|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 26 |
Hoping someone can help. I own BiaB UltraPak 2024, having continually upgraded since around 2018. I would like to install the latest version I own as well as all the RealTracks etc. I have purchased onto a fast external drive (Thunderbolt 4 SSD) - and to be able to use it on both a desktop and laptop Mac (not simultaneously).
Is there a relatively simple way to do this? If I recall, the last time I needed to do a fresh install I had to first install a number of historical app releases and then install a huge number of additional content, one by one. In that instance I was installing on the system drive, however.
Any help would be gratefully received.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 10
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 10 |
Hey, I may be wrong, but I believe my current version everything installed on the portable SSD. Maybe some of the midi synth sound generation ended up on the main disk but all realtracks are on SSD. I haven't experimented trying the same version across different machines but I believe it would work, you may need to verify both copies with a serial. But I belive PGmusic allow that.
Another thing to bear in mind, if you're cross grading you will need to install over the top of previous years. So I imagine you would still be able to boot up 2024.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,000
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,000 |
Very easy but you haven't given enough info for me to tell you exactly how to do it with your setup.
What macOS are you running? Did you receive your files on a drive or were they download only?
Basically, the easiest way is to install BIAB on each of your Macs with the RealTracks on your external. There's a hierarchy to be followed so that BIAB can find those tracks but it's easy to set up. PGMusic has tutorials on how to do this.
The other way is to run BIAB from your external. There is still a file set that must be installed onto both of your Macs.
All of this can be set up in the BIAB Install Manager. You will need to tell it where to install what.
If these are new installations, any extras you purchased over the years will have to be downloaded and reinstalled. I use the BIAB Install Manager to manage installations from 2022 on but I've some extras from 2018–2021 that I install manually—these will be in your Account.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 26 |
Sorry, I should have been clearer in my initial email.
I bought the UltraPak in 2018 via the download method. Since then I have upgraded every year (except this year, so far).
I am running macOS Tahoe 26.1 on an M4 Mac mini and an M2 MacBook Air 15. Both these machines are fresh installs and I will need to download everything again from PG Music. I am happy to run the BIAB application from the system drive and have the RealTracks and RealDrums on an external drive. I am familiar with how to set that up.
I have quite a few extras from over the years. If I understand correctly, the Install Manager can help with those from 2022 on? And I would need to install earlier extras?
If I use the Install Manager, do I still need to install the original application and then add each upgrade?
Sorry for all the questions, it is a little unclear how the Install Manager works with older applications and content. I am used to things like Native Instruments installer which can just install everything automatically.
Appreciate any help you can offer to make the process as painless as possible.
Cheers, Robert
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,000
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,000 |
Step one: confirm that BIAB 2024 runs over Tahoe. I believe it does but I am not going to back up my installed version to verify. The Install Manager will handle everything from late 2022–present (on my system, December 2022 Yes; July 2022 No). In your account, you will see all your downloads. If you also see Band in a Box Install Manager, there will be a URL that you copy into the Install Manager. Copy them all. ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=31638&filename=Screenshot 2025-11-24 at 4.23.36 PM.png) In the Install Manager, You will specify a Download Folder—give it a path on your external drive. Next, specify the Install paths. I recommend using the Default for the BIAB application which will also install the support libraries. For your Samples, tell it the installation path on your external. ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=31640&filename=Screenshot 2025-11-24 at 4.30.41 PM.png) Anything without the Install Manager links must be downloaded and reinstalled manually. Tracks should be installed on your external. Again, this only applies to extras. BIAB 2024 will have the application files you need from prior years. When done, you will need to navigate to your Real Tracks and Drums folders so that BIAB knows where they are. Since I've been doing this a long time (pre Install Manager), I don't know if it handles this task or if you need to dso so manually.
Last edited by Mike Halloran; 11/24/25 05:45 PM.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 235
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 235 |
Hi Robert.
I will PM you as you have a variety of downloads.
Thank you,
Catherine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 26 |
Thanks very much Mike for your detailed response. 👍
I'll let you know how I get on with Tahoe and the install process.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,074
Posts799,768
Members40,027
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean