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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13 |
Hi,
Just wondering about the pricing on the audiophile edition - I noticed that there are nice discounts for all other versions of BIAB-MAC 2010. Was this an oversight, or intentional. Are you phasing out the audiophile edition? It's just that in the past, the Audiophile edition was incrementally more expensive than the next most comprehensive package, but now with the discounted price on all other packages, there's a big gap.
How do people feel about the Audiophile edition? Worth it? (I know, I know - it's subjective) - storage for large files is getting cheaper every day, so why not start with the highest quality source files you can, right?
I was initially leaning towards purchasing this edition, but now the price gap has me thinking twice...
Thanks,
Jeff
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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 |
A big chunk of the price is the included 1.5 Terabyte hard drive. Those types of drives sell on Amazon for about $125. http://www.amazon.com/Iomega-Prestige-De...3892&sr=8-1I would say it depends on what you are using it for. The audiophile would be best if you are doing recordings, where you wouldn't want to introduce small amounts of noise, as is present on compressed files. For everyday use (practising, casual recordings), the non Audiophile version is fine.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13 |
Thanks for the response - what bit rate is used for the compressed files? I know there's a million opinions on audio file compression, but are we talking 128 kbps neighborhood, 320 kpbs, or some higher, variable compression?
Also, how much space is left on the 1.5T drive with that Audiophile installation? Maybe it would be worth it if there was a ton of space left over that could be used for other storage.
Cheers,
Jeff
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 169
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 169 |
I was disappointed there was not some sort of discount for people who had bought the usb hd full BIAB in the past but I do understand the HD price for audiophile edition is expensive. Maybe in the future I will get the audiophile edition as I want to do recording. The price is too high for me at the moment so I bought the USB version.
I am pleased with the 2010 version and so pleased to have scrolling - it works so well with my magic mouse.
Jim
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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 |
>> Also, how much space is left on the 1.5T drive with that Audiophile installation? Maybe it would be worth it if there was a ton of space left over that could be used for other storage.
There's about 450 GB left. Haven't weighed it, but that seems like a ton of space.
On the non-audiophile version....
>>> what bit rate is used for the compressed files?
Different rates are used for the files. Stereo ones use more of course. Compression rates are in the 64 to 128 range.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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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 |
Quote:
A big chunk of the price is the included 1.5 Terabyte hard drive.
Those types of drives sell on Amazon for about $125. http://www.amazon.com/Iomega-Prestige-De...3892&sr=8-1
I would say it depends on what you are using it for. The audiophile would be best if you are doing recordings, where you wouldn't want to introduce small amounts of noise, as is present on compressed files. For everyday use (practising, casual recordings), the non Audiophile version is fine.
I'm thinking about buying the Mac Audiophile edition. A couple of questions: is that "small amount of noise" really the main issue in terms of a discernible sonic difference between the audiophile and other editions? Sure, I'd always like to avoid noise, but it seems to me that it might not be much of an issue with many rock or country styles -- more of an issue with a quiet jazz style that might be using mainly piano and bass. Will I hear other differences? (I should mention that I am fussy -- I never buy Itunes from the Apple store, for example, because I can hear a subtle difference between a 256 bit rate, vs CDs I convert myself with a lossless codec).
Another question: I own both the Mac and Windows versions of BIAB. If I buy the Audiophile version on one platform, can I use the aiff (or in the case of Windows, wav) files, with the non-Audiophile version on the other platform? I've been hedging my bets by purchasing the latest Ultra or Everything Pak in both Mac and Win versions, but buying and consistently upgrading the Audiophile versions both on platforms would be stretching the budget a little too far.
And finally: I'd need to back up the drive, obviously. Since it ships on a 1.5 T hard drive, but apparently about 1/3 of the space is still open, can I back it up to a 1T drive? I'm also assuming its a USB, not Firewire drive, correct?
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13 |
Quote:
>>> what bit rate is used for the compressed files?
Different rates are used for the files. Stereo ones use more of course. Compression rates are in the 64 to 128 range.
Sorry to beat this one to death, but I just want to make sure I understand correctly. Are you saying that the bit rates used are comparable to the bit rate used in the old (non- ITunes plus) songs you'd buy from ITunes (which were 128 kbps stereo files typically?) I understand that this breaks down to the same as having a 64 kbps bit rate file for the Left channel, and a 64 kbps bit rate file for the Right channel, so for instruments recorded in mono, 64 kbps compression would be comparable to the quality when listening to a sound source on one channel of an old iTunes store-purchased stereo song (like a guitar panned all the way to the left for example).
If this is the case, then I would think that the fidelity would be substantially higher in the audiophile versions, not simply a difference only noticed by those doing critical recordings. I would think that given the target audience of this product, many (if not most) customers would be able to hear some of the unpleasant sound qualities like those in the old iTunes store files, when listening with earphones or speakers.
I'm sure you've had to strike a balance between file size and quality, but it seems like there's a lot of area between the 64-128 kbps range and the AIFF file. I just want to make sure I understand this correctly.
Cheers,
Jeff
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 728
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 728 |
Hi Peter!...I'm considering the Audiophile edition for my next upgrade, also. Currently, I have the Everything HD edition but I'd like to have the higher quality recordings for studio work. What resolution are you using to record the RT/RD tracks? 24/96? More? I'm assuming the WAVs on the Audiophile HD are 16/44.1. Is it possible to download the WAV version of a particular RT/RD style if you already own the style in another edition? How many questions can I ask in one email?  BTW...I LOVE BIAB...it's the number one tool in my songwriting/production arsenal. I could live without it, I guess, but I sure wouldn't want to. Kudos. Bob
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,418
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,418 |
Hello Bob,
Yes, the audio files (AIFF) on the hard drive are all 16/44.1. Some instruments may originally be recorded at a higher resolution, but the final mixes are 16/44.1. These files are only available on hard drive - we don't make them available for download. Only the compressed audio files are available for download.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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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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