0 or slower). The downside with having BB/Realtracks/Drums in different locations is that the operating system sometimes changes the mount point for external drives - this isn't a problem if you run everything from the external or internal as BB simply accesses the files from the same folder the app is in, but once they're outside of that folder if the path changes then BB suddenly won't be able to find your RT/RD's.
In practice this doesn't happen that often, but it's happened to me often enough that I prefer everything in one place.
Yes. The way to avoid that last problem is to assign a higher drive letter to the external drive. Mine is drive P (for PG Music).
There's no way to do that on Mac though, which is what GML is using.
The problem on Mac is that drives mount into a folder under /Volumes, such as "/Volumes/Band-in-a-Box". If you plug in two hard drives with the same name, they'll both show up on your desktop and in Finder with the name "Band-in-a-Box", but one will be mounted in "/Volumes/Band-in-a-Box" and the other in "/Volumes/Band-in-a-Box 2". In addition I've noticed this happen without multiple drives, where the OS for some reason doesn't remove the old mount point before the drive is re-mounted.
This isn't nearly as big a problem as on Windows, but still happens often enough.
but one will be mounted in "/Volumes/Band-in-a-Box" and the other in "/Volumes/Band-in-a-Box 2". In addition I've noticed this happen without multiple drives, where the OS for some reason doesn't remove the old mount point before the drive is re-mounted.
Is it feasible to coerce the name using a partition manager or similar? I do that on Linux so I can see what drives are present but not yet mounted.
I just plugged in my 2023 drive and it appears as device "Audiophile" on mount point /media/Audiophile. "Audiophile" is the partition label for my partition /dev/sdd1
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Is it feasible to coerce the name using a partition manager or similar? I do that on Linux so I can see what drives are present but not yet mounted.
I just plugged in my 2023 drive and it appears as device "Audiophile" on mount point /media/Audiophile. "Audiophile" is the partition label for my partition /dev/sdd1
Renaming the drive from the Finder or Disk Utility changes the mount point right away, though I think this was not the case in some older versions of Mac OS. There isn't any way to set the mount point from the GUI, probably only from Terminal.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
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If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
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