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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: 6,446
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446 |
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: 6,446
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446 |
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: 15,944
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
>> 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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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 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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 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 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-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)
- 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:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- 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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
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