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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 24
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 24 |
Hello,
I've decided to make the switch from a PC to a Mac, and I'm wondering........if I purchase BIAB for the Mac, will I be able to use all my .sgu and .mgu files from my PC-based BIAB? Thanks! BTW, is the Mac version of BIAB as good as the PC version?
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,385
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,385 |
Yes.
If you have my styles, let me know and I'll let you download the Mac version. The files are the same, but the installation program is different.
I do not have the latest Mac version of the program, but historically the PC version has been better.
Also, think hard about switching to the Mac. There is a lot of hype about the Mac being better, but there really is no significant difference other than the eye candy (and that's a matter of preference).
Some things are easier on the Mac, other things are easier on the PC. Often things are more expensive on the Mac. Reliability is a factor, but with a good PC there again is no significant difference.
The deciding factors should be:
1) The software applications you want to run. If what you want to use is Mac only or PC only, that should define your choice
2) If you plan to transport files to another computer, what kind is it? It used to be that every recording studio had Macs, but now most of them have both. Even my local printer (who is admittedly a Mac addict) has PCs in her shop now.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Bob, I have to say that I disagree with you on the Mac vs PC issue. While the current version of BIAB for Mac does not yet match the PC version in features, the Mac OS and working experience in general is much more productive on Mac. Also, I don't have to hassle with ASIO/Latency/IRQ issues like I do on the PC. I've had countless interfaces which I either returned or was not able to get running on the PC, while just plugging them into my Macbook Pro was enough to get them working. Latency is lower.
While the cost of Mac hardware might be more than the average PC, the build quality and attention to detail both shine on the Mac. And if you really think it is too expensive, see my post today on Hacking a PC laptop to run OSX. Also the ability to run windows programs on the Mac if needed is cool.
My humble opinion,
Ed
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,385
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,385 |
I don't want to start a format war Ed.
There are a lot of things I like about the Mac and a lot of things I like about the PC.
Personally I find the PC easier to use for the programs that I use daily and the way I use them. But depending on how a person uses the computer, which programs he/she runs most, it could be either format.
One format is not superior than the other, just different. And what is better for one, may not be better for another.
I still say, let your computer platform be chosen by the software you want to run. And if you have no preference, I would go with a good PC simply because there is more available for it and the cost is lower. My 2002 ThinkPad is still running even though it gets abused (I use it on stage, on a shaky keyboard stand, doing one-nighters) and it will run current PC software. My 2002 eMac is still running, but it won't run current Mac software.
Bob
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,831
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,831 |
>> I've decided to make the switch from a PC to a Mac, and I'm wondering........if I purchase BIAB for the Mac, will I be able to use all my .sgu and .mgu files from my PC-based BIAB?
Yes. The file formats are identical, so there is no conversion needed, just copy them over and they would work.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 335
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 335 |
Quote:
Hello,
I've decided to make the switch from a PC to a Mac, and I'm wondering........if I purchase BIAB for the Mac, will I be able to use all my .sgu and .mgu files from my PC-based BIAB? Thanks! BTW, is the Mac version of BIAB as good as the PC version?
There are a couple of MINOR things missing from the Mac version, like the Ear Training stuff for one, but the meat and potatoes stuff is there (ie: 90%+ of the stuff). You will not be disappointed. It works and sounds great, even on a 2006 iMac 2 gigahertz Core 2 Duo (which I used it on). Though it does take up A LOT of space with all the real tracks.
And if you ZIP all your PC BinaB files and move them over to your Mac, they will work just fine. I moved all my BinaB files over when 2009 version of BinaB for Mac came out and haven't used my PC version since.......
Musician, Polymath, Google Jedi, Apple Master, Windows Wrangler and Digital Wizard. High ratings in Nerd-fu & Geek-fu.
M1 Mac Mini, MacBook Pro Touchbar 15", Intel 27" iMac, M1 Mac Mini
https://musician.social/@ericdano
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196 |
I have four Macs and four PCs in my house (my wife and I each work partly out of our home). And either will be fine to run BIAB -- if you don’t need the audio recording features of Windows BIAB and you use another program, perhaps Logic or Garageband, for that purpose -- and if you don't mind waiting a few months for PG to come out with a Mac version followup to its latest PC release.
I buy PCs because:
1. They are cheaper. I use different computers for different purposes, and I bought one laptop to do only one job: stream audio to five different locations via ITunes. Ironically, though Apple makes Itunes, I couldn't justify buying a $1,000+ Mac laptop to run it, when a $400 PC laptop will do the job.
2. Some software I like or need to use isn't available on the Mac.
3. The latest version of BIAB will probably always be on Windows first -- and I don't like waiting months for the Mac version to catch up.
I buy Macs because:
1. It's a drag dealing with PC virus-checking programs and waiting while they download the latest updates, and on the Mac this is nearly a non-issue.
2. I can have the best of both worlds, a Mac and a PC in one computer, with WMVare Fusion, Parallels or BootCamp. (To be fair: I'll probably have to buy the WMware or other software, a copy of Windows, some additional Windows software, and some extra RAM to run PC and Mac programs simultaneously. By that time, I'll have spent enough extra cash to buy a cheap PC. But at least I don't have to make room for a Mac and PC laptop in a briefcase or at a tiny table in a coffeeshop).
3. You get what you pay for. My $400 PC laptop is naturally cheaper and flimsier than my MacBook Pro, which costs 3x the price; it gets me there but not in style. And the stylish, well-made PC laptops I could lust after seem to cost about as much as Macs.
4. The software. Apple has done a good job of making programs that work seamlessly together to allow you to manage and edit photos, audio, video and other elements, to make web pages or DVDs or just about anything else.
5. Apple's tech support. Ever try calling Dell, HP, Acer or Samsung for support? I have -- all of them -- and it’s usually a frustrating waste of time -- if you can reach someone after being transferred three or four times, and if they sound like they have ever used a PC for anything more than to enter your name in their database. CU and others rank Apple's tech support #1. If you live near an Apple store, you can make a same-day appointment, walk in and talk to somebody who knows something, for free, even if your problem is with your five year old, out of warranty Mac. Phone support is also good, especially if you have Applecare.
To sum it up: If I were running mainly BIAB and a few other programs, and wanted to always have the latest and greatest version of BIAB, I'd buy a very nice PC. Or a cheaper PC, and spend the money saved on something like a nice new microphone. But for a lot of other folks -- not everyone -- spending a little more money for a Mac will make more sense in the long run.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 24
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 24 |
Thank you all.
Buying a Mac was not something I needed to think too hard about - it was the right thing to do after so many frustrating years of Windows. I'm so glad I made the switch. This is how computing should be!
Anyway, I'm glad to know all my BIAB files can be utilized on the Mac version, so I'll probably order it soon.
Thanks!
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ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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