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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 886
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OP
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 886 |
I just read that the 2025 BIAB Installed size is 750 GB (FLAC files) which is off since 2024 was 2.0 TB of AIFF files. Is there a reason for this? I buy the audiophile edition because of the higher quality sounds.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
music producer/engineer
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 240
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 240 |
Hello, I hope you're okay with me participating in your thread.
I'm also interested in some information. I'm hesitating about choosing the BIAB 2025 update.
There's an option with the new RTs in FLAC (only the new ones; the old RTs remain in AIFF), and there's another option if you choose to receive the SSD by physical mail, where all the files are in FLAC...if I understand correctly.
But what about add-ons that you reinstall afterwards (XPro, XPak, etc.)? How is that handled?
Personally, I prefer to start with a clean disk rather than adding downloads. What do you think?
It would be nice to have clear and complete explanations on this topic, which concerns people who have the most professional versions of BIAB.
Thank you.
MacBookPro M1 max, BIAB audiophile 2024, Logicpro X, UAD apollo, ASR10, marshall, peavey, Vox, Guitars...
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,330
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,330 |
PG Music previously stated that they had performed file comparisons of the output from FLAC files compared to the original, and the results are identical. Meaning that FLAC is a lossless file compression format.
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,472
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,472 |
To the OP.
i'd like a buck for every time ive recorded my vocs useing flac.
(eg some songs in my sig....eg banker man/pretty girl/stallion etc.)
dont worry just make music...
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,828
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,828 |
BIAB 2025 Audiophile has 300 new RealTracks and Drums in FLAC and these can be downloaded from your User Portal. My only concern was that I could not see how to download the legacy tracks. To be fair, I did not ask PG Music to see if that was possible. In any case, that is why I opted to have 2025 shipped to me. It came on a flash drive that is a lot slower than the hard drives we got in the past. I dragged the tracks into my old RealTracks and Drums folders and reclaimed about 1.2TB drive space. I could have converted the RTs and Drums to FLAC as I have apps that will do this including TwistedWave but I wanted to see what the new deliverable is like. Now that I know, I will likely go to download only next year.
BIAB 2024 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 2020
Posts: 2,697
Product Manager
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Product Manager
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,697 |
I just read that the 2025 BIAB Installed size is 750 GB (FLAC files) which is off since 2024 was 2.0 TB of AIFF files. Is there a reason for this? I buy the audiophile edition because of the higher quality sounds. FLAC compression is very different from MP3/WMA/M4A compression. MP3, WMA, and M4A are considered "lossy" compression - that means that the original waveform cannot be reconstructed perfectly. In simple terms it's been described that these algorithms remove frequencies that humans "cannot hear", although it has been proven many times that humans can in fact hear the difference or at least can hear artifacts of the compression. Lossy compression can compress as far as 90:1 (with absolutely abysmal sound quality), however the minimum "acceptable" quality is around 11:1 and "best" quality is 4.5:1 (however still lossy). FLAC is considered a "lossless" form of compression - that means that the original waveform can be reconstructed perfectly bit-for-bit. This is similar to putting a document in a Zip file - once the audio is extracted from the FLAC and saved as a WAV or AIFF the new file is exactly identical to the original, with no means of determining which is which (other than modification/creation date, file header information, or other non-audio metadata). FLAC typically compresses down to 2.5:1 - much bigger than lossy formats, but also much smaller than uncompressed. The only drawback to using FLAC over WAV/AIFF is that it takes a tiny bit more CPU power to decode the files when played - any modern computer is easily capable of that. In short, the new FLAC Audiophile has the exact same sound quality as the previous WAV/AIFF Audiophiles. Neither humans nor machines can tell the difference. if you choose to receive the SSD by physical mail, where all the files are in FLAC...if I understand correctly. That is correct. But what about add-ons that you reinstall afterwards (XPro, XPak, etc.)? How is that handled? The Xtra Styles PAKs do not include any new RealTracks or RealDrums - they include only style files, which use whatever RealTracks/Drums are installed. The XPro Styles PAKs include some RealTracks/Drums in lossy WMA or M4A format, however these RealTracks are already included in the Audiophile in FLAC format, so there will be no reduction in quality. The 49-PAK includes RealTracks that are not included with the Audiophile, and these can be downloaded in FLAC format. Meaning that FLAC is a lossless file compression format. That's in the name actually - FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec. BIAB 2025 Audiophile has 300 new RealTracks and Drums Correction - 200. Including the 49-PAK there are 222 new RealTracks/Drums for 2025. My only concern was that I could not see how to download the legacy tracks. It depends on which package you purchase. As I understand: If you purchase the download-only Audiophile then all 4900+ RealTracks are downloadable in FLAC format. If you purchase the SSD then all 4900+ RealTracks are downloadable in the compressed format. If you purchase the Audiophile PlusPAK then only the new 2025 RealTracks are downloadable in FLAC format (this package does not include any RealTracks or styles from previous years). I could have converted the RTs and Drums to FLAC as I have apps that will do this including TwistedWave but I wanted to see what the new deliverable is like. Now that I know, I will likely go to download only next year. TwistedWave is a great app for that, however it is costly, as audio conversion is just one feature out of many. I use a free app called XLD for bulk audio conversion, which does a great job. I've also used a very neat app from Zynaptiq called Myriad, which is not only a bulk audio converter but can do a ton of bulk editing tasks (trim, gain, apply a plugin, etc).
I work here
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,828
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,828 |
If you purchase the download-only Audiophile then all 4900+ RealTracks are downloadable in FLAC format. At the time I posted, this was not in my User Portal. I see it's there now.
BIAB 2024 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: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,330
Veteran
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,330 |
Meaning that FLAC is a lossless file compression format. That's in the name actually - FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec. Yes, exactly, and that's why I capitalized the spelling of the acronym.
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
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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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